Cross Christian Review
Adapting beloved literature into a visual medium is no easy task. You walk a tightrope between doing justice to the source material and delivering something fresh enough to justify its existence. Prime Video’s Cross, a new take on James Patterson’s famed Alex Cross series, mostly pulls it off. Mostly. But it also opens the door to deeper discussions about what we consume, how it’s presented, and what we carry away from it.
For a Christian viewer, Cross is a study in contrasts—moments of brilliance bump up against depictions of a broken, brutal world. It’s not quite what you’d call “wholesome viewing,” but it’s not entirely devoid of value either.
A Familiar Hero Brought to Life
Alex Cross, the brilliant psychologist and detective, has been a literary staple for decades. Patterson’s books have made him an icon of modern crime fiction. Here, in Cross, Aldis Hodge brings the character to life with a level of depth and gravitas that elevates this adaptation beyond mere page-to-screen translation.
Hodge’s Cross feels real, and that’s no small feat. He carries the weight of his past failures, wrestles with personal demons, and balances a razor-sharp intellect with a tender, protective heart. There’s a sense that this is a man driven not just by duty but by something deeper—a desire to make sense of a world that often doesn’t. For Christians, that struggle resonates. We’re called to walk by faith in a world marred by sin, often without clear answers or easy paths.
The Pull Between Justice and Grace
One of the more thought-provoking aspects of Cross is how it delves into the cost of seeking justice. Alex Cross isn’t just solving puzzles; he’s confronting the very worst of humanity. It’s grueling work, and the show doesn’t shy away from the toll it takes on him—or on those around him.
As Christians, the pursuit of justice is part of our call. Scripture is full of exhortations to defend the weak, uphold the cause of the oppressed, and seek righteousness. But Cross pushes viewers to grapple with an uncomfortable truth: justice in a fallen world is often messy. Alex’s pursuit of justice is noble, but it’s also tinged with anger and a longing for vengeance that feels all too human. It’s a tension worth sitting with.
Violence as a Double-Edged Sword
And here’s where Cross starts to stumble. The series pulls no punches when it comes to depicting the horrors of the crimes Alex investigates. Violence, particularly against women, is a recurring theme, and the graphic nature of some scenes raises serious questions about the line between storytelling and exploitation.
For a show centered on justice, the explicitness of some of these depictions feels unnecessary. We don’t need every gruesome detail to understand the stakes. And while the show’s intention may be to highlight the depths of evil Alex confronts, the execution occasionally feels more like sensationalism than thoughtful commentary.
As Christians, this is a critical point of discernment. We know the world is full of darkness, but how much of that darkness should we expose ourselves to? Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. Does Cross give us enough of those things to outweigh its grim elements? That’s a question every viewer will have to answer for themselves.
Hodge: A Performance to Remember
If there’s one reason to stick with Cross, it’s Aldis Hodge. His portrayal of Alex is magnetic, bringing layers of humanity to a character who could easily feel larger than life. Hodge’s Cross is brilliant but flawed, compassionate but weary. He’s a man who sees the worst in people but refuses to let it extinguish his hope entirely.
Hodge’s performance is complemented by a strong supporting cast, particularly Mustafa Shakir as Alex’s partner. Their dynamic adds moments of warmth and levity to a show that desperately needs it. The camaraderie between the two characters feels genuine, a reminder of the importance of friendship and community in the face of hardship.
A Tale of Two Tones
If there’s a consistent critique to be made of Cross, it’s the series’ struggle to find its identity. At times, it’s a gritty, edge-of-your-seat thriller. At others, it veers into melodrama or feels bogged down by subplots that don’t quite land. It’s not that any of these elements are inherently bad—it’s just that they don’t always mesh.
The result is a show that can feel disjointed, like it’s trying to be too many things at once. For a series based on such a well-established character, you’d hope for a clearer sense of purpose.
Finding Faith in the Story
Despite its flaws, Cross offers moments of profound reflection. At its core, it’s a story about confronting evil and striving to bring light to dark places. That’s a message that resonates deeply with the Christian faith.
Alex Cross is a flawed hero, but his determination to fight for justice—even when it comes at great personal cost—is inspiring. It’s a reminder that while the world is broken, we’re called to be salt and light, to push back against the darkness wherever we find it.
Final Thoughts
Cross isn’t a perfect show. Its graphic content and tonal inconsistencies may turn some viewers away, and rightly so. But for those willing to engage with its complexities, it offers a lot to think about.
Hodge’s performance anchors the series, bringing depth and humanity to a character who feels both heroic and relatable. The show’s exploration of justice, grace, and the human cost of confronting evil is compelling, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.
As Christians, watching Cross requires discernment. It’s not a series to approach lightly, but it’s one that can spark meaningful conversations about faith, justice, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Rating: 7/10. Strong performances and thoughtful themes make Cross worth watching, but its graphic content and uneven execution hold it back from being truly great.
