Paradise Season 2 Review: Sterling K. Brown’s Hulu Thriller Is Near-Perfect

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Two years ago, a show burst onto Hulu with a powerful story about a world-altering event, handled with genuine emotion. The series featured relatable characters engaging in realistic conversations, and quickly delved into complex moral dilemmas and difficult choices. Creator Dan Fogelman took inspiration from disaster movie tropes, but used them to build a deeply insightful character study for television, notably by casting Sterling K. Brown in a central role and showcasing his talent from the start.

While Paradise had its strengths, many questions remained. Season 2 plunges viewers into a bleak world of nuclear winter, exploring powerful bonds formed in difficult circumstances and filled with emotional heartbreak. Beyond the drama, the show beautifully highlights the value of human life and our incredible resilience in the face of adversity.

Xavier Collins Embodies the Everyman in Paradise

I was really struck by the character of Xavier Collins in Paradise. He’s a man who’s constantly losing things, yet somehow keeps going, and that resilience is powerfully portrayed. The film paints a bleak picture of the world outside the safety of the bunker – it’s total chaos, divided up by settlements, tough survivors, and gangs looking to prey on anyone vulnerable. Xavier, in many ways, feels like a modern-day Odysseus, just an ordinary guy trying to navigate this harsh, lawless landscape, and his love for a woman is what really drives him and defines who he is.

Even though this new world is harsh, there’s a surprising sense of hopefulness to Xavier’s journey. As we learn more about his past through flashbacks, his choices start to make sense. He presents a tough exterior, but underneath, he genuinely believes in the good side of people – a bit like a Clint Eastwood character, but with family being his core motivation.

No matter how he travels or who he meets, Xavier always maintains his sense of heroism. He represents the best qualities of humanity, believing in fresh starts and prioritizing his wife, Teri, and their children. He has a rebellious edge, but is deeply patriotic. Like a character straight out of classic American stories, Xavier embodies the values of the nation’s founders.

It’s clear Dan Fogelman wants us to see Xavier Collins as a genuinely good person, built on strong morals. Sterling K. Brown plays him as a steady, reliable figure – someone others depend on and audiences will immediately root for. Simply calling his performance ‘impressive’ doesn’t do it justice; Brown is truly exceptional this season.

Samantha Redmond Remains an Enigma

Julianne Nicholson stands out as a complex character, especially after her memorable performance in the 2023 Hulu series Paradise. As Samantha Redmond, she consistently surprised viewers, presenting a multi-faceted persona that kept audiences guessing throughout the first season.

When the second season begins, Samantha is still unconscious in a coma, but she quickly starts putting her plans into motion. Julianne Nicholson continues to deliver a compelling performance, portraying Redmond as a remarkably complex character. In contrast to Xavier Collins, Sinatra embodies a villainous charm reminiscent of those seen in the later phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making her confidence strangely appealing. While her actions might appear extreme, there are parallels to be drawn.

She believes she’s always right because she needs to be in complete control and certain about her decisions. This makes her act as if she can’t be wrong. However, she underestimates the strength of the people around her, and when challenged, her usual tactics of control and intimidation begin to fail. She loses her ability to understand the situation and influence others.

The most compelling part of this mystery lies in its unlikeable aspects. Around the middle of the second season, viewers might suspect a character’s true nature is revealed, but a brief display of kindness quickly exposes their lack of morals. It feels like Samantha may have already reached this point even before waking up. Regardless of how audiences feel about Redmond, her performance is what truly makes the second season exceptional.

Season 2 Pulls No Punches on Contemporary Issues

As Season 2 begins, with Xavier Collins and Samantha Redmond taking center stage, viewers might find the story quite intense. The writing is beautiful and full of meaningful weight. What dedicated fans will notice is that Paradise offers a depth that goes beyond even the excellent performances by Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nicholson.

Season 2 of Paradise isn’t just trying to impress audiences; it delivers a powerful moral message that explores timeless themes and avoids tired clichés. While the main character, Xavier Collins, might seem like a typical American hero on a rescue mission in a harsh landscape, Paradise offers much more. It highlights the writers’ intention to tackle relevant, modern issues within a chaotic setting.

The show directly tackles the issue of wealth inequality, not holding back in its portrayal, while also demonstrating the fragility of those in power. It clearly examines the nature of dictatorships, which isn’t surprising given the show’s history of confronting difficult subjects. What the creators also skillfully do is use familiar American symbols to drive home their message, surprisingly employing a touch of nuance along the way.

While both Paradise and Fallout steer clear of direct criticism of America, Paradise focuses more on the human stories within the larger crisis. Though the show touches on themes of leadership and power, it’s ultimately a moving look at how people cope and endure in the face of a world-ending event.

Shailene Woodley Offers Light in the Darkness

Fans will be pleased to see Shailene Woodley join the second season of Paradise, bringing her distinctive talent to the show. Known for her work in films like Snowden and The Mauritanian with Jodie Foster, she often takes on meaningful roles. While not the lead, Woodley’s character is crucial to the story, building connections and highlighting the contrast between open relationships and secretive politicians.

Fogelman skillfully weaves together familiar characters from his past work, fostering an emotional connection with the audience while also giving the actors space to shine. This builds on an already strong story filled with talented performers. However, the film occasionally relies on predictable tropes, and even Shailene Woodley’s excellent performance can’t fully overcome them.

Paradise Season 2 Is Almost Perfect

The second season is undeniably well-made, with stunning sets that perfectly recreate famous American locations and a remarkably ambitious scope. However, a few unexpected plot points slightly detract from an otherwise perfect experience. These moments, though potentially overlooked in the fast-paced drama, challenge the story’s internal consistency, even within the heightened reality of a melodrama.

Despite one minor issue, Paradise is one of the most enjoyable shows to appear on Hulu since 2023. Fans who were hoping to see more of Jane Driscoll will be pleased – she makes a memorable impact. The fact that Nicoel Brydon Bloom isn’t the main focus actually speaks to how strong the rest of the cast and story are in Paradise.

This show is full of incredible acting, and while there’s a lot happening, it’s easy to stay engaged. Luckily, having so many options is a good thing, and Paradise expertly weaves together numerous storylines and resolves lingering mysteries, ensuring viewers won’t be let down. After a two-year break, Paradise is well worth the wait and is arguably one of the best shows on television – it’s practically flawless and deserves all the awards coming its way.

Paradise Season 2 premieres February 23 on .

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2026-02-20 20:10