IR TV Review: CROSS - EPISODES 1-3 [Prime-S2]
The second season of "Cross" begins with a sequence that at once seems out of place but puts into play the moral and sociopathic intentions of the antagonist and what they are doing. It is almost a misdirect in a way but the play is to show the different levels and what connotates the greater evil. Jeanine Mason as a vigilante of sorts and Wes Chatham as her second come out of the prologue swinging which really gives the first episode a sense of purpose and energy but also a clear focus before bringing Cross (Aldis Hodge) back into the fray. The play also between Cross and Alona Tai as Kayla really works considering all the things going on underneath in both their lives. Tal gives Kayla an edge, a fun flirtiness, a vulnerability and an inherent dread, personally and professionally all at the same time which really gives her the most dynamic in the first 3 episodes even above Cross.
Hodge is able to bring across Cross with his hyper focus but a sense of aloofness and awkwardness that shows that he is definitely not on top of everything but is definitely the star player without it feeling forced. Matthew Lillard plays a tech maven that comes into the mix and he is trying to control his six. The storyline definitely has a reflection on current events regarding the abuse of power. This storyline also brings a couple different angle points into it. One makes total sense and the cultural structure works in some way but not in others. One part goes a little too mystical though that might become clearer later on. Mason walks a thin line between what might be right in her mind and what is ample retribution. She also is dealing with demons that have obviously traumatized her. Chatham's character is more specific to understand but his motivation still needs to be made a little clearer. The home life of Cross, especially with his would-be ex is both understandable but also a little wobbly. Samantha Walkes as Elle Monteiro tries her best but there is something missing.
Human nature is what it is and certain responses (and reactions), especially with one of Kayla and Cross' action in Episode 3 seem understandable but nonetheless a little soapy (without feeling too much so). The more grounded element of the series rests in Isaiah Mustafa as 'Two John' Sampson because he makes the audience feel the weight of what is happening and yet his storyline (like a similar one in "Fallout"0 never feels central. Yet his character does feel so lived in in many ways though more often than not it serves to push the plot investigation forward. One interaction during a stakeout also addresses an underlying construct that works showing the interaction between different agencies and law enforcement, both good and bad. Cross, in its second season with Episodes 1, 2 and 3 (all premiering together), does create a multi layered approach although sometimes it veers too far off into character structure while losing a bit of the tautness and dread indicative of the "Cross" brand. B
By Tim Wassberg
