‘Almost Paradise’ Recap: ‘Brigade’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(L-R) Nonie Buencamino, Christian Kane, Arthur Acuña, and Samantha Richelle as Ike Ocampo, Alex Walker, Ernesto Alamares, and Kai Mendoza in Episode 210 of ‘Almost Paradise’ – ‘Brigade’. (Photo Courtesy of Chari Villegas/Amazon Freevee.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Almost Paradise’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Truly, the penultimate episode of season two of Almost Paradise on Amazon Freevee, set the stage for one epic showdown between good and evil. For Jace Vargas made it clear that he was going to come after Alex Walker with every fiber of his being, from behind bars no less. And his decision to send a trained killer after Alex, and corrupt a burgeoning love between Alex and Ann, seemed to steel our hero like never before. As though he was going to find a way to get close to Jace and end this once for and all, and wouldn’t you know it? That is indeed exactly what the show opted to lean into for its season two finale. 

For ‘Brigade’ did indeed put Alex and Jace in the same space to finally settle old scores, but in the most unique and refreshing way imaginable of course. Because this is a show that doesn’t like to follow traditional convention for crime dramas and action stories. It wants to surprise us and impress us, and it accomplished that, by opening up with a stunning surprise. Wherein Alex was arrested at Kai’s going away party and thrown in the same jail as Jace Vargas. All of which left Ernesto and Kai besides themselves. For Alex Walker was the man that brought criminals down, and he would never abide by their playbook. But the story went that the ranch was in trouble, so was the shop, so Alex snapped and did illegal things to keep his life afloat.

But that didn’t sit right with this duo, they knew that even at his lowest, Alex wouldn’t cross that line, and despite being told stay away from the case, they refused and stepped in and found their way into the prison to help protect Alex. For they knew that Jace would bring great harm to him and well, once they arrived, more surprises came into play. Because it turned out that their suspicions were correct, that Alex wasn’t a crook. He was undercover, to try and figure out how Jace was working with such freedom. Because someone had to be helping him, and with a little assist from Ernesto and Kai, they came to learn that yes, someone on the inside was giving Jace freedom in exchange for incredible access to the island’s underworld network, and it was the warden who was behind this all.

Which meant that justice was served, and Alex was released. But what mattered more, was the fact that Alex and Jace finally had the showdown we were waiting for before he returned to his everyday life. But of course, since we mentioned this was handled in a non-traditional manner, there was no bloody fight here complete with inspiring speeches, just a hard lesson in what gives men like Jace power to begin with. In that, guys like him… are weak really and need to be admired and fawned over, and only then can express a sense of confidence and power, and when that is robbed from them… they’re a nobody, and Alex knew this from the get-go and exposed ol’ Jace. Which ruined his standing as the head honcho of this jail and removed him from having any power over Alex ever again. Giving rise to a peaceful victory for the hero, one that allowed for Alex to look ahead toward the future.

One that will see him stay on the island. Since he sold the ranch and doubled down on the Gift Shop, so he could keep healing and living his life in this healthy manner filled with balance. And of course, his decision to stay prompted Kai to stay. So, she could be close to someone we now know she deeply loves, and those feelings are obviously mutual. That means, we’re looking at a hopeful tomorrow for Alex, and his friends… wherein bonds will be strengthened, and lives will be enriched and well, all of this made for a satisfying ending to a satisfying season of storytelling. One that featured new and big ideas, great storytelling, and simply incredible character growth. The kind that saw good people working to be the best version of themselves, and that’s inspiring and hopefully, we get good news from Amazon Freevee regarding a third season soon. Because we need to see what these characters are capable of at their absolute best, and we simply need more… of this refreshing and magnificent series. Until next time.

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