AceShowbiz - Fans of Paradise are invited to revisit one of the series’ most unforgettable settings in its second season. Rather than continuing immediately from Season 1’s gripping cliffhanger, the show took a bold detour to the iconic Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, drawing viewers into a fresh, emotionally charged storyline.

The much-anticipated Season 2 premiere, which debuted on February 23, introduced new characters played by Shailene Woodley and Thomas Doherty, weaving their narratives into the existing world of Paradise. Woodley’s character, Annie Clay, is a former medical student turned reclusive Graceland tour guide who has sought refuge in Elvis Presley’s home since the catastrophic event known as “The Day.” Her isolation is interrupted when Doherty’s Link and his group of survivors arrive, challenging her perception of trust and humanity.

In less than an hour of screen time, the episode titled “Graceland” masterfully blends survival drama with a poignant study of grief and human connection. Both Woodley and Doherty shared insights with Decider about the experience of working on this distinct segment of the show, highlighting the detailed set design and the collaborative energy on set.

Before joining Paradise, Doherty was recognized for his roles in projects like Tell Me Lies and Gossip Girl. However, working alongside Woodley, whom he regards as one of the finest actors, was a career highlight for him. “I’ve been such a fan of Shailene,” Doherty expressed during a Zoom interview. “She’s honestly one of the best actors in the world. Meeting her was exciting but also nerve-wracking because I look up to her so much. She’s incredibly talented and also a truly wonderful person.”

Woodley, whose scenes prominently feature Doherty and the showrunner/star Sterling K. Brown, praised the trio’s chemistry. “We are all open-minded and curious, which helped us establish an honest and comfortable dynamic very quickly,” she said. This openness allowed the actors to delve deeply into their roles and bring authenticity to their performances.

A standout element that both actors admired was the meticulously recreated Graceland set. Designed by Kevin Bird and his team, the set featured authentic details such as a white piano, stained glass windows, Elvis jumpsuits, shag carpets, and ornate furnishings that mirrored the real estate nearly perfectly. Doherty described the experience of immersing himself in the space as “bizarre” and “trippy,” noting how the sensory consistency of the set—its sights, sounds, and smells—helped him fully surrender to the environment, despite filming at a Los Angeles studio lot.

Woodley revealed that her character’s extended isolation in Graceland allowed her to shoot substantial additional footage exploring Annie’s inner world, much of which was left out of the final cut. She explained the creative process behind these scenes, imagining how Annie might interact with Elvis memorabilia during her solitude. “Would she talk to his framed photo? Would she put on his clothes and pretend to be him? There were so many layers to explore about loneliness and playfulness in that space,” Woodley shared.

One of the most captivating parts of the set for Woodley was the Jungle Room, a famously eccentric area of Graceland featuring shag carpeted walls and ceilings, jungle cat motifs, and tiki-style wooden chairs. She described Elvis’ design choices as “odd,” yet representative of his unique aesthetic vision. The room became a key backdrop for intimate and emotionally intense scenes between Annie and Link.

When Link and his group arrive at Graceland, their initially hostile presence causes Annie to react defensively. She hits Link on the head, steals his gun, and isolates herself in a locked room. Upon emerging three days later, she cautiously accepts the men’s friendliness and learns about a rumored bunker in Colorado. Despite Link’s rugged exterior, he reveals himself to be thoughtful, humorous, and deeply caring, qualities that gradually help Annie lower her guard.

The dynamic between Annie and Link intensifies through shared moments of vulnerability, particularly during a memorable scene in the Jungle Room. The dim lighting, candlelight, and kitschy decor set the stage for a nuanced exchange where Annie nervously fidgets and Link gently comforts her. Their interaction includes a tender embrace and tearful release, capturing the profound emotional toll of prolonged isolation.

This powerful scene was especially significant as it was the first time Woodley and Doherty performed together on the show. Doherty described the experience as “a lot of emotions and anxieties” due to the caliber of the project and his admiration for Woodley. Woodley reflected on the scene’s emotional gravity, noting the challenge of portraying characters who have not had human contact for years and the delicate balance of fear, tenderness, and rediscovery.

Throughout the episode, the rich world-building crafted by Dan Fogelman and his team is evident. The warmth of the cast and crew, combined with the attention to detail in set design and storytelling, contributed to an immersive production experience that the actors fondly recalled.

As Paradise continues to explore the aftermath of “The Day,” the Graceland episode stands out as a testament to the show’s ability to blend suspenseful drama with deeply human stories set against iconic backdrops. With Shailene Woodley and Thomas Doherty delivering standout performances, this detour into Elvis Presley’s legendary home offers fans both nostalgia and fresh narrative depth.

Ultimately, the episode’s success lies in its combination of intimate character moments and the grandeur of Graceland itself—an exceptional setting that becomes a character in its own right. Viewers can look forward to more compelling storytelling as Paradise unfolds its second season.