The gripping detective thriller 'Cross' has made a dramatic return to Prime Video this week, with its second season already earning a 'disturbing' and 'brutal' reputation among critics and viewers alike. Based on the best-selling book series by acclaimed author James Patterson, the show continues to captivate audiences with its intense plotlines and stellar performances.
A Significant Improvement in Critical Acclaim
While the first season of 'Cross' secured a solid 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has launched with a significantly improved score of 90%. This jump in critical approval highlights the series' evolution and heightened drama, as it delves deeper into the mind of Detective Alex Cross, portrayed by Aldis Hodge.
Plot Details and New Cast Additions
Season one followed Hodge's character as he hunted a chilling serial killer, played by Ryan Eggold, who dressed victims as infamous historical murderers. In contrast, season two centres on a race against the clock to locate a female killer plotting revenge on some of the world's most influential CEOs. The official synopsis describes it as a pursuit of a 'ruthless vigilante' targeting corrupt billionaire magnates.
The new season welcomes several exciting additions to the cast, including Matthew Lillard from 'Scooby-Doo', Jeanine Mason from 'Roswell, New Mexico', and Wes Chatham from 'The Expanse'. These new faces promise to add fresh dynamics to the already compelling narrative.
Viewer Reactions and Release Schedule
On social media platform X, viewers have been sharing enthusiastic reactions to the series. One fan posted, 'Just binged Cross S1 on Prime Video. Thought it started slow, but wow... it completely hooked me. Turning the subplot into the real story was genius. The suspense, twists, and performances go crazy. Anticipating Season 2,' while another added, 'Holy s***. Season 2 is definitely gonna be fire.'
However, some viewers expressed frustration with the release schedule. Unlike the first season, episodes are being released weekly, with the first three available now and subsequent episodes arriving every Wednesday until the finale on 18 March. One viewer lamented, 'Bruh they're gonna air the episodes weekly for #cross.. ugh. Just drop the damn 8 episodes,' reflecting a desire for binge-watching.
Critical Reviews and Mixed Opinions
Critics have shared varied perspectives on season two. CBR noted, 'The second season of Cross tells a disturbing, yet provocatively captivating story that peels back the layers of human morality.' RIOTUS described it as 'brutal', warning, 'If you think you're ready, be worried because the drama-trauma coming your way is real.' The Movie Blog praised it as a 'timely, twisty mystery' with strong momentum.
Not all reviews were positive, though. A reviewer from Roger Ebert commented, 'The highs and lows of this second season mirror a spindling rollercoaster, one whose mechanisms slowly falter until the wheels come loose, before the whole ride comes crashing down.' Collider remarked that while entertaining, it 'is missing some of the key aspects that made Season 1 work so well.'
Availability and Streaming Details
'Cross' season 2, episodes 1-3, are available to stream now on Prime Video, with new episodes released weekly. The series, set in Washington DC, follows Alex Cross, a brilliant homicide detective and forensic psychologist, as he uses his unique skills to dig into the minds of serial killers. For fans of crime dramas and psychological thrillers, this season promises even greater suspense and twists.
