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. Episode five places Cross closer to the Fanboy as their respective orbits collide.
The majority of the episode takes place at Ed’s annual birthday bash. The social event of the year is a collection of who’s who in D.C. – politicians, philanthropists, nonprofit advocates, police chiefs, and this year, DC Metro Police’s Alex Cross. He is Elle’s date to the event, placing him in the home of the alleged Fanboy. Ed Ramsey prepares for his party with a meticulous regimen, which includes fellatio from an unknown woman while wearing his haunting facial mask, and paging through a large binder emboldened with that cryptic insignia. He also plans on completing the final touch of Shannon’s transformation into Aileen.
We reverse to three days prior, with Cross explaining his strategy to John. While he courts Ed at his party, John has been tasked to dig deep into the renaissance man’s past in his home state of Indiana. Meanwhile, Cross and Ed partake in a delicate dance, with Elle stuck in the middle. She’s upset with Alex and his ulterior motives, while Ed’s gracious demeanor offers to drop a profound donation for her nonprofit organization.
The two men’s rift results in a profoundly upsetting ending, mostly Cross’s fault. The act seems a bit out of character given Alex’s profession and calm genius up to this point in the series. Narratively it sets up another challenge for our hero, but appears as an error from the writers. Overall, episode five continues the action and psychological drama the show promised. Aldis Hodge and Ryan Eggold are exceptional on screen, both separate and together.
Rating: 8/10