Hulu’s latest drama, Paradise, offers a captivating premise and a standout lead performance. As a political sci-fi thriller, it signifies a promising addition to the television landscape this year. However, despite its intriguing concept, the series often appears more compelling in theory than in execution. Dan Fogelman, known for creating This Is Us, shifts gears in tone while retaining his collaboration with Oscar nominee Sterling K. Brown, whose performance remains a highlight.
Although Paradise maintains an engaging pace, it often feels like a conventional network production rather than the high-caliber content it aspires to be. There is hope that upcoming seasons could enhance its quality. If it were branded as an FX show rather than simply a Hulu offering, it might elevate from good to truly great.
Paradise Works for What It’s Trying to Be
Even Though We See the Plot Beats Coming
Fogelman, with his track record of compelling television, leverages his prior success in This Is Us to bring weight to Paradise. The show’s narrative structure echoes the storytelling style found in early 2010s television, where some plot developments can be anticipated. While this familiarity isn’t inherently negative, it does present challenges as the stakes escalate. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of every artistic endeavor to fulfill the creator’s vision, and by that standard, Paradise succeeds.
The premise itself is enticing—a society’s collapse leads to the creation of an underground utopia, disrupted by unforeseen challenges. With Brown’s name attached, the show bears the mark of potential success, further bolstered by Fogelman’s ambition.
Sterling K. Brown’s Performance is Undeniable in Paradise
Fresh off an Oscar nomination for American Fiction, Brown continues to shine in the television arena with Paradise. His charismatic presence, coupled with James Marsden’s affable portrayal of a likable president, provides an appealing dynamic. However, the narrative’s twists become apparent as viewers become engrossed in the world of the show. The synergy between Brown and Marsden elevates the material, making their shared scenes particularly noteworthy.
Paradise Will Work as Long as Your Expectations Are in Check
The show’s production design and cinematography deserve commendation, working diligently to enhance the viewing experience. Although outdoor scenes deliberately feature less-than-ideal lighting to reflect the characters’ realities, the film’s overall visual execution remains strong. Many wide shots are artistically composed, while the use of handheld camera movements effectively conveys Brown’s disorientation during pivotal moments. While parts of the narrative require improvement, these issues stem largely from the script rather than the visual presentation.
On a platform like Hulu, Paradise is poised to attract an audience quickly due to its unique atmosphere and Brown’s undeniable talent. Fogelman’s writing taps into Brown’s ability to convey both intensity and empathy, making his performance a standout element of the show.
As Fogelman ventures into the sci-fi genre with Paradise, the overall magic may not be fully realized just yet. With an eight-episode first season, there is ample opportunity for the series to find its rhythm. Despite moments of cheesiness and predictable plot points, these factors are unlikely to doom the show. With strong visual elements and substantial potential, Paradise is set to deliver entertainment, provided viewer expectations are tempered.
The first three episodes of Paradise are available for streaming on Hulu starting January 28, with subsequent episodes airing weekly each Tuesday.
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