Alex-Dylan Connection in Season 3

SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for the “Paradise” Season 2 finale, now streaming on Hulu.

As “Paradise” heads into Season 3, Xavier Collins (played by Sterling K. Brown) faces a new mission. However, the conclusion of Season 2 leaves it uncertain whether he will undertake this task. The Dan Fogelman drama’s second season finale became available on Hulu this Monday.

Titled “Exodus,” the final episode of “Paradise” Season 2 reveals that the mysterious “Alex” protected by Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson) is an advanced supercomputer, potentially capable of time travel. This device was created by Link (Thomas Doherty), who is now determined to shut it down, fearing it has developed a mind of its own and poses more of a threat than a solution to humanity’s problems.

In the meantime, Sinatra develops a theory that Link might actually be her deceased son, Dylan, brought back through Alex’s capabilities. She believes Alex holds the key to reversing Earth’s dire situation, with Xavier as the one destined to solve the mystery. Instructions left by Alex for a “User X” lead Sinatra to believe Xavier is the intended user. Before sacrificing herself to destroy the bunker, she urges Xavier to approach Alex, convinced that he may have already succeeded in the future, as evidenced by timeline anomalies like Link/Dylan.

“This is Fogelman’s take on the multiverse,” Brown explained to Variety. “Any show delving into genres like science fiction ultimately toys with the idea of time travel. I first got excited about this concept with ‘Back to the Future.’ Marvel has explored the multiverse with its timelines, and ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ has its unique spin. It’s fascinating, as ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ is closer to reality than people think. It expands your mind to the possibilities you can imagine.”

Brown continued, “With this concept now part of our world, the question becomes, what do you really want? Do you go back or move forward and leave it alone? Is it too mysterious to explore or too compelling to resist? People’s choices will vary based on their life situations, and you’ll see this unfold in Season 3.”

John Hoberg, executive producer and co-writer of the Season 2 finale, confirms that Fogelman’s vision is a three-season journey, with the upcoming third season, which starts filming on April 7, marking the “pretty definitive” end of the story.

Hoberg posed questions for viewers: “With Xavier tasked by Sinatra to reach a second bunker, will he believe in her mission? Is Sinatra’s agenda genuinely good, or is she driven by grief? Can the machine do what she claims? Will Xavier heed her request? The repercussions of his choices will unfold in Season 3.”

Hoberg assures that “Paradise” aims to resolve all major questions, particularly why Xavier is identified as User X. This commitment to clarity was emphasized when the series finale was pitched to Brown. According to Brown, “From Season 1, Xavier’s moral compass was clear, and his willingness to make tough decisions for the greater good set him apart. There’s a reason Dr. Torabi chose him for the president’s Secret Service detail and to enter the bunker, indicating his unique ability to navigate complex situations.”

Meanwhile, Link/Dylan grapples with an identity crisis. He might be Sinatra’s son and is certainly the father of the late Annie’s (Shailene Woodley) infant daughter. He may still lead the charge against Alex.

“He knows it’s possible. Is it true? We’ll find out in Season 3,” Doherty stated. “Season 3 will reveal how he processes his daughter, his potential connection to Sinatra, and Annie’s loss.”

Brown noted that the “coincidence” of Link/Dylan’s name and birthday is more than mere chance, hinting at a deeper connection that was partly edited from the finale.

“There are elements that were cut from the finale that further explain the connection,” Brown remarked. “Their bond goes beyond Sinatra’s grief; there’s a real connection there.”

By the end of Season 2’s finale, Xavier’s family reunites, but his wife Teri (Enuka Okuma) and children Presley (Aliyah Mastin) and James (Percy Daggs IV) face a new challenge, along with thousands who were expelled from the destroyed bunker.

“There are 10,000 people from Link’s group and 20,000 from the bunker,” Brown noted. “With no central leadership, decisions need to be made about Alex’s importance and the future course of action. Various groups will disperse in Season 3, and we’ll follow their journeys.”

Doherty revealed that Season 3 will explore the dynamics between Link/Dylan and Xavier as Dylan takes on fatherhood and his mission.

“They share similar beliefs, but Xavier is more experienced and composed,” Doherty said. “Dylan’s youthful vigor contrasts with Xavier’s realism. Will Dylan learn from him or resist?”

Xavier also faces another issue: explaining a one-night stand with Dr. Torabi (Sarah Shahi) to his wife, Teri, now that they’re reunited. “You’ll see how they handle it in Season 3,” Brown mentioned. “It won’t be swept under the rug.”

The Collins family is thrilled to be back together, yet much has changed during their years apart, with Xavier and the kids in the bunker and Teri surviving outside.

“It’s a different scenario,” Brown said. “We have two new babies joining us, and Xavier is delighted to be with his family. They’ve been displaced, and they need to decide their future, where to settle, and who will be part of their community. His daughter’s growing up, facing new challenges. The dynamics have shifted, and this friction will drive action in Season 3.”