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 three, Cross mournfully celebrates his wedding anniversary as he and John Sampson break a lead in their case.

The episode opens with an unknown woman walking through an abandoned building. We learn the compound serves as a shelter for the unhoused. She reaches her room and sparks a batch of meth when there’s a knock on her door. Someone’s left a package holding a gun and a single note: “Kill Alex Cross.” The woman is Brenda Leeland and she proceeds with the new mission, hoping to corner Alex alone.

The next scene is a flashback of Cross with his wife getting dressed. Maria walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. The door mirror reflects Cross on the bed in the present. Today is their wedding anniversary, and he’s preparing to leave flowers at Maria’s grave. He visits the cemetery but can’t manage to enter, leaving John to carry out the task. Later, John questions Alex’s state of mind, recognizing he’s not handling the grief well. John even goes as far as to force Cross to schedule a therapy session in exchange for information on his alleged stalker. Cross begrudgingly agrees. The clue leads them to a possible vengeful convict, Jerry Cooper. Cross’s pursuit of Cooper results in a dead-end, but another clue leads them back to the cemetery. His alleged stalker leaves a familiar dress in a tree above Maria’s tombstone.

As Cross and John break a lead in this case, Chief Anderson is doubling down on closing the case of Emir Goodspeed. She doesn’t believe Emir was murdered and has a fellow officer complete the report stating his cause of death was an overdose. She warns Cross that if he wants to solve a murder case, he can handle the deaths of Tavio Lemmons and his baby’s mother, Vanessa.

Meanwhile, we return to Shannon Witmer, who we last saw in Ed’s living room. She wakes up bound to a chair in what looks like a basement. Ed welcomes her back and explains he’s detoxing her pores while photographing her. Ed may have been Emir’s murderer, yet the motive remains unclear. An initial raid of his property leads the police nowhere as the old home’s basement is practically soundproof to Shannon’s dismay. We also learn how far Ed’s reach is within the elite of Washington D.C. A meeting with a powerful politician and former colleague reveals Ed has maneuvered himself into inner circles with deep pockets, pulling strings behind the scenes.

While Cross’ initial raid of Ed’s home fails, he and John return after realizing a clue about the building’s history. The house originally served as a brothel with a secret entrance and exit for its patrons. Equipped with a sledgehammer, Cross and John discover the hidden entrance behind a bedroom wall. Unfortunately, Bobby Trey moves Shannon before they can reach her.

Episode three is the series in peak form. The performances are strong and nuanced, while the story has found a perfect mix of drama and thriller action. Watkins and the writers balance two separate narratives – Cross’ stalker and Emir’s case – without any confusion or one of the plots losing steam. Also, the level of inclusion within the series is an underrated achievement that may go unnoticed. Cross’ pregnant lieutenant, Oracene Massey, and disabled lawyer colleague help ground the series in a world where everyone is reflected.

Rating: 9/10