‘Paradise’ Season 2 ending explained: Who is ALEX? ‘The Final Countdown’ finally answers biggest mystery
The latest episode of 'Paradise,' titled 'The Final Countdown,' saw the characters literally bracing for an explosive end ahead of the season 2 finale. This season's penultimate episode, directed by Hanelle M. Culpepper and written by Melissa Glenn, premiered on Hulu on Monday and delivered this season's game-changing twist. The series focuses on a post-apocalyptic world unraveling amid the wealthy billionaire Sinatra's secrets and deception. Furthermore, the latest episode offered the clearest answers about Alex, the mystery that has been building since the start of Season 2.
As decided in episode 6, Sinatra meets Link's crew inside Air Force One. During their conversation, Link demands access to the bunker’s mini nuclear reactors before revealing that he’s really after Alex. Their negotiation ends in an impasse, with Link warning of deadly consequences. As he begins to leave, one of his crew calls him Dylan - his real name. Sinatra is taken aback by the name and asks about his date of birth. When he answers May 16, the wheels in Sinatra's head start turning, and she realizes that Link is her dead son, Dylan from another universe. Dylan had died at a young age from an unspecified terminal illness, leaving Sinatra absolutely crushed.
At long last, Xavier and Teri reunite after spending three whole years apart since the day of the apocalyptic event. Xavier is relieved to discover that Teri was not kidnapped but had joined Dakota’s convoy willingly. After learning that Bean is in Gary's custody, she convinces him to hand the young boy over to her and Xavier, and he surprisingly agrees, proving he's not all that bad. However, he suffers another nosebleed while boarding the train and heading back to Colorado.
Gabriela becomes increasingly paranoid about Jane and stops her from joining Sinatra's security detail during the meeting with Link. She is, however, unaware that Jane is tracking her every move, which cannot bode well for Gabi. And sure enough, at the end of episode 7, Jane breaks into Gabi's home, intending to kill her. But Gabi puts up a strong fight and stabs Jane in the back, leaving her to bleed to death in the shower. Moreover, many online theories suggest that Jane was predicted to be a killer, even before her birth, by A.L.E.X - Sinatra’s 'special project.'
Moreover, Robinson, Anders, and Jeremy try to force open the bunker's doors by damaging the oxygen tanks. However, at the same time, the bunker is placed on a full lockdown to protect it against Link’s attack. The failure of both systems together triggers a deadly meltdown in the bunker. As the oxygen supply starts depleting, people scramble to escape. But the complete shutdown leaves them with zero escape routes, turning the bunker into a silent tomb.
With all the revelations, we can finally answer who or what Alex refers to. Viewers remember that Henry Miller’s wife was named Alex, but she died from Huntington’s Disease despite his best efforts to save her. Based on episode 7, it seems likely that A.L.E.X. is a quantum entanglement machine Henry developed to access other multiverses and reunite with his wife. Also, nosebleeds can be viewed through a different lens in light of the latest revelations. The best hypothesis for A.L.E.X, ahead of the finale, is that it alters realities by forcing people to follow predetermined outcomes, stripping them of their freedom of choice. The shift in timelines is probably indicated by the nosebleeds, which Sinatra, Link, Xavier, and Billy experience just before making consequential decisions. But the exact method and implication of A.L.E.X will possibly be laid out in the Season 2 finale, which is slated to air on March 30 on Hulu and Disney+.
