‘Almost Paradise’ Rewatch: A Hero Rises

Written by John Edward Betancourt

How Alex Walker Becomes a Genuine Hero in ‘Something Walker This Way Comes’

‘Well, I wanted to make a difference.’
- Alex Walker

​It is definitely safe to say, that our rewatch of the hit television series, Almost Paradise, has been quite the fulfilling and wondrous experience. Simply because we’ve been able to rediscover the majesty and joy that this Christian Kane led series put into our hearts when it first aired in 2020 and as added bonus… we’ve found some incredible meaning within each and every episode. For it turns out that Dean Devlin and Gary Rosen wanted to explore some deeper themes and concepts as Alex Walker settled into his new life on the island of Cebu and discovering what they wanted to examine… has allowed for this series to take on a new life. Since we now know that it is one of the smartest crime dramas around, one that also serves as a grand origin story for a hero, since we watch Alex go from broken man to outright champion for good by the end of season.
 
But alas, it is that ending that looms large over this particular rewatch, to the point where today’s discussion is bittersweet in nature. For we have reached the end of this second journey through Alex’s world and while we have much to celebrate in regard to that, it is heartbreaking to know that we once again won’t be talking about his and Kai and Ernesto’s adventures on a weekly basis, after today. But rather than lament or fuss over that… it really is best we talk about how ‘Something Walker This Way Comes’ does a phenomenal job of completing Alex’s inspiring journey and it does that; by prompting Alex to deal with the third and final storytelling step that goes into becoming a hero. For Alex has already found a cause to fight for, since he stands up for the little guy and of course… his fight with El Diablo made him a legend on the island, since he defied the odds to keep people safe.
 
Which meant that the only roadblock keeping him from his destiny as a hero, was his past. For he had yet to deal with any element of it and overcoming it would free his soul at last and allow him to move forward as the island’s true protector and thankfully, the arrival of his daughter and his arch nemesis on the island allowed for that to happen in the most realistic way imaginable. Because at first, Alex struggled mightily with seeing his angry daughter, Evelyn, and the man that broke him, Todd Carpenter, and initially… he folded in dealing with either of them. Which is something that let’s be honest, all of us would do. Because having to make peace with people we’ve hurt and the ones that have hurt us is no easy task, since it means we have to face that pain all over again and well… Todd’s desire to put Evelyn in harm’s way, allowed for Alex to realize the grand opportunity in front of him.

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Because now he could genuinely prove to Evelyn that she was indeed a priority in his life and mattered the world to him, and that he could in fact… avenge the humiliation and heal the damage that Todd put him through by putting him away, and that potential allowed for Alex to steel his nerves and accomplish wonders. Because he did it. He showed Evelyn that he cared and that he would do anything to keep her safe and he beat the ever-living hell out of Todd and eventually put him behind bars and that did so much for Alex. Because by the end of this story, he is confident and secure and calm at last, and he’s finally looking toward a better tomorrow because he has his fresh start at last and most important of all… he’s a true hero when we leave him in this tale. Because there are no more demons to slay, just innocent people to keep safe and he’s ready and willing to do that no problem and that is one satisfying ending for certain, one from an episode that offered so much more to the audience.
 
Because this is a story that once again allows for Christian Kane to shine as an actor. For he exhibits incredible range in this finale, to the point where we believe the fear that Alex is exhibiting and the strength that he later finds and that really does sell this episode through and through. Plus, it features so many beautiful moments between Alex and his daughter and his new extended family, since Kai and Ernesto are there for him every step of the way and speak to what he’s accomplished during his time on the island and really in the end, all of these elements make this a perfect finale. Because it really does close out an important chapter in Alex Walker’s sorted life in a magnificent and moving manner. 
 
Which is why, it is imperative that we get more seasons of this series. So that fans everywhere can see how Alex grows further as a person, and what kinds of new challenges he will face and overcome as a hero and of course, so he can finally find that internal mabuhay that he’s craved since he arrived on Cebu. So, please, if anyone from IMDb TV is reading this; renew Almost Paradise as soon as you can… so this journey can eventually come to its proper conclusion. But while we wait for that particular announcement, we can bask in one incredible finale. One that truly put a smile on our faces and this rewatch isn't enough, well we can relive Alex’s incredible journey as many times as we like, since streaming truly is a godsend. But alas, that’s all there is to say about the inaugural season of this incredible crime drama, and I do hope you enjoyed going back through year one as much as I did, and hopefully we can all reunite here soon; to talk about future adventures with a trio of incredible human beings that believe in good above all else.

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