Cross is the latest adaptation of author James Patteron’s iconic homicide detective, Alex Cross. Previous iterations of the character saw Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry don the role on film. The new series from showrunner and writer Ben Watkins casts Aldis Hodge as the expert forensic psychologist and DC Metro detective. In episode two, revelations around Emir Goodspeed’s murder lead Cross on a race against time while someone from his past taunts his grief.

Episode two opens with Alex awakened from a dream by a noise from downstairs. After suspecting a stranger in his home, he takes no chances grabbing his gun to investigate. Luckily, the alleged intruder is just his daughter Janelle grabbing something to drink, but Alex and his mother are shaken by his actions. He later apologizes to Janelle and promises he’s only trying to keep his family safe. It’s a task easier said than done when, later, a stranger spies on Janelle through their security cameras, telling her she favors her late mother.

Back at the precinct, the death of Tavio Lemmons leads to a publicity maelstrom. Chief Anderson is insistent that Lemmons’ murder was gang-related, retaliation for the death of Emir Goodspeed. However, Cross and John beg to differ. They cannot fathom some rival gang members owning that level of ammunition. They beg for time to weigh their options and find the real culprit. Meanwhile, Bobby Trey is handling his investigation to tie up loose ends. Both parties search for Tavio’s next of kin, his baby’s mother, Vanessa.

Later, Shannon Witmer meets her date, who happens to be Ed Ramsey. He convinces her he uses a fake photo because of his celebrity status around town. Eventually, Shannon agrees to see him again. They go on a date at a museum — an exhibit focused on the beauty in death. Here, we learn Shannon works at a hotel and yearns for a position at the Ritz. After landing an interview at the prestigious establishment, she learns Ed pulled a few strings to make it happen. Shannon feels antsy about him taking that much interest in her but is thankful for his help. After some coercing, she agrees to meet him at his home to prep for the interview.

And speaking of dates, Elle and Alex rendevous to patch things up after the dinner party. We learn the two have been sweet on each other since junior high. The two want to take their relationship to the next level, but Alex abruptly stops, telling her he’s not ready. Elle reassures him she can wait.

This episode leveled up the ante, showcasing the truly deranged minds of our villains. Johnny Ray Gill’s Bobby Trey is a wild card and a perfect foil to Cross’s heroism. Someone familiar with Cross and his past will know all his pressure points. We also witness how much power Ed Ramsey holds in the city, which makes him incredibly dangerous. It also packed an emotional punch demonstrating how personally Cross takes his cases. A common trope of an officer is not to become emotionally involved with the people you serve; but, there is no other way to do this work and not become attached.

Rating: 8/10