Paradise: What Did It Say in Billy Page’s Classified & [REDACTED] File?
Viewers have just arrived at episode four of Disney+’s mind-bending political sci-fi thriller, Paradise, and things just keep getting weirder. We’re now another person down (spoilers obviously ahead), and like the simulacrum world of the series, we’re only just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s actually going on.
The spotlight this episode is on the White House security detail Billy Page (Jon Beavers), also Xavier Collins’s (Sterling K. Brown) best work buddy, fond of stealing his colleagues pozole and taking nap time when he’s meant to be guarding the president. But as Doctor Gabriella (Sarah Shahi) told Xavier in their steamy, secret-whispering shower sex session: “The president says Billy Page is dangerous”.
So, Xavier goes hunting for more background on Billy, a man who he let into his home, and who his kids call “Uncle”. But there was just a swift glimpse of a heavily redacted security file on him. As an accompaniment to the flashback of Yung Billy, here’s exactly what was up with Billy Pace (or how much is actually readable, at least):
“Memorandum for senior pentagon…
Commandors…
Matter of national security…
SUBJECT: Matter of national security - classified
“Manila, Philippines, National defense strategy…high-value target…”
Then, more location and background on Billy:
“1. Bogota
2. Matter of national security
3. Security detail…
“Proven leader, masterful problem solver, and valuable …loyal to the company and adept to change…
“He lost two field agents under his command…but it’s important to note…ignored his plan of action. Agent Pace is an ideal candidate for…and will be a valuable asset inside Paradise.”
Then more of his shady childhood past:
“The indictment alleges that Juvenile…distributing drugs. When the Juvenile…Police, he allegedly possessed more…cocaine and over 2.5 ounces of meth…also seized a 9mm gun and 16 rounds of…Juvenile allegedly illegally possessed…previously been convicted of other felonies.”
What we learn from these files, and his backstory, is that Billy is a trained killer who is loyal to the company. But that’s the thing about being a “highly paid mercenary”, as Samantha calls him – taking part in mass murder ultimately means you’re signing your own death warrant.
So when he’s dispatched above ground to murder the four scientists, sent by the president to “find out” if there’s any life on earth on the apocalyptic planet (spoiler: looks like there is!) it’s only a matter of time before he needs to be permanently silenced.
And, just like in the old murder mystery trope wheeled out again here (“I’m going to tell you everything I know. No, not right now! Even though it’s the perfect place. I’ll do it tomorrow, giving someone the chance to murder me tonight before I spill all my secrets!”), Billy is down, knocked off by the person he was least expecting, and that even all his training couldn’t predict what would happen next. Farewell Agent Pace, we hardly knew ye.
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