Almost Paradise - General Discussion

[tessaray]

New show debuting on WGN. 

Quote

Almost Paradise’s Dean Devlin Goes Back To His Roots With First-Ever American TV Series Shot In The Philippines

... The series stars Christian Kane — who Devlin previously worked with on The Librarians — as Alex Walker, a former DEA agent forced into early retirement. After going through obstacles including betrayal and health problems, he decides to uproot to Cebu in the Philippines. But it isn’t long before he is pulled into the dangerous world of the Asian archipelago’s criminal elite. ...

https://deadline.com/2020/03/almost-paradise-dean-delvin-wgn-filipino-asian-american-samantha-richelle-christian-kane-1202893619/ 

 

[DoctorAtomic]

I watched last night. Anyone else?

[tessaray]

I did. I had mixed feelings. Love CK but he is so much better in supporting roles, imo. I'm used to enjoying his reactions and how he plays off others. As the lead he seems weaker. And I didn't care about his brokenness and betrayal. Yawn. (Though the hypertension plotline was kinda funny in spots.)

But the scenery was amazing and the 2 local detectives were really good. I'll give it a few more episodes.

[DoctorAtomic]

I'm hoping there's more of a teamwork development with him and the local cops that will strengthen the show. He clearly wanted to help them out. 

It was very actiony for a first episode without a huge amount of info dumps. 

It kind of reminded me of Five-0 with the exotic location (minus the whinging). 

I liked the whole dingy gift shop angle. 

[tessaray]

6 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

I liked the whole dingy gift shop angle. 

Yes, so did I. It has potential. 

[tessaray]

For some reason Amazon Prime had the SD version available for free today. I don't know how long that will last, but just putting it out there for those who don't get WGN.  (WGN America is on only one of the cable systems in my area and I know other shows that didn't get much of an audience because of that.) 

[mammaM]

It was ok for a pilot. I like CK and the rest of the cast isn't annoying. Kane and Devlin also worked together on Leverage. 

[DoctorAtomic]

And Librarians 

[Linderhill]

I'm enjoying it because its something different than all of the big city cop shows.  I've pretty much enjoyed Kane in almost everything I've seen him in, especially Leverag and Librarians.  I think once they iron out the all the new show quibbles it will be a fun show.

[andromeda331]

I liked the second episode better then the pilot. The cast seemed to work better together. I liked the dingy gift shop. I liked the characters better especially his landlord. I admit I'm completely bias when it comes to Christian Kane. I've loved him in Leverage, Librarians, King and Maxwell, Secondhand Lions, and Close to Home. Hell, I even loved him in Taxi. I'm happy to have him back on my TV in a new show.

[DoctorAtomic]

On 4/8/2020 at 1:11 AM, andromeda331 said:

I'm completely bias when it comes to Christian Kane.

He's a good actor and seems and a likeable persion. Is that really biased? He did a great job with the little girl in their scenes. 

Did they say he had a daughter in the 1st episode? I guess a lot of time passed between episode 1 and 2. 

I did laugh when he faceplanted the kid with the shaving cream. 

It's a good choice to have the case be personal for one of the leads. They did a good job on worldbuilding in the first episode, so jumping right into the character development seems the right call. 

I like the back and forth with Walker and Kai. I loved the cop beating the shit out of the gang and not have Walker be the big hero all the time. I like shows where the characters are good at their jobs. 

Holy shit I didn't think they would do a plot on trafficking. Kane had a stellar reaction shot of being horrified and holding his shit together. 

Edited April 19, 2020 by DoctorAtomic

[andromeda331]

2 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

He's a good actor and seems and a likeable persion. Is that really biased? He did a great job with the little girl in their scenes. 

Did they say he had a daughter in the 1st episode? I guess a lot of time passed between episode 1 and 2. 

I did laugh when he faceplanted the kid with the shaving cream. 

It's a good choice to have the case be personal for one of the leads. They did a good job on worldbuilding in the first episode, so jumping right into the character development seems the right call. 

I like the back and forth with Walker and Kai. I loved the cop beating the shit out of the gang and not have Walker be the big hero all the time. I like shows where the characters are good at their jobs. 

Holy shit I didn't think they would do a plot on trafficking. Kane had a stellar reaction shot of being horrified and holding his shit together. 

I don't know. I've loved everything Christian Kane has ever done that I've seen. I don't know if that's bias or he's just a really good actor I've loved every show he's been in.  Either way I love him.

I love the show. Its been really fun and funny. Serious too at times. He had a perfect reaction when he saw what they were smuggling wasn't drugs but girls. He's good at going with the flow like when they tried to convince the guy Kai was the boss but when that didn't work out he knocked him out and pretend to be him.

I don't remember him mentioning he had a daughter in the pilot at all. 

I do like that we get to see Kai and the other detective Almares doing their job and being really good at it too. It always bugs me too when the star of the show is doing all of the work while everyone else just sits around.

I love his landlady.

 

 

[DoctorAtomic]

I liked when Kai came into to check on him in the club and the trafficker found him so she starting stroking his cheek and his reaction was to stave off being horrified to play the role. 

I like the Devlin model of tv shows anyway, going hack to Stargate - it's team oriented, everyone contributes. There's always a big plan. Even with the military, O'Neill relied on Daniel Jackson to make communications. 

It may be that Kane is the type of actor that excels in a more team based cast too. 

Ugh. I lived in Japan. I just can't with eel. 

You're gonna feel strong.
I feel betrayed. 
White people!

I died at the 'Diego' character. 

I do like the plots so far. This was about government contracts and a landfill. I liked how it was tied to the local businesses. 

These episodes were solid. 

Edited April 19, 2020 by DoctorAtomic

[DoctorAtomic]

It's a bit of a drop off on this recent one just for the washed up tv actor defusing a nuclear bomb, though the plot was original and interesting to that point. I get that Walker wouldn't always be on police cases, and the landlord 'hiring' him was funny. 

As hot as Kai is, I liked they put her in appropriate swimwear for the dive. 

[andromeda331]

Yeah but I did like how much of a fan Alex was of him. Still love the landlady. I liked Kai too deciding to look into the missing person case that her boss thought was no big deal.

[DoctorAtomic]

Just the defusing the bomb part strained. If they were just trying to recover the plutonium to sell on the black market or something it would have been fine. I bought their fight with the old timer pistol whipping the guy and being shocked and pleased that 'it actually worked!'

And not every episode needs to deal with Alex's watch. I thought it was a good narrative direction to take early on in the show. 

[DoctorAtomic]

The most recent episode was kind of Die Hard for a little while there. I did like how the young Asian women was all kind of mousey and then totally stepped up when Ernesto got shot. 

[DoctorAtomic]

I liked the last one because we got some Kai backstory. I applaud the show for *not* having Walker dash in to 'save her' and she got the drop on her mentor *twice*. I get he'd be there at the end, and I didn't think she'd shoot the guy, but the actor did a good job with her disappointment and anger about the whole situation, and I get that Walker would be able to talk to her from a place of experience. 

 

[andromeda331]

On 5/10/2020 at 11:38 AM, DoctorAtomic said:

I liked the last one because we got some Kai backstory. I applaud the show for *not* having Walker dash in to 'save her' and she got the drop on her mentor *twice*. I get he'd be there at the end, and I didn't think she'd shoot the guy, but the actor did a good job with her disappointment and anger about the whole situation, and I get that Walker would be able to talk to her from a place of experience. 

 

I liked that too. It was a good day. And Kai got to save herself.

[DoctorAtomic]

It's shaping up to be a good spring/summer show. I like the cast being multicultural. 

[andromeda331]

39 minutes ago, DoctorAtomic said:

It's shaping up to be a good spring/summer show. I like the cast being multicultural. 

So do I. Its a fun show. I like all the main characters.

[andromeda331]

Last week we learned a bit about Kai's background and this week its Alex's turn. I'm curious about how he ended up with Uncle Danny. Danny said his parents' were no longer able to care for him. What a fun, funny and terrible uncle. 

I did laugh when I saw who Uncle Danny was since the actor showed up on Leverage as a corrupt mayor and the Librarians as Bennie the casino owner who was work with the Roman Goddess Fortuna to steal people good luck although he turned on her halfway through.

Still love his landlady.

 

[DoctorAtomic]

Richard Kind shows up in nearly every TV show.

[7kstar]

On 4/19/2020 at 3:13 PM, andromeda331 said:

I don't remember him mentioning he had a daughter in the pilot at all. 

I've kind of binge watched but you only hear he has a daughter and it is clear their relationship isn't good but nothing's been explained.  Just given tidbits through the shows.

21 hours ago, andromeda331 said:

I did laugh when I saw who Uncle Danny was since the actor showed up on Leverage as a corrupt mayor and the Librarians as Bennie the casino owner who was work with the Roman Goddess Fortuna to steal people good luck although he turned on her halfway through.

 

12 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

Richard Kind shows up in nearly every TV show.

Richard Kind is good friends with several in the show and he evidentially golfs with some of them.  Just like the Librarians, the show has gotten stronger as it has gone on so hopefully it will get a second season.

The interview explains some things so if you have seen the show with Alex's Uncle it does have some spoilers.

https://precincttv.com/2020/05/13/almost-paradise-christian-kane-episode-7-interview/?fbclid=IwAR21neSqIVU_R7JHUP7b5P6YmS-AVF6qp2ZJmcajNzpEgiHu-OLrcCNVKuU

It's a kind of a fun read.  I didn't realize all the connections Richard Kind had.

[DoctorAtomic]

Richard Kind must golf with everyone. 

[Ailianna]

12 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

Richard Kind must golf with everyone. 

Including rich tourists in the Philippines.  I love Richard Kind.

[DoctorAtomic]

I think Walker actually mentioned the daughter in the second episode. It was when he ran out of water, and he went undercover as the cowboy. 

[DoctorAtomic]

On 5/12/2020 at 11:51 PM, andromeda331 said:

Still love his landlady.

'They way crazier and way richer.'

One of the thing I liked about Leverage was that they were ripping off rich, greedy people. I don't know if any of you all watched Hustle, but it was the same premise. A little larger scale, but both show employed the same cons. Anyway, I don't really care that much that Uncle Danny wanted to rip off rich people.

I did have a good laugh at the welching joke. 

And, again, great job to have Kai put her foot down to Walker. The show is doing well with the dynamic between the three. 

Whoa I actually thought they killed him until they returned from the break because Walker would have taken a swing at Ernesto. Nice that it was a con in the end. 

Edited May 15, 2020 by DoctorAtomic

[andromeda331]

3 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

'They way crazier and way richer.'

One of the thing I liked about Leverage was that they were ripping off rich, greedy people. I don't know if any of you all watched Hustle, but it was the same premise. A little larger scale, but both show employed the same cons. Anyway, I don't really care that much that Uncle Danny wanted to rip off rich people.

That was one of my favorite things about Leverage. Watching them rip off and so awesomely humiliate and destroy the rich, greedy and terrible people. Knowing they were all based off real life CEOs and rich people made it all the more better. The golf game was fun to watch and hilarious. 

Quote

I did have a good laugh at the welching joke. 

That was funny.

Quote

And, again, great job to have Kai put her foot down to Walker. The show is doing well with the dynamic between the three. 

It really is. I liked Kai did that too. It was in character for her. 

Quote

Whoa I actually thought they killed him until they returned from the break because Walker would have taken a swing at Ernesto. Nice that it was a con in the end. 

I realized it was a set up because Uncle Danny's grabbing a gun and pointing at Alex was too out of character. Stealing his wallet, and all the other cons were more his style. But to do something that direct? 

[DoctorAtomic]

The actor is doing well with Kai being confident that she's good at her job. Being the only woman lead is kind of a thin line, unfortunately, because it's too easy to just fall back on being a bitch. 

She was legitimately pissed because the chief was giving them shitty cases, but she worked the case professionally. 

It's a credit to the writing but the actor still needs to work in between the dialogue. 

I also like that she just has tattoos and it's not any deal about anything. 

[seacliffsal]

I have been enjoying this show-it just took me a while to find the show forum (sometimes when I'm looking for a forum I just give up rather than go through genre after genre and then title after title).  I, too, like Christian Kane (and Dean Devlin shows) and think he is doing well on this show.  I like shows that have some humor along with the more serious elements.  The episodes seem to get stronger and stronger as the writers and actors develop their characters.

[Koalagirl]

On 5/16/2020 at 8:07 PM, seacliffsal said:

I have been enjoying this show-it just took me a while to find the show forum (sometimes when I'm looking for a forum I just give up rather than go through genre after genre and then title after title).  I, too, like Christian Kane (and Dean Devlin shows) and think he is doing well on this show.  I like shows that have some humor along with the more serious elements.  The episodes seem to get stronger and stronger as the writers and actors develop their characters.

Make your life a little easier and just do a search for the title.  I do that when I’m not sure which genre a show falls under. 

[jelaine]

Chiming in with love for the show. Confessing my deep love and adoration for Ernesto. He's a treasure. I also love Kai. She's a damn good cop, but she does have room to grow. I like that Ocampo is a good cop, even if he's more politician than cop. I will follow Kane pretty much anywhere. 

The stories are good and I like how they build on the characters. I like how they keep Alex's blood pressure only going up when he tries to lower it. The show has really settled into itself beautifully.

Do have a question though - was the music for the song Lone Wolf the music for Different Kind of Knight on Kane's The House Rules album? And wasn't it Kane dubbing the singing at the concert when it was supposed to be Crowe? I concede to possible aural hallucinations.

Edited May 20, 2020 by jelaine
word choice

[DoctorAtomic]

They're writing Kai well as being the junior cop, but not being a hot head/hot shot know it all either. She had a temper about being put on what she thought was a low level case last week, and while it's perfectly fine to vent to Ernesto, she took his advice and worked the case professionally even though she was pissed. Similarly, Ernesto could be an ass to them both, but he likes to work the case. 

There's some other characters over in Baltimore who'd call him good po-lice. 

 

 

[DoctorAtomic]

I did like how Walker was all 'yay!' and then quickly went to 'wtf did I get in to?' It was interesting that the manager was kind of an enabler.

I was a little disappointed that Kai and Ernesto didn't figure out the kid was the lure for so long. 

The show kind of took a rather introspective turn. 

Was the soup Walker gave him from the episode about the food stalls?

Edited May 20, 2020 by DoctorAtomic

[andromeda331]

3 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

They're writing Kai well as being the junior cop, but not being a hot head/hot shot know it all either. She had a temper about being put on what she thought was a low level case last week, and while it's perfectly fine to vent to Ernesto, she took his advice and worked the case professionally even though she was pissed. Similarly, Ernesto could be an ass to them both, but he likes to work the case. 

There's some other characters over in Baltimore who'd call him good po-lice. 

 

 

I like that about her. So many cops on TV are hot-headed and its old. She's a good cop, has a temper and its easy to see why. She wants the better cases and despite the good work she's done and some big cases its not happening. Especially since those cases have helped their boss look good. I loved the bets between Ernesto and Kai about whether or not they've helped. I like Ernesto. He's just a really great guy and cop. And funny. I loved Alex's excitement and then it change from dealing with his favorite singer. I loved that Ocampo was also a fan and asked Kai and Ernesto about his cowboy boots. I loved Alex's trying talk the three guys out of attacking him but everything he was going to do. Pointing out the ringleader was nervous or about to do something stupid. Then Alex did exactly what he said. I liked Alex and August talk at the beach. I loved August with the kidnappers. Asking one how he got into the business and asking if he could sing one last time. Then asking for requests.

[DoctorAtomic]

I don't know if they were making a point about treating your people well. August really brought this whole thing on himself for treating the manager shitty. 

[DoctorAtomic]

https://www.assignmentx.com/2020/almost-paradise-writer-kerry-glover-on-season-1-exclusive-interview/

[andromeda331]

4 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

https://www.assignmentx.com/2020/almost-paradise-writer-kerry-glover-on-season-1-exclusive-interview/

Great article. It was nice reading how the series came together and they started out going with Hawaii. I'm glad they went with the Philippines its nice watching a show set in some place different. 

I loved last night's episode. It was so fun. Kai revealing that she tricked Alex into helping was great and really smart on her part. I loved him pretending to be the stylist and her the wedding planner. Kai was really smart throughout the episode. From suggesting how to move the body, to snacks for the meeting, leaving her headset while she went to investigate Amber and saving Alex.  Alex being duped by Amber, although he was more focused on the other people especially the other woman and she did play the roll of hippy chick pretty well. I figured guessed it was her pulled out the little bottle.  Although I didn't peg her as an assassin. When she mention her family was dead but spiritually I assumed her groom had somehow been responsible for it. Loved Ernesto and the people pretending to be drunk to get into the room and the knock everyone out.  

[DoctorAtomic]

I think it would have been knocked as a Five-0 rip off they did use Hawaii. 

If you follow the Facebook page, they do a live interview after the show airs on the east coast. 

Also, I was glad I guess right about the episode taking some elements from Die Hard!

Edited May 26, 2020 by DoctorAtomic

[DoctorAtomic]

I liked how Ernesto was psyched for Kai going undercover. And the little girl shaking down Walker again for gifts. I still get a kick out of Walker not ever having a ride too. 

I thought the bickering with Kai and Walker was a little too silly. She could have just asked. It's good she's doesn't have enough pride that she knew Walker would be helpful.

19 hours ago, andromeda331 said:

Alex being duped by Amber, although he was more focused on the other people especially the other woman and she did play the roll of hippy chick pretty well.

I was going with the older woman who supposedly killed the 50 men. Then as soon as Walker was telling Kai he figured out what was in the needle, they cut right to Amber. I guess the 'my family is dead' was a tip. 

I liked that Ernesto was worried for her. I would have thought they'd have two transmitters on her than just the headset if she was going in there alone.

I'm confused as to whether the tattoos are supposed to be "Kai's" or the actor. Because the show never hid them before, but she was clean in the undercover role. 

Edited May 27, 2020 by DoctorAtomic

[DoctorAtomic]

19 hours ago, andromeda331 said:

Loved Ernesto and the people pretending to be drunk to get into the room and the knock everyone out.  

I'm glad they showed Ernesto could fight beforehand, so it made it more believable. 

Now that I'm actually looking, it seems like she's got a lot of makeup on her shoulder, so it must be the actor's tattoos. I don't see why they'd bother. A wedding planner with tattoos doesn't seem that big a deal to me. 

19 hours ago, andromeda331 said:

From suggesting how to move the body, to snacks for the meeting, leaving her headset while she went to investigate Amber and saving Alex. 

I think they played it fair because Walker still figured it out, but just a little too late. Amber did play the hippie to the hilt and it was a high stress situation enough that he didn't have time to stop and think. They looked like they were going to kill her for sure anyway. Walker saving her actually helped them get the collar. 

That fight was really well done too. It looked liked the actor was doing the fighting, but there were a few quick cuts, so I don't know. 

[andromeda331]

2 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

I'm glad they showed Ernesto could fight beforehand, so it made it more believable. 

Now that I'm actually looking, it seems like she's got a lot of makeup on her shoulder, so it must be the actor's tattoos. I don't see why they'd bother. A wedding planner with tattoos doesn't seem that big a deal to me. 

It might not have been if not for who the "clients" were. A last minute replacement for their wedding planner might have raised more suspicions if she had tattoos. He did question her at first but then dropped it when she seemed like a wedding planner. I'm a little surprised they weren't suspicious given how quickly she suggested getting a laundry cart to transport the body. 
 

Quote

 

I think they played it fair because Walker still figured it out, but just a little too late. Amber did play the hippie to the hilt and it was a high stress situation enough that he didn't have time to stop and think. They looked like they were going to kill her for sure anyway. Walker saving her actually helped them get the collar. 

That fight was really well done too. It looked liked the actor was doing the fighting, but there were a few quick cuts, so I don't know. 

 

Either they were part of the plan to get her out of the hotel or she planned on knocking them out herself and had her own exit. It really could go either way she did manage to fool the head of a triad family to the point of marriage. But the woman who killed 50 men was very quick to call the conclave and remind his son of the rules of no murders at weddings or funerals. When Alex showed up and went with his. Especially since given he knocked out two guys he's probably a cop or something and others might be nearby. Might as well go with his plan and keep pretending to be the hippy chick until they were away and then deal with him.  

I completely forgot about the little girl! I loved the way she manipulated Alex into getting a shirt and necklace and her sale at the end of the episode. 

[DoctorAtomic]

They showed other people at the wedding with tattoos though. I suppose if one of them could recognize her as a cop had he been to the island before and noticed them. I don't know why she needed a wig either. 

It's not a big deal. I was confused as to whose they really were. 

[seacliffsal]

I really enjoyed this episode-and like the shorter hair on Kai.  I really like the partnership between Kai and Ernesto (he's always so sincerely happy when she gets some recognition) and their interactions with Alex.  The wedding episode had some nice humor, good action, and a twist that made it entertaining.

[DoctorAtomic]

Is there any media on a renewal?

[screengem]

Almost Paradise has wrapped its first season on WGN America, and the series has not yet been renewed for a second season. However, series creator Dean Devlin spoke about what fans could see in a second season in an interview with Assignment X.

Devlin talked about the island on the WGN America series, and he revealed that “the island of Mactan is a character in our show and we want to explore that character much farther.” He also noted that, in season two, the show would continue to evolve “evolving into new directions, while maintaining it’s fun core. We’re excited to see where that can lead us.”

Viewers may also see some more of the characters introduced in season two of Almost Paradise. Devlin wants to bring back Uncle Danny (Richard Kind) for more in the second season.

[DoctorAtomic]

I'm not feeling the daughter. I get the resentment, but she was being just plain mean after dumping the checks on the table (which - bullshit - no one 'doesn't want the money').

Kai going 'ew!' about being Walker's gf was hilarious. 

I did like how Evelyn saw all the friends come and visit and had the decency to feel a little bad.

GREAT callback to the marlin. 

I was waiting for the 'butterfly' pay off! That was a good all around fight scene. 

I liked how we still got some teamwork in the end, but I have to call a little bs on Kai getting winged with the rebar so Walker could fight the guy at the end. 

I liked how the crystal made an appearance too. 

I do think it's fair that they're not 'good now', but left the door open for more development with their relationship. 

The 'I need a ride ending' was perfect. 

Edited June 3, 2020 by DoctorAtomic

[DoctorAtomic]

11 hours ago, screengem said:

Almost Paradise has wrapped its first season on WGN America, and the series has not yet been renewed for a second season. However, series creator Dean Devlin spoke about what fans could see in a second season in an interview with Assignment X.

Devlin talked about the island on the WGN America series, and he revealed that “the island of Mactan is a character in our show and we want to explore that character much farther.” He also noted that, in season two, the show would continue to evolve “evolving into new directions, while maintaining it’s fun core. We’re excited to see where that can lead us.”

Viewers may also see some more of the characters introduced in season two of Almost Paradise. Devlin wants to bring back Uncle Danny (Richard Kind) for more in the second season.

I certainly think there's plenty of more stories to tell. 

[sigmaforce86]

Loved the finale.  And I definitely enjoy this series, it's just enough story to keep you occupied, there's a lot of fun and comedy so it's not too heavy.  The characters and their actors are great.  I've always liked Christian and Alex is fun, I like Kai a lot and I love that they have chemistry but there's nothing about them getting into it romantically, it's a good balance so far.   And, I have to be honest, I've never heard of the guy who place Ernesto before this; but, after watching him all season, I would watch The Ernesto Show in a heartbeat!   Very much hoping this gets a renewal