It’s an ambitious attempt by “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman, but ultimately a failed one.

While there is much to appreciate in Hulu’s new high-concept drama “Paradise,” a mystery reminiscent of “Lost” set in an idyllic town that is rocked by a murder, it struggles to deliver on its bold promises. With Fogelman’s signature emotional depth and unexpected twists, “Paradise” showcases the talents of Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, and Julianne Nicholson, who all enhance the material they’re provided. Moreover, it presents a unique and thoughtful concept in a television landscape increasingly filled with repetitive ideas.

However, ambitious series like “Paradise” carry inherent risks, and unfortunately, it does not fully realize the potential it suggests. I believe that Fogelman and Brown could have created something truly engaging, but it falls short of being a show to fall in love with. It feels more like “Lost” Season 7 instead of the earlier, more captivating seasons.

Discussing the plot without revealing major spoilers is a challenge, but the main character is Xavier Collins (Brown), a secret service agent with a strong moral compass. He protects President Cal Bradford (James Marsden), a charismatic politician with a hidden agenda. The story toggles between Bradford’s tenure in the White House and the present, where he resides in the peaceful town, still under Xavier’s watchful eye. When Cal is assassinated while under Secret Service protection, the town’s serene existence is upended, much to the dismay of wealthy billionaire Samantha Redmond (Nicholson), who wields an unusual amount of influence. Xavier must navigate the mystery, manage suspicions, and confront his own complex emotions regarding Cal.

Similar to “This Is Us,” “Paradise” thrives on those momentous plot twists. However, the moments in between tend to lack substance. The eight-episode series (with seven episodes available for review) progresses at a painfully slow pace, despite the urgency of the unfolding mystery. The overarching narrative, which I can’t delve into in detail, is more compelling than the actual murder investigation, but it becomes bogged down by cumbersome world-building and overarching plotting that fail to meet expectations. There are numerous small issues that accumulate into a larger problem for the show.

It’s truly disappointing because, as expected, Brown delivers an excellent performance. His portrayal of Xavier is enriched by the choice of actor, as we naturally anticipate a character of high moral standing. He excels at everything: action scenes, emotional turmoil, playful conversations, expressions of betrayal, and amateur detective work. Marsden is also a great fit for the role of a charming, approachable president, akin to a country music rendition of JFK. His hairstyle is immaculate, his smile slightly askew, and he carries a suit well. Unfortunately, Nicholson’s character, reminiscent of an Elon Musk prototype, resorts to cliched stereotypes by the time her backstory is explored.

Perhaps the finale of “Paradise” could provide a satisfying resolution that compensates for the lackluster middle episodes. Unfortunately, the quality of the series appears to be on a downward path, mirroring the tragic trajectories of its characters.

Watching this series doesn’t feel like a true escape to paradise; it instead resembles a flawed imitation of what could have been a perfect show, and the flaws are glaringly apparent.