Sterling K. Brown’s ‘Paradise’ Is a Twisty Thriller That Still Puts Feelings First: TV Review

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Dan Fogelman, both writer and producer, boasts a versatile resume that traverses various genres. From penning a script for Pixar’s 2006 film “Cars” to crafting the whimsical fantasy series “Galavant,” Fogelman is renowned for his work on “This Is Us.” However, it’s this NBC hit that has been running for six seasons and weaves an intricate narrative structure into a heartfelt family drama, that has brought him the most recognition. While many found this unconventional approach engaging, this reviewer often felt it was incongruous – withholding crucial information under the guise of unexpected twists.

In a shift to a more thrilling tone, Fogelman’s new Hulu series “Paradise” provides the perfect setting for jaw-dropping conversations that would spark around water coolers. Similar to his previous work on “This Is Us”, “Paradise” maintains its core values, with Sterling K. Brown as the lead. After gaining fame portraying adult adoptee Randall Pearson, Brown now takes on the role of Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent thrust into a world of secrets and intrigue following the assassination of President Cal Bradford (portrayed by James Marsden). This new role is well-deserved for Brown, who has recently been nominated for an Oscar (for “American Fiction”). In this series, Brown showcases both his characteristic warmth and full-blown action heroism, even displaying several shirtless scenes. The character of Collins, produced by Brown himself, seems tailor-made to him; issues like race are handled sensitively yet frankly.

Instead of passing away in the White House or Washington D.C., Bradford lives there alongside Collins in a peculiar, idyllic town called Paradise. This place, inhabited by 25,000 residents, bears a strong resemblance to Southern California, yet it possesses an unusual ambiance. The locals employ advanced wristbands for both financial transactions and security purposes. Guns are absent, not even among the law enforcers like Xavier. The broad canals lined with individual homes don’t conform to any suburban layout we are familiar with.

The mysterious essence of the town called Paradise, which I’m not allowed to reveal, serves as the initial revelation in the series “Paradise”. Although only the first three episodes will be available for binge-watching initially, with subsequent episodes released weekly, the rhythmic drip of secrets unfolding creates a compelling, engaging viewing experience. (“Paradise” might be a show where the basic concept could be considered a spoiler, but I’m eager to respect the embargo because viewers deserve this delight.) True to Fogelman’s style, however, “Paradise” appears less focused on the specifics of its namesake social experiment compared to the personal backgrounds and emotional journeys of its inhabitants. Despite being a sci-fi show in essence, “Paradise” seldom feels like one, giving rise to an unusual blend, yet an effective one nonetheless.

As a film enthusiast, I find myself captivated by “Paradise,” a series that skillfully weaves the ongoing quest for Bradford’s murderer in the present tense with enlightening flashbacks revealing the complexities of the characters prior to their arrival in this apparent utopia. In the role of Collins, a single father struggling to raise two children after the loss of his partner, I see a reflection of my own empathy and understanding. Bradford, portrayed by Marsden, is a charismatic figure who seems to be basking in the limelight of nepotism, but beneath that smooth exterior lies a leadership role tainted by resentment-fueled camaraderie with Collins.

Marsden, an actor whose career has seen him explore the superficiality often associated with his Ken doll looks in projects like “Westworld” and “Jury Duty,” brings a unique nuance to Bradford. This experience lends itself to the subtle insecurities that define Bradford’s character, making him all the more intriguing as the volatile heart of the show.

Residents of Paradise might be dealing with a critical situation, yet they’re simultaneously handling personal matters such as grief, romance, elderly care, and daily concerns. Bradford’s influential associate Samantha Redmond (played by Julianne Nicholson), affectionately known as “Sinatra,” holds significant power over Paradise, but she’s also a devoted wife and mother who values her family deeply. A scene showing her shopping at the grocery store with her kids may seem implausible to some — wouldn’t someone in her position have assistants do that? — but it highlights the series’ focus on domestic life. Xavier’s colleagues, Billy (Jon Beavers) and Jane (Nicole Brydon Bloom), appear more concerned about concealing their workplace romance than solving the murder of their superior.

The powerful central performances significantly contribute to the appeal of this show that surprisingly focuses on the personal, an aspect which might seem unusual given Fogelman’s considerable influence to get a unique concept approved without any established intellectual property. In “Mare of Easttown,” Nicholson delivered a heart-wrenching portrayal of a grieving mother and was remarkably understated in the critically acclaimed independent film “Janet Planet” last year. It’s engaging to observe her portray a tough character, transitioning from subtly threatening to on the brink of madness as the narrative unfolds. However, the absence of Nicholson, Brown, and Marsden is noticeable in a subplot revolving around two teenagers, where the acting fails to persuade the audience that adolescent turmoil justifies our attention under such extraordinary circumstances.

As the eighth episode unfolds, “Paradise” finds itself compelled to heighten both the risks and the sense of urgency. Although critics have yet to see the finale, the series has built up enough storyline momentum that it keeps this viewer hooked right up to the last episode and beyond, suggesting a potential second season. With several unresolved plot points remaining, it’s evident that “Paradise” was intended as a multi-part narrative. In this rush towards the climax, one becomes less aware of how “Paradise” differs from other speculative fiction works like Apple’s “Silo.” Instead, this show focuses more on its characters than on creating an alternate reality, and once those characters start moving, we can’t help but tag along.

The initial installment of “Paradise” can currently be streamed on both Hulu and Disney+, while the subsequent episodes 2 and 3 will debut on January 28th. From then on, new episodes will be available every Tuesday.

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2025-01-27 05:17