Series adaptation of James Patterson novels about the complicated and brilliant detective, Alex Cross.
What’s up, binge-watchers and book clubbers who occasionally swap novels for nail-biting screen adaptations? Today, we’re diving into Amazon Prime’s latest gamble: Cross. Yes, that’s right, the streaming giant took one look at James Patterson’s stack of Alex Cross novels, wagged a Jeff Bezos-sized finger, and said, “We want all of it—and we’re doubling down.” So much faith do they have in this series that they greenlit a second season before the first episode even dropped. Bold move, Bezos. Bold move.
Now, before we start unpacking the layers of this psychological thriller, let’s address the elephant in the room: Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross. Ladies and gentlemen, this man can act. He’s got the intensity of a thousand suns and the emotional range of a Shakespearean actor who’s just been told his understudy is gunning for his role. Hodge’s Alex Cross is brilliant, complicated, and just unhinged enough to make you wonder if he’s solving crimes or auditioning for a psychological breakdown. Either way, he’s magnetic. Add to that Isaiah Mustafa (yes, the Old Spice guy) bringing his A-game and Juanita Jennings delivering gravitas like it’s her side hustle, and you’ve got a cast that’s worth its weight in Emmy nominations.
The plot? It’s everything you’d expect from an Alex Cross adaptation. There are mysteries within mysteries, and then just when you think you’ve solved one, another pops up like an annoying game of psychological Whack-a-Mole. The man’s got layers—and not the cute, cake-like ones. I’m talking about the dark, brooding layers of a man haunted by the ghosts of his past while also trying to juggle a family, a career, and enough subplots to make Dickens look lazy.
Let’s talk about what I loved. First off, the psychological thriller element. If you’re the type who likes your crime dramas with a side of “What’s going on inside this guy’s head?” then Cross is the perfect binge. It’s the kind of show that makes you question whether you locked your doors and maybe even your windows. Every scene feels like it’s building to something—even when it’s not. And trust me, with Alex Cross leading the charge, there’s no shortage of “Wait, what just happened?” moments.
But…and this is a big but, like “Is-this-going-to-fit-through-the-doorway?” big…not everything is rainbows and riveting revelations. There are a few…let’s call them quirks that might leave you scratching your head. First, the pace. It’s slower than a sloth on a caffeine detox. At times, it feels like the show is playing chicken with your patience. And while I’m all for a slow burn, there’s a fine line between suspenseful and “I could’ve made a snack by now.” Throw in subplots galore, and suddenly, you’re wondering if this is a crime show or a soap opera disguised as one.
And can we talk about the lighting? Who thought it was a good idea to shoot 90% of the scenes in near-total darkness? Look, I get it—dark themes, dark settings, yada yada. But there’s dark, and then there’s “Am I watching this through sunglasses at midnight?” I had to crank my TV’s brightness to levels that probably violated its warranty just to see who was speaking. And let’s not forget the diversity element. Look, I’m all for representation, but sometimes it felt like they were checking boxes instead of letting the story flow naturally. Forced inclusivity isn’t a win—it’s a distraction.
Still, Amazon’s confidence in Cross is intriguing. Renewing it before airing the first episode? That’s either sheer brilliance or the streaming equivalent of saying, “Hold my beer.” It’s a gamble, sure, but one I’m willing to ride out…for now. There’s potential here, folks. The bones of the series are solid; they just need to tighten the pacing, streamline the subplots, and maybe invest in a few lightbulbs.
So, where does that leave us? Cross is like that friend who shows up late to every party but tells the best stories once they finally arrive. It’s flawed, sure, but it’s also compelling enough to keep me watching. For now, I’m giving it a cautiously optimistic 6.9/10.
If you’re into brooding detectives, mysteries that double as mental gymnastics, and a cast that’s clearly giving it their all, then give Cross a shot. Just don’t forget to adjust your TV’s brightness—and maybe your patience levels.
#AlexCross #JamesPatterson #AmazonPrime #CrimeDrama #PsychologicalThriller #AldisHodge #IsaiahMustafa #JuanitaJennings #StreamingSeries #TVReview
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