Even though it’s still February, Hulu might have unveiled one of the standout TV shows of 2025 with “Paradise.” The plot is straightforward: President Cal (played by James Marsden) is discovered dead in his bedroom, and lead Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins (portrayed by Sterling K. Brown) takes on the task of solving the murder. However, things become anything but ordinary as we soon understand that this isn’t just a typical political thriller. By the end of the first episode, it is revealed that due to an unspecified disaster on Earth, most of the series unfolds in a mountainous Colorado bunker where only 25,000 individuals remain alive.
In contrast to what might initially seem like an apocalyptic scene, Paradise is actually quite the opposite. This human-crafted city boasts advanced technology, self-sustaining agriculture, and even artificial insect noises (although real insects are nowhere to be found). Despite appearances of unbridled joy and tranquility, nothing in life lasts forever, and the enigmatic murder of its president has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Paradise masterfully blends elements of mystery, murder, infidelity, deceit, and science fiction into one enthralling tale. As you delve deeper into this intricate world, let’s explore the illustrious careers of its talented cast members before this captivating series premieres.
Sterling K. Brown as Special Agent Xavier Collins
In this story, the character of Collins, who heads the Secret Service detail for the president, is skillfully depicted by Brown. At first glance, Collins appears to be an insomniac, a trait that reveals much about his personality, and we soon discover why he can’t sleep. He’s exceptional at his job – until the president under his watch is tragically murdered. Xavier, a man of few words, is astute and observant. As a father of two, he strives to maintain a clear boundary between his work and personal life; however, it remains uncertain whether he achieves this balance. The narrative delves into the past through flashbacks to reveal how Collins’s bond with the president developed. This relationship plays a significant role in the plot, and we quickly understand that it has experienced both high points and low points.
Currently, Brown stands out prominently among the cast members of Paradise, having gained considerable recognition in his career. Last year, he garnered an Academy Award nomination for his work in “American Fiction,” and more recently, his small screen appearances include:
– “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson” (2016), where he was nominated for a Golden Globe and won an Emmy for portraying Chris Darden.
– He also earned an Emmy and five nominations for his role in “This Is Us” (2016), a performance that also netted him a Golden Globe. This Emmy win marked the first time in 19 years that an African American won in that category.
– On the big screen, Brown made a brief appearance in the initial release of “Black Panther”.
Julianne Nicholson as Samantha Redmond
In this reimagined scenario, Michael Nicholson plays Samantha Redmond, also known as “Sinatra,” the wealthiest self-made woman globally. She’s the brainchild of the bunker project, and it quickly becomes clear that while the community has a President, she wields significant power from behind the curtains. This becomes even more apparent when the president passes away, and Samantha takes on the responsibility of choosing a successor. Initially, she may seem like a stereotypical strong and aloof female character; however, she proves to be anything but that. Beneath her cold exterior lies a profoundly sad past. Despite her icy demeanor and mental fortitude, Samantha’s story is one of deep sorrow.
Reflecting on past events, it’s clear that she was a joyful, carefree woman with a loving family – two children and a devoted husband. However, an unforeseen tragedy shatters this idyllic life, compelling Samantha to take control of her destiny, giving birth to the bunk idea. Nicholson delivers a remarkable performance that leaves me in awe, making it effortless to empathize with Samantha’s transformation from a nurturing and compassionate woman into someone broken by grief. With an impressive resume on television, spanning roles in shows like Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Masters of Sex, and more recently Mare of Easttown, which earned her an Emmy nod, Nicholson has also graced the silver screen with memorable performances in films such as August: Osage County and I, Tonya.
James Marsden as President Cal Bradford
In the initial episode, Marsden depicts President Cal, a character who meets an untimely end. Flashbacks reveal Marsden’s portrayal of a carefree and attractive president before his move to the bunker. Prior to this, Cal was a self-assured man who managed to secure the presidency twice due to a relatively weak opponent. He had a straightforward manner, which occasionally bordered on bluntness and showed hints of racism, such as admitting that electing him wasn’t extraordinary and emphasizing Xavier’s Blackness for diversity purposes.
However, after moving into the bunker, Cal’s behavior undergoes a noticeable transformation. He is frequently seen in a bathrobe and heavily intoxicated. Most significantly, his bond with Xavier experiences a dramatic change. Initially, they were open with each other, but their relationship evolves into a much more strained dynamic, further fueling Cal’s enigma.
Ian Marsden became well-known for his portrayal of Cyclops in the X-Men movie series, appearing in four films. Since then, he’s starred in numerous successful comedies like the stereotypical prince-charming in Enchanted and Hairspray, and more recently, he’s been a part of the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise. Marsden has also featured in various television shows, such as Westworld and The Stand (2020).
Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi
In the series Paradise, Sarah Shahi portrays Dr. Gabriela Torabi, a confidante of both the president and Samantha, who quickly emerges as one of the enigmatic figures. Despite her apparent closeness to Samantha, she is observed assisting Agent Collins during a polygraph test, further deepening the intrigue. It’s also revealed that Dr. Torabi has been the therapist for several characters, including Collins and Samantha. While she had only one session with Collins, it is known that she was previously Samantha’s long-term therapist before joining the bunker.
In our session with Samantha, we get a glimpse into the depth of her emotional wounds. Yet, her significance extends beyond this, as it’s hinted that Dr. Torabi chose the 25,000 individuals permitted in the bunker. This suggests she may require therapeutic help more than anyone else. Fingers crossed, we’ll witness her healing journey with minimal repercussions. Sarah Shahi is renowned for her roles in acclaimed series such as “The L Word” (2004) and “Person of Interest” (2011), and has also starred in films like “Red, White & Royal Blue” and the upcoming “Black Adam”.
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2025-02-03 05:10