Sarah Shahi Plays God in ‘Paradise’: Here’s What She Knows

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[This story contains major spoilers from the sixth episode of Paradise, “You Asked for Miracles.”]

Sarah Shahi has been a big Dan Fogelman fan ever since This Is Us.

Back in 2016, when Fogelman launched his popular NBC family drama, he received an email from a fan named Shahi who expressed her eagerness to take on any role in the show and even offered to make coffee. Despite this, they had not met before. Shahi appeared in Fogelman’s short-lived Fox baseball drama ‘Pitch’, but the two never crossed paths. Later, she landed roles in ‘Chicago Fire’ and ‘The Rookie’, led Netflix’s ‘Sex/Life’, starred in films like ‘Black Adam’ and ‘Red White & Royal Blue’. It wasn’t until her audition for Fogelman’s next mystery series, ‘Paradise’, that they finally got to meet each other.

She recounts to The Hollywood Reporter that upon seeing her, he immediately recognized her. He said, ‘You’re Sarah Shahi, you sent me the most considerate email and I’ve wanted to meet you ever since,’ she says. This memory surfaced quickly, adding yet another layer to why he’s simply amazing.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m excited to share that the series “Paradise” is currently streaming its inaugural season. According to Fogelman (who spilled the beans to THR), he has a grand three-season plan in store for us. And let me tell you, Shahi is doing much more than just serving coffee on this show!

The character of Dr. Gabriela Torabi, who is both a psychotherapist and grief specialist, was unveiled as the mastermind behind the post-apocalyptic world depicted in the series. She serves as the personal therapist to Julianne Nicholson’s character, Sinatra, a billionaire who constructed an underground shelter in the Colorado mountains. This shelter provided refuge for a small segment of civilization that narrowly avoided a catastrophic event approaching extinction levels. Dr. Torabi was entrusted with creating a self-sustaining community and choosing the fortunate 25,000 survivors among them.

In the captivating world of “Paradise,” I’ve been hooked week after week, and last night’s episode six, titled “You Asked for Miracles,” was no exception. The shockwave from this episode reverberated particularly for Sterling K. Brown’s character, Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins, who learned a mind-blowing truth about his late president’s wife – she’s alive. This stunning revelation comes from Sinatra, hoping to draw Xavier to her side when she plans a rebellion, having discovered that the world above may not be as polluted as we were led to believe.

In an interview with THR, Shahi discusses the allure of portraying a divine character in a complex Fogelman mystery series. She dissects the dynamics between Gabriela and Xavier (delving into their intimate shower scene and how Xavier’s wife being alive will influence their bond), while hinting at a suspenseful season finale and potential ideas for season two. Additionally, she extends an invitation to her Sex/Life fanbase.

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As a gamer immersed in the world of “Paradise,” the intriguing TV series, when I landed the character of Gabriela, Dan Fogelman shared some insights about her that truly resonated with me. He painted a picture of her as a complex, multidimensional figure, brimming with depth and charm, which made her incredibly captivating.

Anticipating the moment when she would transform into a sinister antagonist, complete with a mustache-twirl, and orchestrate Sinatra’s demise before assuming control. Her character was crafted in such a way, being so optimistic and radiant amidst the gloom, left me questioning when her true nature would be revealed. I found myself asking, “When will the unexpected twist arise?

Dan and I discussed various topics, and he shared with me right away that she was the designer and constructor of the city. She holds a deep affection for the city. She admires Sinatra; she recognizes an aspect of Sinatra that most others can’t perceive. Due to their shared history, she sees the human side in her. In essence, she’s like any typical therapist, always finding the good in people and urging them to strive for their best. During our talks for season one, it became clear that while others are consumed by the pain and mystery of this hidden world, she is someone who consistently remains optimistic. To create a compelling narrative, it’s essential to have characters like her who embody such optimism, lest every character be shrouded in darkness all the time. Thus, our discussions for season one covered these points.

Although we discovered that Gabriela was responsible for designing the city, there are still unanswered questions. She appears to be burdened by the choices she had to make. Have you provided additional details about her past, such as how she ascended to such a significant role in Sinatra’s Paradise, to better understand these complexities?

Indeed, you gain some insights into her background: she was an orphan, which led her to work in palliative care. Tragically, both of her parents passed away when she was quite young. Additionally, she struggled with a gambling addiction. This character sketch portrays a woman who, despite making less than ideal decisions during her youth and early adulthood, eventually managed to turn her life around.

Choosing with Sinatra wasn’t an easy decision as it required Gabriela to relinquish her personal life entirely to work solely for him. In essence, he was claiming ownership over her life. Given the circumstances, the offer from Sinatra was hard to resist. Once Sinatra shared insights about the world and what lay ahead with Gabriela, she may have come to understand that this was her one opportunity to break free.

As a therapist, she tends to put others’ needs before her own. While listening empathetically and helping them find solutions, she usually keeps her personal views at bay. I believe, if given the chance, she harbors deep emotions within herself. However, due to her professional obligations and the need to prioritize her clients, she seldom allows herself to access or express these feelings extensively.

She informs Xavier that he was her surprise choice for Paradise. Can you guess what factors she might have considered when choosing the 25,000 survivors among all the contestants?

It’s clear that only those with certain skills could survive and thrive, as everyone here is self-sufficient, growing their own food and lacking any domestic animals. The ability to farm, sew, or craft was essential for survival. Wealth in some form of skill was necessary. I suspect the weak, old, or ill wouldn’t have lasted long in such conditions.

You also had this steamy shower sex scene with Sterling K. Brown.

Everyone’s gotta take a shower!

From my perspective as a fan, it’s clear that Gabriela and Xavier share an instant bond. However, there was an additional motive behind her action of getting him into the shower – to ensure privacy while she disclosed a crucial warning from the late President James Marsden about the now-deceased Agent Billy Pace (Jon Beavers). What do you think their relationship might be like based on this scenario?

There are a few factors at work here. The individuals involved wear GPS trackers on their wrists, initially leading you to believe one thing, but upon closer inspection, it appears they’re not just in the bathroom for what seems obvious; instead, they seem to be searching for something hidden, like a wire. By examining his wristband, I realized that the shower would be an ideal location to muffle any potential sounds. The information I’m about to disclose is significant and could potentially cause trouble. In fact, only I know this secret, not even Sinatra. Given its sensitive nature, it was crucial for this information exchange to occur in complete secrecy, which is why the shower became relevant.

Was the main objective of her day trying to convince me to take a shower and warn me about something, with the additional benefit being an opportunity for intimacy? (First-person perspective as a gamer)

The situation was quite amusing, yet I’m not entirely convinced. Here’s why: Throughout the course of the day, he reveals the secret from his past with his father to her, offering her a glimpse into the person beyond the documents. As you pointed out, when these two characters appear on screen, there’s an undeniable chemistry – it could be love, it could be hate, but it’s hard to tell. There’s definitely a strong energy between them. Now, consider this: They haven’t been close to anyone else in three years, and they’re hidden underground. Given all these circumstances, I believe that combination of events contributed significantly to what unfolded in the shower scene.

First, the surprising disclosure this week unveiled that Xavier’s wife, Enuka Okuma, is still alive and residing somewhere. In the plot, Gabriela finds herself in a complex situation, caught between Sinatra and Xavier. She is not only mentoring Sinatra but also engaging with Xavier. Is there a scenario where she would choose Xavier over Sinatra if such a choice were necessary? This hints at the depth of her loyalty towards Sinatra.

It seems unlikely to me, based on what I know about her and considering Dan might still change things, she’s a faithful individual. However, the secrets that Sinatra continues to uncover in future episodes could potentially challenge her loyalty. As she stated in episode six, “We’ve constructed this city from scratch. The city must endure. There’s no other world; this is it.” In my opinion, it would be beneficial for her, and for the greater good, to encourage Sinatra and Xavier – both strong and determined figures – to find a common ground, so they can resolve their issues for the sake of everyone involved in the city.

What do you think Gabriela knows about survivors or the world above?

Gabriela appears unaware of the existence of survivors, nor does she know about Sinatra’s actions. It seems she’s trusted everything Sinatra has said without questioning it, believing it all wholeheartedly. However, circumstances might evolve in the future. For now, based on the evidence presented, her trust seems justified.

Xavier’s wife being alive certainly puts a pin in Xavier and Gabriela’s relationship.

I have to start taking showers alone!

Where do Gabriela and Xavier go from here?

We had discussed this topic earlier – specifically, the possibility of introducing a love triangle plotline in the upcoming season. In the finale, Xavier expressed dissatisfaction towards Gabriela for revealing Sinatra’s location. Given that Sinatra is currently Xavier’s biggest adversary, it could have significantly affected their relationship. However, I strongly believe there’s potential for an engaging story if we decide to delve deeper into this situation.

In this episode, the scene concludes with Sterling K. Brown’s response as he processes the news that Xavier’s wife is still alive, provided by Sinatra. Given your role as a psychologist in this series, wouldn’t you ponder over the emotional impact of that particular moment?

As an actor, I’ve long admired his craftsmanship, and now, sharing the screen with him is nothing short of a privilege. The experience leaves me feeling deeply grateful. Watching myself in that scene, I found myself performing mental acrobatics – feelings of shock, disbelief, and acceptance. It’s like your world gets flipped upside down until you finally accept it. Your mind almost short-circuits. Being in such a state, with emotions swirling around me, unsure which one to hold onto, was a powerful moment both in writing and performance, and Sterling nailed it beautifully.

Behind all these events, there’s a lingering question about who murdered President Bradford (Marsden). To what extent were you taken aback by the unmasking of the killer and how the enigmatic cigarette/aircraft number ties into the finale?

I will say this: Dan is so good. He’s just so good. It was not anyone I had ever thought of.

In terms of discussions about Season 2, can you share any insights since Dan Fogelman is considering expanding Paradise for possible communities and you brought up the concept of a love triangle? [Keep in mind that Paradise hasn’t received official renewal yet.]

It’s clear now that there’s life beyond us, and it seems like Dan is thinking about further investigation. I believe this venture must be carried out discreetly, as a large-scale exploration could lead to widespread panic. So, perhaps we’re looking at an exploration of the unknown universe, given Xavier’s wife has been found alive. The conclusion of our story has some significant changes that will shape the course of season two.

What do you think this show is tapping into right now for audiences as to why it’s resonating?

I’m truly appreciative of your feedback. It’s ironic that Dan conceived the concept for the series during his time on “This Is Us”. This wasn’t intended as a reflection of current affairs, but due to our present circumstances, it has taken on a different interpretation. I admire art and entertainment for their ability to stimulate thought while offering an escape. I particularly enjoy it when this is achieved in a thought-provoking manner. I believe that’s why the show resonates with people. It’s not due to its underlying themes about climate change. There have been numerous shows on that topic, yet none have captured the public’s imagination as this one has. I think Dan has crafted a gripping drama. It’s a political thriller, a mystery, and it’s simply intelligent entertainment.

Given the devoted fanbase for Sex/Life, have there been any discussions about restarting the show or moving it to a different platform since Netflix ended it in 2023?

I’m eager to get involved! The cliffhanger at the end of season two sets up an intriguing narrative for Brad and Billy, which feels like a fresh start in many ways. If you’re listening and interested in exploring this further, I’d be delighted to collaborate!

In the TV series Sex/Life, circumstances seemed to perfectly align for me to portray Billy at that specific moment in time. On a personal note, my life was crumbling; I had gone through a divorce. After the show’s release, I found myself being recognized as the symbol of unhappy married women, and the reaction was overwhelming. It was never something I could have anticipated or aimed for, but it proved to be successful. The audience has stuck with me. Women continue to express curiosity about subjects like finding the courage to begin anew, to leave, to get a divorce, even with children. The response was so massive that I secured a book deal. My book, Life is Lifey, offers practical guidance on managing life’s complexities and will be published later this year. I address various aspects in the book, making the Sex/Life audience pleased because I delve into themes similar to those explored by the show and more, as it’s based on my personal experiences.

Are you and Adam Demos, who plays Brad in Sex/Life and is dating Shahi off-screen, ever open to the idea of collaborating on a project together if it’s not about Brad and Billy?

Absolutely, our establishment is operational. We’ve explored various potential projects, but none have resonated as yet. However, the advantage is that we are fellow actors, which means we share a strong professional bond and a natural chemistry. Given our romantic relationship, dishonesty is simply not an option – I can’t feign lines looking at him, and he can’t do the same to me. This mutual intolerance for insincerity creates a unique work environment. Consequently, I am eager to discover a collaborative opportunity for us both.

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Paradise streams new episodes Tuesdays on Hulu.

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2025-02-19 23:55