‘Almost Paradise’ Recap: ‘A Fisherfolk Tale’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Christian Kane as Alex Walker in Episode 203 of ‘Almost Paradise’ – ‘A Fisherfolk Tale’. (Photo Courtesy of Amazon Freevee.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Almost Paradise’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Stories that focus deeply on starting over in life, tend to focus on the emotional journey that accompanies that act and rightfully so. After all, if one feels the need to hit the reset button and start from scratch, there’s something emotional going on there. A need to cleanse one’s soul really, so it is best that the story hold to that so the audience can see what that kind of journey is like, and of course… enjoy a happy ending when the character finally settles comfortably in a new chapter in their lives. Which does make for a satisfying story, one that ends happy for certain, and also… sadly... does a bit of disservice to the audience as well. Because while it is nice to know that a fresh start is possible, there’s more to come once the new chapter begins.
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For there is still self-work that has to come into play to maintain the good since the work to be better and be more never ends. Not to mention, there’s a sense of real discovery in this new chapter in our lives, since we are working toward learning what keeps us at peace and makes us truly happy. Which is why stories that feature the next steps, should be celebrated and discussed often, since they’re ironically, putting in the work to tell a complete tale, and that’s why this new season of Almost Paradise on Amazon Freevee, is worth spotlighting. For it is in fact, showcasing those elements, as evidenced by its next episode. For ‘A Fisherfolk Tale’ informed us that in order to truly feel at peace, Alex Walker needed to indulge himself and obtain everything he always wanted in this life.

Which was why… Alex bought himself a boat. Because he always wanted to enjoy the calm of the sea, and since he also needed to figure out new income streams to supplement his lifestyle, the boat could also double as a charter to tourists. But of course, there were problems with the boat, and other issues that kept it from being the dream boat he desired to set sail on. But more on that in a moment. Because in between those complications, were some subtle and powerful moments regarding Alex and his quest to really lean into that new chapter in his life. Because he really made the boat a priority in this tale and was determined to have it ready to go. Which really spoke to how dedicated he was to self-work and change, because he knew this would represent progress and fulfill some lifelong dreams and help reinforce the positive aspects of his life. Adding to his character growth this season and it also allowed… for this quest to add a little comic relief to a supremely serious plot line.

Because surrounding Alex’s quest to sail the seven seas, was a brewing family feud. One that involved two families on the island that didn’t trust one another in the slightest and always thought the other family was up to no good. And that distrust was in full swing, courtesy of the fact that one family, the Castros… was dealing with a cancer in their ranks. For Uncle Emilio was framing Alex’s boat mechanic from the rival Romero family, as a murderer, to draw attention away from all the illegal fishing he was conducting in the reefs to make a small fortune in these trying times for fisherman. All of which put the island on the brink of disaster since those families were ready to go to outright war in the name of honor and namesake over Emilio’s lies, and well… thank heavens Alex, Kai and Ernesto were on this case. Since the latter two kept the violence from getting underway and Alex was able to expose Emilio’s illegal machinations. Giving rise to peace on the island and that also got Alex back on his boat.
 
As to whether or not it worked long term, is a story for another day. But in the here and the now, we can celebrate another lovely chapter in the life and times of Alex Walker. Where once again we were treated to balanced storytelling. The kind that allowed for Alex to grow and offer some comic relief along the way, all while important matters were handled on the island and well… this formula is working great, and this writer hopes it doesn’t change. Because it is giving the show a wonderful groove to work with and it is providing everyone with screen time and storylines to take part in. And most important of all, it is allowing for a much more comprehensive story about starting over to take place. One that really is pondering upon what we do when we enter that new chapter, and it will be interesting to see what else Alex will work to obtain to maintain his newfound peace as season two of this brilliant show continues along. Until next time.

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