From Steve to Screenwriter: How Scott Weinger Crafted ‘Paradise’s’ Heartbreaking Episode 4

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WARNING: This discussion may reveal plot points from “Agent Billy Pace,” the fourth episode of the series “Paradise,” currently available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

When you come across the name Scott Weinger, it’s difficult not to associate him with two roles: Steve, the character who had an on-and-off relationship with DJ Tanner in both “Full House” and “Fuller House,” and the voice of Aladdin. However, since 2003, he has also been active as a TV writer.

Indeed, he’s been employed as a writer across various productions from Dan Fogelman, currently including “Paradise”. However, it’s his fourth project overall, but marks his debut in the genre of heavy dramas.

While ‘This Is Us’ was airing, I was also working as an actor on the side. Although Dan Fogelman never gave me a role on that show, we had previously collaborated on several sitcoms together. Weigner began his writing career during Fogelman’s first series, ‘Like Family,’ in 2003. After that, he worked with him on the ABC sitcom ‘The Neighbors’ in 2012 and the musical series ‘Galivant’ in 2015.

Fogelman shared the idea for “Paradise” in fall 2022 and asked for his thoughts.

One day, Dan sent me an email describing a script he had written that he was really enthusiastic about, yet uncertain of its merit. He asked for my opinion. Upon reading it, I was completely astonished by the quality.” This is how Weinger remembers it.

After a brief stint collaborating with fellow scribes on the potential trajectory of the series, I found myself engaging in insightful conversations with experts, scientists, and psychologists. Suddenly, events began moving at an accelerated pace – it’s just how Dan works! He managed to secure Sterling K. Brown for the project and gave me a call, sharing that the show was bound for Hulu and production might kick off imminently.

After halting production for six months due to the writers’ strike, they resumed their work with renewed vigor. For the first time, Weinger found himself immersed in a sci-fi drama. “Although it is classified as a sci-fi series,” he explains, “we didn’t focus on the science fiction aspect. Instead, Dan emphasizes the human side and the relationships.

In Episode 4, Agent Billy Pace’s tragic past was beautifully illustrated — from his tumultuous upbringing marked by abuse to his role as an assassin under Sinatra’s control. When he bravely defied her and almost exposed the existence of a world beyond Paradise to Xavier, she retaliated by ordering his murder. Interestingly enough, it was his girlfriend, Jane, who carried out the deed.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t pinpoint the specific instance when it became clear about the unique dynamic between Jane, but I truly hope this series extends into future seasons because we’ve got some exciting plans brewing for Jane’s character, and her journey to become who she is. Let me tell you, there’s a deep connection between Jane and Billy that’s beyond doubt; their relationship may not have ended ideally, but I wholeheartedly believe that Jane genuinely cared for Billy. Her affection wasn’t feigned in any way.

Weinger explains that while he doesn’t believe it’s accurate to say she was deeply in love, it’s clear that for her, the priority is always her work.

There was a hint of apprehension about eliminating Billy, who had grown significantly important to the show. Fortunately, given that Fogelman is recognized for manipulating time – such as Milo Ventimiglia’s character Jack in “This Is Us” and their own James Marsden in “Paradise” – death doesn’t automatically exclude you from appearing on the call sheet, Weinger jokes.

I found myself hesitant to pen down his demise due to his charming persona, acknowledging both the character and the actor who breathed life into him. The show’s central theme revolves around the apocalypse, and finding a positive angle for such an event is challenging. However, for this character, the world he knew was abysmal, offering him nothing but adversity throughout his life.

Witnessing this tormented soul experiencing a semblance of normalcy – a friend, a niece, and a nephew who affectionately called him Uncle Billy – was ironic, given that he had earlier taken the life of his own uncle. For him, this unexpected peace was the most profound blessing in his life’s tumultuous journey.

In the process of crafting the fourth installment, Weinger aspired to leave his mark by penning it; this opportunity enabled him to create an intensely dramatic narrative as well as delve into familiar territory – family, humor, and romance.

The story takes place during a town’s grand carnival and holiday celebration, where everyone is eagerly anticipating the festivities. There’s a hint of teen romance woven into the plot. He explains that the narrative will be familiar in many ways, but with a twist of absurd drama, bizarre circumstances, and dark, ominous events unfolding.

Moving forward, the dynamics will change a bit with Sinatra and Xavier.

The world that Sinatra constructed was nothing short of extraordinary – she rescued 25,000 individuals from what appeared to be imminent demise. In a sense, it resembles the story of Noah’s Ark. However, unlike in the biblical tale, there is no land beyond the ark; you’re merely adrift on the ocean. Yet, if one is confined against their will, as they might have the potential to escape and live freely, then it transforms into more of a prison. The concept of an ‘ark-prison duality’ is a significant motif in the series.

Indeed, is she portrayed as the antagonist? Weinger muses, “That’s a thought-provoking query. I don’t believe she sees herself as evil, but it’s fascinating to observe how a character evolves when they step over the line for seemingly noble reasons, and then gradually become more complex and enigmatic.

For the past two decades, writing has been my primary professional pursuit. Since 2020, I’ve had the pleasure of appearing on TV in “Fuller House,” a role that initially began as a brief guest appearance. When the opportunity arose for me to continue with the show, I couldn’t resist. Who knows? Perhaps one day I’ll grace the small screen once more.

He admits to missing it, often finding himself glancing at the makeup station on set or observing actors socializing and rehearsing lines. Sometimes, he even feels a strong desire to be part of it all again. If ‘Paradise’ were to continue, there might be a chance he could make a guest appearance, but only time will tell. ‘Maybe,’ he chuckles, ‘I’ll discuss it with Dan!’

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2025-02-06 19:18