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 six places Cross on a path to healing while Ed’s final masterpiece is almost complete.
Following the tip from Ed’s childhood friend, Alex travels to Philadelphia to interrogate “White Mike.” He takes his son, Damon, along for some quality time. What seemed like an awful idea was just what the doctor ordered. The father and son both needed time to examine their feelings and decompress their grief over losing a mother and wife. Damon confesses that he feels they lost Alex too, since he’s been so distant. It was a beautiful moment to witness, as all series long, Alex’s avoidance of therapy has been a major hindrance.
As father and son heal, Alex finds a potential witness to make the case against the Fanboy a reality. “White Mike” aka Michael Grisham confesses to knowing Ed back in college and holds a secret that could bring the beloved socialite to his knees. Michael is brought back to D.C. as a key witness in the case.
Back in D.C., Ed enlists friends to finish the final touches on Shannon. He pays an orthodontist to complete the veneers and a plastic surgeon makes a house visit to cover the self-inflicted wound on Shannon’s face. Both were in attendance at Ed’s birthday, which begs the question: how many people does he have on the retainer?
In recent years, countless men with power and reach have extended their influence over systems to keep their dirty deeds in the dark. It is no different with the Ed Ramsey character, who represents a monster in plain sight. In addition to the power he’s established through friends in high places, his identity as a white straight male also protects him. It’s an interesting dynamic in a show that reflects an imbalanced justice system for victims and suspects who do not meet the status quo. Dierdre Nolan was mentally ill. Brenda Leeland suffered from substance misuse. Amir Goodspeed was a reformed gang member. Vanessa was a Black woman.
Rating: 9/10