Prime Video’s Cross Excels Where Patterson’s Alex Cross Novels Began, But Stumbles on Old Tropes

Amazon Prime Video’s Cross, starring Aldis Hodge, revitalizes James Patterson’s Alex Cross with a fresh perspective on race and community while simultaneously struggling under the weight of worn-out crime thriller clichés. This marks the third attempt to bring the Washington-based psychologist and detective to life onscreen, following portrayals by Morgan Freeman in Kiss the Girls (1997) and Along Came a Spider (2001), and Tyler Perry in Alex Cross (2012).

What Patterson Got Right

While Patterson’s thrillers are known for their formulaic pacing and shallow characterizations, the original Alex Cross novels stood out in the 1990s for their attention to racial dynamics—something rare in mainstream fiction by white authors at the time. Patterson’s Cross is deeply aware of how race impacts his work, from his choice to remain in his childhood neighborhood to his criticism of the justice system’s disregard for Black victims. This sensitivity is further highlighted in Along Came a Spider, where Cross confronts systemic racism, even in intimate conversations with his grandmother.

Prime Video’s Cross wisely leans into this legacy, presenting a rich portrayal of Cross’ personal and professional life as a Black man. The showrunner, Ben Watkins, brings warmth and authenticity to Cross’ world, portraying Black culture through family gatherings, community interactions, and nuanced conversations. These moments create a vibrant backdrop, grounding the series in realism and emotional depth.

The Show’s Strengths

One of the series’ most compelling elements is its ability to explore complex social issues. A standout scene involves Cross meeting the family of a murdered police-violence activist. His investigation is fraught with tension, as his superiors push for a ruling of accidental death or suicide, while the family insists on foul play. The subtle family dynamics, revealed in just a few lines of dialogue, demonstrate the show’s ability to craft layered, human stories that resonate.

Hodge’s portrayal of Cross is equally remarkable, breathing new life into the trope of the grieving, justice-driven detective. His soulful performance balances Cross’ stoicism with vulnerability, particularly as he navigates personal losses and professional challenges.

What Holds the Series Back

Despite its strong foundation, Cross falters when it veers into overused crime thriller territory. The series introduces a cartoonish villain—a billionaire serial killer played by Ryan Eggold—whose motivations feel preposterously campy. The show relies heavily on shopworn devices, such as a taunting villain invading Cross’ personal life and cryptic psychological profiling.

While these elements may appeal to fans of classic Patterson thrillers, they clash with the series’ otherwise grounded storytelling. The contrast is jarring, as the vibrant world-building of Cross’ personal life feels at odds with the hokey serial-killer plotlines.

Missed Opportunities

One of the series’ most intriguing yet underexplored dynamics is Cross’ role as both a psychologist and a cop. His reluctance to seek therapy, despite his professional expertise, offers an avenue for deeper exploration that the show only lightly touches on. Similarly, a dinner party scene where Cross debates a Black stockbroker about systemic racism and class privilege crackles with dramatic tension, hinting at a more thoughtful direction for the series.

Room for Growth

If Cross continues, it should focus on placing its mysteries within the rich, socially conscious world it has built. The real potential lies in exploring the systemic challenges and community tensions that Cross must navigate, rather than leaning on tired serial-killer tropes. By embracing the authenticity and depth that Patterson’s novels only hinted at, Cross could truly stand out as a modern, meaningful crime drama.