Tue Jan 28 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Hulu’s “Paradise”: A Twist-Heavy Drama With Stellar Performances

**Los Angeles, CA** – Hulu’s new drama series, *Paradise*, created by Dan Fogelman, features a compelling central mystery but ultimately hinges on a twist revealed relatively early in the eight-episode run. While the twist itself isn’t entirely unexpected, the series benefits from strong performances from its lead actors, Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, and Julianne Nicholson.

The show centers on Xavier Collins (Brown), the head of security for former President Cal Bradford (Marsden), who is found dead. Xavier, defying protocol, launches his own investigation, leading to suspicion and intrigue. The investigation involves a cast of characters including a nebulous billionaire (Nicholson), a suspicious colleague (Jon Beavers), and a psychiatrist (Sarah Shahi).

While the whodunit aspect is a driving force, the series’ core is revealed to be something more complex. The reviewer notes that the show utilizes flashbacks to reveal backstory and add shading to the narrative. Although Marsden’s character dies early, his presence remains significant throughout the series.

While the reviewer praises Brown’s performance, highlighting his ability to portray grief and rage convincingly, Nicholson’s character is deemed underutilized. Beavers delivers a standout performance, described as potentially a breakout role. The reviewer also points to strong supporting performances from Gerald McRaney and Glynn Turman.

The show’s pacing and tonal shifts are noted, with the seventh episode described as a powerful but tonally distinct departure from the previous episodes. Despite some criticism of the predictability of the central twist and inconsistencies in one character’s arc, *Paradise* is deemed generally engaging and watchable, leaving room for future seasons to explore the implications of the revealed premise.

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