Musk-ified Whodunit: How Elon’s Politics Twist Paradise’s Sinatra into a Killer Crime Saga

Paradise: Unlocking the Secrets of a Sci-Fi Thriller

In the midst of a seismic turn, Paradise, Hulu’s new sci-fi thriller, takes a bold step into the unknown. The series premieres with a presidential assassination, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg in this Lost-esque narrative. Yet, it’s not just the plot twists that make Paradise twitchers, but the intriguing performances and philosophical questions that lie beyond the surface.

Flashbacks and Mafia Connections

Episode 2 delves deeper into the post-apocalyptic operation, and we meet "Sinatra" (Julianne Nicholson), a tech billionaire who’s the mastermind behind the underground bunkers. As Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) investigates the murder in the present, we see President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) preparing for the worst in the flashbacks.

The Power of Grief

In an interview, writer Katie French reveals that they wanted to create a complex character like Sinatra, a powerful woman with a warm, human side. "We knew that we wanted her to be this incredibly powerful woman," French says. "I remember early on, Dan asked the room if she should be more of this hardass tough lady, or when we were still casting, should we go a little bit older, a little bit warmer? I was like: ‘Let’s do the mommy version of this. Let her be a mother.’"

Mommy Issues

Sinatra’s arc takes an unexpected turn with the death of her son, leaving her to grapple with grief. The sequence humbra is just the punchline, but writers see it as a humanizing moment for the character. "We really need her to have this story if she has everything in the world that you could possibly want," French explains. "But there are some things that are outside of your control and that can still crush you."

The Web of Power

Despite her bottomless pockets and drive, Sinatra can’t wield the power to save her child. French notes that the sequence sets the stage for the rest of the season, exploring the ways in which individuals with immense power respond to tragedy.

Key Points to Take Away

• Sinatra’s character: A complex, multidimensional figure with a warm, human side, struggling with the weight of her grief.
• The series’ focus: Unpacking the human cost of power and the moral implications of protecting one’s loved ones in a world on the brink.
• Paradise’s true nature: A reflection of the show’s themes, where the boundaries between human and godlike beings blur.

Stream Paradise Now

Catch up on the first three episodes of Paradise on Hulu, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.