Amazon has released a new detective series, Cross, based on the novels by James Patterson. The saga follows Washington detective Alex Cross, who, despite a personal tragedy, continues to fight crime and tracks down a dangerous serial killer.
Plot
A year ago, Detective Alex Cross's wife was murdered. However, against all expectations, Cross didn't break; he continued catching criminals while also raising his son and daughter. His latest case involves the death of activist Goodspeed, which has sparked protests across the city. While Cross's colleagues believe Goodspeed brought his death upon himself, Cross has his own theory: he suspects a maniac is operating in Washington.
A Fresh Perspective
The Cross novels have been adapted before, and audiences are accustomed to seeing Morgan Freeman in the role. This time, Alex Cross is portrayed by Aldis Hodge (City on a Hill), delivering a mix of Luther’s insight and Shaft’s toughness.
"We wanted to show Cross not only as a professional but as a man grappling with personal tragedy," said showrunner Ben Watkins.
Judging by the critics' reviews, Hodge has succeeded in creating a compelling character.
A Psychopath in a Mask
The villain in the series is nicknamed 'The Fanatic.' He’s a psychopath obsessed with serial killings, played by Ryan Eggold. Interestingly, the audience is introduced to the criminal almost immediately, a decision some critics find controversial.
The creators chose not to stick strictly to the plotline of the first book, adding more drama related to Cross's personal life. However, this doesn’t detract from the intrigue or the dynamic storytelling. Viewers will follow how Cross stops 'The Fanatic' and whether the killer has any accomplices.
"We wanted to create not just a detective story but a tale about a man who refuses to give up despite the odds," emphasized Ben Watkins.
Why Watch?
Cross is a series that captivates fans of the genre with its fast-paced action and strong performances. It may well become a long-running success for Amazon, but whether to tune in for a second season is a decision viewers will have to make for themselves.
