The Amazon Prime thriller series "Cross," which fans have labeled "criminally underrated," has soared to the number one spot on the streaming platform following the release of its second season. Based on James Patterson's crime novels, the show stars Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross, a preternaturally gifted homicide detective and forensic psychologist in Washington DC.
A Complex Detective Returns
In a role previously portrayed by Martin Freeman and Tyler Perry in film adaptations, Hodge's Cross delves into the minds of killers with a Mindhunter-style approach while grappling with personal baggage. The series elevates beyond standard crime drama by exploring the experience of being a Black police officer in America, adding depth to its twisty Patterson-inspired plotting.
Season Two's High-Stakes Plot
The new season sees Cross and his childhood best friend, detective John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), tasked with protecting philanthropic agro-tech billionaire Lance Durand, played by Matthew Lillard. Durand's life is threatened by a vigilante targeting America's corrupt elite, leading to a sex trafficking storyline that draws comparisons to the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Showrunner Ben Watkins has stated that this season pushes the envelope, telling TV Insider, "We have not really gotten to the edge yet." The first three episodes of the eight-part season have already dethroned "Fallout" from the pinnacle of Amazon Prime's top 10 list.
Critical and Fan Acclaim
Collider labeled the second season "criminally underrated," while The Wrap called it "a triumph that strengthens audience investment in the series as well as in Hodge's continual portrayal of the complex detective." Fans on IMDb have praised the show, with one writing, "Cross on Prime Video is easily one of the best crime thrillers I've seen in years... The storytelling is tight, bold, and full of twists."
Another reviewer highlighted the show's deeper themes, noting, "It's not just about solving murders; it's about what those murders reveal about society and about Cross himself. That made it way more engaging than your average detective show." Some viewers noted lighting issues in scenes, a common critique in dramas like "House of the Dragon," but overall reception remains highly positive.
Other Amazon Prime Thrillers to Stream
For those seeking similar content, Amazon Prime offers several other thrillers:
- Memory of a Killer: Patrick Dempsey stars as a hitman developing dementia.
- Steal: A six-episode heist thriller featuring Sophie Turner as an office worker caught in a major heist.
- Legion: A gritty Marvel series praised for reinventing superhero tropes.
The first three episodes of "Cross" season 2 are now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, with the full season promising to deliver more intense and thought-provoking crime drama.
