Prime Video has an abundance of fantasy and superhero shows coming this year, which is why it’s so refreshing that a series like Cross is more grounded.
The series based on James Patterson‘s Alex Cross novels has recently returned for its second season on Prime Video.
It’s also Watch With Us‘ pick for the one Prime Video show that you need to watch in February 2026.
If you’ve already seen the first season, then you probably already have a good idea about what to expect. For everyone else, we’re sharing the reasons to watch Cross.
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Aldis Hodge Is Very Charismatic as Alex Cross
Before starring in Cross, Aldis Hodge was primarily known for his supporting roles on Leverage and other TV shows. His performance in Cross has gone a long way towards changing that. Hodge portrays a more volatile version of the brilliant police detective than Morgan Freeman or Tyler Perry did in their respective Cross movies. The first season in particular presents Cross as a man who has been emotionally broken by the death of his wife, and it brings out the worst aspects of his personality.
Season 2 finds Cross in a more stable place than he was in the first season. He’s arguably less fun to watch when he doesn’t have his emotional problems to deal with, but Hodge still carries the show on his shoulders. He’s got a natural charisma that shines through the role, no matter what the show requires of him.
‘Cross’ Gets Great Performances Out of Its Villains
The show would be hard-pressed to duplicate the deliciously evil turn by Ryan Eggold in season 1 as Ed Ramsey. But season 2 has another powerhouse bad guy lined up with Matthew Lillard as Lance Durand. Lance is a billionaire who presents himself as the man who feeds America and a tech titan. He’s also the apparent target of a plot against his life.
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However, Lance is far from the innocent man that he plays for the cameras. The things he’s done to get his wealth and influence are secrets that he’d do almost anything to keep under wraps. Cross has had powerful adversaries before, but none with the reach or influence of Lance. To paraphrase a popular expression, he may be too big to fail.
Season 2’s Premise Is Uncommonly Timely
It’s important to remember that Cross season 2 was already in the works when Luigi Mangione allegedly murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. It’s hard not to think about that case when the other major adversary in Cross this season is Luz (Jeanine Mason), a vigilante who is declaring open season on billionaires.
Luz could even be called a serial or spree killer, despite having some legitimate reasons to target some of the most powerful men in the world. Some people might even call Luz a hero, both in and out of the show, because she’s going after the wealthy elite for horrific crimes they’ve committed. She’s a sign of her times, and that makes Cross season 2 feel uncomfortably timely.
Cross is streaming on Prime Video.
