Early on in the first episode of a new series on Hulu, I had gone into the kitchen to finish up the dishes and put them away. That's when I heard the name "Christian Laettner."

Paradise -- a New Hulu Political Crime Series

I dropped what I was doing; muttered "Why did he just say THAT?" to myself; and hit the rewind button on Paradise, a new crime drama on the popular streaming platform. The series follows Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) who discovers the dead body of President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) lying on the floor of his residence bedroom--dead from a gunshot wound to the head. This, by the way, happens within the first 20 to 25 minutes of the episode.

The series is about the investigation, and--I'm assuming--Agent Collins will likely become a prime suspect, if not THE prime suspect. All episodes loaded Sunday night at 11 PM Central, but I only watched the first one and am hooked. As for my assumption, the show establishes the friendship between Collins and the president, but it became a rocky one, and I'm sure I'll learn more as I continue. (Yes, I'm looking forward to getting home.)

New Hulu Drama's Kentucky Hoops Connection

But here's the thing:

In an early conversation, President Bradford--whose Secret Service code name is "Wildcat"--lets us all know that he is a huge Kentucky basketball fan. I have yet to learn if the character is an alumnus or if he's just a follower, but THAT'S why "Christian Laettner" comes into play. The name is a code that I'm presuming--in context--means the president is either dead or seriously injured. Also, the title of the first episode is "Wildcat Is Down."

Agent Collins was unfamiliar with the former Duke and NBA star until Bradford explained the 1992 NCAA Tournament game that led all of Big Blue Nation to loathe Laettner. Who knows? Maybe this still-popular t-shirt will make a Paradise cameo.

Amazon.com; Canva
Amazon.com; Canva
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For Kentucky fans, this is a fun touch, in general. For fans of good TV, it's a nice and unexpected touch that gives some cool background about a major character in the series. The fact that President Bradford is a big 'Cats fan IS a nice touch for UK fans. Too bad he's dead...or will it be? I can't wait to find out.

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