Cross is an American crime thriller television series created by Ben Watkins, based on the Alex Cross novel series written by James Patterson. It stars Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, and Juanita Jennings, and it premiered on Amazon Prime Video on November 14, 2024. The series follows Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and homicide D.C. Metro Detective, alongside his partner, Detective John Sampson, as they pursue some of America’s most dangerous killers. Together, they navigate the perils of the criminal underworld while Alex strives to safeguard his family from its threats. Along with Watkins, the series' executive producers included Craig Siebels, Nzingha Stewart, James Patterson, Sam Ernst, Jim Dunn, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunell. The series was produced by Blue Monday Productions, Skydance Television, Paramount Television Studios, and Amazon MGM Studios.
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| Genre | Crime thriller |
| Created by | Ben Watkins |
| Based on | Alex Cross by James Patterson |
| Showrunner | Ben Watkins |
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| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
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| Running time | 51–62 minutes |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Amazon Prime Video |
| Release | November 14, 2024 – present |
The series was filmed in Ontario, Canada, in Hamilton, Toronto, and surrounding areas. It was in development for nearly four years. Notably, the series was renewed for a second season even before the premiere of its first season.
Premise
editAlex Cross is a Washington, D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who is also a devoted father and family man. Driven by an obsessive determination to delve into the minds of killers and victims, he works tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring perpetrators to justice. Struggling with escalating temper issues and resisting therapy for over a year after the murder of his wife (Chaunteé Schuler Irving), Cross considers taking a leave of absence. However, he is drawn into a high-profile case involving the murder of a local Defund the Police/Black Lives Matter activist. The politically over ambitious white police chief, seeking both a Black detective as the public face of the controversial investigation and a swift resolution, complicates matters further.
Cast
editMain
edit- Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross, a Washington, D.C. police detective and forensic psychologist.
- Isaiah Mustafa as Detective John Sampson, Alex's Washington, D.C. Metro Police Department partner
- Juanita Jennings as Regina "Nana Mama" Cross, Alex's grandmother
- Alona Tal as Kayla Craig, a FBI agent who helps Alex out
- Samantha Walkes as Elle Monteiro, Alex's love interest who is an executive director of a nonprofit organization
- Caleb Elijah as Damon Cross, Alex's son
- Melody Hurd as Janelle "Jannie" Cross, Alex's daughter
- Jennifer Wigmore as Chief Anderson, the Chief of Washington, D.C. Metro Police Department
- Eloise Mumford as Shannon Witmer, a woman that Ed meets in a dating app
- Ryan Eggold as Ed Ramsey, a wealthy man with a lot of power in Washington, D.C. with secrets
Recurring
edit- Matt Baram as Detective Bill Hardy
- Mercedes de la Zerda as Detective Amielynn Vega
- Johnny Ray Gill as Bobby Trey, a former cop who now works for Ed
- Stacie Greenwell as Detective Shawna De Lackner
- Dwain Murphy as Detective Akbar
- Siobhan Murphy as Tania Hightower, a journalist who wants to get the scoop on the murder investigations
- Jason Rogel as Chris Wu
- Chaunteé Schuler Irving as Maria Cross, Alex's deceased wife
- Sharon Taylor as Lieutenant Oracene Massey
- Karen Robinson as Miss Nancy
Episodes
edit| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
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| 1 | "Hero Complex" | Nzingha Stewart | Ben Watkins | November 14, 2024 | |
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Washington, D.C. Detective Alex Cross tasked with investigating the chilling murder of Black Lives Matter activist Emir Goodspeed. Found seated in his car with his head shaved, the scene raises alarming questions. While initial police speculation points to a drug overdose, feeding the defund the police animosity, the autopsy reveals a far more sinister truth. After going into detail over what he has eaten – which curiously includes pork despite him being a Muslim convert – Cross is convinced that Emir was murdered. When he presents his findings to the Chief, highlighting evidence of drugs, the peculiar choice of food, and other discrepancies, he theorizes that Emir was force-fed the pork before being killed. This draws Alex into a case fraught with complexity and intrigue. | |||||
| 2 | "Ride the White Horsey" | Nzingha Stewart | Aiyana White | November 14, 2024 | |
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The murder of Emir Goodspeed ignites a firestorm across D.C., ensnaring others in its wake. John urges Alex to get his act together and highlights the unresolved drama surrounding Emir and Tavio deaths, Tavio’s phone, which was visibly present at the crime scene when he was shot, has gone missing. It turns out Vanessa, Tavio’s girlfriend and the mother of his child, took the phone. She’s determined to seek justice on their own terms, convinced that the police won’t deliver it. Meanwhile, D.C. powerbroker Ed Ramsey sets his sights on his next target, an art enthusiast named Shannon Witmer who resembles Aileen Wuornos, weaving her into his web of intrigue. | |||||
| 3 | "The Good Book" | Craig Siebels | Ron McCants & Sam Ernst | November 14, 2024 | |
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Alex seeks a warrant to search an apartment on Price Street belonging to Ed Ramsey, but the judge initially denies the request, citing insufficient evidence to justify a major investigation. However, after reconsideration, the judge eventually grants the warrant. Meanwhile, Shannon wakes up in a basement, bound and facing a camera. She is forced to participate in Ed’s twisted games, starting with a bizarre "facemask" ritual. Elsewhere, Cross conducts a raid on a home connected to Emir’s murder. Although the suspect manages to escape, they leave behind a uniquely incriminating piece of evidence that narrows the list of suspects to an exclusive group within D.C.’s elite. | |||||
| 4 | "Masks" | Craig Siebels | Blaize Ali-Watkins & Jim Dunn | November 14, 2024 | |
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As Cross closes in on Ed, the killer keeps Shannon tied up in a basement closet at his next house. Ed even hires workers to soundproof the space, preparing it for his gruesome acts. Meanwhile, the Cross family faces ongoing torment from a shadowy figure connected to Deirdre Nolan. During the investigation, Alex Cross uncovers a chilling connection: a serial killer’s handbook that mirrors the methods used in a string of murders. Astonishingly, even serial killers themselves are being targeted in the same manner. The book becomes a vital clue in finding Shannon, who has been declared missing. With 11 completed cases and one more to complete the pattern, the book appears to hold the final piece of the puzzle. John and Alex quickly connect this to Shannon and the use of dating apps. Their investigation leads them to e-Fling, an app that allows matches with any gender. By analyzing profiles and matches linked to both Emir and Shannon, Cross works to uncover the critical link that could solve the case. | |||||
| 5 | "What Happens at Ramsey's" | Stacey Muhammad | Gary Lundy | November 14, 2024 | |
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Alex Cross arrives, signaling that things are about to escalate. Before diving in, he and his partner decide to dig into Ed Ramsey's past, searching for any vulnerabilities they can exploit. Fortunately, an invitation from Elle to Ed’s birthday party provides the perfect opportunity for Cross to confront him without the constraints of legal representation. During the annual soiree at Ed Ramsey’s house, Cross and Elle share a meal with the enigmatic host. The night takes a sinister turn when Cross realizes that Ramsey’s next victim may already be in the house. Meanwhile, John conducts background research and interviews Dex Notrale, Ed’s former neighbor, who admits he always suspected something was off about him. Adding to the intrigue, John discovers that Ed’s mother is still alive, despite Ed’s claims to the contrary. It becomes clear that Ed has fabricated parts of his past to maintain his tortured artist persona. Cross skillfully unnerves Ed during their encounter, even bringing up the infamous "Fanboy" moniker. However, Ed strikes back later at the dinner table, recounting an unsettlingly detailed story about Alex’s personal life, including mentions of Nana Mama and his children, leaving Cross rattled by the depth of Ed’s knowledge. | |||||
| 6 | "A Bang, Not a Whimper" | Stacey Muhammad | Teleplay by : Ali Salerno Story by : Ali Salerno & Sonja Perryman | November 14, 2024 | |
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A new lead takes Cross to Philadelphia, accompanied by his son, Damon. As they journey together, father and son bond over their shared grief from Maria's death. Alex is determined to pursue the case, but Damon’s rebellious attitude and emotional need for his father complicate things. Nana Mama, however, is firm in her stance—Damon is coming along, no arguments allowed. With that settled, the duo heads to Philly. Once there, Alex visits White Mike, specifically seeking out lead singer Michael Grisham. Mike welcomes Alex and opens up about Ed’s dark obsession with death and murder, which overshadowed his passion for music. Mike recounts how Ed once unearthed a knife and sent it to him, but Mike quickly returned it, having used it to kill a man named Rodney McKay. Noticing Mike's jittery behavior, Alex realizes he was actually present during the killing. Michael expresses deep regret for not going to the police sooner, haunted by his failure to act. | |||||
| 7 | "Happy Birthday" | Director X | Sam Ernst & Jim Dunn | November 14, 2024 | |
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Alex has a sudden realization and quickly heads to see Senator Caitlin. He presses her about Ed Ramsay and what happened at Ed’s party, knowing she witnessed something unsettling. Caitlin, visibly shaken, recalls the haunting image of blood-stained hands, confirming Alex’s suspicions that Ed is indeed the serial killer. She insists that he never reveal what she’s shared, and Alex vows to keep the secret. Meanwhile, Shannon is forced to have her final meal before confronting Ed's twisted "mosaic of death." Just as Ed prepares to carry out his gruesome plans, he’s interrupted by his lawyer, Witney, who informs him that the money has been frozen. However, for now, he’s here to help prepare Shannon for what’s to come. As the clock runs out on Shannon’s life, Cross narrows in on Ed Ramsey. Just as Ed enters Shannon’s room to administer a lethal injection, he’s stopped by the cold press of metal at the back of his head—Alex Cross has arrived, holding Ed at gunpoint. It seems like the case is finally over. But the danger isn't finished yet, as Peter Lenox breaks into Alex’s home that night, tackling Regina to the ground in a shocking turn of events. | |||||
| 8 | "You Had Me at Motherfucker" | Carl Seaton | Ben Watkins & Aiyana White | November 14, 2024 | |
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Alex Cross soon uncovers that Peter Lenox’s entire family is deceased, leaving no direct ties to him. However, he did have a figure in his life he referred to as his "fairy godmother" and "street mom." Meanwhile, Kayla engages with Bobby Trey, who is being labeled as America’s Most Wanted and the Fanboy killer. While Trey did kill Vanessa and Tavio, his hands aren’t entirely clean, he sees an opportunity for a deal. He agrees to provide information about at least six Fanboy victims in exchange for full immunity and a reduced sentence of 24 months. Trey also offers to provide crucial intel to help bring down some of the corrupt individuals in high places. As the investigation deepens, Cross realizes that his efforts to protect his family may have inadvertently placed them in even greater danger. With time running out, he races to save the people he loves before it's too late. | |||||
Production
editBackground
editThe first Alex Cross novel was published in 1993, and there have since been 31 additional novels in the series, as well as two novellas and three books centered on Alex's son, Ali.[1] The Cross character has also been featured in three feature films: Kiss the Girls (1997) and Along Came a Spider (2001) (with Morgan Freeman in the role of Alex Cross) and Alex Cross (2012) (with Tyler Perry as Cross).[2]
Development
editOn January 22, 2020, it was announced that Amazon Studios, Paramount Television Studios, and Skydance Television were teaming up to develop a television series based on James Patterson's Alex Cross novels.[3] On October 27, 2022, it was given a series order by Prime Video, with Aldis Hodge in the title role and also producing, and Ben Watkins as showrunner and writer.[2][4] The series is executive produced by Patterson, Watkins, Sam Ernst, Jim Dunn, Craig Siebels, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunnel.[5] On April 30, 2024, it was announced that ahead of the series premiere, the series had been renewed for a second season.[6]
Casting
editOn November 29, 2022, it was announced that Ryan Eggold and Isaiah Mustafa had joined the cast.[7] On December 8, 2022, it was announced that Karen LeBlanc, Melody Hurd, Juanita Jennings, Caleb Elijah, Jennifer Wigmore, and Samantha Walkes had been added to the cast.[8] LeBlanc was replaced by Sharon Taylor, in a January 2023 recasting.[9]
Upon the second season renewal announcement, Jeanine Mason added to the cast for the new season.[6] Wes Chatham and Matthew Lillard have also been added to the cast for the second season.[5]
Filming of both seasons took place in Ontario, Canada, with Hamilton, Ontario set to feature prominently throughout both seasons of the series.[10][11]
Release
editA first teaser trailer for Cross was released on May 14, 2024,[12][13] followed by a full trailer on September and the unveiling of the series.[14] Cross premiered on November 14, 2024, All eight episodes of the first season were released on Amazon Prime Video.[1]
Reception
editThe review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 74% approval rating with an average rating of 7/10, based on 27 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "Cross' case for itself isn't closed just yet, but the commanding Aldis Hodge makes for the most arresting embodiment of James Patterson's literary creation yet."[15] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 62 out of 100 based on 21 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[16]
James Hibbs of Radio Times rated Cross two out of five stars, describing it as a "high-octane, entertaining cop drama" but criticized it as being "cliché-ridden." He praised Aldis Hodge's "charismatic performance" but noted that the series' "lack of story propulsion" makes it more suitable for binge-watching than episodic viewing.[17] Kelly Lawler of USA Today awarded the series two out of four stars, criticizing its pacing and plotting. Lawler remarked, "While Hodge is superbly cast and the team is clearly striving to deliver a gripping crime story, the pacing, plotting, and big reveals feel just slightly off-key. It leaves you with the impression that what you’ve watched is an Alex Cross cover band—not the real thing."[18]
Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter praised Aldis Hodge's humor and the series' "satisfactory" ending, noting that despite its flaws, Cross provides Hodge with a much-deserved career-defining role. He described the show as something Amazon executes successfully, though not always perfectly.[19]
References
edit- ^ a b Rice, Nicholas (July 6, 2024). "James Patterson's Cross Series Sets a Premiere Date". People. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Porter, Rick (October 27, 2022). "Alex Cross Series at Go at Amazon With Aldis Hodge Starring". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (January 22, 2020). "Alex Cross TV Series in the Works at Amazon". Variety. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ Donohoo, Timothy Blake (November 5, 2022). "Aldis Hodge Will Be The Definitive Alex Cross". CBR. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ a b Hailu, Selome (May 14, 2024). "'Cross' Trailer: Amazon Reveals First Look at Aldis Hodge as James Patterson's Legendary Black Detective". Variety. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ a b Otterson, Joe (April 30, 2024). "Amazon's Alex Cross Series Starring Aldis Hodge Renewed for Season 2 Ahead of Series Premiere". Variety. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (November 29, 2022). "Ryan Eggold, Isaiah Mustafa Join Aldis Hodge in Alex Cross Series at Amazon". Variety. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (December 8, 2022). "Amazon's Alex Cross Series Adds Six to Cast". Variety. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (January 17, 2023). "Amazon's Alex Cross Series Adds Sharon Taylor In Recasting". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Nolan, Daniel (February 3, 2023). "New series on James Patterson's famous detective shoots in Hamilton". The Hamilton Spectator. ISSN 1189-9417. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- ^ Nolan, Daniel (June 4, 2024). "Det. Alex Cross returns to shoot new season in Hamilton and Brantford". The Hamilton Spectator. ISSN 1189-9417. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- ^ Al-Ghamdi, Abdullah (May 14, 2024). "Cross Trailer: Former DC Star Takes Over Prime's Dark Detective Series Based On Alex Cross Novels". Screen Rant.
- ^ Ulatowski, Rachel (May 14, 2024). "A New 'Alex Cross' Adaptation Is on the Way With Amazon's 'Cross' Series". The Mary Sue. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (September 25, 2024). "'Cross' Trailer: Aldis Hodge Is Hot on the Trail of a Killer in New Look at Amazon's Alex Cross Series". Variety. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ "Cross: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cross: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- ^ "Cross review | High-octane cop drama is entertaining but cliché-ridden | Radio Times". www.radiotimes.com. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Lawler, Kelly. "Amazon's 'Cross' almost gets James Patterson detective right: Review". USA TODAY. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Fienberg, Daniel (November 13, 2024). "'Cross' Review: Aldis Hodge Elevates Amazon's Otherwise By-The-Book James Patterson Drama". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 17, 2024.