The highly anticipated second season of *Cross*, featuring Aldis Hodge as the titular character, premiered on Prime Video on November 14, 2024. This season, subtitled “Forbidden Fruit,” welcomes Matthew Lillard to the cast, adding a new dimension to the thrilling crime narrative. Despite its engaging moments, the season struggles with its structure, leaving some fans wanting more.
Aldis Hodge reprises his role as Alex Cross, who continues to grapple with the consequences of his past actions, particularly his involvement in apprehending the Fanboy Killer. The season opens with Cross receiving accolades for his detective work, but the weight of guilt complicates his personal relationships. The introduction of a new character, Luz, a vigilante leading a group targeting wealthy billionaires, adds urgency to the plot. FBI Agent Kayla Craig, portrayed by Alona Tal, pulls Cross into a case involving Lance Durand, a billionaire facing death threats. As they delve deeper, they uncover a conspiracy that challenges their perceptions of innocence and guilt.
The narrative explores pressing themes such as immigration and human trafficking, reflecting real-world issues resonating with current events. While the storyline is timely, the abundance of plots risks overwhelming the viewer. The dynamic between Cross and his best friend, John Sampson, is notably sidelined in favor of new subplots, which detracts from the chemistry that defined the first season.
Despite these issues, Hodge remains a standout, delivering a performance that showcases his charisma and physical prowess. Lillard’s portrayal of the deeply flawed Durand complements Hodge’s character, though his presence sometimes overshadows the ensemble. Jeanine Mason’s character, Luz, also plays a significant role, though her storyline does not fully integrate with the main plot, leaving some narrative threads unconnected.
Visually, *Cross* Season 2 presents improvements over its predecessor, including better lighting that enhances the viewing experience. Yet, the show still faces challenges in distinguishing itself from other crime dramas available on Prime Video, such as *Bosch* and *Reacher*.
In conclusion, while *Cross* Season 2 offers thrilling moments and relevant themes, its uneven structure and underutilized character dynamics prevent it from reaching its full potential. Nonetheless, Aldis Hodge’s performance continues to draw viewers, ensuring that many will be eager for future episodes.
