Cross premieres November 14 on Prime Video.
By Elazar Abrahams
Based on James Patterson’s long running literary series, Cross brings intensity and grit to the small screen in stellar fashion. The new show’s first season, consisting of eight episodes, translates all the fun of a Patterson novel to television with the perfect mix of suspense and tension. The intensity and grit of tracking D.C. homicide detective Alex Cross makes this more than just an average detective show — Cross is a pulpy and propulsive thriller that hooks you from the start and doesn’t let up, like a juicy airport read you can’t put down.
Aldis Hodge is perfectly cast as the titular officer, nailing the balance between stoic badass and vulnerable widower. Alex’s resolve is unshakable, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t layered or complex. The brilliant investigator’s weaknesses start to become apparent when those closest to him, especially his two young children, are targeted.
Ryan Eggold portrays Ed Ramsey, the main villain for much of the season. Ramsey is a chilling, psychopathic serial killer who is as slick as he is sinister, somehow always one step ahead of the cops. Eggold brings a disturbing charm to the role that marks for the perfect counterweight to Hodge’s Cross. When the two finally meet face-to-face, the show’s writing sparks with something special.
Cross stays alluring throughout, keeping the central mystery compelling as each cliffhanger amps up the tension. Somehow, the show manages to stay grounded even as the plot becomes increasingly twisty and suspenseful. It’s the kind of guilty pleasure that keeps you guessing, and the pace is well executed with rewarding payoff.
Beyond the thrills, Cross also does a commendable job touching on real world, timely issues, including the unique challenges Alex faces as a Black officer. He endures both racism from within the police force and catches heat from Black Lives Matter activists who see him as a traitor to his community. These moments never feel preachy or overbearing; instead, they add depth to Cross’s character and the world he navigates, creating a richer backdrop that makes the stakes feel real and immediate.
The show doesn’t reinvent the wheel of a good murder mystery, but it is an excellent addition to the genre, and a surprise last minute contender for some of the most engaging TV of the year.
I give Cross an A.
TV and City 