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 seven finds Cross and his team fighting to rebuild their case against Ramsey.

The episode begins with Ed Ramsey giving the final touches to his elaborate exhibit with Shannon as the centerpiece. He shows her a grueling instructional video that is used to prepare execution witnesses on what they will see happen to a death row inmate. Later, he gives her contacts to make her eyes green and prepares a last meal: a cup of coffee, just like Aileen.

Meanwhile, across town, the Cross family prepares for Damon’s piano recital rehearsal. He wants to wear his mother’s bracelet in memory of her, a touching moment between him and Alex. Suddenly, Alex receives the call that Michael, their star witness, is dead. Little does he know, Michael’s death was at the hands of Lt. Massey. John Sampson meets with Massey at her home to discuss how to tread after this major blow. He explains to only share future information with people they trust, excluding Chief Anderson.

Back at the warehouse, Ed begins Shannon’s final moments, injecting her with a sedative, then a paralytic, and finally the lethal dose. For moments, Shannon Witmer lies motionless until she is suddenly revived. It isn’t an act of God, but Ed mimicking how Aileen survived the first attempt. Ed then divulges into a manifesto of how there is no other mystery to solve in the world other than death. He yearns to continue these killers’ work as an artist of life’s absolute mystery.

In poor villain fashion, Ed’s speech is long enough for Cross and his team to descend upon the warehouse, leading to a chase. Sampson safely secures Shannon while Cross seeks to end Ramsey.

The penultimate episode is solid despite some predictability. Also, too many plotlines felt rushed to a conclusion. With one episode left, it’s obvious they are setting up possible dangers for the already greenlit second season, but it would have been nice to see some narratives stretched a bit further.

Rating: 7.5/10