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Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden say ‘Paradise’ brings twists and existential questions

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Could we see a future team-up between “This Is Us” creators Dan Fogelman and Sterling K. Brown that won’t leave the audience in tears?

In the fictional television universe crafted by Fogelman, titled “Paradise” on Hulu, Brown portrays CIA agent Xavier Collins, a character under suspicion for the assassination of President Cal Bradford, played by James Marsden.

But did he? Or is someone else responsible? And is that the only question we should be focused on?

For six captivating seasons, “This Is Us” created by Fogelman kept viewers on edge with its emotional storytelling through time jumps, weaving unconventional twists and turns that mirrored life itself. In “Paradise”, Fogelman applies his talent for unexpected plots, this time in a political-thriller genre centered around a conspiracy. Although it may not evoke as many tears, death is still a looming theme in this series. True to Fogelman’s style, the finale of the pilot episode hints at something greater: The narrative unfolds within an enclosed community founded by a tech mogul, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson, following a catastrophic event that could lead to the end of humanity.

Interestingly, the series isn’t political at its core despite being centered around a president, according to Fogelman. It doesn’t actively promote issues like climate change, but rather presents a sequence of events as they happen. Fogelman admits he’s not knowledgeable enough to create content with a specific agenda, but the current societal topics and conversations seem to seep into the show subtly.

And the questions that drive the season, according to Fogelman, won’t overstay their welcome.

Fogelman explained that his intention was to provide a full meal to viewers who watch the first season of ‘This Is Us’. He mentioned that one challenge they faced during the show’s creation was that it wasn’t a murder mystery, but rather had a mystery that kept the story moving. It took them 14 episodes to address this mystery. Given the time it has taken to get the show back on air and considering the nature of the series, Fogelman felt it was crucial that by the end of the first season, all eight episodes, every question raised would be answered.

Here are three episodes out of the season’s total of eight are currently available for streaming. In a recent interview in Los Angeles, Brown and Marsden discussed the shocking turn of events in the series, their characters’ reactions to crises they face, and the art of acting from behind.

Generally, Dan tends to hold back information regarding his surprises and revelations. So, how much were you aware of the last surprise in the pilot’s ending?

He didn’t share any details with me, only asking me to read it. This is something he often does, as I believe he doesn’t want feedback or notes. Instead, he wants to present the script and say, “This is what the show will be. If you like it, that’s great. If not, I’ll find another place.” So, I read it and found myself immersed in its world – much like with “This Is Us” – only to be surprised at the end. I didn’t expect it, and I must say, he pulled off another brilliant twist. Kudos to him for continuously adding depth to his stories.

Dan’s fascination with the intricacies of human experiences, emotions, and relationships, as well as the complexities they present, serves as a rich source of inspiration for him. Regardless of whether the storyline is elegant, dramatic, or chaotic, the essence of a Dan-created show lies in the portrayal of humans and their relationships, and how these are influenced by various circumstances.

Television

In simple terms, the showrunner Dan Fogelman guides us step by step as he orchestrates the final episode of the NBC drama series that everyone’s been eagerly waiting for.

At the conclusion of the initial episode, your character, Sterling, receives confidential information about a looming global catastrophe threatening the survival of humanity. Is it possible for you, Sterling, to maintain this secret?

I’d be concerned about how others might respond when I share something significant with them. I would likely frame it as “Here’s some information that might seem unusual, but I need you to use it wisely without getting overwhelmed or scared.” I wouldn’t share it with everyone because it carries a heavy responsibility. Broadcasting it indiscriminately wouldn’t have been the desired reaction from the wider population. It’s a challenging situation to be in, holding such information.

Marsden expresses concern, stating, “Indeed, I’d feel profound remorse if my actions had a negative impact on those dear to me. However, the question we explore in the series is something like: ‘If you can maintain this secret for your own gain, is that really fair?’ Personally, I’d argue that if this information causes unnecessary panic or reaches the wrong hands, our situation could worsen even more rapidly.

Brown: You might’ve needed to step in and protect me, buddy. If I wasn’t comfortable with this information, you could have said something like, “Alright, he’s no longer on the CIA assignment.

Is our current perspective suggesting that there’s no chance for a paradisiacal outcome? In other words, are we considering this as an irreversible, final state? Frankly, I wouldn’t express it in such terms.

Given the current situation, I can’t help but wonder what your response might be in such circumstances. In those moments of uncertainty and decision-making about what to keep with you, how do you think you’d react?

It’s quite intriguing since the recent Los Angeles fires occurred, and my sympathies are with everyone affected by this tragedy. A couple of friends of mine have unfortunately lost their homes. While you may know about the actors from “This Is Us” who experienced losses and damages, a close friend of mine from Stanford, a lawyer, had his home of approximately 12 years completely destroyed. I was abroad at the time, working on a project, when this happened. We have a Marco Polo group thread, and my friend shared the challenging process of deciding what to take during such emergencies. He had thought he’d return to his house but didn’t get a chance to gather everything he wanted. My wife and I then discussed what items we would prioritize saving, and she became frustrated with my choices. I focused on keeping some mementos and workout clothes since I needed to exercise the following day. She suggested I could buy more, but it was difficult for me to make decisions due to the overwhelming nature of the situation. I suppose one has to engage in a thought experiment or else become paralyzed by the enormity of it all.

Marsden: I was on a drive when I spotted the Sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills from afar, which prompted us to evacuate too. Although it wasn’t as severe as the fires in Palisades and Altadena, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anxious calm. It was a thought like, “I’m safe down here, not up there.” It’s unfortunate that people lost their homes, possessions, and precious memories, including family photos. But for me, it was a realization that my children and family were secure. I knew others were in worse situations at the moment, so I figured I’d be okay too. I didn’t feel an urge to rush up there and retrieve belongings. Perhaps it was shock or a coping mechanism, or just shutting down.

James, since you’ve portrayed a genuine president, John F. Kennedy, in the past, it means you had something to draw upon and develop for that role. Could you share some insights into your discussions with Dan when he was describing the kind of leader Cal would become, particularly during critical moments like this one?

Marsden described Cal as having some parallels with Kennedy, particularly in terms of communication skills and intelligence. However, unlike Kennedy, they weren’t trying to replicate him; instead, they focused on understanding Cal as an individual. Marsden found it intriguing that Cal has the position but doesn’t desire it. He’s more like this because his family has conditioned him to be so. This provided a unique starting point for developing Cal’s character, prompting questions about what motivates him, what he values, and how he deals with his regrets and unfulfilled promises. The character evolved significantly throughout the show, which Marsden found exciting because Cal was a person, not just a president.

Dan’s concept has been simmering for roughly ten years, and the program isn’t primarily focused on addressing the political issues of the present. However, events have progressed – be it the pressing matter of climate change or the ongoing political developments.

Brown: Indeed, it’s hard not to pay attention. I believe the series raises an intriguing query about who truly wields power. What constitutes this real power? The unusual partnership between capitalism and politics, and should they be as closely linked as they are? Could we benefit from a bit more separation? I personally contend that the answer to that is yes. Recently, I came across something on my Instagram that suggested the 400 wealthiest white individuals in America have an income equal to all Black people in the country, while the collective wealth of the 1000 richest white people surpasses that of African Americans and Latinos in America. It’s mind-blowing! So, is government for the people or for those who can finance campaigns? I feel like the show subtly touches on this issue. As for the climate, it seems to be saying, “We need to take care of our planet, man.” We cannot afford to be reckless. There are many warnings about what will happen if we don’t change our ways.

Marsden: This situation is alarming, and nobody welcomes its existence. But what can be done about it? How do we distinguish facts from all the false information circulating? Is this something we’ll eventually need to live with, or is there a way around it?

Imagine being informed about an underground community existing in Colorado, and you’ve been chosen to join it. Would you be inclined to participate, or would you say something like, “I prefer not to go below ground”? If you were to accept the invitation, what basic items or essentials would you want to bring along with you?

Marsden: Your people. If you can’t have your people, I’m staying.

John: I concur with your viewpoint. In a situation where it’s about survival or our lives, I’d join if I can bring along my family. But if I must face this alone without my loved ones, I’d rather be with them and we’ll all journey towards the afterlife together.

Marsden: If such an event occurred, it’d be a swift game of chance. Despite the survival instinct urging you to gather all your people, you find yourself observing as the rest of the world disintegrates. The feeling would be a mix of guilt and sorrow, tinged with happiness because you have your loved ones.

And the chili cheese fries, which are apparently a must in this makeshift world.

They aren’t produced from genuine milk. Giving up animal products might be challenging, but it’s not appropriate to emit methane in a cave. It’s not a desirable situation.

In the closing scenes of Episode 3, there’s an unexpected revelation for you – a shower scene featuring your character’s posterior. I was curious to know how you felt upon reading this in the script. Did you anticipate this twist?

Marsden: I’m an admirer of the human physique, male or female. Thank God it’s him.

Brown: [laughs]

Marsden: And I thought I was in shape!

Following Brown’s Lead: I maintain a well-toned physique, and I’m proud of it. I place significant emphasis on my posterior chain, as it holds great importance for me. After all, a substantial amount of power is rooted in the back.

Marsden: What is the posterior chain?

Brown: Posterior chain is everything up and down the backside of your body and the posterior.

Marsden: I have a posterior ch—. Not a fully developed chain.

James’ character has met his end. However, should James become available again, and if the opportunity arises for a flashback scene in our writers’ room, we might be able to resurrect this character for Season 2, assuming we are commissioned for further work that includes that particular scene.

Marsden: I could work this thing out for 20 years and I would never look like this man.

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2025-01-28 14:37

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