Cross - Season 2 (2026) TV Series Review: Aldis Hodge Solidifies His Legacy in Amazon Prime Video’s Gritty and Timely Procedural Expansion

The second season of Cross arrives on Amazon Prime Video under the subtitled moniker "Forbidden Fruit," signaling a shift toward a more expansive and politically charged narrative. Returning showrunner Ben Watkins takes the reins once more, guiding the series through an eight episode arc that seeks to elevate the James Patterson source material into the upper echelon of streaming crime dramas. While the first season focused heavily on the personal trauma of Alex Cross, this sophomore outing pushes the titular detective into the crosshairs of a national conspiracy involving the billionaire class and systemic social issues.

The main ensemble remains anchored by Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and D.C. detective who has spent the year and a half since the first season’s finale attempting to heal through therapy. He is joined by his steadfast partner John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), FBI ally Kayla Craig (Alona Tal), and his love interest Elle Monteiro (Samantha Walkes), alongside his children and grandmother. The season kicks off with the introduction of a new threat: a lethal vigilante named Luz (Jeanine Mason) who is targeting wealthy magnates, leading Cross to protect the arrogant billionaire Lance Durand (Matthew Lillard).

Premiering on February 11, 2026, with an initial three episode drop followed by weekly installments, this season serves as a crucial bridge for the series. It matters because it attempts to move the show beyond the "revenge for a dead wife" trope and toward a more traditional, yet darker, procedural format that can sustain multiple seasons. It is a bold move that places the show in direct competition with Prime Video’s own heavy hitters like Bosch and Reacher.

Narrative Arc and Pacing: A Sprawling Web of Billionaires and Vigilante Justice

The seasonal arc of "Forbidden Fruit" is an ambitious pivot from the intimate cat and mouse game of the debut season. By centering the mystery on a vigilante who hunts corrupt billionaires, the show introduces a layer of moral ambiguity that forces the audience to question their own sense of justice. The narrative weaves in heavy themes of human trafficking and immigration, providing an urgency that feels pulled from contemporary headlines without feeling like a lecture. The mystery begins with the gruesome murder and mutilation of a billionaire playboy, setting a grim tone that never truly lets up.

However, the episodic structure occasionally struggles under the weight of its own complexity. While the main investigation into the billionaire killer is engaging, the show frequently detours into a myriad of subplots that do not always feel cohesive. This results in pacing that some might describe as "relaxed," occasionally bordering on slow during the middle chapters. I found myself wanting the show to tighten its grip on the primary chase, especially when the narrative begins to go in circles in an attempt to make the case feel more "massive" than it actually is.

Despite these hurdles, the season manages to avoid a complete mid-season slump by leaning into the psychological profiling that was somewhat lacking in the first year. Seeing Alex Cross use his brilliant mind to theorize about a killer who isn't just a sadistic monster, but a woman with a specific "Dexter-like" code, adds a necessary intellectual spark to the proceedings. The themes of greed and corporate corruption provide a strong backbone for the eight episodes, leading to a payoff that, while frustratingly open-ended for some, successfully sets the stage for future stories.

Character Evolution and Performances: A Masterclass in Detective Charma and Villainous Depth

Aldis Hodge continues to be the definitive on-screen version of Alex Cross, delivering a performance that balances cool swagger with genuine vulnerability. In Season 2, he portrays a man who has genuinely tried to grow from his past grief, yet still struggles with the dual nature of his job and his family life. Whether he is line dancing in a country bar or staring down a corrupt official, Hodge commands every frame with a lived-in intensity that makes the character feel both dangerous and deeply empathetic.

The supporting cast also receives more "meat on the bone" this season, particularly Isaiah Mustafa as John Sampson. Sampson is given a personal B-story that explores his history, proving he is far more than just a sidekick. The chemistry between Hodge and Mustafa remains the show’s secret weapon; they move like brothers who share a history and instincts that don't need to be explained. However, this expansion comes at a cost, as characters like Samantha Walkes’ Elle Monteiro feel somewhat sidelined until the final episodes, and Alona Tal’s Kayla Craig is stuck in a solo storyline that feels like it belongs in a different series entirely.

The breakout performances of the season undoubtedly belong to the newcomers, Matthew Lillard and Jeanine Mason. Lillard portrays Lance Durand as a greasy, Elon Musk-type figure who is easy to loathe, oscillating perfectly between high-society arrogance and pure panic. Meanwhile, Jeanine Mason’s Luz is a chillingly effective vigilante villain who manages to be both unhinged and strangely relatable. Her interactions with her associate Donnie (Wes Chatham) add a layer of "grey area" to the season, as you find yourself almost rooting for the vigilantes against the corrupt billionaires they are hunting.

Direction and Production Value: Gritty Realism and the Dark Underbelly of D.C.

Visually, the second season of Cross shows a marked improvement in its lighting and overall cinematography. The show has moved away from some of the visual hiccups of the first season, embracing a cleaner yet still gritty aesthetic that suits the Washington, D.C. setting. The production design effectively contrasts the sterile, high-tech environments of the billionaire elite with the darker, more visceral corners of the city where the crimes actually occur. This visual identity reinforces the show’s themes of class disparity and corporate greed.

The direction remains consistent across the eight episodes, even with a rotating roster of directors. The action sequences are well-choreographed and carry a weight that emphasizes the physical stakes for the characters, especially during Cross’s more kinetic moments. The use of practical effects for the more "gnarly" aspects of the mystery, such as the severed fingers used as evidence, adds a layer of realism that makes the show feel appropriately grounded in the "crime drama" genre.

World-building execution is also a strong point this season. By taking Cross and Craig outside of the immediate D.C. area to various national locations, the show attempts to justify its "bigger" scale. While the narrative occasionally fumbles the transition between these locales, the production value makes the expansion feel earned. The domestic settings, particularly the scenes with Cross’s children, are handled with a warmth that provides a necessary visual and emotional break from the gore of the central case.

Trailer Cross - Season 2 (2026) TV Series

Soundscape and Atmosphere: A Sound of 70s Grit and Modern Paranoia

The soundscape of Cross Season 2 is a curious but largely effective blend of influences. One of the most distinct choices is the use of a 1970s-style crime drama underscore during certain police precinct scenes. While this choice can sometimes feel a bit "on the nose" or distracting, it contributes to the show’s overall atmosphere of "cool detective" swagger. The theme music and opening credits maintain the gritty, psychological tension that fans of the first season will find familiar.

The score does an excellent job of building the mood for the series’ darker moments, emphasizing the psychological tension of the "cat and mouse" game. The sound design during the more brutal scenes is particularly impactful, heightening the visceral nature of the vigilante’s rituals. This is contrasted with more tender musical cues during Cross’s family interactions, helping to define the show’s specific mood as a balance between "Super Cop" and "Single Dad".

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Definitive Lead Performance: Aldis Hodge is pitch perfect as Alex Cross, bringing a depth and charisma that anchors the entire production.
• Compelling Villains: Matthew Lillard’s arrogant billionaire and Jeanine Mason’s relatable vigilante are standout additions that elevate the seasonal mystery.
• Timely Social Commentary: The exploration of human trafficking and class warfare provides a relevant and urgent backdrop for the procedural action.
• Strong Ensemble Chemistry: The bond between Cross and Sampson remains the heart of the show, bolstered by Sampson’s expanded backstory.
• Convoluted Subplots: The narrative attempts to juggle too many threads at once, leading to a disconnected feeling for characters like Kayla Craig.
• Uneven Pacing: Some episodes feel "relaxed" and slow, with certain plot points going in circles before reaching a conclusion.
• Clunky Humor Integration: The show sometimes struggles to mix levity with its dark subject matter, resulting in jokes that feel like misplaced asides.

Final Verdict: A Stronger Foundation for the Future of Alex Cross

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Season 2 of Cross is a successful, if occasionally messy, expansion of the Prime Video detective franchise. It manages to overcome the "sophomore slump" by trading in personal vengeance for a more complex and morally grey mystery that suits the character’s intellectual prowess. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of detective perfection due to some convoluted plotting and pacing issues, it solidifies Aldis Hodge as a titan of the genre. It is a show that understands its strengths lies in the quiet character moments as much as the big action sequences.

Crime drama enthusiasts who enjoy a slow-burn procedural with high stakes and psychological depth should absolutely binge-watch this season. Fans of James Patterson’s novels will likely find this to be the most faithful and satisfying adaptation of the character to date. However, viewers who prefer tightly plotted, 45-minute procedurals without the "streaming bloat" or those who are squeamish about gore might find the narrative detours and visceral violence frustrating.

Ultimately, Cross Season 2 justifies the time investment by leaning into what makes its lead character so special. It ends on a note that suggests the show is finally ready to embrace its procedural future while leaving behind the ghosts of the first season. Despite its flaws, it remains one of the most compelling thrillers on streaming right now.