Cross review: High-octane cop drama is entertaining enough but cliché-ridden

2.0 out of 5 star rating

As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of cinematic exploration under my belt, I must say that Cross, the latest addition to Amazon’s Prime Video stable, left me neither spellbound nor disappointed – more like indifferently entertained.

Over time, as various streaming platforms vie for subscribers and aim to keep them, it’s become apparent that they are all carving out their unique niches.

On Apple TV+, you’ll find popular sci-fi series and comedies. Meanwhile, Netflix is known for its successful reality programs, and Disney Plus focuses on shows based on their intellectual properties (IP) like franchises.

In a notable development, Prime Video has been giving Paramount Plus a run for its money when it comes to action-packed thrillers, and it’s making significant strides. With shows like Reacher, The Terminal List, and Citadel, Prime is increasingly recognized as a platform that thrives on tales of mavericks taking charge.

Currently, we introduce Cross – yet another rule-breaking action protagonist – who this time takes on the roles of both a detective and a forensic psychologist. His mission? Tracking down notorious serial killers.

This new show takes inspiration from the well-known book series penned by James Patterson, and with three earlier adaptations that didn’t quite hit the mark, everyone is eager to see if it lives up to the original material.

But does it work as a series in its own right? Well, yes and no.

In this TV show, Aldis Hodge portrays Alex Cross, a renowned detective who tackles homicides alongside his partner James Sampson, played by Isaiah Mustafa. He’s known for his fiery temperament and unconventional methods, which often lead to doubts about him, yet he consistently delivers outcomes that no one else can match.

So far, it seems quite similar to many shows that have come before it. By the way, let me add that the protagonist is dealing with the loss of his wife and finding it challenging to balance his personal life with his work commitments.

For avid Cross fans, these characteristics and snippets from the past may not offer anything new. However, if you’re just starting out, it’s clear that the initial premise seems quite familiar, worn-out, and undeniably clichéd to some degree.

In this crime series, there’s a chilling character known as the Fanboy, who modifies his victims to resemble famous murderers he idolizes through surgical means. As expected from a character in such shows, he’s slick, malicious, unpredictable, and follows the generic traits often seen in serial killers on screen.

The storyline unfolds as a classical, brooding detective mystery. Undeniably, it delivers on its genre, maintaining an engaging plotline that escalates throughout the series. Moreover, the time-sensitive situation involving Cross and Sampson trying to rescue a victim before they run out of time makes for a compelling viewing experience.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the series certainly offers an engaging form of entertainment. The intriguing relationship between leads Cross and Sampson, along with their fellow team members, is particularly captivating.

The success of this production is significantly due to the outstanding performances by the cast, notably Hodge. He excels as a captivating leading actor, effortlessly delivering lines that might otherwise seem awkward or forced, and skillfully crafting a multidimensional character whom we both admire and scrutinize.

As the series progresses, Mustafa’s character, Sampson, doesn’t get much focus but shines in intense scenes, often providing comic relief to ease tension. However, their friendship becomes strained, and he demonstrates his abilities more prominently as the story unfolds.

The remaining actors, such as Alona Tal portraying the intriguingly named character Kayla Craig (familiar to book lovers), along with the others, put in a commendable effort. Ryan Eggold delivers an entertainingly over-the-top performance as the oily Ed Ramsey.

As a cinephile, I found myself struggling to distinguish this production from others I’ve seen. It seems that many aspects were borrowed or felt strikingly similar to other series, making it hard for me to single out anything particularly unique or captivating about it.

One standout aspect of the series that seems especially distinct is the portrayal of Cross’s bond with his children.

As a devoted admirer, I must express my feelings about the captivating portrayal in the story where the protagonist, Cross, grapples with the heartbreaking loss of his mother. The aftermath is chaotic, yet relatable. Although the children’s individual personalities aren’t extensively developed, Cross’s complex relationship with them and his struggles to maintain emotional equilibrium are profoundly compelling. It’s this raw, human aspect that hooks me and keeps me invested in their journey.

In this aspect, Hodge truly shines, as he skillfully delves into the character’s more sinister tendencies, making him less appealing. Immersed in his personal sorrow, he frequently overlooks their shared grief, failing to empathize with their pain.

The show doesn’t break new ground, but it certainly pushes boundaries by making the characters almost unlikable during certain scenes.

Some efforts made by the show to address social issues aren’t entirely successful. The series aims to explore the relationship between its main characters, who are two Black police officers in the U.S., and the intersection of their careers with politics and racial identity.

Here, there are brief glimpses of intriguing conversations taking place, but unfortunately, they’re too transient to be valuable or substantial. Mostly, they seem hastily added and inadequately explored, and at times, the discussions completely vanish without a trace.

It might be due to the fact that, although there are only eight episodes, the season seems excessively lengthy. The storyline involving the serial killer, in particular, is drawn out unnecessarily. At points when it appears the climax is near, unexpected complications arise which prevent Detective Cross from apprehending the most obvious villain in TV series history.

Ultimately, some viewers might find Cross engaging enough due to its rich character development, strong central pair, and exciting moments. Dropping all episodes simultaneously appears to be a clever decision since the plot progression is minimal, making it more suitable for binge-watching experiences.

It’s confirmed that Cross will be back for another season, and we can only wish that it will focus more on its strong points – the intriguing character interactions and the emotional family conflicts – while refining the investigative aspects of the series.

In essence, Cross appears to align closely with its designers’ intentions. If this concept has been explored previously, there’s nothing wrong with that – combining elements of serial killers and comfort viewing might seem unusual, but it’s a strategy that has proven effective in the past, ensuring that fans of the genre remain captivated.

2024-11-13 21:04

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