Burning Questions After ‘Paradise’ Three-Episode Premiere: What’s Next?

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Warning: The following contains spoilers for Paradise Season 1

Hulu’s fresh science fiction-conspiracy thriller series titled Paradise has made an impressive debut following the release of its initial three episodes last week. It currently sits atop the platform as the most popular show. Masterminded by Dan Fogelman, who is well-known for his work on “This is Us,” the series seamlessly blends human drama with a fantastical sci-fi premise. The first three episodes have established an intriguing central mystery that promises to keep viewers engaged throughout the five remaining episodes.

For individuals yet to dive in, the series titled “Paradise” presents Sterling K. Brown, a colleague of Dan Fogelman from “This is Us”, as Special Agent Xavier Collins, tasked with protecting President Cal Bradford (portrayed by James Marsden). However, when Bradford mysteriously turns up dead in his room, Xavier becomes the main suspect in the murder investigation. Adding to the intrigue, the story unfolds largely after a world-wide disaster has forced people into an underground city ruled by a mysterious and wealthy tech magnate named Samantha Redmond (Julianne Nicholson). It doesn’t take long for Xavier to suspect that there is more beneath the surface of these events, and he becomes determined to uncover the truth.

The captivating realm of Paradise swiftly immerses spectators in its tense ambiance, leaving many intriguing thoughts to mull over as fresh installments unfold. Here are some of the most pressing queries that have surfaced so far:

1. What secrets lie within the mysterious walls of Paradise?
2. Who is behind the unsettling events taking place in this seemingly idyllic haven?
3. Will our protagonists uncover the truth and escape, or will they be trapped forever in this labyrinthine world?

What’s on the Tablet?

Initially, the narrative presents a captivating artifact – a tablet holding crucial data, which is securely stored when not needed. Later on, Xavier, proven reliable, gains access to classified information. This secret revelation indicates that Paradise is about to experience an apocalyptic event, and it falls upon Cal to guide the populace through their last days.

It appears the content of the tablet remains unclear, yet it’s evidently crucial information that powerful individuals are eager to obtain. After his demise, it was found that the tablet had vanished from Cal’s safe as well, and only a handful of people would be familiar with its location or means to access it. In essence, it seems that whatever is stored on that tablet plays a significant role in Cal’s broader strategy for Paradise.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

At the crime scene, Xavier discovers a packet of blood-stained cigarettes that Cal had been using the night he died. Before his demise, Cal told him something ominous like, “Whatever is inside this might end my life,” suggesting there was more to it than just his smoking habit. Inside the pack, Xavier finds a cigarette with a sequence of numbers, 812092, which has raised suspicions. So far, he hasn’t found anyone who knows what these digits signify.

In the second episode, a subtle hint emerges when Xavier’s daughter Presley (Aliyah Mastin) accompanies Jeremy (Charlie Evans), Cal’s son, to an antiquated airplane hangar. As they examine the relics of the aircraft that transported the survivors to the city, the camera momentarily focuses on the tail section of one plane, bearing a unique sequence of numbers. It seems increasingly plausible that another plane resides within the hangar, bearing the numbers Xavier is searching for. This potential discovery could yield answers or perhaps pose even more questions.

How Did They Choose Who Would Survive?

In the thrilling series I’m hooked on, it’s revealed that only 25,000 souls inhabit the subterranean city that serves as Paradise’s backdrop. In episode three, we discover that Dr. Gabriela Torabi, once Samantha’s therapist and now a colleague, was entrusted with an overwhelming decision – selecting the survivors among a population of over 300 million, if only those living in the US were considered eligible for this new life. I can’t help but wonder about the immense burden she carried, choosing who would live and who would perish.

It’s hard to believe that Dr. Torabi’s knowledge about the survivors was simply due to chance or a random process. Also, given Samantha’s desire for control over the underground ecosystem and its inhabitants, it seems unlikely that she would have left things to chance. Maybe they were selected because of their potential usefulness to the new community, or their ability to adapt easily to their new situation. Regardless of the reason, I hope the series will offer some insight into this soon.

Why Can’t Billy Be Trusted?

At the onset of the new season, Special Agent Billy Pace (Jon Beavers) appears to be one of Xavier’s most trusted confidants. This fellow agent is someone Xavier feels comfortable enough to involve in his investigation into Cal’s murder. Their connection is so strong that Billy even takes care of Xavier’s children when he’s unable, preparing breakfast for them and ensuring they make it to school on time.

In the thrilling finale of episode three, it is disclosed that Xavier and Gabriela’s intimate shower encounter was a deception. Gabriela unexpectedly altered the tone by confessing that Cal had instructed her to locate Xavier if anything befell him, and to alert him about Billy being untrustworthy. As the episode concludes, the scene switches to Billy, lurking outside Xavier’s home with a gun, observing his children through the window. This suggests that Billy may be a spy or a double agent, working for the true culprit behind Cal’s demise. Although it seems unlikely that any danger would currently befall Xavier’s kids, this revelation introduces an intriguing twist to Xavier’s relationship with Billy, as he must proceed with his investigation without Billy discovering his secrets.

In its initial run, Paradise is unveiling a variety of enigmas, leaving viewers who are already captivated eagerly anticipating the next installments, hoping they’ll shed light on these mysteries.

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2025-02-01 20:03