A Review of ‘Cross’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross in Season 1 of ‘Cross’. (Photo Courtesy of Quantrell Colbert/Prime Video.)

​It is definitely safe to say that the popular fictional character, Alex Cross, has struggled to captivate audiences on the silver screen. For his first two cinematic adventures, simply didn’t resonate with audiences, despite Morgan Freeman taking the on the role, and the next attempt to bring him to life… also ended up being a touch lackluster. Which is surprising, since Alex Cross is a dynamic and incredible character that is relatable on so many levels. But perhaps, the answer as to why those movies didn’t captivate viewers, lies in their design. Since they were stylized and flashy, and really didn’t focus upon the man, what he stands for and what drives him toward justice.
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Which means, that fans have been waiting for ages for the right adaptation of Alex Cross. One that truly captures his essence and well, at long last, that adaptation has come forth. Courtesy of the brand-new Prime Video series, Cross. Which debuted on the network today with eight episodes and as mentioned, gives fans everything they’ve ever wanted when it comes to Alex Cross. Since the detective we meet in this story, is the perfect live-action iteration of the character. For he is bold when he needs to be, brilliant often when it comes to the case in front of him, and he has real dynamics to him that make him less of a sensation and more of a human being. One that harbors flaws, and moments of weakness and is carrying pain that is palpable and at times, relatable as well.

Which is something worth celebrating for certain, since we finally have a well-rounded version of the character that feels right and jumps off of the screen with electricity, as he does on the page, and well, the wonder of this series doesn’t end there. Because it also takes the time to propel the character into modern times. Allowing for powerful commentary to come forth regarding how the police are viewed in 2024, and how an African American police detective would navigate such matters, one that is good and cares about justice over anything else. Plus, the show even goes so far as to speak to the Black experience in America and offers representation in spades on screen, which is important and takes the show to new heights as well, as does its magnificent plot.

Since season one of the show, sees Alex and his long-time friend and partner John Sampson, deal with a stunning case. One that echoes our world at times but truly revolves around an outright monster. Which we won’t dive into too much detail wise here. But what we will say, is that the cat and mouse game that comes into play, and what we learn about the villain, makes for compelling television and incredible tension. Not to mention, the messed-up nature of the villain is impressive to say the least, and refreshing in nature, since it harbors elements, we’ve never seen before in a crime story. But above all, it challenges Alex deeply and pushes him hard to solve this case, and that’s the stuff we love, watching him work and watching him perform miracles with his mind and through John’s advisement.

All of which brings forth, the finest adaptation of this character. Because this feels like an Alex Cross novel come to life, and it also doesn’t hurt that the acting is simply phenomenal. Since Isaiah Mustafa is the perfect fit as John Sampson and brings the character to life, perfectly, and Aldis Hodge, is simply a revelation as Alex Cross. In fact, he turns in some of his finest work as an actor here and showcases all of his range in every episode, and that acting just rounds out a perfect season of storytelling. One that features great writing, suspense, intelligence and everything we’ve ever wanted from this franchise in a live-action adaptation, and the best news of all… is you can watch Cross right now. For all eight episodes of season one are available on Prime Video, and we cannot wait for you to see it nor can we wait to break down every incredible episode of this magnificent new show.

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