The season finale of Paradise has significant unanswered questions, including the whereabouts of a presidential assassin. However, after the seventh episode, one major mystery is solved: the compelling reason for the sheltering of 250,000 Americans in an underground bunker.
Exploring “The Day”
The episode titled “The Day” presents a devastating answer, creating an emotional impact that is hard to shake off. It is crafted by writers John Hoberg, and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, both of whom also helmed the show’s pilot. The episode strips away some of the sensational aspects of earlier episodes, opting instead for a dark and somber tone that has resonated with viewers.
Note: This section includes spoilers for Paradise episode 7, “The Day.”
Plot Overview
The narrative picks up from the cliffhanger of episode six, showcasing Xavier (played by Sterling K. Brown) confronting the villainous billionaire Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson). Sinatra reveals a shocking truth: Xavier’s wife, thought to be deceased, is alive. She divulges that expeditions to the surface have uncovered that life still thrives in various parts of the country, even in cities like Atlanta, which Xavier believes to have been destroyed.
The episode delves into the catastrophic moment when a supervolcano erupted beneath the Antarctic ice sheet. The explosion released millions of tons of ash, melting significant portions of ice and creating a tsunami that obliterated coastlines, devastating locations like Australia and Washington D.C. within a matter of hours.
Research and Development
Writer John Hoberg has emphasized the extensive research that informed the series’ premise. The choice to depict the Antarctic caldera eruption was derived from its environmental significance, which raises questions about climate change. The disaster was designed to be a predictable yet critical event, allowing for the creation of an underground sanctuary while still catching the authorities off guard.
Hoberg elaborates on disasters as cascading effects of human behavior, expressing that the actions taken by governments, aimed at securing resources in a crisis, could lead to further conflicts.
Immediate Fallout
Following the volcanic eruption, nations reacted with alarming aggression, launching nuclear weapons in a show of power. President Bradford (James Marsden) faced immense pressure to respond militarily as chaos erupted above ground. The episode juxtaposes these high-stakes government decisions against the raw human experience of fear and uncertainty.
Inspirations Behind “The Day”
Drawing from cinematic influences, Hoberg credits Tony Scott’s film Crimson Tide for inspiration regarding the intricate tension and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. The episode is structured to feel real-time, immersing the audience in the panic and urgency experienced by those trapped within the White House.
Directorial Approach
Directors Requa and Ficarra, known for their work in character-driven comedies, approached the script’s gravitas by embracing a more documentary-like style. They orchestrated scenes in a theatrical manner, shooting longer sequences to enhance spontaneity. By altering the aspect ratio, they adapted the visual storytelling to amplify the chaos of the unfolding crisis.
Realistic Reactions
To capture genuine emotional responses, the team filmed faux news clips in advance, allowing actors to react in real-time as events transpired on screen. The atmosphere aimed to replicate the overwhelming feelings of confusion and despair felt during real-world tragedies.
Political Undertones
Through its narrative, Paradise raises socio-political questions about privilege and survival during crises. The episode critiques the disparity between those deemed worthy of survival and those left behind, echoing themes relevant to contemporary society.
Currently, Paradise is available for streaming on Hulu, with its highly anticipated finale airing on March 4.