As a cinephile with over two decades of film-watching under my belt and a particular fondness for gripping crime dramas, let me say that “Cross” has truly stolen a piece of my heart. With its roots deeply entwined in the rich soil of Morgan Freeman’s and Tyler Perry’s portrayals of James Patterson’s beloved character, Aldis Hodge‘s rendition as Alex Cross is nothing short of breathtaking.
In the footsteps of Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry, who played the character in movies like “Kiss the Girls,” “Along Came a Spider,” and “Alex Cross,” Aldis Hodge is assuming the role of James Patterson’s cherished character in Prime Video’s pulse-pounding crime thriller, “Cross.” Developed by Ben Watkins, Hodge embodies both the detective and forensic psychologist. A widower and a father of two, Alex is resolute in his pursuit for answers no matter the price. Already renewed for a second season this year, the first season of “Cross” finds Alex chasing after a cunning, detail-oriented serial killer while trying to unravel the secret behind his wife’s death. This thrilling series delves deeper than victims and killers, exploring mental health issues and dangerous obsessions. With two separate mysteries unfolding over eight episodes, “Cross” is both shocking and electrifying.
The movie “Cross” begins at an outdoor brewery setting. There, Alex and his spouse Maria (played by Chaunteé Schuler Irving) share affectionate moments while watching a football game with Alex’s friend and partner, Detective John Sampson (portrayed by Isaiah Mustafa), and his companion. A series of gunshots erupt merely minutes after the ladies leave their table. By the time the men rush towards the restrooms, they discover Maria critically injured and dying on the cold concrete. In the following year, we encounter Alex completing a leave of absence form at his desk. However, his leave is delayed when a well-known Black Lives Matter advocate, Emir Goodspeed (played by Donovan Brown), is discovered deceased.
The authorities are trying to label the death as an accidental overdose, but the Black community disagrees vehemently. To prevent a public scandal, Metro’s heads, Chief Anderson (Jennifer Wigmore) and Lieutenant Oracene Massey (Sharon Taylor), assign Alex and John with uncovering the truth behind the murder. As they delve deeper into the crime, they find themselves navigating a startling path of power and depravity. Viewers are drawn into the life of the killer, who aims to establish themselves among the most notorious killers ever. The relentless focus and unique methods of this individual create a profoundly unsettling viewing experience.
While Alex is deeply engrossed in unraveling Emir’s mysterious demise, he also grapples with a personal predicament. Haunted by the unsolved murder of his wife Maria, Alex finds himself under the unsettling gaze of an anonymous stalker. This secret admirer sends him bouquets at his workplace and his shared home with his children Janelle (Melody Hurd) and Damon (Caleb Elijah), as well as his grandmother, Nana Mama (Juanita Jennings). As the threats escalate, Alex’s anger grows. His emotional tumult seeps into both his professional and personal life. This double whammy of crimes gives the show a complex narrative. Regrettably, these two mysteries don’t hold equal allure. Emir’s case intensifies as the story unfolds, but the enigma surrounding Alex’s stalker and the fate of his wife fades as the season draws to a close.
Despite everything, “Cross” continues to exude a casual coolness. Watkins skillfully incorporates tunes from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, and Rick Ross into the series, while highlighting iconic landmarks of D.C., like Ben’s Chili Bowl, the Howard Theatre, and the Lincoln Memorial. Furthermore, the main characters maintain their authentic Black dialect as they navigate various settings, enhancing the show’s realism. Even when surrounded by Washington D.C.’s high society, including billionaire Ed Ramsey (played attractively by Ryan Eggold) or engaging in intense discussions with his love interest Elle Monteiro (Samantha Walkes), Alex resists the urge to adapt or change his dialect.
The series “Cross” distinguishes itself from typical thrillers with its multi-layered plot. Though the protagonist, a skilled psychologist, excels in his profession, his emotional turmoil over losing Maria takes a toll on him. This internal struggle affects both his work performance and personal relationships. In episode 2, “Ride the White Horsey,” his paranoia causes him to wake up in the dead of night, leading him to mistakenly confront his daughter, Janelle, with a gun. As the story progresses, Damon exhibits problematic behavior at school, making it difficult for Cross to connect with him due to his own reluctance to reveal weaknesses.
In the moving series “Cross,” neither Nana Mama nor John abandon Alex due to his shortcomings. One of the show’s charming aspects lies in its portrayal of the lasting relationship between these two women. John persistently encourages Alex to seek help, even if it strains their friendship. The intricate and evolving bond between Black men seldom appears on screen, so witnessing John’s role as a pillar of support for Alex is a refreshing, one-of-a-kind experience. Mustafa delivers an exceptional performance that complements Hodge’s talent effectively.
While “Cross” is mostly engaging, it does have a few mistakes. The scenes and performances are generally well-balanced, but the series can be excessively dramatic at times, making some more tender moments feel less impactful. Additionally, Johnny Ray Gill, who plays the manic ex-police detective Bobby Trey, is sadly underutilized in the storyline. However, given the early renewal, we can hope that the captivating character will return for more scenes in future episodes.
Nevertheless, featuring Hodge as the main character and Watkins directing, “Cross” is a gripping crime drama packed with unexpected twists. At heart, it’s a detective story, but it also delicately explores themes like the pain of grief, harmful masculinity, and the dangers of fixations. Keeping viewers hooked until the very end, this is an exceptional drama that promises to enthrall fans of Alex Cross spanning different generations.
The eight episodes of “Cross” premiere on Nov. 14 on Prime Video.
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2024-11-13 20:24