Buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled detective saga that's set to dominate your streaming sessions – but trust me, you won't want to hit pause!
Hey there, crime thriller enthusiasts! If you're always on the lookout for your next gripping binge-watch, Prime Video's electrifying detective series, Cross, is gearing up for a comeback next year. And if you missed out on the first season, this is your golden opportunity to dive right in. This high-energy story, unfolding in the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., draws inspiration from James Patterson's blockbuster Alex Cross novels. At its heart is a brilliant homicide detective who's also a forensic psychologist – think of him as a mind-reader for murderers, equipped with the skills to delve into the darkest corners of a killer's psyche to catch them red-handed. For beginners wondering what that means, forensic psychology combines detective work with understanding criminal behavior, helping solve cases by predicting motives and patterns, much like piecing together a puzzle from clues hidden in the human mind.
Crafted by executive producer, showrunner, and writer Ben Watkins – the creative force behind the biographical drama Wu-Tang: An American Saga and the riveting series Truth Be Told, starring Octavia Spencer and Kate Hudson – the show earned rave reviews from fans on social media. They called it "excellent" and "must-watch," with particular praise for leading star Aldis Hodge's powerful performance as Alex Cross. Undoubtedly, anticipation is building for season two.
And here's where it gets intriguing – let's break down what makes Cross so captivating.
Delving into the plot, the series centers on Alex Cross, that multifaceted homicide detective and forensic psychologist operating in Washington, D.C. In the first season, he's relentlessly chasing a brutal serial killer dubbed the Fanboy, whose trail of victims has the city in a panic. But that's not all; Cross is also grappling with the unsolved mystery of his wife's murder, compounded by a shadowy figure from his past threatening to unravel his family, career, and everything he's built.
As for season two, get ready for episodes described as "complex, twisted, and pulse-pounding." The narrative picks up with Detective Alex Cross hot on the trail of a fierce vigilante targeting crooked billionaire tycoons, according to the official teaser. Now, this is the part most people miss – the show cleverly explores themes of justice versus vengeance, raising questions about whether taking the law into your own hands can ever be justified, even against the corrupt elite.
But here's where it gets controversial: Vigilantism in crime stories often sparks debate. Is it heroic or just another form of chaos? We'll touch on that more later.
On the acting front, Aldis Hodge, celebrated for his roles in City on a Hill, Straight Outta Compton, and Black Adam, takes the lead as Alex Cross. He's supported by a stellar ensemble including Isaiah Mustafa (from Grey's Anatomy and It: Chapter Two) as John Sampson, Alona Tal (Veronica Mars, Supernatural) as FBI agent Kayla Craig, Samantha Walkes (The Kings of Napa, The Changeling) as Elle Monteiro, Juanita Jennings (What Women Want, A Man Called Otto) as Regina Cross, Johnny Ray Gill (Underground, Chicago PD) as Bobby Trey, and Caleb Elijah and Melody Hurd portraying Alex's children, Damon and Janelle.
Fresh faces joining for season two include Matthew Lillard (Scooby Doo, Scream), Jeanine Mason (Grey's Anatomy, Roswell, New Mexico), and Wes Chatham (The Expanse, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1).
Speaking of recommendations, if Cross piques your interest, you might enjoy these other binge-worthy options:
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Now, what do the experts think? Cross boasts a solid 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, but critics have mixed feelings. The Telegraph gave it a modest two stars, while Variety hailed it as "tantalising" with three stars, and RadioTimes noted it was "entertaining enough but cliché-ridden." This blend of praise and criticism highlights how personal taste plays a role – some viewers love the classic detective tropes, while others crave more originality.
Season one is streaming right now on Prime Video, and season two drops worldwide on February 11, also on Prime Video.
So, what do you think? In a world full of corrupt power players, does a vigilante like the one in season two represent true justice, or is it just another slippery slope toward anarchy? Do you side with the critics who find it clichéd, or are you all in for the thrills? Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear your take!
