Amazon Prime’s ‘Cross’ Series: A Fresh Take on James Patterson’s Alex Cross

Amazon Prime Video‘s latest series, ‘Cross,’ has debuted on November 14, 2024, and it brings a significant departure from the traditional adaptations of James Patterson‘s Alex Cross books. The show, starring Aldis Hodge as the titular character, introduces an original mystery rather than adhering strictly to any of the books in the series.

The creative decision to diverge from the source material was made to tap into contemporary societal issues and to offer a fresh storyline that expands on the characters and themes from the books. According to showrunner Ben Watkins, this approach was taken to “tap into what is actually happening right now in society,” and James Patterson himself has expressed approval for this new direction.

The series follows Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist, as he navigates the aftermath of his wife Maria‘s tragic death. Supported by his childhood friend and colleague, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), Cross delves into the minds of killers and victims to solve a new and complex case involving a serial killer known as Fanboy.

One of the notable changes is the character of Bobby Trey, who is introduced as a secondary antagonist and an ally to the main serial killer. Additionally, the show features original characters like Kayla Craig, who may have a connection to the criminal Kyle Craig from the books.

The show has received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising Aldis Hodge’s portrayal of Alex Cross and the balance between Cross’s personal life and his crime-solving endeavors. Despite some deviations from the books, the series has been renewed for a second season, indicating a positive reception from both audiences and the streaming platform.

The ending of the first season is particularly noteworthy, featuring a complex and emotionally charged plot that involves Cross’s family being stalked and the revelation of a deep-seated vendetta tied to one of Cross’s past cases. The finale raises questions about the identity of Maria’s killer, leaving some aspects open to interpretation).