The one thing—the responsibility you’ve mastered, the task you take pride in above all else—falls apart. Shattered. It wasn’t supposed to happen. Not to you. You’ve handled this a thousand times, without fail, but now, somehow, it’s destroyed. Everything that should’ve been within your control is in pieces, slipping through your fingers. A knot forms in your stomach. The familiar patterns that once gave you comfort now feel like a mockery.
You can almost hear the echoes of what’s been lost—the thing you were supposed to be good at. The thing you’ve built your routine around.
“Paradise” presents an intriguing new chapter in Dan Fogelman’s repertoire, blending his signature emotional storytelling with the high-stakes world of political drama. At the heart of the series is Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown), a highly skilled Secret Service agent tasked with safeguarding President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). The show introduces Collins in a moment of physical vigor and precision, as he jogs through vibrant, almost otherworldly streets—an image that subtly sets the tone for a world that seems both ordinary and surreal. But beneath the surface of his professional life, we discover a man deeply invested in his personal world.
At home, Collins shares a strong, loving bond with his school-age son and daughter, grounding the narrative in the relatable complexities of family life. The series hints at a dual struggle: the protection of the president and the responsibility of fatherhood, all set against a backdrop where duty and personal connection collide. Fogelman’s knack for exploring the delicate balance between the professional and personal is evident here, offering a fresh, compelling take on the high-tension world of security and human relationships.
However, this one time, as Collins steps outside the presidential suite, this routine is about to change. His instincts, honed by years of service, immediately kick in—something is off. The usually loud and brash voice emanating from that room was unusually silent. A palpable tension hangs in the air, thick with a sense of unease that only he seems to register.
He pauses at the door, feeling the shift in the atmosphere, before pushing it open. Inside, the room is still, but the calm is deceptive. It’s not the kind of silence that comes with peace; it’s the kind that signals something has gone terribly wrong. The unease in his gut deepens as his mind races through every possible scenario. As he steps further into the suite, a chill runs down his spine—this is no routine shift. President Bradford is dead, his blood spilt alongside him.
A minute passes. The agent outside is attempting to get a sitrep from Collins but he knows all too well that he needs to tread with caution. What clues were there in the room that might be leading to the million dollar question of who murdered the president? Who would have been the one dastardly enough to have pulled off this heist and done the deed?
It’s one hell of a grappling hook that instantly pulls viewers in, setting the stage for a tense, high-stakes mystery. The sudden shift from the routine of Collins’ life to this unsettling moment ignites curiosity and sets up the series for a thrilling ride.
Fogelman’s signature storytelling style, known for its emotional depth and non-linear narrative, is front and center in “Paradise“, just as it was in “This Is Us”. He masterfully weaves together past and present events, creating a rich, layered tapestry of non-linear storytelling that keeps viewers on their toes. Viewers are taken through a fragmented narrative, with a different scope on a varying key players. And for the most part, this is effective in making sure viewers are being treated to a good characterizations and narratives.
In the first episode, Fogelman carefully layers Collins’ backstory through poignant flashbacks, giving us a glimpse into the foundation of his relationship with President Bradford. These moments provide crucial context, illustrating why Collins was the ideal person for the job: his unshakeable moral compass, his dedication to duty, and his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. It’s clear that, from the very beginning, Collins was chosen not just for his skills, but because of his integrity.
One of the defining moments in these flashbacks comes when Bradford attempts to bond with Collins, urging him to join him for a drink. Despite the president’s charm and persistence, Collins remains firm, politely but resolutely refusing. It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes about his character. While others might be tempted by the opportunity to step out of the rigid boundaries of their roles, Collins stays steadfast in his values. His refusal to relax those boundaries—even in the face of a personal invitation from the president—shows us that his loyalty is rooted not just in duty but in a deep, unwavering sense of personal ethics. This moment sets the stage for the complexity of his character, establishing that while he’s a man of principle, this very quality may come into conflict as the darker elements of the mystery unfold.
Collins’ unwavering loyalty and reliability are immediately apparent, especially in a tense sequence where he risks his own life to save President Bradford from an assassination attempt. His actions in that moment reflect a man committed to his duty above all else, a protector who will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of those under his care.
Nevertheless, despite all these positive qualities that paint our main lead, Fogelman doesn’t just give us a traditional hero who always does the right thing; instead, he gives us a real person grappling with the complexities of loyalty, duty, and the emotional toll of his role. Collins’ emotional breakdowns, his moments of frustration, and his ability to express disdain—especially in the face of the president—make him more than just a protector of power. They remind us that even those entrusted with the highest levels of responsibility carry the weight of their own internal battles.
These humanizing moments allow us to connect with Collins on a deeper level, seeing him not just as a disciplined agent but as someone who is questioning his own place in this carefully constructed world. By showing that even someone who seems infallible can struggle with their emotions and make mistakes. It asks us to consider the difficult reality of protecting the world’s most powerful individuals while dealing with personal dilemmas that can’t be neatly resolved.
Sterling K. Brown truly shines in “Paradise“, delivering a performance that is nothing short of captivating. His ability to convey so much with silence is a testament to his exceptional skill as an actor. There’s a quiet intensity in his portrayal of Collins, where every subtle shift in his expression or the tension in his posture speaks volumes, often more than words could. Whether it’s a fleeting glance or a barely noticeable breath, Brown captures the complexity of Collins’ internal struggle, making every scene feel charged with emotion.
Brown’s delivery is measured, yet you can hear the tremor in his words when Collins is on the verge of breaking down, balancing vulnerability with an unwavering sense of control. He manages to maintain a calm demeanor even in the most high-stress situations, which gives his character a fascinating duality—he’s a man who exudes authority, yet underneath, there’s a very human fragility. This contrast is what makes his performance so compelling: you never quite know what he’s thinking, but you feel every ounce of his emotional weight.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Collins as the truth slowly unravels. Being the last person to have seen the president alive before the cameras were cut, he finds himself under intense scrutiny. What once seemed like a routine shift is now a web of suspicion, and the pressure mounts as he becomes the prime suspect in a potential political scandal—or worse, a murder.
James Marsden’s portrayal of President Bradford adds a fascinating dynamic to the series. On the surface, Bradford comes across as the charming, polished figurehead you’d expect from a president—almost a poster boy for leadership. His charisma is undeniable, and his presence commands attention. But there’s an intriguing layer to him that sets him apart from the typical presidential figure. Marsden brings a touch of the unconventional to the role, presenting Bradford as a bit of a lovable doofus at times. He’s not afraid to show a lighter, more playful side, which adds complexity to his character.
However, this persona doesn’t mean he’s a pushover; beneath the surface, Bradford is a master strategist, fully aware of his position and the chess pieces around him. He may not always exude the typical air of calculated seriousness that you’d expect from a political leader, but he’s always several steps ahead, playing the game with a mixture of charm and sharp intellect. This balance of endearing quirks and political acumen makes Bradford an interesting and unpredictable figure, and the contrast between his outward personality and his hidden strategic mind adds an intriguing tension to his relationship with Collins.
Oh, yes, might we add that this doesn’t take place in our current bright surface world.
Just when we think we’re immersed in a familiar world of politics, duty, and high-stakes protection, “Paradise“ pulls the rug out from under us. The series takes a sharp turn, revealing that this isn’t our present reality at all. Instead, we’re thrust into a dystopian future where only a select few have been chosen to live in a place called Paradise. Set against the backdrop of a desolate, post-apocalyptic world, Paradise is a constructed sanctuary carved into the mountains, bathed in the light of an artificial sun.
This revelation transforms the series from a traditional political thriller into something far more complex. The idyllic, almost utopian setting of Paradise—gleaming, seemingly untouched by time—becomes a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the outside world, a world that’s been left behind or destroyed. The lush, artificial environment becomes a metaphor for the illusion of safety and control that characters like Collins and Bradford cling to, masking a deeper, more disturbing truth about the state of humanity.
Julianne Nicholson’s portrayal of Samantha Redmond adds another layer of intrigue and complexity to the show. As one of the founding mothers of the project, she initially presents herself as a beacon of hope and a champion for the future of humanity, someone who helped build this seemingly perfect sanctuary in the mountains. On the surface, she embodies the ideals of someone who would be seen as noble—one of the visionaries striving to create a better world for a select few. However, as the narrative unfolds, we get a deeper look at her character, and it becomes clear that she’s far from the altruistic figure she’s portrayed to be.
Through her perspective, we see a woman who is calculating, ruthless, and willing to make difficult choices that prioritize power and control over ideals of justice and fairness. As the world’s richest self-made woman, Samantha has climbed to the top through sheer cunning and sharp intellect, and she’s not afraid to manipulate those around her to protect her position. Her motivations are driven by a desire to maintain control over the paradise they’ve created, even if that means making morally questionable decisions. She plays the game with a cold precision, using her wealth and influence to pull strings behind the scenes.
This duality in her character—where her outwardly noble persona clashes with her more ruthless, self-serving actions—adds a fascinating tension to her role in the story. She’s a woman of immense power and ambition, but those very qualities also make her dangerous, capable of anything to ensure that Paradise remains her domain. The reveal of her true nature forces viewers to question who can truly be trusted in this world, as every character seems to have their own hidden agendas, and none of them are quite as they seem.
As we delve deeper into this new world, it’s clear that the stakes aren’t just about protecting a president or solving a murder mystery; they’re about survival in a world where only a privileged few have the luxury of living in Paradise, while the rest of humanity is left in the shadows. The dystopian twist not only adds layers to the story, but also challenges our perceptions of power, privilege, and what it truly means to live in a ‘paradise’.
While Paradise largely maintains a strong rhythm through its interwoven storylines, there are moments where certain plots slow the pacing, particularly those revolving around Collins’ daughter. These subplots, while not inherently bad, feel like they take away from the central narrative at times. They introduce emotional beats that seem to divert attention from the more gripping political thriller unfolding around Collins and the president’s mysterious death.
That said, these moments do have a payoff. By episode 4, when Jon Beavers’ character, Agent Billy Pace, is introduced and given more screen time, the storyline involving Collins’ family finds its purpose, tragedy and dread to this unfurling mystery. However, until that point, these family-centric subplots can feel like they unnecessarily bog down the runtime, diverting focus from the central tension.
While the character development is essential, the pacing occasionally falters in these quieter, more domestic moments, leaving viewers eager to return to the higher-stakes intrigue. Still, the payoff later on makes it clear that these slower moments were part of a larger plan to flesh out the world and characters of “Paradise”, even if it momentarily disrupts the otherwise engaging rhythm of the show.
Regardless, “Paradise“ does stand out as one of the more entertaining and compelling shows on TV right now. The blend of high stakes, moral complexities, and a twisty narrative makes for a truly captivating watch. The series excels at building suspense and keeping viewers hooked, with each episode culminating in satisfying climaxes that push the story forward while deepening character development.
If the show continues to maintain this pace and balance, it has all the ingredients for a great ride ahead. With strong performances from the cast, particularly Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden, and a gripping, ever-evolving plot, this show is one to keep an eye on. The emotional depth and intricate storytelling promise that it could grow into something truly special, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with every turn.
“Paradise” is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia.
The Review
"Paradise"
Set against the backdrop of a dystopian reality where only a select few survive in the artificial refuge of Paradise, the show skillfully keeps viewers guessing, blending emotional depth with a suspenseful narrative that explores the cost of survival, loyalty, and power. Paradise isn’t just a murder mystery; it’s a tightly woven exploration of what happens when ideals clash with the dark forces of ambition and control.
Review Breakdown
- Great
The post “Paradise” Season 1 Review: The Secrets Run Deep Beneath The Surface In This Dystopian Mystery Thriller appeared first on Hype Malaysia.
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