Becoming The Muse

Cross TV Series Review

Cross is a crime thriller television series created by Ben Watkins, based on the Alex Cross novel series written by James Patterson. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on the 14^th of November 2024.

The series follows Alex Cross a Washington, D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist dealing with the loss of his wife, while he tries to solve crimes and brings perpetrators to justice. A high profile case escalates into a controversial investigation that threatens to shatter the fragile balance between his professional and his personal life, as unwanted attention increases the tension in the Cross family household.

The Good

A couple of adaptations have been made from the Alex Cross novels but Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross is easily the best rendition of the character with the the right blend of  physicality and intellect to play charismatic detective who is as dedicated to his family as he is to getting into the minds of criminals. Aldis Hodge has always been a favourite of mine since I watched him in the series Leverage. I hope Cross propels him to more leading roles.

Cross is a cross between a procedural crime series, a crime thriller as well as a family drama with Detective Alex Cross playing a grieving widow and family man and simultaneously being the cool intellect able to peace together crumbs of evidence and deliver disarming interrogations, lending the show an emotional depth beyond a simple crime thriller.

The bromance with Isaiah Mustafa who plays Detective John Sampson, a larger than life best friend and childhood friend to Cross, gives the show a ride or die friendship, with thrills and laughs. The supporting cast also have great screen chemistry helping drive the plot through its unexpected twists.

The soundtrack to the show is surprisingly captivating with music from Rick Ross’s Hustling to The Tokens‘ The Lion Sleeps tonight and Chaka Khan’s Love Me Still… of course I made a playlist.

The Bad

The show starts off a bit slow as it sets up its element but it makes up for it when it builds up the intrigue and tension. Its also not immune to glaring plot holes that get swept beneath the carpet and a major subplot that doesnt quite add up to everything.

It’s a procedural show, so it will feel formulaic and predictable at times while the family drama aspects give it an erratic pacing, especially having to tip-top around the Cross’s domestic life on the cusp of episodic cliff-hangers and  plot reveals.

As for the cliff-hangers, they draw you in and you find yourself having to watch the next episode and the one after that and the one after… fair warning do not start watching this show if you have deadlines and other things to get out of the way.

The Ugly

It’s a crime thriller and has some graphic and disturbing violence as well as mature themes which might be interpreted as glorifying serial killers.

The show tries to tackle issues around police brutality and racism but doesnt really do anything tangible with it or offer a resolution and instead its like a priest abandoning a sermon mid-service and the choir keeps singing…

Final Thoughts

Cross is a crime thriller with a standout performance by Aldis Hodge as Detective Alex Cross. Fans of character driven crime and thriller shows will find it a compelling watch. The series was approved for second season in April before it had even premiered.

Have you watched any of the Alex Cross adaptations or read the novels.. Is this something for you?

~B