As a long-time fan of James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, I was excited to hear that Prime Video was adapting the character into a TV show. However, after watching the first season of Cross, I can’t help but feel that the show misses the mark in capturing the essence of Alex Cross, despite some strong performances. While it offers an entertaining crime thriller, it falls short of portraying the depth and complexity that has made Alex Cross such an iconic character in modern detective fiction. Cross is probably my favourite literary character, so I was going to be a hard person to please regardless. But hey, let’s investigate.
Who is Alex Cross?
For those unfamiliar with the character, Alex Cross is a brilliant forensic psychologist and detective who first appeared in James Patterson’s Along Came a Spider (1993). Over the course of more than 30 novels, Cross has become one of Patterson’s most beloved characters. He is known not only for his sharp intellect and ability to solve complex cases but also for his deep commitment to his family. A widower raising his children with the help of his grandmother, Nana Mama, Cross is as much defined by his personal struggles as he is by his professional triumphs.
Cross’s cases often involve high-stakes confrontations with dangerous criminals—serial killers, terrorists, and corrupt officials. His work frequently puts him and his family in danger, adding emotional weight to the stories. Some of the most popular books in the series include Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, I, Alex Cross, and more recently, Cross Down (2023) and Triple Cross (2022). For me personally, I would list Jack and Jill and Pop Goes the Weasel as some of the best. But we can debate books another day.
What makes Alex Cross so compelling?
What sets Alex Cross apart from other fictional detectives is his humanity. He is not just a crime-solving machine; he is a father, a friend, and a widower grappling with loss. His relationship with his children and Nana Mama provides a rich emotional backdrop to the fast-paced thrillers Patterson writes. This balance between action and personal drama is what has drawn readers to the series for decades.
In many ways, Alex Cross represents a break from traditional detective archetypes. He isn’t a lone wolf or an anti-hero; he’s deeply connected to his community and family. His African-American heritage also plays a role in shaping his character, as Patterson wanted to create a hero who defied stereotypes prevalent in mainstream fiction at the time.
How does Prime video’s Cross compare?
Prime Video’s adaptation of Cross, starring Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross, takes some liberties with Patterson’s source material. The show doesn’t directly adapt any one book from the series but instead creates new mysteries for Cross to solve. While this approach allows for fresh storytelling, it also distances itself from some of the key elements that make Alex Cross such an enduring character.
One of the most significant departures is how the show handles Cross’s personal life. In the books, his family is central to who he is as a person and detective. While Cross does touch on this aspect—particularly in exploring his grief over his wife Maria’s death—the emotional weight feels underdeveloped compared to Patterson’s novels. The show hints at Cross’s struggles as a single father but doesn’t dive deep enough into these relationships to make them feel integral to the plot.
Another issue is how the show portrays Cross’s intelligence and skill as a detective. In Patterson’s books, Cross uses both his psychological expertise and street smarts to outwit criminals. In contrast, Prime Video’s version leans heavily into action-thriller tropes, sometimes at the expense of showcasing Cross’s unique abilities. The serial killer plotlines feel generic at times, lacking the psychological depth that fans of the books have come to expect.
I used to think Patterson’s books made Seven look like a Hallmark movie. Kiss the Girls is one of the most terrifying books I have ever read.
What critics are saying
Reviews of Cross have been mixed. Aldis Hodge has been widely praised for his portrayal of Alex Cross, with many noting that he brings charisma and intensity to the role. However, critics have also pointed out that much of the show feels like standard crime thriller fare. The serial killer plotlines are described as formulaic, with one review noting that “everything is textbook dark detective drama.
But let’s get to the question of the day. Does the show pull off Alex Cross? For me, almost. If I had never read any of James Patterson’s books, this show would still be enjoyable. I also have the challenge of not seeing Morgan Freeman as Cross. That is exactly who I pictured when I read all the books. But funny enough, not Morgan Freeman when he actually played Cross. No, for me, I picture Freeman’s character from Seven – Detective Somerset. Now that is who Cross will always be for me. Certainly not Tyler Perry.
Cross also has the disadvantage of following a show like Luther, starring Idris Elba. I think in a perfect world where Freeman did not fit anymore, Elba would be Cross to me.
Still worth a watch
Cross is still above average TV in my opinion. It looks good, it has solid music choices and it kind of gets into the creepy zone that Patterson’s books surely did. Cross is fine. The guy who plays his long time sidekick is fine. I think they really missed an opportunity to make a more compelling bad guy. He’s kind of like a serial killer created from a bunch of others and is closer to Dexter than any that were from Patterson’s novels. Is David Fincher the only guy who can go there?
So what do you think? What do you think of the 2024 version of Alex Cross? Please do share your profile with me in the comments.
Bonus points if you tell me your favourite book from the Alex Cross series.
