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The highly anticipated Prime Video series CROSS dropped eight episodes on the streaming platform, and you are in for a wild ride and, yes, spoilers.
Based on the book series by James Patterson, showrunner and exec producer Ben Watkins and the writing team are telling an original story from Jump! So, no spiders, girls to kiss, blue violets, or blind mice. That’s not saying there won’t be options down the road for inspiration. However, considering how many times Patterson’s books have been adapted, kudos to striking their own path.
The Cast of CROSS
As I said before, I’ll say again, “This cast is unlike any other we’ve seen on TV in a very long time.” Aldis Hodge, playing the titular character, runs the razors edge between Father, Friend, Familyman, Widow, Detective, and Psychologist. All while trying to understand the death of his wife while working a brutal serial murder case.
But the show’s lead is only as good as the cast around him. Isaiah Mustafa plays his long-time best friend, who himself is the Yin to his Yang. While Cross is overcompensating for being “fine.” Mustafa’s character, John Sampson, is calm, cool, collected, and not afraid to put his best friend in check, which will be a recurring theme this season.
Ryan Eggold plays the villain of the season, and wow! His character is so enigmatic he steals every scene, and we are not complaining. Eggold’s choice to take the role after his previous stint on NBC’s New Amsterdam shows his acting chops and that he’s better looking as a brunette.
Make sure to give credit where it is due to Eloise Mumford. She was the latest victim of the FANBOY KILLER, and through the whole season, her acting talents hit all the marks!
Speaking of cast D.C. is an additional cast member. The beat and feeling of the city is proudly shown since this show takes place away from the usual Nation’s Capital tourist traps.
The Story doesn’t get crisCROSSED
For Cross’ first season, with a confirmed Season 2 on the way, they excelled as far as telling the story, and the tension between Cross and Ramsey was thick you could cut like a knife. There was an underlying stalking story of the Cross family that honestly fell flat. Maybe stretching it out over the first season finale to the premier of season two might have helped.
Another downside to the story was the incorporation of ancillary characters. They just fit roles and are not a plot-driving force. The server at the Chili Shop had more poignant lines than Alex’s detective coworkers. I appreciate that they tried to get Alex back out there, but it felt forced, and even another couple’s scene again felt there just for the sake of being there. Hopefully, we can see these rounded out in Season 2.
But as far as the main villain, the plot was perfect. Again, I had not seen the FANBOY KILLER motif on either the big or small screen. But as brutal as the concept was, it was easy to understand and swallow. Nodding to the fact the writing team wanted to make sure CROSS was accessible to a new audience and didn’t want to talk down to anyone
Understanding the Homework
This show did not shy away from the current state of the social and political affairs regarding modern policing. It is right in your face and is not afraid to either. With a franchise that’s over 30 years old, the breadcrumbs of BLM and other social injustices of the modern era add a hefty weight on the back end of CROSS that will keep in your head….. in a good way.
Cross on Prime Video gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars!!!
Thank you again to PRIME VIDEO for the opportunity to review the series. We can’t wait for what is in store next season!
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