See Jane kill. That is the motif we receive from Paradise‘s sixth episode that explores the origins of Sinatra’s secret weapon. The Gen Z baby born to an uncaring mother was somewhat destined for a lethal legacy; her killer motives prophesied in a tonally odd shift for the series.
We watch Jane grow from being The Bad Seed to utilizing her sociopathic skills for good: a government assest. Here, a very strong Ryan Michelle Bathe Mr. Miyagi’s Jane’s bad for good, teaching her to quiet the voices in her head. She rises to the challenge, but in the end, can’t rid her default function.
This brings us to the present, where Jane has secured herself as Samantha Redmond’s number 1 in the bunker. With a second president’s murder, Sinatra wrestles back control and calm by showcasing bigger problems: the armed militia outside the bunker’s doors. Everyone falls in line, except for Gabi, who sees through Jane’s girl-next-door facade.
Speaking of Gabi, she seems to be the only hope for Robinson, who has been reduced to playing third fiddle to Jeremy’s Shawshank expedition. The weakest of all the storylines, we watch as Cal’s son, this alleged rebel leader, convinces the mad architect to help him escape the prison through an uncovered manhole. If we had spent more time seeing Jeremy in action, this plot would be more meaningful. But its giving more Escape From Witch Mountain than from a fascist internment camp. Even Robinson’s hair shifting from a silky press to a radical fro is too painstakingly on-the-nose. Xavier’s daughter, Presley, would be a better choice for freedom fighter, as she plants seeds of doubt in Samantha’s daughter who just had no idea her mom was the bad guy. Okay sis…
The best moments of the episode remained outside the bunker in Atlanta. Xavier and Gary, within two and a half scenes, execute their plan to rescue Teri. Instead, Gary goes rogue and detonates Xavier’s bomb early, nearly taking him out. However, it prompts what appears to be Teri rush to the scene, confirming our theory of what really happened to her and Bean.
While “Jane” has some good ideas with the titular character, they’re ultimately too predictable for a series that has prided itself on leaving you guessing. “The Mailman” executed this far better, as did Billy’s episode from season one. It’s ultimately weighed down from carrying the flimsy bunker prison storyline. We have no real grasp of what Jeremy’s “revolution” looks like other than spray painting Xs on random buildings. And Robinson’s about face came too soon. Hopefully, we reman outside for the remainder of the series.
Rating: 6.5/10