Prime Video’s Cross – The Decision Not To Adapt The Books Could Be A Good Thing

Prime Video's Cross - The Decision Not To Adapt The Books Could Be A Good Thing

Key Takeaways

  • Cross on Prime Video diverges from James Patterson’s books but maintains essence of characters.
  • The decision to create new mysteries for Cross’s series was met with approval and potential success.
  • Fans get to enjoy fresh content with familiar characters, promoting longevity for the series.

As a seasoned gamer and binge-watcher of countless crime dramas, I can confidently say that Cross on Prime Video has certainly piqued my interest. While it might seem like a risky move to deviate from James Patterson’s books, I find myself pleasantly surprised by the creative team’s decision to carve out a new mystery for Alex Cross.


The crime drama titled “Cross” made its debut on Amazon Prime Video on November 14, 2024, and has received overwhelmingly positive early reviews. You can now stream all episodes of season 1. Excitingly, a second season has already been announced. The storyline for this series is drawn from James Patterson’s Alex Cross books, but surprisingly, the creative team behind the show opted not to directly adapt these novels, and it appears that this decision was well-informed based on the final product.

Michael Connelly’s Bosch: Legacy and Lee Child’s Reacher have garnered significant success on Prime Video, with their storylines for each season based largely on the books. This approach has proven effective, but it doesn’t imply that Cross should have followed a similar path. In fact, deviating from the norm in the case of Cross is actually advantageous.

Why Isn’t Cross Adapting James Patterson’s Books?

Prime Video's Cross - The Decision Not To Adapt The Books Could Be A Good Thing
Cross
StarringAldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Eloise Mumford, Samantha Walkes, Jennifer Wigmore, Alona Tal, Ryan Eggold, Johnny Ray Gill and Juanita Jennings
Based on the books byJames Patterson
Created ByBen Watkins

The decision to forego adapting James Patterson’s Alex Cross books on Prime Video’s latest version of the character has left some fans taken aback, given the abundance of titles available. However, showrunner Ben Watkins clarified in an interview with TVLine why they opted for this distinctive approach with Alex Cross, revealing their reasons behind it.

Reflecting on it now, the choice seemed daring in the moment due to the added effort required and the high expectations stemming from the esteemed Alex Cross series. The books had been intriguing me for a while, and I found myself pondering, “Which book would translate well onto screen?” However, as thoughts progressed, I felt compelled to reimagine these characters and the world they inhabit in a manner that resonates with our contemporary society, addressing the issues and themes that are currently prevalent.

The Decision To Carve Out A New Mystery For Alex Cross In The Television Series Is A Good Idea

In contrast to many adaptations of books, the series Cross won’t be compared to its source material due to a unique creative process. This divergence allows for greater freedom in storytelling. The author, Watkins, elaborated on this method in detail, suggesting that getting the characters correct is crucial, and the narrative will fall into place after that.

I approached James Patterson and proposed, “Hey, renowned global bestseller, I’d like to reimagine your characters and setting for our unique narrative.” I was somewhat apprehensive about his response, but surprisingly, he found the concept intriguing. In his words, “Readers of this series will enjoy their beloved characters and familiar world, but they’ll also experience a fresh, original story – almost like a bonus for them!

Prime Video's Cross - The Decision Not To Adapt The Books Could Be A Good Thing

This innovative approach presents “Cross” as an expansion of James Patterson’s book series, offering existing fans a fresh perspective distinct from their cherished source material, while also attracting new readers. This method seems promising for the series’ longevity. Furthermore, there’s no rule preventing “Cross” from delving into specific books in the future. The show captures the essence of James Patterson’s world, which should appease fans.

What Is Cross Season 1 About?

In the first season of Cross, titled ‘Hero Complex’, forensic detective Alex Cross is on the hunt for a serial killer infamously known as Fanboy. Alongside his trusted friend and partner, John Sampson, Cross embarks on this pursuit a year after suffering the tragic loss of his wife.

All Episodes Of Cross Season 1 Are Available To Stream On Prime Video Now

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2024-11-17 18:06