Paradise Season 2’s Annie Twist Highlights What Makes The Show So Special

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Paradise season 2, episode 4, "A Holy Charge."

After Paradise's rollercoaster first season, fans shouldn't be surprised by the constant twists and turns the show throws at them, yet its big Annie moment left viewers stunned. Although the series has revolved primarily around Xavier Collins, there has been no shortage of other important characters, such as Sinatra, Jane, Billy, and President Cal Bradford, just to name a few.

Not all these figures made it out of the first episode alive, let alone the first season, yet there were more than enough captivating storylines to keep viewers engaged. This made it a real swerve when Paradise season 2 opened with Annie's survival, a complete newcomer to Hulu's hit thriller, adding yet another layer to this already complex narrative.

Seeing her perspective on the disaster alongside her lonely journey in this post-apocalyptic world was fascinating, especially as we'd only really experienced this through the lens of the bunker's residents. As a result, it seemed like Annie would be a big addition to Paradise season 2's cast, yet episode 4 diverted expectations while simultaneously showing what makes the project unique.

Annie Was Killed Off Just 1 Week After Being Introduced To Paradise

Based on season 2's premiere as well as the marketing, you'd be forgiven for thinking Annie would potentially become Paradise's second main character alongside Xavier, yet she was killed off after just one week. The second season's three-episode opening meant Annie was given two appearances last week, her main outing in "Graceland", and a short cameo in "Mayday."

She wasn't present in episode 3 however, meaning her next appearance proved to be her last, as she died in "A Holy Charge." Having not revealed how far along her pregnancy she was, Annie's water broke just as she and Xavier were preparing to leave the waffle house they'd hunkered down in to rest.

Lacking confidence that they had the supplies needed to deliver the baby safely, Xavier took a chance by running to a nearby house where some strangers resided in the hopes they'd help, which they thankfully did. The group returned swiftly with Xavier and provided Annie with plenty of support, allowing her daughter to be born safely.

Unfortunately though, Annie wasn't as lucky as her child, as the group was unable to stop her bleeding, a fate she ultimately came to terms with quickly. Her emotional death was almost impossible to see coming, as despite Paradise setting up some complications with her pregnancy, it was hard to picture them pulling the trigger on such a tragic ending.

While Shailene Woodley's Annie could still feature in Paradise's future through flashbacks, this marks the end of her journey in the current timeline, which felt like it had barely gotten started. Her death may wind up impacting what's to come, but while this heartbreaking loss leaves a hole in the series, it also solidifies what makes it special.

Annie’s Death Showed That Paradise’s Biggest Strength Is Its Humanity

Annie's final moments were undoubtedly among the show's most heartbreaking scenes yet, but it also showed the importance of humanity in Paradise. Despite having her own concerns about her pregnancy, Annie begged Xavier not to trust the strangers they passed, as she had a hard time putting her faith in people, hence why she was cautious with Xavier at first.

However, the protagonist refused to listen, and that's arguably the only reason Annie's daughter survived Paradise season 2, episode 4's ending. Xavier opted to believe there were still good people out there, which proved to be the case as the group he contacted shared their supplies and knowledge, even when the main character looked hostile.

In turn, this caused Annie to change her own outlook and request that Xavier ensure her daughter didn't grow up afraid of people like she was. Even though she was unable to be saved, Annie's death highlighted the importance of people coming together in the face of disaster, a theme that perfectly captures what makes Paradise tick.

The thriller is all about people finding ways to keep going, even when things appear hopeless. It's what makes the bunker so special despite the darkness surrounding it, and it's why characters like Xavier, Robinson, and Jeremy fighting for justice remain critical, as they are making sure survival doesn't come at the cost of their own humanity.

Sure, the likes of Sinatra and her many secrets, as well as Jane and her disregard for human life highlight that there are still bad people among the community — or at least morally gray ones — but overcoming them while staying united is one of the thriller's most fascinating elements, which is arguably its greatest strength.

Paradise Season 2 Is Proving No One Is Safe

Despite how crucial humanity is to the series, death is also a factor, with season 2 emphasizing that no one is safe. While the overall concept of Paradise's apocalypse is terrifying, the outside world isn't full of the sort of usual dangers we're used to seeing in these kinds of shows, but that doesn't mean none exist whatsoever.

Xavier has already witnessed firsthand that there are some deranged people out there with bad intentions, while the lack of proper medical supplies and expertise ultimately claimed Annie's life. There are even concerns within the bunker, as Jane has killed at least two people that we know of, while Trent — a seemingly innocent librarian — murdered President Cal Bradford.

If it wasn't clear that Paradise's universe is deadly, Annie's death should be a reminder that almost anyone can die. Sure, Xavier may be safe for a while since the plot centers around him, but it feels like almost all the other meaningful characters could be at risk after the recent shock departure, which adds to Paradise's unpredictable nature.