I do know lots of you could have chosen to binge-watch Cross. I didn’t. I binge-watch issues like Bridgerton, the place no actual thriller is unfolding, simply fairly individuals falling in love. I additionally keep away from binging as a result of it is too straightforward to miss refined particulars and nuances you solely discover while you watch at a slower tempo. Since you’ll be able to solely see one thing for the primary time as soon as, I would like my preliminary viewing expertise with the male leads, Aldis Hodge, Isaia Mustafa, and Ryan Eggold, to be memorable. Subsequently, I plan to observe and assessment one episode every week to construct and extend my anticipation and pleasure to reinforce my total viewing expertise. I encourage you to delay gratification and watch weekly with me. If not, I hope you discover time to learn my weekly critiques and share your ideas. Let’s get into it.
“Ride the White Horsey” – CROSS, Pictured: Ryan Eggold as Ed Ramsey. Photo: Keri Anderson/Prime Video @ 2010-2024 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliate. All Rights Reserved.
Upon seeing the title of episode two, “Experience the White Horsey,” I could not resist harboring impure ideas about Ed Ramsey (Eggold). Am I as tragic as Shannon (Mumford), who confessed to relishing Ramsey’s guided tour of the Marquis de Sade-style Museum and its related sadism? No. No. No. This sensation is much less about me and extra concerning the good writing and casting of this present.
From the earliest moments of this episode, you are drawn right into a world meticulously crafted by creator Ben Watkins and expertly acted by Hodge. Hodge brings the fictional Cross to life in ways in which blur actuality. For instance, Cross’s chain of command is dedicated to the narrative that Emir’s demise is an unintended overdose, not homicide. After all, metro brass desires to shut this case and squelch any anti-police protests. Within the squad room, Cross continues to advocate that Emir Goodspeed’s demise is expounded to Tavio’s demise. The lacking cellphone is the important thing. Whereas watching a tape of Tavio’s homicide, he notices that Tavio’s girlfriend, Vanessa, took the cellphone. The look Cross serves his Superior, Lt. Massey, stated, “Bitch, I told you.”
Cross is a collection that masterfully balances compelling storytelling with real character growth, akin to discovering a uncommon gem. It’s the little issues that contact me, like when Cross’s finest buddy and associate, John Sampson (Mustafa), calls him by his nickname, ‘sugar’. Different instances, the main focus is on the unabashedly pro-Black household values. Once more, Sampson (Uncle John) teaches Cross’s children black historical past by enjoying trivia for money or when he gives to observe the youngsters whereas encouraging Cross to pursue his romance with Elle—at the very least the intercourse half.
“Ride the White Horsey” – CROSS, Pictured: Isaiah Mustafa as John Sampson. Photo: Keri Anderson/Prime Video @ 2010-2024 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliate. All Rights Reserved
Sometimes, it’s the humorous and ominous exchanges between Ed Ramsey and Bobby Trey (Gill). For example, Ramsey tells Trey, “Be a great little doggie and keep in your leash.” Trey gets in Ramsey’s face and says, “I am not considered one of your minions. If I get caught up, we’re gonna have an issue.” “Oh, it bites,” Ramsey calmly states as he takes Trey in. Trey simulates taking a bite out of Ramsey, snarling, “Like a mom fucker.” These two are certifiable; yet it is still disconcerting that Trey is the half of this dastardly duo advocating restraint.
I won’t reveal any of the twists in this episode for those who haven’t seen it yet. However, be aware that the masterful execution of the plot twists and turns deceives you into forgetting you’re watching a scripted piece. Each character’s well-developed and authentic reactions draw you in, making you feel like you’re on their journey. I had one of those moments when Vanessa met Trey. A second, diametrically opposed, experience I had was when Elle (Walkes) dances with Cross. Ed Ramsey wasn’t the only character about whom I harbored impure thoughts. Like Elle, I am willing to wait for it. Wait for it. Wait for it.
“Experience the White Horsey” – CROSS, Pictured: Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross. Picture: Keri Anderson/Prime Video @ 2010-2024 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliate. All Rights Reserved
One final thing. The music chosen for this episode can also be a grasp stroke. Every observe tells its personal emotional story, seamlessly aligning with the characters’ journeys and enhancing the narrative depth. I am referencing Trey’s drug-fueled, manic playlist that captures his sinister state, infusing his scenes with palpable urgency and pressure. Throughout Cross’s reflection on the anniversary of his spouse’s demise, a melancholic jazz choice superbly underscores his grief and loss. Lastly, the romantic strains of “I Get So Weak in the Knees” performed throughout Cross’s try to reconnect together with his outdated buddy tenderly displays his vulnerability and need for therapeutic. This episode’s music choice isn’t just an accompaniment; it is highly effective and emotionally resonant and serves to raise the viewing expertise.
Cross is a thoughtfully written and character-driven narrative. It evokes the viewer’s emotional responses with out ever making them really feel manipulated. In “Ride the White Horsey,” Cross persistently uncovers the reality behind Emir Goodspeed’s homicide, repeatedly bringing him to Ramsey’s doorstep. The one criticism I’ve is that Cross and Sampson should navigate by way of some disagreeable feminine characters, together with Chief Anderson (Wigmore), a fellow detective De Lackner (Greenwell), and a problematic reporter, Tania Hightower (Murphy), who work at cross-purposes with our protagonists.
“Ride the White Horsey” – CROSS, Pictured: Sharon Taylor as Lieutenant Oracene Massey, Stacie Greenwell as Shawana De Lackner. Photo: Keri Anderson/Prime Video @ 2010-2024 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliate. All Rights Reserved
Please don’t let this very minor critique keep you from watching. Hodge as Cross remains the main attraction, as is the excitement that comes with the chaos of Eggold’s Ramsey and the frenzy of Gill’s Trey. As of episode two, the show does not disappoint and continues to be a must-watch series for aficionados of crime dramas.
What are you experiencing? Did you binge all episodes or are you taking it nice and slow like me? Let me know in the comments.
Overall Rating:
9/10
Lynette Jones
