Cross ending explained: What happens in the season one finale of the Amazon Prime show?

*Warning - This article contains major spoilers for Cross season 1.*

Amazon Prime’s new crime series, Cross, packs a lot of twists and turns into its first season, taking inspiration from James Patterson’s original novels about the well-known fictional detective.

The fast-paced series about Detective Alex Cross, who is also a forensic psychologist, was created by Ben Watkins and stars Aldis Hodge in the titular role.

The show follows the detective as he attempts to track down a dangerous serial killer before he can carry out his sadistic plans.

Other cast members include Shadowhunters’ Isaiah Mustafa, New Amsterdam’s Ryan Eggold and Alona Tal of Supernatural and Veronica Mars fame.

The eight-part drama packs some serious punches and wraps up a lot of storylines in its first season. Keep reading to see our breakdown of everything that happens in the series finale.

Ed Ramsey and his victim Shannon Whitmer finally get what they deserve

The most satisfying part of the season 1 finale is when we see serial killer Ed Ramsey (Ryan Eggold) taunted by Cross, who tells him the public will never know the truth about his awful crimes.

Instead, the police decide to announce his partner in crime Bobby Trey (Johnny Ray Gill), who brought Ed his victims and carried out his dirty work, as the real ‘Fanboy’ killer.

This drives Ramsey mad, as he wanted to go down in history as the greatest serial killer of all time.

Meanwhile, after her horrendous ordeal throughout the season, we finally see Shannon Whitmer (Eloise Mumford) recovering in hospital and safe from Ramsey’s clutches.

While she’s not yet able to talk, she tells her parents she would like some sushi, which is a good sign that she’s on the mend.

Alex discovers the truth behind his wife’s murder

In a sinister twist, we learn that Miss Nancy (Karen Robinson), who has been teaching Alex’s son Damon (Caleb Elijah) to play piano, actually plans to kidnap and even kill his children.

She wants revenge, as she blames Alex for her would-be daughter Deirdre Nolan (Jessica Clement) getting a life sentence after taking the fall for her other child, Ryan Allen (Peter Lenox).

Alex told the jury that he did not believe Deirdre could be rehabilitated, and since then her family have been out for revenge.

John Sampson saves the day

While we think Alex’s best friend and colleague John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa) has been shot dead by Lenox, he appears just in time to save Alex’s family from the terrifying mother and son duo.

We see Lenox rethink his actions when his mother insists they kill one of Alex’s children and he is later arrested, while Ms Nancy ends up burning herself alive rather than going to prison.

Chief Anderson is running for mayor

In a conversation between Alex and Chief Anderson (Jennifer Wigmore) we learn that the detective’s charges have been completely dropped after he violently beat up a man he mistook for his wife’s killer.

Anderson admits to Alex that giving him a “do-over” will help her in the new race to become Mayor.

When Alex tells her that “isn’t the I want to live in”, she points out that he must accept this is the world they do live in, saying: “Otherwise, how are you ever going to change things?”

“You’re a hero, Alex,” she tells him. “But only you get to decide what that means.”

Kayla and Bobby make a deal

Right at the end of the season finale, we see Kayla Craig (Alona Tal) and Bobby Trey (Johnny Ray Gill) sit down to make a deal.

Throughout the series, Kayla is crucial to helping Alex track down both Ed and his wife’s killer, but now she appears to have more questionable motives.

Kayla explains to Bobby that Cross will label him the ‘Fanboy’ killer in Ed’s place after he helps them track down evidence to appease the family members of his various victims.

In return, he will get full immunity after 24 months, despite being responsible for two murders.

However, she also makes her own secret agreement with Bobby, who agrees to give her the “dirt” Ramsay had on various important people in exchange for cash.

Cross is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.