Well, I’ve been riding or dying on Prime’s Cross, based largely on lead actor Aldis Hodge’s performance. Unfortunately, “The Good Book” tested my steadfastness, as Ed Ramsey’s (Ryan Eggold) actions had incomprehensible motives and the need to explain Ramsey’s relationship with Bobby Trump. Ray (Johnny Ray Gill)’s relationship is more closely planned. The first episode was a good start for creator Ben Watkins. While not a complete failure, the third episode, “The Good Book,” loses some of its enthusiasm due to inexcusable interference. Do you want to hear it? here we go!
The last episode left me unsure of Ramsay’s connection to Cross’ stalker. The episode begins with a mysterious drug-addicted woman receiving a gun and a note that says “Kill Alex Cross,” confirming that the show is focusing on two different mysteries . In a beautiful scene, Cross honors his wife on their wedding anniversary. As he prepared to go to the cemetery, his daughter gave him flowers. Mama Nana (Juanita Jennings) whispers in his ear, “Talk to her. She’s always a good listener.” It’s a typical winter day – cloudy, cold, snowflakes Flying. Cross stands outside the cemetery, frozen in place, leaving John Sampson (Isiah Mustafa) to finish the job. Sampson snatched the flowers from Cross, seemingly impatient with Cross’ journey through grief.
“The Good Book” – CROSS, pictured: Melody Hurd as Janelle Cross, Juanita Jennings as Nana Mama, Caleb Elijah as Damon Cross. All rights reserved.
Later in the classroom, Cross tries to convince Sheriff Anderson (Jennifer Wigmore) and Judge Matloff (Von Flores) to believe that Emile Goldspeed, his friend Ta There is a connection between Vio and the death of Tavio’s girlfriend Vanessa. Chief Anderson declared the Goodspeed case a drug case. Sampson was so skeptical of Cross’s suitability for the job that he refused to share forensic reports of DNA evidence related to his stalking case until Cross made an appointment with his therapist. Cross angrily delivers one of my favorite lines to Sampson: “This isn’t some Iyanla, fixing my life problems,” during his appointment. Sampson’s actions here don’t seem very supportive. However, I am willing to admit that it may be that my female filter fails to understand that this is how men interact. What do you think?
“The Good Book” – CROSS, pictured: Eloise Mumford as Shannon Witmer.
Ramsay, meanwhile, is focused not so much on Shannon Whitmore (Eloise Mumford) as on his partnership with her. Shannon begged to go home. Ramsay warned that her desire to return home was a form of self-torture. “I need you to be strong,” he told her. Ramsay’s suggestion really angered Shannon and interfered with Ramsay’s ability to work with her. Cross obtained a search warrant to search the address where Emile Goodspeed asked Tavio to pick him up and the address where Shannon met Ramsay. Trey warned Ramsey police about the impending search. Ramsay ignored him and growled: “I’ll leave the door open because entering this house is not the same as approaching me!”
“The Good Book” – CROSS, pictured: Isaiah Mustafa as John Sampson. .or its affiliates.
Police raid. They found nothing. In this episode, Cross and Sampson return with a sledgehammer, arguing that, as a former brothel, the location must have multiple exits. Interestingly, the unnamed person who cloned Shannon’s phone in the previous episode is the same person who received the search warrant. The tattoo on the man’s wrist, which also appears on the cover of Ramsey’s book, caught the editor’s attention because the camera focused on it as the man tried to stop Sampson from knocking down the wall. However, the man and the symbol are never mentioned. The lack of explanation of these elements feels like a wasted opportunity.
Cross and Sampson broke into Ramsey’s space. Trey frantically called Ramsey to let him know. The suspense builds as Ramsey repeatedly turns down Trey’s calls because he’s too busy being – well – Ed Ramsey. The episode shows how Ramsey “makes the sausage” behind the scenes in Washington. In this disturbing scene, Ramsey engages in some particularly vulgar, attention-grabbing dialogue with Congresswoman Caitlin Goldman (Marion Adler). Trey and Ramsey finally spoke via video call, and he heard the sound of a sledgehammer shattering the wall. Trey uses the urgency of the moment to squeeze more money out of Ramsey in exchange for “good books” and Shannon staying away from the police.
Trey escapes with Shannon and the book. Shannon screamed. Cross and Sampson heard her and gave chase. Trey paused his sprint to talk to Shannon as if the police weren’t in hot pursuit. He continued writing about Shannon, but set the book aside, creating another narrative inconsistency. What’s unacceptable is that even though Cross and Sampson were in hot pursuit, they couldn’t catch Trey. The scene becomes even more problematic when Sampson and Cross step outside. Trey was nowhere to be found. It’s snowing, but there’s no trace – nothing. Cross and Sampson just shrug and give up, which is a bit out of character for our heroes. While this scene isn’t exactly a plot hole, its unbelievable nature makes a show that has previously been emotionally authentic feel disjointed and ill-conceived.
“The Good Book” – CROSS, pictured: Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross.
Cross’ eight-episode story reminded me of Noah Lyle’s Olympic run in the 100 meters in Paris last summer. He won the photo contest, winning every second in 9.79 seconds. Like Lyle’s matches, the show’s tight structure demands unwavering intensity from start to finish, and so far, they’ve delivered just that. Perhaps too much of The Good Book was left in the editing workshop. All audiences want is coherent and effective storytelling that maintains a balance between mystery and resolution in a way that makes sense and is realistic. Instead, the episode’s unexplained elements feel a bit like a broken promise.
What did you say? Am I a lazy viewer who wants every detail left to me, or are you also frustrated by the details being left hanging? Please tell me in the comments.
Overall rating:
7/10
Lynette Jones