IR TV Review: CROSS - EPISODE 5 (“Climb”) [Prime-S2]

The essence of "Cross" is about how human nature can be misleading and find a different way. With Episode 5 entitled "Climb," Cross (Aldis Hodge) and Kayla (Alona Tai) realize the connection point of the person as the different evidence clues pointing to the Light in the form of Rebecca/Luz (Jeanine Mason) become clearer, especially after the singular event at the end of the last episode left Luz with a slightly deviated essence of purpose. Interestingly enough Donnie (Wes Chatham) is the one that brings her back spiritually from the brink even though she has a plan completely in motion. Donnie takes her to a location and relates a story which gives his character much more of a dynamic structure than he had had before. Cross, of course, even as he tries to corner Rebecca with a sense of friendliness doesn't really get that his reading of a situation is flawed in a way.

Kayla is right to call Cross out on it. Alona Tai plays Kayla with an interesting balance though one would think she would be at the breaking point more than she is (at this point) since even the people who are working the angles for her question her innocence in a bigger scheme at the exact same time. That would be exhausting for any character. The reality is that Cross continues to be the most in the dark which is a neat character flaw for someone who can usually see many things. That is why the ending coda of the episode belies this point especially when Rebecca can either up the game or turn it on its head. With this game this season it just a matter of wills with a antagonist who is not unbalanced in most ways, just singular of purpose because of the possibility bred into her. And that can be the most dangerous thing of all. B

By Tim Wassberg