At the start of every year, there is always that one series that gets everyone talking. And “Paradise” is that show this time around.
The sci-fi political thriller is an eight-part offering created by Dan Fogelman and is bolstered by a stellar cast of Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi and James Marsden.
But it’s not just the names that carry weight, it is the actors playing their roles with praiseworthy gravitas.
The first episode takes place in a new world mirroring Washington, D.C., and focuses on influential political figures and those working behind the scenes.
We meet President Cal Bradford (James Marsden), who is the epitome of charming and politically savvy, and Agent Xavier Collins (K.Brown). They share an interesting dynamic in their relationship, where Cal tries to push the envelope and Xavier stands firmly by his rulebook.
Xavier took a bullet for Cal, and the president trusts him implicitly. So much so that he is entrusted with the knowledge about a national security device.
Xavier, a single dad of two, takes his job seriously. So when the president is killed during the watch of his Secret Service security detail, he takes it personally.
For 30 minutes, he and Agent William “Billy” Pace (Jon Beavers) conduct a quick sweep of the premises and review the previous night’s video footage.
They discover that the cameras went dark at the crucial time of the murder.
Meanwhile, Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond (Nicholson), wielding much influence as the world’s richest self-made woman, pressurises Agent Nicole Robinson (Krys Marshall), who heads the Secret Service, into getting to the bottom of the murder and, more importantly, the device that was stolen.
Sinatra can be likened to Elon Musk in the political arena in the storyline. She’s got a heartbreaking backstory too.
Despite being rich beyond her wildest dreams, she was unable to save her sick son. His death weighed heavily on her and destroyed her marriage.
Before his death, Cal, who drank heavily and had daddy issues, was having an affair with agent Nicole.
As the investigation rolls out, Xavier, who is taken off the team, does a bit of digging into it on his own. He is unsettled by certain details and wants answers.
And Dr Gabriela Torabi (Shahi), a psychotherapist on Sinatra’s payroll, might be crucial in bringing down the house of cards.
Each episode tells a compelling backstory of a key character.
Sinatra’s past unfolds in the second episode, where the grief-stricken billionaire hired a team to build her a city. Gabriela was tasked with being the architect of social well-being in this new world, where the bunker residents are recognised by a digital wristband.
The series homes in on the palpable tension as the influential cabal attempt to protect their way of life as they continue to stoke fears with their conspiracy theories.
The scenario harks back to “Uglies”, where the truth becomes a threat in the wrong hands.
K. Brown is magnificent as the show’s protagonist. Trapped between work and family, he grapples with many conflicts. However, he leaves viewers championing him every step of the way as he chases the truth, at all costs
Initially, Nicolson's character elicits empathy, but this sentiment turns into resentment. In being broken, she becomes heartless in her quest. It’s clear that the character is not to be toyed with and she doesn’t suffer fools easily.
Gabriela’s character brings heart and warmth to the story. She acts as a buffer between what’s fact and fabricated.
Beavers plays his paradoxical role with aplomb. The cleverly penned script hints at there being more to Billy. He walks a tightrope between deception and trustworthiness.
Despite having limited scenes, Marsden’s performance is impactful.
"Paradise" captivates whodunit fans with every episode, leaving a trail of clues to unravel the tragedy and the identity of the culprit.
The adroit direction, outstanding cast and brilliant script steer the success of the series. It certainly explains why critics and streamers are singing its praises.
∎ “Paradise” is streaming on Disney+.
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