Aarcflick

 Disney+’s new thriller series Paradise follows Agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) as he investigates a high-profile murder in the town of Paradise, an idyllic vision of anywhere in the U.S., reserved for the highest echelon of American society. By the way, I’m almost certain the town center is the same setting used for Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls. I’d recognize that gazebo anywhere. Paradise starts off strong, but having been let down by so many streaming mystery series over the past decade, it’s hard not to approach any new drama with a hint of skepticism. However, after 40 minutes of brilliant pacing, stunning cinematography, great performances, and the exploration of a genuinely engaging little world, I had to admit that Paradise was laying down some particularly juicy bait. In the final minutes of episode one, when the story reveals its first major twist, I took that bait — hook, line, and sinker. I should have known, but I couldn’t help myself. Stars: Sterling K. Brow...