Paradise Episode 1 Ending Twist Explained: A Murder Mystery with an Apocalyptic Shock

Dan Fogelman, known for delivering jaw-dropping twists in This Is Us and Pitch, has outdone himself with Paradise, Hulu’s new drama. While the first episode titled, “Wildcat is Down" begins as a murder mystery involving the president of the United States and his Secret Service head, the series takes a bold turn that completely reframes its premise.

The Setup: A Murder in the Oval Office

Sterling K. Brown stars as Xavier Collins, the diligent and disciplined head of security for President Cal Bradford (played by James Marsden). Xavier’s day begins in what seems like an idyllic small town, complete with white picket fences and a calm routine. However, everything changes when he discovers the president dead in a pool of blood inside a heavily secured estate.

The initial investigation reveals glaring anomalies: the security cameras were offline for two hours during the murder, and a safe in the president's room was left open and empty. With a growing sense of unease, Xavier begins piecing together the events leading to Bradford’s death, including suspicious behavior from key characters such as First Lady Bradford and Xavier’s own colleagues.

The First Major Clues

Flashbacks reveal a complex dynamic between Xavier and the president. Bradford, a charming yet unpredictable leader, recruited Xavier not only for his skills but also for the optics of having a Black man as his closest protector. Their conversations hinted at deeper secrets, including a cryptic remark about a “smart move” when Xavier discussed limiting his family size. As Xavier recalls these exchanges, he uncovers subtle but alarming inconsistencies in Bradford’s behavior before his death.

Adding to the mystery, a blood-marked cigarette pack found at the scene features a cryptic number written on one cigarette: 812092. This clue, coupled with reports of the president’s tense relationships and clandestine meetings, suggests that the murder is part of a much larger conspiracy.

The Sci-Fi Twist: A City Beneath a Mountain

Just as the pieces of the murder mystery start to come together, Paradise drops its bombshell. Xavier steps outside and encounters a surreal reality: the picturesque town is an artificial construct. Mechanical ducks are repaired like machines, and a public announcement casually declares that dawn will be delayed by two hours for maintenance. The revelation? The town is part of an underground city built beneath a mountain, shielding its residents from an apocalyptic disaster that devastated the rest of the world.

What this Means for the Series

The ending of episode one redefines Paradise from a straightforward political thriller to a high-stakes sci-fi drama. The dual narrative—a murder investigation intertwined with the secrets of this underground world—raises countless questions. What catastrophic event led humanity to retreat underground? How does the president’s murder connect to this larger context? And what role does Xavier play in uncovering the truth?

Dan Fogelman’s ability to layer intrigue upon intrigue ensures Paradise is more than just a mystery, it’s a world waiting to be unraveled. With a stellar cast that includes Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, and Gerald McRaney, the series promises plenty of twists as it explores the consequences of humanity’s darkest secrets.

Where can you Watch Paradise?

The first episode of Paradise is now streaming on Hulu, with the next two episodes set to premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. New episodes will then stream weekly every Tuesday.