FX’s dystopian drama Paradise has captivated audiences with its dark, post-apocalyptic vision and emotionally charged storytelling. At the heart of its first season stands Episode 7, titled “The Day”, which has become a favorite among the show’s creators — and has officially been submitted for Emmy consideration in the directing category.
Directed by acclaimed duo John Requa and Glenn Ficarra, the episode serves as a powerful flashback, chronicling the events that led to Earth’s destruction. “We love that episode, it’s our favorite episode of the season,” the pair admit. “It was as much fun as we’ve had doing anything.”
A Cinematic Departure from the Series’ Structure
While most of Paradise unfolds inside a high-tech underground bunker in Colorado, “The Day” breaks the mold. The episode acts as a stand-alone prequel, diving into the moments leading up to the apocalyptic event. Much of it is presented “through the TV,” and the directors creatively altered the aspect ratio to evoke chaos and immersion.
“It’s an epic story,” says Requa, “but told from a very subjective, very personal point of view.” Long takes, minimal cuts, and a focus on realism helped create the eerie sense of witnessing the world collapse in real time.
Crafting the White House Underground
The drama stars Sterling K. Brown as Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins, Julianne Nicholson as the enigmatic bunker architect “Sinatra,” and James Marsden as President Cal Bradford. Recreating the White House was a critical task. Initially built only as the Oval Office, the set gradually expanded into a full replica of the presidential residence.
“It seems small, but it’s not,” says Ficarra. “We ended up taking over the entire soundstage.” The attention to detail made the underground White House feel both claustrophobic and authentic.
A Personal Touch: Keeping the Production in Los Angeles
One of the show’s unique traits is that it was entirely filmed in Los Angeles, thanks to creator Dan Fogelman and star Sterling K. Brown, who wanted to stay close to their families. “Sterling insisted that this show was in L.A. because he has two young kids and he just wants to be part of their life,” explains Requa.
There’s also a deeper sense of pride in staying local. Requa adds, “My house was built in 1922 by a production designer from Czechoslovakia. There is this history of crews, of regular people, living in this town, creating this great product that we have been doing for over 100 years.”
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Stellar Performances from a Star-Studded Cast
Sterling K. Brown’s performance has been widely praised. “He’s a true pro,” Ficarra says. “There’s no hijinks when the number one guy is super nice and cares about the crew morale.”
As for James Marsden, the directing duo knew they had struck gold. “He can do it all — funny, charming, dramatic. Every day was a new surprise.”
What’s Next for Paradise Season 2?
In their exclusive interview, Requa and Ficarra teased that Season 2 will dive deeper into the outside world, exploring the fates of survivors and expanding beyond the confines of the bunker. They also discussed the morally ambiguous character of Sinatra, asking whether she is truly a villain or a hero trying to preserve what’s left of humanity.
They also shed light on the deliberate subjectivity of Episode 7, including a critical phone call from Xavier that was shown only from his perspective — another technique that reinforces the emotional intimacy of the moment.
Why Paradise Episode 7 Deserves an Emmy
With bold direction, immersive visuals, and character-driven storytelling, “The Day” represents everything that makes Paradise a standout drama. Its Emmy submission is well-deserved, and whether you’re a fan of sci-fi or intimate human stories, this episode is a masterclass in how television can blend both.
Watch Paradise now streaming on Hulu.
