‘Almost Paradise’ Recap: ‘Old Times’

10/18/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Christian Kane as Alex Walker in Episode 209 of ‘Almost Paradise’ – ‘Old Times’. (Photo Courtesy of Chari Villegas/Amazon Freevee.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘Almost Paradise’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

It wasn’t that long ago, that we talked at length about how wonderful it was that Alex Walker finally had a true foil to face off against in the Amazon Freevee series, Almost Paradise. For every great hero needs an equally as great villain to push them and help them grow and well… Jace Vargas certainly fits that mold. Since he is the anthesis to everything Alex stands for. But while it was nice to be introduced to him and come to understand that he would be a thorn in Alex’s side, he more or less faded from sight after ‘Deus Ex-Wife Machina’. As though he would be saved for another season of storytelling. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means. But as it turns out, his absence was nothing more than a brilliant storytelling move. So that his return… would serve as the perfect surprise.

In fact, that came out way in the next episode of this series, but only after we found ourselves fooled by the story at hand in ‘Old Times’. For this particular story initially showed no signs of Jace and his special brand of evil. Instead, this appeared to be a morality tale about the line that needs to exist between investigators and their personal lives, and what it means to do right when a great evil is discovered. A feat this story accomplished by way of an unsettling murder that took place at the Villegas Hotel and Casino. Because Ann wanted Alex to take no part in this case, for she felt in this instance, he would be too close to it emotionally, especially since this duo were growing closer by the day. But Alex’s sense for justice, pushed him to cross the line and learn what he needed to, and that brought forth quite the surprise.

In that, it appeared that a hitman that Alex knew of, that once operated in Texas in the name of organized crime, was responsible for this murder. Not to mention, a guest that resembled him perfectly was staying at the hotel. Which prompted Alex to gather evidence to prove this guest was the monster in question, which he did. But alas that newly exposed evil turned upon him and nearly killed him, and only then did we learn that Jace was behind all of this and got to Ann to keep the plan to have a hitman take out Alex Walker as quiet as can be. But more on that in a moment. Because this sequence did in fact, speak to how there needs to be boundaries for an investigator and their work, since Alex’s heart did blur the line here and that got him in trouble, and this story did speak volumes to how anyone out there should stand tall and make sure a great evil gets its due when it is discovered roaming around in the world.

But all that aside, let’s be honest… the fact the Vargas was behind this… was quite the epic reveal. One that spoke to his strength as a villain. After all, it takes incredible power to be able to reach from beyond a jail cell to coordinate this kind of attack and this kind of plan, and he has that. Which is huge and not to mention, he was introduced here in just the most delicious and classic way imaginable. In fact, one could even say that his entrance in this story, rivaled that of any villain that James Bond has ever faced off against. Because it was just that devilishly delightful through and through and of course… it set the stage for something we’ve all been wanting since Jace came into the picture in this story. Specifically, a showdown at last between our hero, and a monster that is clearly ready to do whatever it takes to torment him.

For Jace did promise that this was only the beginning of trouble to come and that… and everything else that preceded it, made for one delightful episode. One that offered up other surprises in addition to Jace’s return. Since we came to learn here that Kai, has legitimate feelings for Alex and their inability to express them here through holding back and unfortunate circumstances, might cost them a chance at real love. Since Kai also got the job in Manila. All of which of course, means this writer needs to hit play on the next episode post haste. To see, what will become of the newfound feelings this duo harbor and see how Alex will respond to Jace’s brutal challenge, and defeat him along the way, since that’s what a good hero does, and above all… to bear witness to what should be an amazing conclusion to a brilliant year of storytelling. For the next episode is also, the season two finale, and if the setup here is any indicator, it’s going to be epic for certain. Until next time.

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