Prime Video's highly anticipated "Cross" gets it right

November 14, 2024

Courtesy: Prime Video

The highly anticipated Cross series is finally here. Out of all the series that premiered this fall, Cross is at the top of the list of must-see T.V. Aldis Hodge plays the iconic role of Alex Cross, based on the Alex Cross novel series by James Patterson. The series premiered on November 14 exclusively on Prime Video with eight episodes.

The Real Perspectives first covered Cross when the premiere date was released in July during Essence Fest in New Orleans. As a huge fan of Hodge and his previous work that includes Straight Outta Compton and Black Adam, he effortlessly embodies the character of Alex Cross, a Washington, DC detective and forensic expert who have seen Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry play the titular character before him.

Courtesy: Prime Video

Cross as a series is vibrant and socially relevant, with the backdrop of D.C. and its many popular locales vividly displayed throughout the series. Fans familiar with D.C. will recognize the cultural references of Kaloroma, U Street, Ben's Chili Bowl, and the Anacostia River. The storylines stay refreshingly within the narrative of psychological crime thrillers, and the performances feel authentic and rich. The grit of Hodge's visceral acting pay homage to the novels and the previous films.

Created by Ben Watkins, the executive producers include James Patterson with production companies Blue Monday Productions, Skydance Television, Paramount Television Studios, and Amazon MGM Studios.

The series stars:

• Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross

• Isaiah Mustafa as Detective John Sampson

• Juanita Jennings as Regina Cross

• Alona Tal as Kayla Craig

• Samantha Walkes as Elle Monteiro

• Caleb Elijah as Damon Cross

• Melody Hurd as Janelle Cross

• Jennifer Wigmore as Chief Anderson

• Eloise Mumford as Shannon Witmer

• Ryan Eggold as Ed Ramsey

Courtesy: Prime Video

Hodge brings Alex Cross to life in a way that does the character justice. He's easily the smartest person in the room, not necessarily because of his Ph.D. in psychology or his forensics expertise but because he has the astute perception needed to point out the inaccuracies that are before him. Simply put, he's excellent at what he does. Hodge plays him with the confidence and swagger needed for the classic character that commands attention, anchored by Hodge's imposing physical presence.

Cross is intelligent, loyal, and a wonderful family man who bears the responsibilities of his family in tender scenes with his grandmother and two kids, along with his community. He is tortured, as the first episode immediately sets the tone of the series, and he has to deal with not one but two killers as he deals with the aftermath of a tragedy that hits too close to home.

The supporting cast is perfect in their respective roles, with notable mention of Mustafa, who plays John Sampson, Hodge's partner and best friend. The two men have excellent chemistry, offering just the right amount of humor, drama, and tough love we can expect with partners who have had each other's backs for years. Offering fraught tension within the police department, is the pushback Cross constantly faces from Lieutenant Massey and Chief Anderson, who would rather solve the murder of a Black Lives Matter activist in a little neat bow rather than get to the truth while the killer who remains at large continuously threatens Cross' family. Cross is continually on edge, and that's putting it mildly. Thankfully Hodge is more than up to the task of playing Cross with simmering emotions bubbling at the surface with the right amount of vulnerability and anger, trying to maintain his core values.

Season 2 has already been greenlit, and that's a plus. The series deserves several seasons, with Hodge in the titular role. We can all do a little more with Alex Cross on our screens. The series is engaging and immersive. Hodge's nuanced performance, if anything else, makes this series one to continuously watch.

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Cross is currently streaming on Prime Video.

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