In the gripping fourth episode of Cross, titled "Masks," the series continues to peel back layers of deception and obsession, revealing the dark underbelly of a city plagued by crime and the relentless pursuit of justice. The episode opens with a flashback to the courtroom where Susan, as a lawyer, is eloquently defending a victim, Lance Marion, who suffered at the hands of the brutal Deidre Nolan. The dress Susan wears in court is later identified as the same one found at the cemetery, a chilling connection that foreshadows the twisted path the investigation is about to take.
In the present, Alex Cross (Aldis Hodge) grapples with the revelation that Brenda, a former corrections officer, was fired for abusing her power and had a connection to Deidre's case. Cross's own testimony against Deidre, where he stated she was beyond redemption, clashes with his message of hope for rehabilitation. This contradiction adds a layer of complexity to Cross's character and sets the stage for a moral dilemma that will haunt him throughout the episode.
Meanwhile, Ed's (Ryan Eggold) sinister plan unfolds as he imprisons Shannon in the soundproof basement of his latest residence. The meticulous soundproofing is a chilling detail that underscores Ed's calculated nature and his desire to control every aspect of his victims' suffering. At the police station, Cross and his team uncover a connection between a serial killer book and the current case, dubbing it the 'Fanboy' case. The discovery that the serial killers are being murdered using the same methods as their victims adds a macabre twist to the investigation. With 11 cases completed and one more to go, the team realizes they are racing against time to prevent another tragedy.
Cross and John (Isaiah Mustafa) delve into the world of dating apps, specifically e-Fling, to find a link between Emir and Shannon. Their profiles and potential matches become a crucial part of the investigation, leading them closer to the elusive Fanboy. As the team closes in on the Fanboy's identity, they decide to use the serial killers' names against him, setting a trap that involves the media. Tania Hightower's involvement riles up the protestors, adding another layer of tension to the case.
Cross's realization that Ed seeks adoration and that the book is the key to catching him is a pivotal moment. The team's race against time to prevent Ed from slipping through their fingers adds urgency to their investigation. Shannon's dermatitis becomes a crucial clue, leading the team to a specialist chemist and the discovery of a customer named Harry Powers, another serial killer's name. This revelation that Ed needs a legitimate prescription and ID brings them one step closer to catching him. The team's discovery that Ed is not just a fan but a fanatic who likens himself to an artist adds a new dimension to the case. His Indiana roots and the scrapbook that serves as his 'bible' reveal the depth of his obsession with serial killers.
The karaoke scene, where the system is hacked to play the 911 call from Maria's death, is a haunting reminder of Cross's personal stakes in the case. The inability to trace the hack adds to the growing sense of frustration and urgency. The episode culminates in a warehouse standoff between Cross, Trey, and Ed. The revelation that Trey is an ex-cop adds a shocking twist, and his escape after being shot by Cross leaves the case wide open.
"Masks" is a tense and thrilling episode that delves deep into the psychology of obsession and the blurred lines between hunter and prey. Cross and his team's pursuit of the Fanboy takes them on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from hope to despair, as they get closer to uncovering the truth. The episode ends with Cross finally putting the pieces together, realizing that Ed Ramsay is the killer they've been chasing all along. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the stage is set for a climactic showdown in the upcoming episodes.