‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’ Recap – ‘Tropic Like It’s Hot’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Frank Schilling and Elizabeth Chambers in Episode 101 of ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’ – ‘Tropic Like It’s Hot’. (Photo Courtesy of Jeff Daly/Freeform/Disney.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’.
​
One particular thought that sometimes lingers in the back of our minds, is how much we would love to just… leave our chaotic lives behind and start over elsewhere. Somewhere tropical to be exact. So, we can enjoy better temperatures than the too cold, or too hot climate we currently grapple with. But more so, to be a little closer to nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just enjoy all its spoils with a tropical drink in hand. But that thought tends to fade, in part because it isn’t always feasible, and we oft wonder… if there is a truth to such a move that we won’t like to find. But while we may not go through with it, and use that thought as an escape, some have taken the plunge and moved into paradise, and made some fascinating discoveries along the way.

The kind that are now going to be chronicled in the new Freeform series, Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise. A show that debuted last night on the network and well, ‘Tropic Like It’s Hot’ wastes little time in informing us about those discoveries, through a handful of people that we get up close and personal with. Such as Elizabeth Chambers, the ex-wife of Armie Hammer who entered the spotlight during that mess, and there’s Selita Ebanks, a former model and Cayman native that has returned home to reconnect and find the story for the next chapter in her life. Plus, there’s Chelsea, who moved to the island ages ago and had its darker aspects rattle her family and put her in a strange relationship now. And there are others we will discuss in greater detail along the way, but this trio is clearly the focus on the show and with good reason.

Because in many ways their lives represent how island life and the lifestyle present in Grand Cayman isn’t all the escape that they hoped it would be. Granted, some of that is out of their hands, like Elizabeth’s situation since neither she nor anyone had an idea of what her husband was doing. But it wasn’t the dream like move she expected, and the same goes for Chelsea. Who saw her marriage shatter after getting there, and that strange relationship mentioned a moment age relates to how her new beau, Tyson… has little interest in laying down roots. All of which truly expands upon the reality, that the grass isn’t greener on the other side, and that island life can be something of an escape instead of the fresh start that some want and that of course… drama still persists in such a place.

After all, one big plot thread in this story revolves around Elizabeth and whether or not she is avoiding being closer with some folks on the island because of a past transgression she doesn’t want to speak of. Since a woman named Courtney is of the firm belief that Elizabeth came after her via a fake Instagram account, a truth that is seemingly confirmed when Courtney reads some press about Elizabeth and how perhaps this is something she’s done in the past. Setting the stage for confrontation and outright drama, something that clearly doesn’t disappear in the island paradises we seek. If anything, it may be amplified here. Not to mention, there’s serious drama brewing with Chelsea and Tyson, the kind that needs to be watched closely since one bad day could ruin what they’ve built.

If anything, perhaps the only real person devoid of impending drama in this tale is Selita. Since she truly wants to find her new path and her true calling. Making her the personification of what we hope island life will accomplish, and well, all of these element’s lead… to one fascinating series premiere. One that not only answers a question in our minds but truly introduces us to a world that we don’t understand. Because island life isn’t a thing for the majority of us, nor are its rules, regulations and standards. But this series is clearly going to explore all of that in detail and give us newfound understanding of this life and how much of a struggle life in paradise can be, courtesy of the human condition and all of its complications. Until next time.

---

Watch ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’ 

Powered by JustWatch