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 eight, the season one finale, has Cross battling his family’s foe.
The final episode delivers a rather swift conclusion to the season-long chaos. We open with a flashback to Alex’s childhood with Nana Mama. It’s been a few months after the tragic loss of Alex’s parents, and he’s too grief-stricken to play outside with his best friend, John. Nana Mama reminds Alex that although he faced yesterday’s storm, today is bright with sunshine, and it would be a shame to miss it. She ensures Alex she isn’t going anywhere. This final phrase brings us back to the present following Nana’s attack.
With Ed Ramsey on the run and his stalker, a man named Peter Lennox, in the wind, Cross pivots to keep his family safe. Ms. Nancy, Damon’s piano teacher, offers her family’s cabin as a haven for his children and Elle. Being nearly four hours away, she ensures no harm will find them there. While the family takes refuge, Alex works to dig into his stalker’s past. He checks with social services to see if Peter has any next of kin. While he has no biological family, he had a street mother who brought him to his sessions. Alex seeks to find their identity. While working on this case, he runs into Tania, the reporter. She reveals that Ed mailed her his illustrious serial killer tome. Alex begs her not to print anything just yet.
Before Alex moves any further, he makes amends with his best friend. He arrives at John’s home and apologizes for his behavior. He avoided working on himself and took those frustrations out on his friend. John accepts immediately.
As the episode wraps, Watkins and his writing team make it a point to address the Black eye on Cross’s reputation: the brutal unjust attack on an innocent Black man by police. While Alex receives news the complaint and case have been dismissed, Cross brings it upon himself to shine a light on the dark moment and take accountability for his actions. He arranges a sit-down interview with the victim, apologizes, and encourages the young man to continue with his complaint. It’s an act many victims of police brutality do not experience in real life, as their cases become trapped in judicial purgatory only for a settlement to be sold for their silence. Throughout the season, the delicate discussion around being a Black police officer and their responsibility for accountable policing has been pushed forward.
The final episode is action-packed, delivering answers to season-long questions. However, some could have remained a mystery for the next season.
Rating: 8/10