Paradise episode 2 and 3 recap: Collins’ past, Cal’s message, Billy and Jane’s secret, and more

Paradise has achieved a dedicated fan following with just three episodes, thanks to its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and unexpected twists. The Hulu political thriller series follows Xavier Collins, a Special Agent with close ties to the President.

However, all hell breaks loose when Collins finds President Cal Bradford bleeding to his death. This starts an investigation that uncovers some secrets from the agent and his colleagues’ past. After establishing the world and characters in the premiere episode, Paradise released episodes 2 and 3 together on January 28, 2025.

The episodes delve more into Collins’ past relationships as the investigation into the assassination continues. Here is the complete recap with all the major plot points explored in Paradise episodes 2 and 3.

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How does Samantha get involved with the government in Paradise episode 2?

Paradise episode 2 opens with a flashback sequence that depicts Samantha "Sinatra" Redmond’s connection with the government. Years before Cal Bradford became president, Sinatra met him at a conference where a speaker talked about a major global disaster.

The two had a conversation after the event, which marked the beginning of their connection. As Bradford becomes president, he decides to make her the leader of the Colorado project due to her sharp skills.

Samantha’s personal life also plays a key role in her involvement with the government. After her son, Dylan, is diagnosed with a terminal illness and succumbs to it, she becomes even more determined in life.

This makes her the perfect person to help Bradford with his underground city project. Samantha also brings in experts to work on the project and helps create a city that is prepared for the future when the world’s surface would no longer be safe to live in.

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What happened in Collins’ past?

Collins’ troubled past is revealed in Paradise episode 3 as he opens up about his strained relationship with his father and his wife’s death. His dad, Fred, was a pilot who had Parkinson's disease. Collins did not want his father to keep flying due to his condition.

When Fred refused to retire, Collins told the authorities about his father's illness, and he was forced to leave the job. This caused a rift between the two and their relationship never recovered. Talking about his wife to Dr. Torabi, Collins revealed she died in a different city during the apocalyptic event.

President Bradford could not get her on the plane in time, and hence, he holds a grudge against him. Though Collins still struggles with his past, opening up about it helps him grow closer to Torabi.

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What is Billy and Jane’s secret in Paradise?

Billy and Jane are having a secret affair in the show. Meanwhile, the two make some questionable moves that raise suspicion. In episode 3, Detective Robinson finds out the couple was turning off the CCTV cameras at the President’s residence before his death.

It turns out that Billy and Jane would use the cameras’ downtime to sneak around and play video games or steal food from the President. Meanwhile, Billy also seems to be hiding something as he pretends to be loyal to Collins, but watches over his home with a gun.

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What does Cal’s message for Collins mean?

At the end of Paradise episode 3, Dr. Torabi shares a message with Xavier Collins from the late President Bradford. After spending some time with him, she whispers to him in the shower that Cal has trusted her with a secret.

Cal wanted Torabi to tell Collins that Billy was a dangerous man. The reason for talking to Xavier in the shower is that the running water would block any listening devices. The message leaves Collins shocked and he starts to wonder if Billy is actually his friend.

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Paradise airs new episodes on Hulu on Tuesdays.