This week’s episode of Paradise parallels two hopeful, but precarious life moments: giving birth. An allegory for the leap of faith life requires in general. Xavier aids Annie as he’s convinced her to trek to Atlanta; and Cal welcomes the bunker’s first baby.
After mending Xavier back to health, Annie demands he take her to Colorado. She informs him that her baby’s father is there, and that’s the best place for her pending newborn. However, Xavier persuades Annie otherwise, reassuring her that good still exists in the world. After days of preparation, the two pack up and begin their journey to Georgia.
In the past, Cal is giddy at the prospect of welcoming a new life into the world. After five months underground, a woman named Luisa is set to give birth. Cal feels this will be a unifying moment for the community, even welcoming Samantha to partake in the celebration. Samantha’s grief holds her back, which Cal understands. He’s joined by Billy and Xavier as Luisa is prepped for labor. Complications rush her for an emergency C-section. Cal joins her in the operating room for moral support.
Annie and Xavier rest at a nearby Waffle Barn when her water breaks unexpectedly. Annie failed to tell Xavier she has preeclampsia. Needing more assistance and supplies, Xavier seeks help. Fearing the worst, Annie is surprised when Xavier returns with a group of strangers willing to help. Viewers watch as both Luisa and Annie deliver their infants: Luisa a boy, and Annie a girl.
The new life breathes hope inside the exam room. Hope so palpable that Samantha quietly witnesses the birth. Later, she visits Luisa with warm wishes and offers to watch Calvin as the new mother rests. Here, Samantha promises the newborn he’ll experience the real sky someday.
In the present, Annie’s newfound joy is cut short. Her babygirl is fine, but she’s unable to release the placenta, causing her to bleed incessantly. Knowing the outcome, she charges Xavier with teaching her daughter to trust people and not be afraid of the world. Then, she is gone.
Xavier eventually arrives in Atlanta on horseback when he encounters a man who claims to be Terri’s friend. And unfortunately, she’s been taken away.
“A Holy Charge” is an emotional gut-check, presenting an unexpected character death that only Dan Fogelman could deliver. Even in the tragic moment, there was a feeling of peace and serenity in that final goodbye. While we didn’t spend a lot of time with him this episode, it seems they are alluding to a connection between Link and life inside the bunker. The fact both he and Xavier are experiencing the same alleged memories signals they may have crossed paths. Is he a prodigal son returning for vengeance? Only time will tell.
Rating: 8/10