With Amazon’s track record in book-to-TV adaptations, such as Reacher, Jack Ryan, Bosch, and The Terminal List, it’s no surprise that James Patterson’s iconic Alex Cross series has finally made it to streaming. It’s been a long time since we last saw Detective Alex Cross in a film adaptation.
Morgan Freeman took on the role in the late ’90s and early 2000s, bringing a memorable presence to the character, while Tyler Perry gave his take in the 2012 movie, which was met with mixed reviews and is now largely forgotten. Given this gap, now felt like the right time to reintroduce Alex Cross to audiences through a fresh, modern series.
In this new Amazon adaptation titled Cross, Aldis Hodge stars as the determined detective, breathing new life into the character. Much like Alan Ritchson did when he first took on the role of Jack Reacher, Hodge seems set to put his own stamp on Alex Cross.
Hodge, who has had notable roles in movies and shows like Black Adam, The Invisible Man, and Leverage, has been on the edge of a major breakout. His lead role as Alex Cross may finally bring him the level of recognition he has long deserved.
What Cross Is All About
Unlike many adaptations, Cross doesn’t stick to one of Patterson’s original novels. Instead, the series has created an entirely original storyline, drawing inspiration from the characters and world of Patterson’s books. This allows the writers to bring familiar elements and well-loved characters to the screen while giving them a new and exciting story.
In the series, Alex Cross is not the same confident detective we may remember. He’s a man dealing with a major loss. His wife, Maria (played by Chaunteé Schuler Irving), was killed by an unknown assailant. This tragedy has left Alex emotionally struggling and has shaken him deeply.
Once a familiar face on the streets of Washington, D.C., Alex has become isolated and haunted by guilt. He’s now largely relying on his grandmother, Nana Mama (played by Juanita Jennings), who helps him raise his children, Damon (Caleb Elijah) and Janelle (Melody Hurd).
Despite his personal challenges, Alex has continued his work as a detective, supported by his longtime best friend and fellow officer, John Sampson (played by Isaiah Mustafa). However, a year after Maria’s death, Alex’s confidence is still low, and he finds himself in a moral crisis.
This period of struggle changes abruptly when Alex finds himself thrust back into the public eye after a tragic event. Emir Goodspeed, a young activist involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, is found dead.
Goodspeed’s family is quick to blame the police for failing to properly investigate his case, while Alex’s boss, Chief Anderson (Jennifer Wigmore), tries to downplay the story as simply a drug overdose. Alex, however, suspects there’s more to the story and feels a responsibility to dig deeper.
As he investigates, he begins to uncover a string of deaths that seem eerily similar, with the victims resembling some of America’s most notorious serial killers. This disturbing pattern leads Alex into a web of dark secrets, and when a young woman goes missing, he realizes the stakes are even higher. Determined to solve the case, Alex races against time, putting himself and everyone he cares about in grave danger.
Aldis Hodge Shines in Cross as an Action Hero
The episodes of Cross are mostly over 40 minutes each, but the pacing keeps viewers engaged and curious. The first five episodes, in particular, move quickly, drawing the audience into both the plot and the character dynamics. Hodge’s portrayal of Alex Cross truly elevates the show.
His presence is compelling, and his interactions with the other characters bring a rich energy to the screen. Even when he’s sharing scenes with characters on the opposing side of the law, Hodge’s chemistry is clear, making each encounter impactful.
What makes Hodge’s version of Alex Cross relatable is that he isn’t just a tough detective. He’s allowed to be vulnerable and emotional, adding depth to his character.
This emotional side is established early on by the show’s creator, Ben Watkins, who emphasizes Alex’s family life alongside his work as a detective. By showing us this side of Alex, the series gives viewers a more complete picture of him as both a father and a detective.
Hodge’s portrayal of Alex highlights a range of qualities, from his sense of humor to his physical strength and resilience. The role seems perfectly suited for him, and he makes a strong case for himself as a future action star.
Another standout performance in the cast comes from Isaiah Mustafa as John Sampson, Alex’s lifelong friend. The connection between Alex and John feels genuine and adds an emotional anchor to the series. Their back-and-forth dialogue brings a natural feel to their friendship, and this relationship becomes one of the core aspects of the series.
In addition to Hodge and Mustafa, the series features Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill as antagonists who bring a sense of menace to the storyline. Their characters serve as the ideal contrasts to Alex and John, though their motivations can sometimes seem unclear as the series progresses. These portrayals, however, add complexity to the show’s plot and give viewers a sense of the larger, more intricate forces at play in Alex’s world.
A Complex but Entertaining Mystery
The central mystery of Cross is revealed quite early in the series with a major twist. While this twist may be somewhat predictable for viewers familiar with crime dramas, it sets the stage for a more complex storyline.
As the series moves forward, the mystery becomes more layered, to the point where it can be challenging to keep track of every detail. By the middle of the season, several questions have been answered, but new ones continue to arise, keeping the suspense alive.
The idea of a serial killer attempting to recreate the appearances of real-life killers in their victims is a unique and intense concept. However, it doesn’t always blend seamlessly with the more grounded aspects of the show. This slight contrast in tone might feel off-balance to some viewers, but it doesn’t take away from the full excitement of the series.
As the story builds toward the final episodes, Cross becomes a bit more predictable, especially for fans of similar crime dramas. Unlike Jack Reacher, Alex Cross isn’t a character who will leave town for new adventures with different people in each season. This makes the storyline more grounded and rooted in Alex’s home life, but it also means that viewers can often predict who will survive the season, with a few exceptions.
The drama in Cross reaches its most powerful moments when it tackles real-world issues, such as racial inequality, police misconduct, and institutional corruption.
While some might expect the series to push a particular viewpoint, Watkins handles these themes with care, allowing characters to openly discuss and debate sensitive topics. The political aspects feel natural rather than preachy, and the show manages to weave social commentary into the storyline in a thoughtful way.
Cross is Prime Video’s Newest Crime Thriller for Fans of Action and Mystery
For viewers searching for a gripping new crime drama to watch while waiting for the next seasons of Reacher or The Night Agent, Cross is a solid choice. Aldis Hodge’s performance is dynamic and engaging, making it hard not to be drawn into the story. His portrayal of Alex Cross combines strength, vulnerability, and determination, keeping audiences invested in his journey.
Amazon Prime Video has already announced that Cross will be returning for a second season, which speaks to the show’s appeal and popularity. By the time viewers finish the last episode of the season, it’s clear why Amazon was confident in renewing it.
The series delivers a mix of action, suspense, and character-driven drama that aligns well with Amazon’s reputation for quality programming.
All eight episodes of Cross will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting Thursday, November 14. This series brings Alex Cross back to the forefront of crime drama, offering fans both familiar and fresh elements.
With Aldis Hodge leading the way, Cross has set a high standard for future adaptations of Patterson’s work and has added a new layer to the legacy of Alex Cross. For fans of the character or anyone looking for a gripping crime series, Cross is worth a watch.
Cross brings Alex Cross back into the spotlight, blending thrilling action with heartfelt drama. Aldis Hodge’s powerful portrayal makes Alex relatable and dynamic, giving depth to his journey as both a detective and a father. While tackling real-world issues, the show thoughtfully combines intense crime investigation with family bonds, adding complexity to each episode.
With gripping mysteries and well-developed characters, Cross holds the potential to become a standout crime drama on Amazon Prime. Fans of action-packed storytelling and suspenseful mysteries will find much to enjoy in this fresh take on James Patterson’s beloved character.
