Episode 5 of "Cross" kicks off with Ed Ramsay meticulously preparing a grand dinner, his bible restored, allowing him to proceed with his sinister plans involving Shannon. With brute force, he pries her mouth open to take an impression of her teeth, revealing a stark contrast between his public charm and his private depravity. In public, Ed is magnetic, drawing a who's who of influential figures to his birthday bash, where Chief Anderson, Elle, and even Senator Caitlin are among the guests.
Alex Cross's arrival signals the imminent unfolding of events. However, before delving into the present, the narrative flashbacks three days to trace Ed's journey to this pivotal point. Cross and his team decide to delve into Ed's past, seeking vulnerabilities they can exploit. Elle's invitation to Ed's birthday serves as a golden opportunity for Cross to interrogate him under the guise of social camaraderie, bypassing the need for legal counsel.
John undertakes a thorough background check and speaks with Dex Notrale, Ed's former neighbor, who reveals that he'd always sensed something amiss about Ed. Dex introduces another name into the mix - White Mike. Surprisingly, Ed's mother is still alive, despite the fact that they haven't spoken for 25 years. Given Ed's penchant for fabricating narratives, Cross deduces that this estrangement was a calculated move to perpetuate his image as a tortured artist. This revelation hints at unresolved issues with his mother, suggesting she holds a certain sway over him.
Alex assigns John the task of investigating this angle further and interviewing Ed's mother, believing she holds the key to unlocking Ed's true self. This information feeds into Alex Cross's criminal profile, which he presents at Ed's birthday party with precision and impact. As the conversation pivots to the serial killer, Cross strikes a chord, delivering a powerful assessment that resonates deeply.
Ed offers a faint, almost sinister smile as he observes this unfolding scenario, whereas Alex seizes a convenient opportune moment to slip away discreetly and embark on an unauthorized exploration of Ed's belongings. In the sanctuary of Ed's office, Alex snaps surreptitious photographs and uncovers blood-streaked letters that serve as dark threads leading back to Ed's tumultuous past.
Eventually, Ed catches up with Alex in the office, and the duo engages in a strained, uncomfortable toast amidst the tension-laden atmosphere. Ed produces his favorite whiskey, and as they sip together on the occasion of his birthday, he probingly inquiries about the intricate details of the criminal profile.
Alex Cross expertly maneuvers to probe Ed's psyche, even invoking the Fanboy moniker to stir the waters further. However, Ed retaliates later, during dinner, by unveiling a harrowing narrative at the table. He delves into an excruciatingly detailed account of Alex's background and family life, including references to Nana Mama and his children, painting a vivid picture that leaves no stone unturned.
Elle's mood darkened upon discovering the deception, convinced that Alex was weaving lies and concealing the truth from her. With a heavy heart, she retreated from Alex's presence, only to be confronted by Ed, who tried to wrench the truth from her grip. Yet, her lips remained sealed, and thankfully, the concealed facts remained intact.
Elle soon found herself entangled in a thorny situation. When the influential businessman Lawrence Buckley grilled her with probing questions about her participation in police protests, she squirmed under his scrutinizing gaze. Fortunately, Ed stood by her side, reminding Lawrence of her relationship with Alex Cross. Meanwhile, Lawrence was in the midst of committing a pledge of $250,000 to the Somewhere Foundation, but Elle's thoughts were in disarray, clouded by the revelation of Ed's true identity as a serial killer.
In a clandestine confrontation, Alex cornered Ed, accusing him of his suspicions. Flashing the footage of Ed with his mother, Alex used it as a leverage against him. The tension was palpable, hanging on a knife's edge, until Ed secretly messaged someone, whispering, "It's time to act now."
However, Ed hadn't anticipated Shannon breaking free from her bonds. She bolted through the house, racing towards the locked back door, where Senator Caitlin stood in shock, realizing the monster behind the mask was Ed. Despite the blackmail material he possessed, Ed coerced her into silence. Amidst the chaos, Ed succeeded in restraining Shannon but suffered a deep, gory wound across his side.
As the party resumed, a bombshell dropped. Footage of Alex Cross from a year ago, the incident that booted him out of the force, was leaked and circulated among the attendees. In a panic, Alex revealed Ed as the Fanboy killer, cornered and desperate for belief. Yet, skepticism reigned supreme, and Chief Anderson was incensed. She dismissed his claims outright, ordering him to leave and contact his union representative.
