“Gloom, despair, agony on me”

On Hee Haw, they sang, “Gloom, despair, agony on me” for laughs, yet these lyrics resonate with a stark seriousness in this pivotal episode of Cross. “A Bang, not a Whimper” references a poem by T.S. Eliot that delves into the contrast between heartbreak and redemption, alongside the destructive nature of evil acts. The storytelling’s dramatic essence is both captivating and startling. Allow me to clarify.

In the previous episode, Alex Cross (Aldis Hodge) flamed out at Ramsey’s birthday party so much so that his union rep advised him that he was being put on ‘no-contact status’ and would need to surrender his badge. Cross wades through a sea of anti-police protesters when he goes to turn in his badge. Emir Goodspeed’s sister, Malika (Ashley Rios) is there, and she curses Cross out for reasons that aren’t made clear. These scenes are edited with images of a naked Alex Cross on the floor of his shower, heartbroken. “Gloom, despair, agony on me.”

Cross sitting naked on the floor symbolizes a lack of protection, reflecting emotional or psychological vulnerability as he has been literally stripped of his police identity. Revealing his authentic self makes him feel uncertain about all aspects of his life. For instance, he distances himself from his partner and friend, Det. John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), blaming him for his present troubles. Sampson says, “You’re not the only one in the family who experienced a loss. You’re just the one who hasn’t dealt with it.” Piqued, Cross tells Sampson that he’s not family. He’s not of ‘blood and bone.’ This remark was intended to wound, damaging their bond of brotherhood.

Meanwhile, more information surfaces about Ed Ramsey (Ryan Eggold), courtesy of Special Agent Kayla Craig (Alona Tal). She discovered a videotape featuring a teenage Ramsey enthusiastically supporting a band that staged ritual sacrifices of audience members. A former band member, Michael Grisham (Dylan Trowbridge), had to be interviewed about Ramsey. Cross volunteered to go to Philadelphia. Kayla shared with Sampson her frustration with being the intermediary between him and Cross. She also informed him that she successfully froze the bank accounts of the mysterious owner of the LLC they’d been investigating. As repayment, Sampson shared dinner with Kayla and much, much more.

Damon Cross (Caleb Elijah) was suspended for fighting at school. He stood up for his father’s honor after a boy shared the video, in front of his sister, of their father beating up a man. Despite this, things were tense between Damon and his father. When Damon asked, “Why did you beat up that man?” Cross admitted that he’d done wrong. When Damon asked, “Was it about Mom?” Cross shouted, “Leave it, D, damn!” and refused to talk further.

At home, Nana Mama (Juanita Jennings) talked to her grandson’s piano teacher, Miss Nancy (Karen Robinson) about her family. She voiced worry about Cross’s torment and her fears that he might crack under the strain. Miss Nancy said, “The world is no place for a weak guy, particularly if he is Black.” Nana Mama saw that his grief had transformed into rage. “Sometimes rage can be your friend,” Nancy commented. Nana Mama, ever the wise one, observed, “Rage can visit, but it cannot stay.” The timing, context, and emotional weight of Nana Mama’s comment resonated.

While Cross was on his way to Philadelphia, Ramsey continued his work with Shannon Whitmore (Eloise Mumford) and his associate, Dr. Marla Daine (Kristin Booth). The show lags as Ramsey’s associate explains, in excruciating detail, what she is doing—perhaps to underscore Ramsey’s meticulous mind. Bobby Trey (Johnny Ray Gill), attempting to use the money Ramsey promised to wire him, learns that the account has been frozen. Plans thwarted; Trey has no choice but to return to Washington. Nana Mama learned the name of a retired officer who worked on Diedre Nolan’s case. Nolan is the woman Cross shot in an earlier episode. Nana Mama visited the retired officer, demanding to know the name of Nolan’s accomplice.

In Philly, Grisham provides Cross with sufficient information about Ed Ramsey to establish a strong case against him. The caveat: Grisham must testify against him. The police take Grisham into custody, which frees him from the burdensome secrets he shares with Ramsey. When Cross’s Sgt. Massey (Sharon Taylor) is alone in the safehouse with Grisham, she asks him if he wants to feel her baby kick. He says, “Yes,” then leans in to do so. It was the last thing Grisham did. “Gloom, despair, agony on me,” since it was upsetting to see a pregnant police officer kill a witness she was supposed to protect. To me, this corrosive action is a more serious moral breach, like the sex abuse scandal within the Catholic Church because both situations undermine the trust and vulnerability people depend on them for.

In contrast to Sgt. Massey, who, following her dastardly act, stood stroking her baby bump and muttering repeatedly, “It will be OK;” Cross does reconciliation work with his son. He encourages Damon to talk to him about his mom. Damon confesses, “You lost Mom, but I lost Mommy and you.” I’m here,” Cross promised. “Ask me anything.” The father and son end up listening to a series of voicemail recordings in which his wife recruited friends to leave him messages about how much she loved him on one of their anniversaries. They lean in for a cuddle, which is incredibly satisfying.

Yet, Sampson and Special Agent Kayla are outside of Ramsey’s home waiting for the indictment to come through so they can make an arrest. He saunters over. The law enforcement officers reveal they have a witness. Ramsey flashes a knowing, condescending smile and asks, “Witness? Are you sure about that?” “Gloom, despair, agony” as the police will soon learn that Grisham will never testify, taking them back to square one.

Finally, “A Bang, Not with a Whimper” explores the fragility of our connections, the moral dilemmas faced by those who are meant to protect us, and the darkness that arises when ambition and despair intertwine. As viewers, we are left not only enthralled by each twist and turn but appreciative of how the Cross-family interactions rescues the series from banality. Cross, his family, and friendships makes this a must-watch experience for anyone interested in the intricate dance between good, evil, and the consequences that shape their lives.

There are only two episodes remaining. I can’t wait to see how the two mysteries get resolved. Have you figured out who is stalking Cross’s family? Will Cross and Sampson resume their bromance. Let me know in the comments.

Overall Rating:

9/10

Lynette Jones

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