Now’s the Perfect Time To Binge Hulu’s Most Unpredictable Series Before Season 2 Drops

We’re lucky to be living in a time when there are so many incredible shows to watch on television. However, the challenging aspect is that sometimes there are shows that can slip through the cracks because we’re busy watching something else. That’s why it would truly be a shame if you remained in the dark about the incredible thriller that came out in January. If you somehow missed the buzz surrounding Hulu’s Paradise, you can rectify that now by binge-watching it before Season 2 comes out next year. What Is the Hulu Thriller ‘Paradise’ About? Paradise is centered around Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown), whom we first meet as he takes a peaceful morning jog through his town. It’s a gorgeous setting with perfectly manicured lawns, friendly neighbors, and the apt name of Paradise. Xavier makes breakfast for his two children, and then banters with his best friend and fellow agent, Billy Pace (Jon Beavers). But Xavier’s life quickly falls apart that morning when he arrives at the home of President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) and discovers his boss in a pool of blood on the floor. As the person to find him, Xavier immediately becomes a suspect in the President’s death. The series deftly plays out the narrative through flashbacks into the complicated and compelling events that led up to Cal’s demise. By the end of the very first episode, the series lets viewers into a massive secret that completely changes everything you thought you knew about the show: Paradise is so much more than what meets the eye. ‘Paradise’ Offers Constant Twists and Turns Paradise is one of those shows where you have to be careful when you tell someone about it, so that you don’t ruin any of the many shocking moments. But basically, one of the best parts about Paradise is the way there are so many genres melded into one fantastic story. There’s a bit of science fiction, lots of action sequences (where Brown gets to show off his expert fighting skills), a murder mystery, romantic connections between characters, and so much more. Paradise also manages to throw in plots about political intrigue, which offers a fascinating look at several characters’ quests for power and control over Paradise. As the eight-episode season unfolds, there are plenty of jaw-dropping twists and turns, creating a psychological thriller that makes you unsure which characters you can trust. Because there are so many secrets in Paradise and so many outrageous reveals, the series is definitely one of the most unpredictable dramas on the air right now. Just when you think you’ve figured out where the story is heading, you’ll realize that you were completely wrong. Even though Paradise is fictional, the series also somehow manages to feel 100% realistic and timely. Creator Dan Fogelman, who also came up with This Is Us with Brown, has crafted a series that bristles with tension in every episode. The production design feels expensive and truly depicts the world of Paradise in an intriguing way. The best part is that we get several different character perspectives and a non-linear narrative that helps to draw us even deeper into the story. Paradise is definitely not one of those shows that’s so straightforward it insults your intelligence. Whether Paradise is keeping you guessing with the many surprising twists or speaking to a more haunting universal theme like trauma and grief, you’ll be completely sucked into this world. By the time you reach the finale episode, you’ll be praying for more episodes as quickly as possible. ‘Paradise’ Is Worth Watching for the Amazing Performances Alone The suspenseful storylines will definitely have you praising Paradise, but the performances in the series are also certainly worthy of applause. Brown is an incredible protagonist, easily matching his action skills with his ability to effectively portray vulnerability (especially when he’s reflecting on things he’s lost in his life). He makes Xavier someone that’s easy to root for, even when you might start to question some of the choices he makes. Above all, Xavier is a man with a good heart who often finds himself in impossible situations, and Brown makes sure that we always feel connected to his authenticity. Brown is one of those actors that can make the slightest movement or facial expression, and it speaks volumes. Xavier has been torn apart by grief and placed in an environment he feels entirely unsure about. His uncertainty and discomfort radiate in every scene, proving that this show is truly a vehicle for Brown’s impressive talents. But it’s not just Brown who brings the world of Paradise to life in a successful way. Marsden is spot-on as the charismatic Cal. His affable charm in flashbacks makes it all the more tragic since we know how his story will end. Beavers is perfection as Billy, in all his sarcastic, wise-cracking glory. Nicole Brydon Bloom is also notable as quiet, unassuming Agent Jane Driscoll, who ends up having a bigger role as the series unfolds. And then there’s Julianne Nicholson, as Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond, who absolutely shines as the flinty, conniving government head. At first, Sinatra seems like an enigma, but then we learn more about her tragic villain origin story, and Nicholson allows her to become one of the most complex characters on television right now. The cast is definitely firing on all cylinders, and there’s not a weak link in the bunch. Even the child actors who play Cal’s children (Aliyah Mastin and Percy Daggs IV) continue the trend of heartbreaking realism that threads throughout the entire show. Paradise did inspire a lot of word-of-mouth chatter when it began streaming. When the Emmys rolled around, Paradise landed four nominations, including Outstanding Drama, and acting nods for Brown, Nicholson, and Marsden. Although the show went home empty-handed, their recognition demonstrated that both critics and viewers alike had fallen in love with this show. It was announced only a month into Season 1 that a Season 2 would be on the way, and the show is currently rocking an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes score, proving that the series already has many devoted fans. Since new episodes won’t be arriving until next year, now is the perfect time for anyone who hasn’t watched Season 1 to catch up on this thrilling, suspenseful show that is sure to keep you guessing. Season 1 of Paradise is available to stream on Hulu in the U. S.
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