Based on James Patterson’s Alex Cross novel series, the number one trending Prime adaptation of Cross premiered on Nov. 14. The titular character, Alex Cross, has previously been portrayed in films by Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry. Fans who love the novel series were thrilled to learn Prime was adapting it into an 8-episode show, allowing more time to expand on Alex Cross’ story. While the show is based on his character, the storyline takes a completely new turn because it is not based on any of the books. A major highlight of the Prime adaptation is the confrontation of nuanced conversations throughout the series.

The series centers on Alex Cross (Aldis Hodge), his relationships, and navigating the balance between his work and personal life. Alex Cross is a D.C.-based police detective and forensic psychologist hunting down a serial killer who is connected to his past. His partner and best friend, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), is a great support system throughout the investigation, especially when Alex discovers the death of his recently deceased wife is connected to the unknown serial killer. The storyline takes many twists and turns, which keeps viewers glued and at the edge of their seats.

Confronting Police Brutality

Cross is intentional about addressing the difficult conversation surrounding police violence against Black people. This is portrayed early in the show when a Black Lives Matter activist named Emir (Donovan Brown) is found dead, which results in protests outside the police department. Emir’s sister, Malika (Ashley Rios), is enraged by the way the police department is handling her brother’s death, which leads to further division between the police and the locals. Malika references other real-life police brutality victims and implies a potential cover-up by the police department. Instead of shying away from this hot topic issue, Cross confronts it head-on by reflecting on the mistrust some Black people have toward law enforcement.

During a dinner party scene in Cross, both Alex and John are confronted by another Black man about their line of work and why they would support an institution that enacts violence toward other Black people. During the exchange, Alex’s girlfriend, Elle (Samantha Walkes), expresses that she supports defunding the police, further dividing the conversation. Cross using a side character to poke at the protagonist about what most of the viewers are curious about is an effective storytelling method. Even though Alex does not provide a direct answer, knowing that he is grappling with these decisions adds dimension to his character.

Eventually, a video is leaked revealing that Alex engaged in police brutality against an innocent Black man whom he confused for his wife’s killer. Cross breaks the illusion of its protagonist as a decorated neighborhood detective and reminds us that he is also capable of police violence. This fuels the outrage of the Black Lives Matter protestors and affirms their stance that all cops are bad, even if they are Black. Cross was unique in its portrayal of Alex taking responsibility for his actions and seeking a heartfelt apology from the victim. It attempts to bridge the gap between the policing institution and Black civilians by acknowledging the trauma experienced by the victim and vowing to do better, something most police brutality cases do not.

Addressing Black Male Friendships

Another important aspect of Cross is how the show conveys the brotherhood between Alex and John. When Alex struggles to deal with the grief over his wife’s death, John steps in and encourages him to seek a mental health professional. Even though Alex is reluctant to the idea, John coerces him by withholding evidential information until he succumbs. Cross does a good job of addressing mental health issues by conveying the vulnerability between the two friends as opposed to avoiding Alex’s emotional struggles. Throughout the show, Alex views his best friend as family, especially with how close-knit his children are with John. This deep bond is threatened when the two have a falling out and struggle with apologizing to each other.

In a last-minute bind, Alex is forced to swallow his pride and apologize to John so he can save his family. The apology scene is one of the most heartfelt scenes on Cross due to the beautiful chemistry portrayed between the two characters. Since emotional vulnerability amongst men, especially Black men, is societally frowned upon due to patriarchy, it was a heartwarming reminder about the value of male friendships. This interaction in Cross shines through by breaking the status quo of avoiding emotional intimacy in male friendships, especially the simple act of men expressing love for each other. It is a reminder that friends can also be our chosen family.

Prime’s adaptation of Cross into a series infuses a fresh outlook on the protagonist and supporting characters. It allows Alex to tap into the complexity of his character as a widower, a father, a grandson, a friend, a detective, and a lover. Cross also gives room for nuanced storylines that elevate the tone of the show and its ability to connect with the audience. Luckily, the show has already been renewed for a second season, but if you have yet to binge-watch this dynamic crime thriller, be sure to visit Prime.