Synopsis
Series adaptation of James Patterson’s novels about the complicated and brilliant detective Alex Cross
Hodge is the third actor to portray Cross, following in the footsteps of Morgan Freeman, who first portrayed him onscreen in 1997’s Kiss the Girls and again in the 2001 film sequel Along Came a Spider; and Tyler Perry as the title character in 2012’s Alex Cross, which flopped at the box office and led Lionsgate to scrap the previously planned sequel Double Cross. ‘Cross’ opens with the murder of Detective Alex Cross’s (Aldis Hodge) wife Maria (Chauntee Schuler Irving), who is shot and killed moments after leaving a restaurant where she was meeting Alex’s best friend John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa) and his wife. The loss devastates Alex, leaving him dealing with the dual challenges of grieving his wife and raising two children on his own. The story then jumps forward a year, where we find Alex, still grappling with his grief, interrogating a criminal in his signature style to extract a confession.
Alex Cross, convinced there is foul play involved, digs deeper into the case, uncovering a chilling pattern
The plot takes a darker turn when Washington’s African-American community is rocked by the murder of Emir Goodspeed, a Black Lives Matter activist. When art aficionado Shannon Witmer (Eloise Mumford) goes missing, Alex is presented with the opportunity to tighten the noose around the killer. “Cross” is a tense, emotionally charged crime thriller that blends personal loss with the relentless pursuit of justice, all while exploring the psychological complexity of its lead detective. The show effectively balances action with poignant character development, as Alex Cross becomes more than just a man chasing a killer — he’s a father, a husband, and a man dealing with the emotional weight of his past.
Aldis Hodge brings a commanding physical presence to the role of Alex Cross, fully inhabiting the character with ease
The series stands out not only for its gritty plot but also for the immersive atmosphere that enhances the viewing experience. The character of Alex Cross, a decorated black detective who lives and works in a predominantly black neighborhood, brings a unique depth to the series. Their performances shine in both the high-stakes police sequences and the quieter, more intimate moments with his family, skillfully balancing the two aspects of his life. The dynamic between Cross and his childhood friend-turned-partner, John, is one of the highlights of the show – touching, funny, and believable.
Alex Cross’ most distinctive trait is his humanity – his values and vulnerabilities make him relatable and realistic
However, it is Ryan Eggold’s chilling portrayal of Ed Ramsey, a powerful DC stockbroker, that truly steals the show. He strikes a perfect balance between his calm, affable demeanor with his friends and the menacing, intimidating presence he exudes when confronted by his victims. At first glance, “Cross” may seem like just another serial killer thriller, but it stands out for elements that set it apart from the typical genre. While the series doesn’t break new ground, the dynamic camaraderie between Cross and his colleagues adds a layer of enjoyment to the viewing experience.
“Cross” is neither groundbreaking nor boring – it does what it sets out to do, provide entertainment
There are moments that the writers could have explored further, particularly when an old video of Cross resurfacing while beating a man could have been fleshed out more.