The Crossover Season 1 Episode 8 Ending Explained and Review
by Janani
Updated Apr 07, 2023
The Crossover
The Crossover is a screen adaptation of the bestselling novel in verse by Kwame Alexander. The film introduces us to teenage brothers Josh and Jordan Bell, who are both recognized as basketball prodigies. The story is narrated by an adult version of Josh, who goes by the name Filthy McNasty, using lyrical poetry to take us through his and his brother's journey of growth, both on and off the court. Their father, a former professional basketball player, struggles to adapt to life after his career, while their mother finally pursues her lifelong dreams. "The Crossover" is widely acclaimed for its depiction of the Bell brothers' coming-of-age experiences.
The Crossover Season 1 Episode 8 Ending Explained
During the game, Chuck takes the opportunity to explain to Kelli why he has been absent in her life for so long. The subplot is handled well as Chuck clarifies that he never had any intention of taking any of his children's kidneys and only wanted to connect with Kelli in case something happened to him. This explanation softens a potentially questionable angle. Chuck's reasons for being absent make sense since he was a young parent, and when Kelli's mother died, the courts considered her maternal grandparents better suited for full-time custody. He was boxed out as soon as he agreed to let them raise her. However, Chuck proves to Kelli that he has remained present throughout her life, in his own way, as he was even at her graduation, a few rows back. When the boys return home from the game, Kelli is still there, and although she cannot make any promises, it appears that she is interested in sticking around.
As the episode nears its end, the audience discovers that it was Filthy who suffered paralysis in the car accident, while J.B. went on to become a successful professional basketball player. Despite this setback, Filthy has put his writing skills to great use and authored a hugely successful book based on his father's rules for basketball and life. Following the game, Alexis delivers the unexpected news that she is moving to California and won't be present for the summer or graduation. Despite their promise to stay in touch, long-distance relationships are known to be challenging. As a result, Filthy and Maya do not stay together.
The Crossover Season 1 Episode 8 Review
The final moments of The Crossover bring closure to most of the major storylines, yet also leave room for potential future seasons. The conflict between Josh and JB has been captivating, but the unexpected development of Maya dating Zuma feels contrived rather than naturally occurring.
The resolution of Kelli's storyline is satisfying, particularly given its significance in earlier episodes. Chuck's health remains a topic of discussion, but its outcome is already known, making it less suspenseful. The ending serves as a new beginning for the brothers, with the final basketball game showcasing the mixing of college teams and the strength of their bond. Overall, The Crossover is a decent drama, not without flaws, but still an enjoyable watch.
The Crossover Season 1 Episode 8 Recap
Following the game, the entire family goes inside and is introduced to Kelli, who is revealed as their sister, a heartwarming detail. Outside, Alexis has a conversation with JB, who is brought back to reality after the excitement of their victory. Alexis discloses that she will depart for California in five days and won't be present for their graduation. She refrained from informing him before the game to avoid disrupting his concentration. Although she assures him they will stay in touch, it remains uncertain. This prompts Josh to confess his feelings to Maya after class, but it is too late as Maya is now dating Zuma, despite having feelings for Josh since they were in third grade.
In the previous episode's finale, Kelli appeared and Chuck finally gets the chance to reconcile with her. He admits that he wanted her in his life and initially reached out because he wanted their family to be together. Despite fighting for custody, Kelli's grandparents were granted custody, and Chuck was left feeling excluded. He attended her graduation but kept a low profile, sitting four rows back. Chuck tells Kelli that he never stopped loving her and that they want her to be a part of their family.
The Crossover Season 1 Episode 8 Summary
Initially, The Crossover follows Josh “Filthy” and Jordan “JB” as they navigate school, career aspirations, and familial responsibilities. The basketball court is the main point of contention between the brothers as JB's ADHD and a budding romance with Alexis pull him away from the sport, while Josh devotes all his attention to basketball, albeit briefly. As the series progresses, various challenges arise, including a losing streak, a roller disco altercation, love triangles, and teenage drama. Crystal becomes the boys’ school principal, and Chuck's health problems progressively worsen over the course of the eight episodes.
However, the show's format, which frequently jumps to 2030, undermines the dramatic tension. Chuck's wheelchair-bound state is established in the first episode, but his "life or death" situation is repeatedly emphasized throughout the series, even though we know he survives. Similarly, we know the trajectory of the brothers' lives, so the flashes to the future feel unnecessary and detract from the drama. Nonetheless, the show is visually stylish, using expository text, scribbles, and dictionary definitions to give it a distinctive flavor, complemented by a hip-hop-infused soundtrack. Overall, while The Crossover doesn't stand out among other sports dramas, it offers enough simple yet compelling storylines both on and off the court to make for an enjoyable watch.
The Crossover Season 1 Trailer
The Crossover Season 1 Episode 8 Ending Explained - FAQ
The Crossover is a sports drama television series based on the novel of the same name by Kwame Alexander.
The Crossover is a 2014 children's book by American author Kwame Alexander and the winner of the 2015 Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award Honor.
The Crossover is a children's book by American author Kwame Alexander and the winner of the 2015 Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award Honor.
Jalyn Hall played the role of Josh Bell.
Derek Luke played the role of Chuck Bell.
Kwame Alexander is an American writer of poetry and children's fiction.