Synopsis: TV series based on James Paterson’s Alex Cross novels. Alex Cross uses forensic psychology to analyze killers’ minds, delving into victims’ psyches to identify murderers and bring them to justice.
Showrunner: Ben Watkins
Cast: Aldis Hodge, Isiah Mustafa, Alona Tai, Ryan Eggold
Prime Video has done an outstanding job with series: Reacher, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, M.r and Mrs. Smith and, of course, The Boys. Cross is set to integrate seamlessly with the array of established hits Prime has pumped out over the years.
Cross comes with a built-in amount of fan loyalty as the show is based on the character Alex Cross, who author James Patterson created. First appearing in Along Came a Spider (1993), Patterson has penned 32 Alex Cross novels, two novellas and three books featuring his son Ali.
Alex Cross has a PhD in psychology and is a police detective. We were introduced to the character in Kiss the Girls, which featured Morgan Freeman as Cross. Freeman reprised the role in Along Came a Spider. Years later, Tyler Perry would portray the role in the film Alex Cross.
There is a book-to-movie conversation — a movie rarely lives up to its source material. With that in mind, turning this into a series was quite brilliant.
Audiences have eight episodes to get to know this iteration of Alex Cross and follow along as he deals with evil on multiple fronts.
Aldis Hodge stars as Alex Cross in this new iteration. The actor was seen previously in films such as Black Adam, Straight Outta Compton and One Night in Miami. Respectfully, most of his performances have been in a supporting category, but he shines in the lead in this series.
As the series begins, Cross is reeling from a serious event in his life. He lives with his grandmother, ‘Nana-Mama’ (Juanita Jennings), his son Damon (Caleb) and daughter Janelle (Melody Hurd).
Cross’s partner on the force is John Sampson (Isiah Mustafa). They are childhood friends and are still very close.
The show’s casting is fantastic. Hodge and Mustafa play very well off each other. The two are dealing with a recent murder that seems to be tied to a serial killer. In addition, someone is stalking Cross and his family. Are the two linked or separate?
Cross boasts a very strong supporting cast, including Shannon Witmer (Eloise Mumford), a poster child for what happens when online dating goes wrong, Bobby Trey (Johnny Ray Gill), a former police officer who now seems on the other side of the law, Kayla Craig (Alona Tai), a flirty FBI agent who assists Cross and Sampson with cases and Edward Ramsey (Ryan Eggold) a wealthy businessman who is well connected.
Ben Watkins has done a fantastic job with this show, and his directing team was up to the task. Each episode blends seamlessly into the next and leaves the audience eager to see more.
Aldis Hodge is the most recent example of how the right project can elevate an actor beyond what we knew was possible for them. Hodge has a commanding presence in this show, and his portrayal is fantastic. Jumping into a role that Morgan Freeman played is no easy task, but he makes it his own.
BBC One brought us Idris Elba in Luther, and Prime Video has served its audience well with Aldis Hodge in Cross.
In addition to Hodge’s fantastic performance, the entire ensemble is great. Isiah—yes, that’s the Old Spice Guy— Mustafah excels in his role as the longtime friend of Cross.
In addition to the cast, the writing is incredible. Patterson, who is involved with the show, must be proud of the patient storytelling that exists over the eight episodes.
Cross is one of those shows where you need to focus, or you will miss some of the crumbs laid out to make everything fit together.
The show goes beyond tracking down the ‘bad guys’ as it deals with loss, mental health, and power dynamics, all in a way that doesn’t feel forced or preachy. There is also a lot of discussion on the relationship between the police and the people they are sworn to serve and protect.
The score and cinematography are also well crafted. Watkins created a canvas that allowed the show to stand on its own, but you know, deep down, Cross would have been friends with John Shaft.
There are many shows on multiple streaming services, but every now and then, one comes along that commands your time and attention, and Cross is that show.
Grade: A-
Watch the trailer:
