Aldis Hodge and Isaiah Mustafa Lead a Stellar Cast in Prime Video's 'Cross'

Prime’s new show, Cross, is inspired by James Patterson’s popular Alex Cross character but isn’t based on any specific book in the series. Alex Cross has previously been portrayed on film by Morgan Freeman in Kiss The Girls and Along Came A Spider, as well as by Tyler Perry in the 2012 movie Cross. However, Aldis Hodge’s portrayal offers something different—something more nuanced than either of those interpretations.

Comparisons to Reacher are inevitable, but Cross sets itself apart as more thoughtful and relationship-driven. The main storyline in season one focuses on Alex Cross and Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa) working a case for the DC police. A serial killer is on the loose, committing horrific crimes to honor infamous killers of the past. As Cross’ boss, Chief Anderson (Jennifer Wigmore), aptly puts it, “Every case you work is Silence Of The Lambs.” This one is no exception.

The secondary storyline delves into Alex Cross’s reckoning with the ghosts of his past as the person responsible for his wife’s death reemerges to threaten the rest of his family. Both narratives are complicated and could have easily carried separate, shorter seasons. At times, the eight-episode season feels slow in terms of action. Yet the pacing allows for a richer character study than previous film versions of Alex Cross. We learn more about his family, his relationships, and his ongoing struggle with the loss of his wife, Maria. This fuller portrayal provides Aldis Hodge with plenty of strong material with which to work.

Much of the series also explores topics I’m not fully equipped to address as a white woman. It delves into the challenges Alex Cross faces as a Black man navigating a society and profession often at odds with each other, as well as the emotional toll of grief and relationships. These themes are rarely afforded to Black actors in mainstream media and deserve deeper exploration by those with lived experience. While the slower pacing hinders the plot at times, it lays a foundation for future seasons to focus more on action without needing to unpack as much backstory.

Cross undoubtedly deserves additional seasons. Hodge delivers a commanding performance and looks fantastic in the show’s stylish costumes. Isaiah Mustafa (It Chapter Two) clearly has fun as John Sampson, Cross’ very large, overprotective best friend. Jennifer Wigmore is the worst white woman you know as the Chief of Police with lofty aspirations. Ryan Eggold (New Amsterdam) brings a maniacal energy to the main villain, evoking a twisted, bizarro Alan Tudyk. The supporting cast is rounded out by strong performances, with Schitt’s Creek alum Karen Robinson delivering a standout performance.

If you’re familiar with how Patterson structures Alex Cross stories none of the twists and turns of the season will come as much of a surprise to you but the performances are worth giving it a watch.

All episodes of Cross are available to stream on Prime.