Hulu’s mystery thriller Paradise continues to develop its post-apocalyptic world in Episode 3, offering suspense, drama, and thrill. Starring Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins, a dedicated member of the President’s protection detail, the series turns from a traditional murder mystery into a complex portrayal against a world-ending calamity. With every episode, Paradise proves to be much more than meets the eye.
The Discovery of a Murder Shakes Paradise
The episode picks up where the shocking events of Episode 2 left off: Xavier discovering President Cal Bradford’s lifeless body in a pool of blood. As Xavier processes the grisly scene, the stakes intensify. The President, once a pillar of leadership in Paradise, is gone, and Xavier quickly realizes the murderer has stolen something crucial from Cal’s safe.
As a security professional, Xavier’s instincts kick in, and he locks down the residence for thirty minutes to assess the situation. During his sweep, he uncovers disturbing details: the security cameras were disabled, and Billy, a fellow member of the security detail, admits to taking an unauthorized nap during his shift. Worse still, Xavier realizes he is the last person to see Cal alive, placing him under immediate suspicion. A polygraph test later clears him, but the ordeal cements Xavier’s resolve to discover the truth.
A Post-Apocalyptic World Beneath the Surface
As the investigation unfolds, the show reveals more about Paradise's eerie, isolated world. Far from the bustling streets of Washington D.C. or the iconic White House, Paradise is an underground sanctuary, built within a mountain as a final refuge for humanity; the murder of a president in such a confined space has implications far beyond personal vendettas.
Flashbacks provide insight into Paradise’s creation, led by Samantha Redmond, a visionary billionaire who foresaw the world’s impending collapse. Haunted by personal tragedy—the death of her son, Dylan, and the struggle to protect her daughter—Samantha poured her resources into creating a self-sustaining haven. The catastrophic event she had anticipated—a massive tsunami fueled by climate change—ultimately wiped out the surface world. Now, Paradise is home to a carefully selected group of 25,000 survivors, chosen based on their skills, connections, and potential to thrive in this controlled environment.
Xavier’s backstory is also fleshed out as his inclusion in Paradise came at a personal cost; while he and his children were saved, his wife perished in the chaos above. Xavier holds Cal partially responsible for her death, a fact that fuels his complicated feelings towards the President’s murder.
Cracks in the Utopian Facade
As Episode 3 digs more profoundly, it becomes clear that Paradise is far from the idyllic haven it was intended to be. Cal Bradford’s presidency was marred by discontent. His marriage had collapsed, and he had lost the recent election, signaling his fall from power. Despite his outward demeanor, Cal was a man deeply at odds with his environment, and his strained relationships extended even to those closest to him, including Xavier.
Gabriella Tarabi, the therapist for Paradise’s elite, emerges as a key figure in the investigation. Having counseled Cal, Samantha, and Xavier, she provides valuable insight into the President’s state of mind before his death. Gabriella reveals that Cal confided in her about his distrust of Billy and his fear for his safety. Additionally, she claims Cal entrusted her with a crucial message: Xavier must uncover the truth if anything happens to him.
Suspicions and Secrets Multiply
While Billy and Jane—members of the security detail—appear suspicious due to their negligence in disabling the cameras for personal indulgence, their culpability remains unclear. The narrative hints that their incompetence might be a cover for something more sinister. Xavier, however, has his suspicions directed elsewhere.
Samantha Redmond becomes a focal point of his doubts. As the de facto ruler of Paradise, Samantha exerts immense influence, including orchestrating a media blackout of Cal’s murder to maintain public order. Xavier begins to believe she may have orchestrated the assassination to consolidate her control. This theory gains weight when he discovers a cryptic clue in one of Cal’s cigarettes—a number, 812092, scrawled on the paper. Though its value eludes Xavier, the audience learns it refers to a flight number, hinting at a mystery that transcends the confines of Paradise.
Xavier’s Quest for Answers
Episode 3 ends tense, with Xavier committed to discovering the hidden truths of Paradise, even if it means confronting Samantha herself. His journey is not only about solving the murder but also tattering the larger conspiracy that threatens the fragile stability of their world. The dynamics between the characters—Xavier’s guarded trust in Gabriella, his growing animosity towards Samantha, and the shadow of Cal’s enigmatic warning—add complexness to the narrative.
Conclusion
Episode 3 of Paradise balances character development, world-building, and suspense. By intertwining the personal stakes of Xavier’s investigation with the implications of life in a post-apocalyptic society, the show delivers a thrilling quest of survival, morality, and power. The episode leaves viewers with burning questions: What does the cryptic number mean? Can Paradise survive its internal cracks? And most importantly, who can truly be trusted in a world where survival is everything?
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