Here’s a revised version of the article with improved readability and a more conversational tone:
Sterling K. Brown Shines in Hulu’s Paradise, Despite Its Wobbly Storytelling
After making a name for himself as a screenwriter (Crazy, Stupid, Love), Dan Fogelman became a household name with This Is Us, the emotional NBC drama that captivated audiences with its unexpected twists. Now, he’s back with Paradise, a Hulu political thriller that shares little in common with his previous work—except for its lead actor, Sterling K. Brown, and another jaw-dropping revelation in the opening episode.
At first, Paradise seems like it’s setting up something great, with an intriguing mystery and strong performances. But as the story unfolds, the series leans too heavily on familiar tropes and predictable storytelling, making it feel less thrilling than it should be.
A Gripping Start That Loses Its Way
Brown stars as Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent raising his two kids, James and Presley, in the quiet, affluent community of Paradise. His job? Protecting U.S. President Cal Bradford (James Marsden), one of the town’s most powerful residents. But Xavier’s world is turned upside down when he discovers President Bradford dead in his bedroom—immediately putting him and fellow agent Billy Robinson (Jon Beavers) under suspicion.
As the President’s top advisor, Samantha Redmond (Julianne Nicholson), steps in to lead the investigation, Xavier takes matters into his own hands, determined to uncover the truth. His search becomes even more complicated by a shocking revelation that turns everything on its head.
The first episode, written by Fogelman, is masterfully paced, dropping hints and subtle clues that make viewers want to rewatch for details they might have missed. Unfortunately, the tight storytelling starts to unravel as the series progresses. The show jumps between two timelines—before and after Bradford’s death—but instead of deepening the mystery, it slows the momentum.
Great Characters, But an Uneven Plot
Xavier is sidelined from the investigation, forcing him to dig for information through Dr. Gabriel Torabi (Sarah Shahi), one of Bradford’s advisors and Redmond’s former therapist. While she seems like she might have secrets of her own, she ends up serving mostly as an exposition dump and a half-hearted love interest.
On the other hand, Samantha Redmond is far more compelling. Part power-hungry political operative, part tragic figure, she’s a woman with a past that has shaped her into someone both ruthless and deeply wounded. Nicholson plays her with just the right mix of ice and vulnerability, making her a standout character.
As for the President himself, Bradford had plenty of enemies—enough to fuel Paradise’s central murder mystery for most of the season. He was charming in public, known for his sharp wit and self-deprecating jokes, but behind closed doors, he struggled with alcoholism and self-doubt. His final days were a blur of bad decisions, drinks in hand, and wandering around in a bathrobe. Marsden delivers a layered performance, particularly in scenes with Gerald McRaney, who plays his domineering and dementia-stricken father, Kane.
Missed Opportunities and Unresolved Threads
After the initial three-episode drop on January 28, Paradise shifts to a weekly release, ending each hour with a cliffhanger. But while the premiere twist is a knockout, the later reveals don’t hit as hard—many feel forced or frustrating rather than genuinely surprising.
Subplots, like one involving Xavier’s pilot father (Glynn Turman), fizzle out without resolution. A teenage romance between Xavier’s daughter Presley and Bradford’s musician son (Charlie Evans) also lacks payoff. Meanwhile, the show’s romantic storylines overall feel underdeveloped.
Despite all this, Sterling K. Brown remains a force. Even when Paradise stumbles, he brings depth and emotional weight to Xavier, keeping viewers engaged even when the script falls short.
Final Verdict
Paradise starts with a bang but struggles to maintain its momentum. While the first episode hooks you with a jaw-dropping twist, the show’s reliance on familiar thriller clichés and uneven pacing hold it back. Still, thanks to the stellar performances—especially from Brown and Nicholson—there’s enough here to keep viewers intrigued, even if it doesn’t quite live up to its initial promise.
