What is the ‘Paradise’ plot twist everyone is talking about?

Warning: Spoilers ahead for “Paradise.”
“Paradise” is the latest show to captivate audiences with its unexpected twists and turns.
From the creator of “This Is Us” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” Dan Fogelman is no stranger to plot twists that leave viewers wanting more. His latest Hulu drama starring Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden is no different.
The first three episodes of “Paradise” were released earlier than expected, with the first episode airing on Jan. 26 followed by the other two episodes on Jan. 28. The first episode, titled “Wildcat is Down,” ended with a shocking discovery that people did not see coming.
Read on to learn more about “Paradise” and the plot twist at the end of the first episode.
What is ‘Paradise’ about?
“Paradise” is an eight-episode drama-thriller centered around Special Agent Xavier Collins (Brown), a man who is assigned to protect former President Cal Bradford (Marsden).
In the first episode it’s revealed that Bradford has been killed and Collins, a single father of two, is soon made the No. 1 suspect.
Throughout the investigation into president’s murder, there are flashbacks of when Collins was first selected by President Bradford to protect him in office. It also shows their complex relationship over the years, including Collins taking a bullet for Bradford and their argument just hours before the former president’s death.
What is the plot twist in Episode 1 of ‘Paradise’?
The season premiere begins with a bit of foreshadowing as Special Agent Collins greets his neighbor Carl and says, “A little chilly this morning, huh?”
Carl says, “It’ll warm up soon,” to which Collins replies, “Always does.”
Their seemingly innocent conversation is a subtle indication that in their town, everything is always on schedule.
Viewers are able to connect the dots by the end of the first episode during a flashback where General Curtleigh (Scott Lawrence) tells Collins that he will be learning top secret and highly-classified information.
“We are preparing for a massive catastrophe that could cause an extinction-level event for humanity in the very near, very real future,” the general tells Collins in the Oval office. “In preparation, we have begun construction underneath a mountain in Colorado.”
He says that when completed, it will be their only chance of survival and “the world’s largest underground city.”
Meanwhile, in between scenes in the present day, Collins is seen running through a picture-perfect town with advanced technology and fake ducks. It’s noted on a sign that dawn is delayed by two hours.
It ends with Collins looking up at the sky, only for viewers to discover that he is already living in the underground bunker.
When does ‘Paradise’ air?
The second and third episodes share more about tech billionaire Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond’s (Julianne Nicholson) backstory. It also shows Collins being interrogated after Bradford is found dead.
While a formal investigation in underway, Collins is also seen trying to find answers about the president’s death. This includes speaking to his therapist Dr. Gabriel Torabi (Sarah Shahi) and others who may offer insight.
The season is expected to involve more twists and reveal more secrets. New episodes of “Paradise” will air weekly on Hulu on Tuesdays. Episodes are also expected to air on ABC and FX. Check your local listings.
See the Hulu release schedule for “Paradise” below.
Episode 4: Feb. 4
Episode 5: Feb. 11
Episode 6: Feb. 18
Episode 7: Feb. 25
Episode 8: March 4