Episode 7 of "Paradise" kicks off with a riveting flashback to the Cuban Missile Crisis, underscoring how a solitary individual's decision etched itself into history, narrowly averting a global apocalypse. In the contemporary narrative, Collins trains his gun on Sinatra, who stuns everyone by dropping a bombshell: Teri is still alive.
The episode then transitions seamlessly into another spellbinding flashback, chronicling the unfolding of the cataclysm that threatened to extinguish humanity. Beneath Antarctica, a colossal seismic event unleashed a catastrophic tsunami, sending shockwaves of chaos through the White House. High-ranking military brass and government dignitaries convene in hushed urgency, deliberating over the implementation of their emergency plan. Ultimately, the vote swings in favor of execution. Meanwhile, Cal steps up to the microphone, delivering a public broadcast aimed at stemming the tide of panic as it sweeps the nation.
Parallel to this, Collins frantically tries to reach Teri, his desperation palpable. He turns to Cal for assistance, who in turn seeks the counsel of an officer. Together, they orchestrate a perilous route for Teri to navigate her way to the military airbase in Atlanta. However, as news of worldwide devastation ripples across the globe, nations, in a bid to safeguard themselves, launch missiles into the unknown.
As the White House braces for evacuation, Cal catches sight of an elderly janitor who, amidst the unfolding disaster, clings steadfastly to hope, believing as he has in the past that humanity will weather this storm. This poignant moment serves as a catalyst for Cal, shifting his perspective and convincing him that people deserve to know the truth, to bid their loved ones farewell. Emboldened by this conviction, he authorizes an emergency broadcast, baring the full horror of the catastrophe to the world.
The repercussions strike with immediate ferocity. Riots erupt, unleashing a storm of enraged civilians who converge upon the area, demanding explanations and venting their fury against their dire predicament. Collins and his security team hastily arm themselves, opening fire to carve a path for Cal’s urgent evacuation. Amidst a hail of bullets, they scramble onto the evacuation plane, with Robinson courageously remaining behind to secure their departure.
Aboard the aircraft, Collins' realization dawns with a shock: Cal had known all along that Teri wouldn't reach the bunker, yet he chose to keep Collins in the dark. Seething with anger, Collins confronts Cal, who urges him to prioritize their survival for the sake of their children.
As the crisis spirals out of control, military leaders propose a drastic solution—a nuclear strike to clear a safe path to the bunker. In the treacherous circumstances, an incoming missile strike would seal their fate. Cal acknowledges their logic but rejects the attack, instead retreating to his quarters to enact an audacious alternate plan: a global shutdown of all signals and communications, effectively neutralizing missile systems.
Sinatra vehemently opposes this drastic measure, arguing that operational communication is crucial for their survival within the bunker. Undeterred, Cal stands firm in his belief that humanity deserves a choice and orders Sinatra's removal. With resolve, he inputs the shutdown code, successfully disabling several missiles.
However, Collins watches in dread as one missile remains active, its trajectory locked on Atlanta. As their connection with Teri fades, they exchange heart-wrenching farewells.
Returning to the present, Collins recounts to Sinatra the harrowing sight of the bomb impacting Atlanta. Sinatra counters his narrative by revealing the full implications of the deactivation code, playing a radio transmission of Teri's voice, confirming her survival and her relentless search for Collins.
Furthermore, Sinatra tasks Collins with verifying that Presley is no longer in the safe house. She then presents him with an ultimatum: if he wishes to keep his family safe, he must rectify the situation. The episode concludes with Collins slowly lowering his gun, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon him.
