Episode 6 of "Cross" kicks off with Alex undergoing a coaching session with his Union Representative, faced with the dire necessity of surrendering his gun and badge, effectively sidelining him from the ongoing case. Yet, defiance burns bright within him; compliance is the last thing on his mind. As he steps outside, he encounters Malika amidst a cluster of protesters, their fury towards the police intensified, their demand for defunding unwavering.
Meanwhile, Chief Anderson has already conducted a thorough search of Ed's abode, coming up empty-handed. Ed, the true perpetrator, cleverly diverts suspicion by willingly opening his doors to the authorities, effectively shrouding himself in a veil of plausible deniability. The police, misled by Ed's manipulation, shift their focus elsewhere. Yet, Alex remains steadfast, undeterred by the entire precinct turning against him, including John.
Inside the locker room, a fiery altercation erupts between John and Alex, their conversation escalating into a near-physical confrontation over the beating that landed Alex in hot water. Shawna's timely intervention diffused the tension, but not the gossip that had already spread throughout the station.
Alex's turmoil deepens with the arrival of flowers accompanied by a note inscribed with "You're still my number one" – a subtle taunt from Ed, and the word "Abolish" spray-painted on his car by the protesters, further stirring his resolve. Damon's involvement in a fight, resulting in a week-long expulsion, only exacerbates the situation.
Back at home, Kayla brings a glimmer of hope, pinpointing White Mike's identity to a punk band from the 80s with a fanatical following, including Ed. The band's on-stage antics, mimicking ritual sacrifices, provide a plausible link to Ed's fascination with such themes.
Despite the complexities posed by Damon's rebellious behavior and his urgent need for his father's presence, Nana Mama leaves no room for debate – Damon is accompanying Alex, end of discussion. With minds set and hearts steeled, they embark on their journey to Philly.
As they travel, Alex unburdens his heart to his son, unraveling the tale behind the assault video. It transpires that Damon's schoolyard altercation stemmed from classmates taunting his sister with the footage. In a protective rage, Damon confronted and overpowered them. Solitary on the highway, Alex confesses his error in assaulting the man, clarifying that his victim was not inherently evil but rather, a man deeply distressed over Maria.
Meanwhile, Kayla remains as industrious as a bee. She's frozen the LLC account, aiming to smoke Ed out of his hiding spot. Yet, oblivious to her actions, Ed is engrossed in Shannon, busy "improving" her smile with dental work. Unbeknownst to him, the frozen account is actually tethered to Trey, not Ed. When Trey discovers his funds inaccessible, he flies into a rage, resolving to flee "north." Pause—isn't this man already on the police's radar? How does he roam freely in broad daylight?
Elsewhere on the journey, Alex arrives at White Mike's doorstep, seeking out lead singer Michael Grisham. He welcomes Alex in and reveals that Ed's passions lay more in death and murder than in the melodies he performed. Intriguingly, Ed unearthed a knife and dispatched it to Mike, who hastily returned it after using it to terminate Rodney McKay's life. Mike's nervous demeanor hints that he was a witness to the grim deed. Alex discerns that Michael is wracked with guilt for not reporting the horrors sooner.
Armed with this crucial information, Michael Grisham is promptly relocated to a secure haven, while Anderson, despite his reluctance, resumes his pursuit of the case once again. How many times have we stumbled at the outset with this particular mystery? Regardless, an emergency session of the Grand Jury is scheduled for the morning, poised to confront Ed based on the incriminating video evidence.
As for John, he ventures to the bar to meet Kayla, urging her to accompany him in their mission to apprehend Ed. Meanwhile, Regina embarks on an investigative spree upon learning about the case. She makes her way to visit former policeman Roger Thorn, eager to uncover the identity of Deidre Nolan's accomplice. Though Deidre confessed to the murder, it transpires that she was acting in cahoots with another individual, potentially explaining the ongoing harassment of Alex. Deirdre's confession was seemingly buried under wraps, but Nana Mama is relentless and insists that Roger disclose the name.
Upon returning home, Alex and Damon have reconnected on a deeper level, sharing cherished memories of Maria by listening to old voice messages. In contrast, Kayla and John, fresh from a whirlwind of morning events, confront Ed Ramsay. However, he exudes an air of arrogant defiance, disparaging their witness. And soon, we understand the reason behind his bravado. Yes, it involves a corrupt cop—but it's not Anderson; it's Massey. In a startling twist, she guns down White Mike, leaving a chilling aftermath.
