**’Paradise’ Presents an Outrageous Apocalypse with a Human Element**
In *Paradise*, the end of the world doesn’t unfold through a single disaster—it crumbles under the burden of numerous calamities occurring simultaneously. A supervolcano erupts, a gigantic megatsunami devastates cities, nuclear conflict ignites, and an earthquake shakes things up for good measure.
### A Turbulent Opening Sets the Mood
The series adopts a “more is more” philosophy from the outset. It begins with the assassination of U.S. President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) and culminates in the shocking disclosure that the narrative unfolds in an underground city built to withstand the apocalypse. And that’s merely the start of *Paradise*’s many surprises.
For much of the season, the true cause of the apocalypse remains elusive, hinted at through fragmented flashbacks and subtle clues. In episode 2, Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) witnesses a bright flash from his aircraft, implying a nuclear detonation. Later, a venture outside the bunker in episode 4 suggests nuclear winter, while episode 5 depicts the Washington Monument submerged underwater, alluding to climate change. Meanwhile, Cal learns about a possible volcanic catastrophe, and Xavier’s daughter Presley (Aliyah Mastin) ultimately finds out that nuclear bombs were unleashed in Atlanta. So, what exactly brought about the world’s demise—nuclear conflict or an environmental disaster?
The answer is both. *Paradise* doesn’t settle for merely one disaster; it inundates the viewer with everything, creating an exhilarating and tense viewing experience.
### A Disaster Film on Steroids
Episode 7, titled “The Day,” finally uncovers the entire breadth of the apocalypse. It all commences with the eruption of a towering volcano beneath the Antarctic ice sheet. The explosion propels enormous slabs of ice into the ocean, hastening rising sea levels. The eruption also instigates a titanic tsunami, traveling at 600 miles per hour and ravaging cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
While the revelation is extreme, the show adeptly foreshadows it. Earlier in episode 2, Sam “Sinatra” Redmond (Julianne Nicholson) participates in a lecture by Dr. Louge (Geoffrey Arend), who cautions that an Antarctic volcanic eruption is unavoidable. And sure enough, it occurs.
But *Paradise* doesn’t halt there. The series embraces a full *2012*-style disaster film, layering on a nuclear confrontation with Russia and even introducing a random earthquake in Los Angeles that barely receives any attention. The show attempts to weave these events together, with Dr. Louge clarifying that climate change thawed Antarctic ice, which subsequently destabilized the volcanoes. Meanwhile, Cal’s advisors propose that nuclear strikes symbolized nations’ desperate efforts to eliminate competition for dwindling resources.
Regardless of these explanations, *Paradise*’s chaotic apocalypse feels like an exercise in extravagance. Each additional disaster compounds the spectacle, making it impossible to look away. The sheer boldness of it all keeps the show captivating, even as it amplifies real-world anxieties to the extreme.
### Discovering Humanity in the Turmoil
Even with its outrageous disasters, *Paradise* maintains its footing by concentrating on the human struggle for survival. The episode pivots around Xavier as he endeavors to secure his family’s safety. His children are with Cal’s son, facilitating their unity, but his wife, Dr. Teri-Roger Collins (Enuka Okuma), is stranded in Atlanta. With communication lines severed, he battles to reach her, each failed call heightening the stress.
While Xavier and his family have an escape route, others are not as fortunate. The show underscores the harsh reality for those left behind, such as White House staffer Marsha (Amy Pietz), who realizes that she and her child will not receive any assistance. It starkly highlights the privilege entitlement of the affluent residents of Paradise, while the remainder of the world struggles to survive.
The emotional depth of these scenes tempers the spectacle, rendering “The Day” a captivating and memorable episode. From the sheer madness of the disaster sequences to the heart-wrenching human drama, *Paradise* offers a whirlwind of emotions.
*Paradise* is currently streaming on Hulu, with the Season 1 finale slated to air on March 4.