3.5/5
Trouble In Paradise
8 Episodes. Starring: Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, Glynn Turman & James Marsden. Created By: Dan Fogelman. On: Hulu & Disney +.
This is not just, 'Another Day In Paradise', like a cover of a Phil Collins song (with love to Brandy and cousin Ray-J's beautiful version) that is sung throughout this show's first season (a second has just been given the green light). Much like the soaring score from Emmy winning composer Siddhartha Khosla, in perfect piano, that strikes a chord in your chambers. Resonating and resembling the emotional and epic music from the American landmark drama series 'This Is Us'. Funny we should say that, 'Paradise' (now streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus) comes from 'This Is Us' creator and showrunner Dan Fogelman (who cut his teeth with screenplays for 'Crazy, Stupid Love', as well as various Pixar productions for Disney). Reuniting with the star of that show, and this one, 'The People Vs. OJ Simpson', 'Black Panther' and 'American Fiction' scene-stealer Sterling K. Brown. But the less said about 'Paradise', the better.
Trouble? You could say that again. As it's more desperate than American dream, white-picket fence housewives and families here. We should leave this eight episode wonder as a surprise, but it has shades of 'Wayward Pines' and 'Designated Survivor', at the same time Netflix is giving us its own 'Zero Day' with Robert De Niro's first television role, and Presidential campaign. This post-apocalyptic political thriller with a dash of science fiction (we've already said too much, but the doomsday clock is ticking) will already find its fans thanks to Brown, who gives a sterling and stirring performance, like he did in movies like 'Marshall' and 'Waves'. That's just what one TIME's 'Most Influential People' will do to you. In this show, that's like 'WandaVision' reading a Stephen King novel between a book of spells, Brown's at his best when co-piloting scenes with his character's ailing father (played fondly by the great Glynn Turman). Or the President of this Hulu campaign, not in competition with De Niro, but in alliance against the man that really should take his leave of office.
Remember when Martin Sheen was so good in 'The West Wing' that American viewers would have rather had him as POTUS? Well, even though right now, a Cheeto would probably better than what's sitting at the desk of the Oval Office (but I digress, because believe me, I hate speaking like this. I still believe in the grace of redemption, like 'Daredevil'), James Marsden makes his mark. Charismatic and charming like he was in 'Enchanted' and 'Hairspray', the 'X-Men' Cyclops, 'Superman Returns' and 'Westworld' star is a JFK-esque President, ready to do the right thing, like in 'The Notebook', no matter what it means for him. I mean, the 51-year-old (WHAT?!) already portrayed Kennedy in 'The Butler', so this was not too much of a stretch. But consider that the blueprint to his inspired inauguration here. Being asked to do for his country, something no man should be asked to decide himself. There's grit underneath that grace. And in the powerful penultimate episode, when he and his closest aid (Sterling K. Brown) get into detail, The Emmys get to polishing.
To be frank, it's not just them. Elsewhere, she may not have blue eyes, but 'August: Osage County' star Julianne Nicholson (check out the TV credits, 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' (well, after the Oscars, who hasn't been on 'Law & Order'), 'Masters Of Sex', 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'Mare Of Easttown') is sensational as Sinatra in so many suits you thought Washington D.C. had turned into Las Vegas (oh, it's something MUCH worse) in this Rat Pack big-three. Still keeping this secret like the service, we also have fine performances from Sarah Shai's ('Person Of Interest') psychotherapist and grief counsel, the agent of Nicole Brydon Bloom and Aliyah Mastin and Percy Daggs IV as Brown's kids. Amongst many more when it comes to regular and recurring guest stars who make themselves welcome to future projects and the seasons to come under this one's umbrella. This seemingly perfect 'Paradise' has been a mystery of intrigue ever since its three-episode premiere that seemed to come out of nowhere in the New Year. Sure, the finale felt a little flat, but enough of all that. There's clearly more to come. And this show is a reflection on the world as we see it right now. One we can't make heads or tails of ourselves. This is us, or this is the US? TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming: 'This Is Us', 'Wayward Pines', 'Designated Survivor'.
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