Hulu’s Paradise plunges viewers into a high-stakes political thriller with a dystopian edge. Set within the confines of a top-secret underground bunker, the series kicks off with the shocking assassination of President Cal Bradford, played by James Marsden. Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, masterfully played by Sterling K. Brown, must navigate a tangled web of conspiracy, betrayal and survival. As tensions rise and allegiances shift, Paradise crafts an intricate mystery that will keep you guessing—at least until its somewhat lackluster finale.
Sarah Shahi delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Gabriela Torabi, bringing both intelligence and quiet strength to the role. As a therapist caught in the tangled web of Paradise, she balances empathy with a firm resolve, adding depth to the unfolding drama. Her dynamic with Collins is particularly engaging, creating moments of reflection and emotional weight amid the tension. Their interactions provide a grounded contrast to the chaos, offering glimpses of humanity in an increasingly uncertain world.
One of Paradise‘s greatest strengths lies in its approach to character development and backstory. Rather than relying on clunky exposition, the series skillfully weaves past and present together, revealing crucial details about each character over time. Through well-placed flashbacks and carefully written dialogue, we gain deeper insight into their motivations, past mistakes and unspoken fears. This layered storytelling keeps us engaged, allowing the characters to evolve organically rather than being defined solely by the crisis at hand.
However, as the series hurtles toward its conclusion, the plot’s plausibility begins to fray. The final episodes introduce twists that, rather than elevating the narrative, lacks connection to reality. The resolution feels hurried, leaving several threads dangling and viewers questioning the characters’ motivations. It’s either a “jump the shark” moment or an unfortunate cliffhanger for a possible second season…their way, it’s not a justified ending to a good series.
RHFC Rating: 7.5/10 🍿
