Did Paradise Already Reveal Who Killed THAT Character?
Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Paradise episodes 1-3.Sterling K. Brown's new thriller show combines sci-fi elements with a murder mystery, but Paradise may already have revealed who was responsible for killing one major character. Shortly after getting to know Xavier Collins and what his occupation is, we quickly find out that he failed his main assignment, as the President is murdered inside his own home. Although James Marsden's character looks like he will remain a major part of Paradise's cast going forward, President Bradford's death set the entire plot into motion, making it seem as though the identity of his killer would be the show's biggest mystery.
Instead, Paradise episode 3's ending appeared to reveal who the killer is, setting up a much different show from what was first expected. Rather than trying to uncover the clues to who was responsible, it seems like understanding the killer's motivation and what other secrets are lying beneath the surface will be the story's main focus. However, with five episodes still to go and potentially more seasons on the way, the answer may not be quite as straightforward as it looks, creating questions about whether the series really has exposed its murderer, or if it's all a red herring.
Paradise Episode 3 Seemed To Suggest Billy Was Responsible For Killing The President
Cal's Killer May Have Already Been Revealed Just 3 Episodes In
Image via Hulu
Despite looking like one of the initial prime suspects, Billy's attempt to help Xavier uncover the truth alongside his embarrassing reason for turning the cameras off seemed to clear him. His relationship with Jane and his friendship with the protagonist appeared to be genuine, but episode 3 threw it all into question by pointing the finger at Billy for the President's murder. After Xavier and Gabriela spent most of the episode together, the psychologist told the main character that the President was behaving strangely shortly before his death, suggesting she may have an idea of who killed him.
This was confirmed when she informed Xavier that the President claimed Billy was dangerous, with the episode cutting to him driving outside the protagonist's house with a gun inside his car. Given he was inside the house when the murder took place, turned off the cameras, and seemingly wanted to kill Xavier at the end of the episode, Paradise clearly wants its viewers to believe Billy is the murderer. In addition, this reveal came at the end of its three simultaneously released episodes, making the cliffhanger the last thing on people's minds as they wait for the next installment.
All the information given so far heavily implies that Billy is responsible for killing Cal, which feels like a major bombshell to drop so early into the season.
Therefore, all the information given so far heavily implies that Billy is responsible for killing Cal, which feels like a major bombshell to drop so early into the season. Given that 2025's Paradise has received strong reviews so far, removing the show's most enticing element also comes across as a major gamble, one that can't afford to derail the story.
The Murder Mystery Is Paradise’s Most Exciting Aspect
The Vast Amount Of Suspects Makes Uncovering The Truth So Enjoyable
While Paradise has many exciting elements, the murder mystery aspect is its most enticing. The show has already introduced plenty of intriguing characters who are associated with Cal in one way or another, making it extremely engaging trying to piece together the evidence and find out who would have wanted him dead. Several characters all appear to have major secrets and potentially hidden motivations, with the sci-fi undertones only adding to how interesting the show is. It also helps elevate the show's other big questions, such as the truth about Paradise's world-ending event and Samantha's real purpose.
These other mysteries and storylines are still easy to get invested in, but without having the secrets around the President's murder, the show risks losing its main hook. If Paradise really has given away its killer so early, making sure the secrets about the underground town and its creation become so much more important, and they'll have to really shine to make up for losing such a key element. With the first three episodes acting as a strong start, Paradise can hopefully remain entertaining throughout, and another twist regarding President Cal Bradford's death would help massively.
How Paradise Can Continue To Keep The Killer’s Identity A Mystery
Gabriela Could Be Lying About Billy's Involvement
Image via Hulu
In a show full of mysteries, it's hard to take anything at face value, meaning the killer's identity could still contain some major twists. While it seems like Billy is the main suspect so far, a lot can change over the coming weeks, and continuing to keep viewers guessing would be the best move going forward. Paradise shouldn't outright prove Billy is innocent, but casting doubt on his involvement while placing suspicion on others would keep the mystery alive. Although Gabriela has been helpful to Xavier so far, there could be more than meets the eye regarding her character.
New episodes of Paradise are released every Tuesday on Hulu.
Her ties to Samantha throw into question how trustworthy she really is, and the fact she is so good at reading and influencing others suggests she could have been pulling the strings the whole time, hence directing Xavier's investigation towards Billy. Jane also remains a wildcard that could be more involved than her innocent demeanor indicates, and Samantha is naturally worth questioning given her overall role. With Paradise being a genuinely unique and fascinating murder mystery so far, presenting some evidence that Billy may not be the killer would keep things interesting, even if he is eventually found guilty.
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