By the end of the first season of *Paradise*, we understood the unsettling environment of the underground bunker that typified the show. Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) ventures into the mountains in search of his wife, Teri (Enuka Okuma), who he believes is alive alongside many others out there. South Sinatra (Julian Nicholson) was shot by Jane Driscoll (Nicole Brydon Bloom), who chose not to kill her, leaving chaos looming over Paradise. In the opening hour of Season 2, however, we become acquainted with a brand-new character.
Does *Paradise* Season 2 Deserve a Watch?
Opening scene: A teenage girl rides a shuttle bus through the gates of Graceland.
Key moments: The girl visits Graceland daily, reporting back to her Elvis-obsessed mother, who seems less active or possibly disabled.
A few years down the line, we find ourselves at a hospital. Annie (Shailene Woodley), now studying medicine, is emotionally shaken upon seeing a woman with the same deep vein thrombosis that took her mother’s life. She quits her job, leading to tears in her car outside Graceland. A security guard (Angel Raketa Moore) mentions he’s looking for a tour guide, and Annie realizes she’s more than qualified for that role.
While in the middle of a tour, the catastrophic ‘Day’ occurs. Armed with supplies, she grabs a silver gun displayed for tourists and heads to the basement. But after losing a prison guard, she spends the following three years mostly in solitude, as a thick layer of ash blocks sunlight, making Memphis a frozen wasteland.
Then, a few months later, a group of men bursts through the gates, led by a young man named Link (Thomas Doherty). Annie, protective of the mansion that has become her home, is initially wary. But Link and his crew eventually show her they mean no harm.
They share their theories about the day that changed everything, including the idea that an electromagnetic wave from superpowers knocked out all electronics. Link, who was attending the California Institute of Technology during the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Antarctica, talks about underground bunkers in Colorado packed with resources that could “restart the world,” though there’s an underlying danger he senses but can’t articulate fully.
Recollection: *Paradise* has been likened to Dan Fogelman’s earlier work, particularly *This Is Us*, for its time-jump storytelling. Yet in Season 2, it feels as if he and his writers are blending the vibes of *This Is Us* with notions from *The Walking Dead*.
Our thoughts: Fans of *This Is Us* know Fogelman isn’t shy about beginning a new season far from where the last one ended. Instead of continuing where we left off, we meet Annie in Season 2 of *Paradise*.
This shift has its benefits. Woodley effectively portrays a character whose tumultuous life before “The Day” seems to have prepared her to survive on her own. Through her perspective, we gain insight into the world outside Paradise in the three years after that catastrophic day, revealing that—despite a lack of electricity—hope persists, and people like Link and his group are making their way to Colorado with determination.
Moreover, the emotional arc as Annie and Link work through mistrust to form a bond is quite poignant. Having been alone for so long, Annie’s journey to allow someone else in is significant. Unexpected developments take place, but it leaves us questioning why she didn’t join Link and his crew on their mission.
This episode also touches on Xavier’s activities outside the bunker, leading up to his encounter with Annie. We see how he arrives at his situation by the end, and they ultimately team up. However, we’re curious about how the outside events—especially with the ambiguity surrounding Sinatra and the public’s realization of their deception—will intertwine with the story inside. Though the theme of humanity as the real villain has been a prevalent trope, one hopes Fogelman and his team will offer a fresh perspective.
Highlight performance: Shailene Woodley’s portrayal of Annie in this first episode stands out as she navigates not just her survival but the emotional weight of living in what feels like the world’s end.
Romantic elements: There are intimate moments between Annie and Link, but they come across more as beautiful connections rather than overtly sensual.
Closing scene: Annie returns her horse to the Graceland stable and discovers Xavier Collins among the wreckage of a plane crash.
Future stars: We can expect to see more of Sarah Shahi, Aliya Mastin, Kris Marshall, Charlie Evans, and yes, James Marsden in Season 2.
Most memorable line: A lighthearted quip made during Annie’s tour regarding an Elvis impersonator involved in a bus accident was pretty much the highlight.
Our conclusion: We say stream it. The second season of *Paradise* presents a distinctly different atmosphere compared to the first but effectively conveys that “the end of the world” isn’t truly the end, as it introduces new characters and stories unfolding outside of Paradise.
