Unraveling the Catastrophe: What Really Happened in ‘Paradise’?

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  • Key Moments Before and Leading Up to “The Day”
  • The President’s Courageous Speech in ‘Paradise‘
  • Emotions Heighten as They Escape to Safety in ‘Paradise’

Prior to the second-to-last episode of Paradise on Hulu, viewers hadn’t fully understood what transpired on the catastrophic day when a devastating natural disaster transformed Earth into an inhospitable wasteland. What has been revealed is that it seems connected to the incident that climate scientist Dr. Louge (Geoffrey Arend) had foreseen years ago, which ultimately led Samantha (Julianne Nicholson) to construct a luxurious subterranean community, devise an evacuation plan, and selectively choose individuals she deemed worthy of survival.

In the most recent installment, viewers are guided step by step through the events of that tragic day and the reasons behind the falling out between Xavier (Sterling K. Brown) and President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). It also sheds light on why Xavier’s wife, Teri (Enuka Okuma), was unable to reach the gate in time to depart with them by plane.

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Key Moments Before and Leading Up to “The Day”

Episode 7, titled “‘The Day,’” opens with references to when General Curtleigh (Scott Lawrence) hinted at an impending catastrophe that could occur in the near future, which he couldn’t discuss in detail. The scene then shifts back to the day when Samantha was eavesdropping on Dr. Louge’s controversial lecture predicting a tsunami that might submerge the entire eastern coastline of the United States within less than a decade.

In the almost deserted room, I, a movie buff with a heavy heart, find myself absorbed in an apocalyptic tale, having recently lost my son. Whether I truly believe its prophecies or if it’s just a desperate grasp for meaning is unclear. Yet, it’s undeniable that this story later draws me to seek advice and details from the protagonist. This interaction becomes the spark that ignites my determination to leverage my fortunes, resources, and influential network to construct a refuge and a new community within the safety of a mountain.

It seems that after Xavier learned about the possible upcoming events or the necessary precautions, he started his preparations for ensuring President Bradford’s safe evacuation. During one of their training sessions, President Bradford attempted to persuade Xavier to assert himself with his wife and advise her to cut down on her frequent visits to Atlanta. Xavier dismissed the comment, stating that he has never and will never have control over his wife’s decisions. Cal simply replied that they would need to go get her from Atlanta in that case.

Indeed, they didn’t manage to reach Atlanta for picking her up. Yet, from the penultimate episode, it seems audiences are convinced she’s still alive. It’s suggested that a particular action taken by the president on that day could potentially have rescued her. However, Xavier remains skeptical about this scenario.

In Episode 7, we begin with a recollection of a military officer conversing with his spouse regarding a captain who opted against launching all nuclear weapons, resulting in numerous casualties. He expresses concern that such an event may recur, and worries about the possibility of the wrong individual being in charge next time. As he retires for the night, he turns the lights on and off repeatedly, suggesting a sudden realization has struck him. The scene then transitions to a news report detailing the calamity of that day, focusing on the “unparalleled turmoil” ignited in Antarctica. A colossal supervolcano exploded beneath the ice cap, ejecting countless tons of ash. The blast fractured a significant part of the ice shelf, causing an immense amount of water to melt and initiating a tsunami that is racing at approximately 600 miles per hour.

In the White House, everyone watches in shock as Xavier remains one of the few aware of the truth. He frantically messages Teri to find out if she’s arrived safely and if her flight has landed. However, all he receives is an automated response saying “Message failed.” He also contacts the school to verify that his children are safe with Jeremy Bradford (Charlie Evans) since someone will soon be picking them up. As the number of deaths climbs into the hundreds of thousands, a meeting takes place between the joint chiefs. It’s now time for the president to make some difficult choices. “How serious is this? Is this the end?” he inquires. “It seems like this might be it, Mr. President,” one woman replies. They discover that several coastal cities, such as Australia, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, and Argentina, have already been wiped out.

As a cinephile, I’m in utter shock and desperation, fuming at the scientists who led me to believe I had at least a few weeks, if not days, to prepare for this catastrophe. But here we are, with no warning. One of them admits, “This unfolded faster than even our worst-case scenario.” There’s no time for contemplation or second guessing. It’s now or never, a matter of life and death. It’s high time to put into action our contingency plan, “Versailles.

The President’s Courageous Speech in ‘Paradise’

As a concerned citizen, I found myself gripped by a sense of impending doom as President Bradford put forth a critical vote. With Defcon 3 blaring – the highest alarm before actual warfare – everyone was urging a resounding ‘Go.’ The TV news broadcast continued, with Dr. Louge, a man who had warned us for so long yet remained unheeded, as one of its guests. The signal flickered erratically, hinting that the impending tsunami might be nearer than we thought, threatening to obliterate our city.

After a long wait, Xavier receives news from Teri who’s still in Atlanta due to a grounded flight causing him great anxiety. However, he must compose himself and take charge of the situation, which includes ensuring everyone’s safety and most crucially, protecting the president. Meanwhile, President Bradford is about to broadcast a live speech to the public before departing for the subterranean community. As he witnesses a female journalist devastated on-screen by the tsunami, he understands the severity of their predicament. Xavier manages to speak privately with Cal and inquires about his wife’s whereabouts. “Speak with General Curtleigh,” is Cal’s response. “They’ll bring her here.

In a more relaxed and understandable rephrasing: President Bradford delivers a PR-oriented talk about the significant destruction, emphasizing unity among Americans. However, his discomfort is noticeable, particularly when military advisors suggest raising the alert level to Defcon 2, which implies the readiness to launch nuclear missiles.

While Xavier guides Teri on her route and how to proceed, following military recommendations for her safety, he initiates the evacuation plan. Yet, when President Bradford encounters an elderly janitor, who has been at the White House for years, he is moved to converse with him. The janitor’s optimism that everyone will be alright causes Cal to feel remorseful. He can’t just depart without disclosing the truth.

Cal elects to speak directly, informing everyone that a global catastrophe is imminent. “I’m sharing this information,” he says, “so you can make choices about your current position and the people you want to be with.” He concludes with a blessing: “May God be with you and good fortune.

Emotions Heighten as They Escape to Safety in ‘Paradise’

It’s no secret that those not privy to the plan within the White House are curious about what’s happening. The question on everyone’s lips is where the president is being taken. A confrontation ensues as Xavier finds himself caught between protecting the president and ensuring Teri’s safety. When Cal is led outside towards the plane, he encounters a furious crowd, both inside and outside the plane.

The severity of the situation becomes apparent when Xavier instructs a young agent he can’t join them on the plane and must remain to assist at the White House instead. The agent then brandishes a gun at him, but before Xavier can calm him down, Robinson (played by Krys Marshall) shoots the agent in the head and orders Xavier to “get his act together.

The plane takes off while Robinson keeps everyone from boarding, causing both Xavier and Cal to tremble deeply. Upon landing at the airbase, Xavier implores Cal about Teri, stating that he can’t continue without her by his side. “Your children need you,” Cal tells Xavier. “I need you.” It’s in this moment that Xavier realizes the truth. “When did you realize she wouldn’t be joining us?” Xavier queries Cal. “When I informed you she was still in Atlanta,” he confesses. Xavier feels betrayed by Cal for not being more urgent and direct, and if he had known, he would have prevented her from going. “I would have kept her close!” he exclaims angrily.

If you don’t want this plane seat, millions of others would gladly take it, Cal exclaims forcefully. Your wife is missing, and it’s crucial for you to cope with that and be with your kids. Xavier, however, boards the plane but struggles to answer his children about their mother’s whereabouts.

Meanwhile, the president faces another difficult choice: Nuclear explosions have occurred, and his advisors recommend a full-scale weapons launch. General Curtleigh states bluntly that the plane they are on has sustained too much damage and won’t reach its destination. All Cal needs to do is input the codes for the nuclear launch.

While Cal is positioned before the nuclear football, the tool that enables the U.S. to detonate its entire nuclear stockpile in one swift action, he grapples with his decision due to the existence of another choice – the blue code. He recalls to Samantha an early concept: a switch designed as a final safety measure, capable of destroying every electronic circuit globally, including disabling the nukes. This would essentially power down the entire world, pushing civilization back roughly 500 years. However, he acknowledges that it was preferable to the other option, stating, “It might provide people with a chance.

In the realm of cinematic passion, I peer into the code-laden blue screen, poised to act. Samantha, with a heavy heart, appeals, “They’ll all perish anyway.” She suggests a swift, blinding end is kinder than watching them succumb to hunger over an extended period. Cal, however, stands firm on his belief that they deserve a chance.

Yet, it’s the safety of the bunker, our lifeline to knowledge and safety, that troubles Samantha most. The decision is mine, and I, with a heavy heart, make it clear – I will not be launching those missiles. Instead, I summon my agent, instructing him sternly: if Samantha remains unmoving, he is to use his weapon against her.

Consequently, Cal chose to shut down all global power supplies, rendering any nation and military incapable of launching their weapons. As he punches in the codes, the world plunges into darkness. Just before everything fades out, Xavier manages to bid a last farewell to Teri over the phone before the connection is lost. Atlanta, where Teri resides, appears on the list of potential targets. Yet, Xavier remains unaware that the attack may not have taken place due to Cal’s sudden intervention at the last moment.

Currently, Samantha plays a recording for Xavier where Teri identifies herself, Xavier, and their children. She explains they’re with other survivors, searching for them. However, Samantha holds the upper hand because it seems Presley (Aliyah Mastin) is missing. The question arises, what does she want? Samantha discloses that the DNA found at Cal’s murder scene doesn’t correspond to anyone in the bunker. This suggests someone from outside managed to get inside.

Samantha demands that Xavier free her team, return her firearms, and discover the identity of the murderer, or she will not set free his daughter. This seems to prove that she is indeed the monster she vehemently denied being. However, it’s important to note that she isn’t responsible for Cal’s death. With Paradise getting a second season, it’s undecided if the finale will unveil Cal’s killer or if this mystery will carry over into Season 2. What is certain, though, is that the final episode promises to be a gripping, emotional rollercoaster that might delve into events happening beyond Earth as well. You can watch Paradise on Hulu.

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2025-02-26 02:32