by Mike Hilty, Contributing Writer
Amazon Studios has been making a killing by taking existing book series and turning them into hit series. Jack Ryan made John Krasinski an action superstar, and Reacher is one of Amazon’s best rated shows. Each series has a rich catalog of amazing stories to adapt, which could make them last for a long time. I wondered for a while which book series with great stories and a compelling lead character that could anchor something for years to come was ripe for a show, and Cross certainly checks all those boxes.
I have limited experience with the Alex Cross novels; however, I have seen Kiss the Girls, Along Came a Spider, and Alex Cross. The character is a strong detective who uses psychology and his superior intellect to solve truly heinous cases. What stood out to me were the performances of Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry. Although both are immensely talented, I never honestly bought them as Alex Cross in the same vein that I never bought Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher. So if Amazon would do this, they needed to find the perfect Alex Cross.
Enter, Aldis Hodge.
Cross had a heavy lift when it came to police procedurals. In the post-George Floyd world, where cops’ actions are scrutinized more than ever, Cross faces a dilemma between his profession and race. The push-and-pull of that dynamic is evident throughout the show. Sometimes I wished it was more of a focus, because it’s relevant today, and makes for absolutely compelling television. The inciting incident involves some of that push-and-pull, but the focus shifts to the case.
Cross comes face-to-face with a killer that is deranged, meticulous, and connected enough to evade capture. Unlike many other cop shows, the killer is revealed early on. The rest of the series is a chess match between Alex and the killer — who can win the battle against time? Alex must solve the crime before the killer can complete his masterpiece. This allows the relationship between the two to develop, showing us who would blink first.
These events in the story lead me to why Hodge is a perfect Alex Cross. Physically, he plays the role well, but he carries his emotions on his sleeve. Within the investigation, Alex shows how he can determine the next moves to get the case on track. Hodge does a fantastic job of conveying that he’s the most thoughtful person in the room, while also working towards answers by using his sources and friends for help.
His top friend is John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa of Old Spice commercial fame), a decorated cop who trusts Alex completely. Conversely, he also knows when to call Alex on his stuff. The sign of a true friend is someone willing to tell you the things you’re doing wrong, all while trying to help you through your demons. Alex is a cursed individual who has had many things happen to him over the years. Sampson is a sidekick, and any police drama needs one to be successful. Mustafa has come a long way since the Old Spice days. He exhibits a wide range of emotions that can only be balanced by a highly talented actor. There are moments during the investigation when he’s filled with rage because things are not going his way. Conversely, there are moments when he is filled with sadness regarding things that have happened to him and Alex in the past. Their relationship is key to understanding how the police in Washington, D.C. operate, and the show wouldn’t work without their friendship and chemistry working. I would watch Hodge and Mustafa watch the paint dry, because they would find a way to make it enjoyable.
Two crimes are being actively investigated during the show. The first involves a Black community activist, and the other involves a white woman. Race plays a huge part in why these cases are different, but so does socioeconomic status. How the suspect is profiled also matters. Cross does a great job of pointing out this hypocrisy when it comes to the inconsistent administering of justice due to race and class. It does’t provide a solution either, which can be frustrating for some. On the other hand, pointing out inequality in justice starts a broader conversation, which Cross is willing to do.
Amazon is making a name for itself by adapting these procedural shows, and Cross is another winner. Hodge is exceptional in the role, and the show has something to say about society, and the case is compelling. Cross redeems the okay movies and gives us a hero to root for in TV form. Make a crossover event with Cross, Reacher, and Jack Ryan, and we will have an epic event.
Rating: Liked It
Cross is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video
You can read more from Mike Hilty and follow him on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Serializd