Often, we are driven by urges and ambitions that are not our own. We follow the path laid out in front of us, believing that it is the best route. As a child, when you start exhibiting a talent or a deep-rooted interest in a field, you are expected to walk on the same path as an adult, too. While adults seemingly have a smooth road in front of them, teenagers, as we all know, can never have everything sorted. This is the same story with the Bell brothers, Josh and Jordan aka J.B. The path of their life was laid out in front of them since childhood, basketball was supposed to be their identity.
But now, as teenage approaches and life takes a wild turn, the Bell brothers stand at odds. Choosing between aspirations and expectations is never an easy task and The Crossover series proves just that. In this The Crossover Review And Ending Explained, let us take a closer look at the lives of Josh and Jordan. And find out whether they choose to fulfil their duties or embrace their talents!
The Crossover Series: Teenage Drama And Jealousy Is At Peak
Adapted from the best-selling novel by Kwame Alexander, The Crossover is a unique take on life and teenage. While Alexander narrated the story of the Bell brothers through lyrical poetry, Damani Johnson let the audience know about them through the screenplay. The series began with Daveed Diggs’ powerful narration as he asks the audience the true meaning of dreams, family and life. Both Josh and Jordan have inherited their father, Chuck’s, basketball prowess. They are exceptionally remarkable in the field and can out win any team out there.
As high school approaches, Josh and Jordan stand at odds. Popularly known as Filthy McNasty, Josh is nearly obsessed with NBA and basketball. NBA has become his dream and he has dragged J.B. along with him on his endeavour. These Bell brothers are trained and motivated by their father, Chuck, who is a former professional basketball player. While Josh breathes basketball, his love for the English language often makes him stand out.
J.B., on the other hand, isn’t as basketball-oriented tough. He is into art, and family and wants to enjoy a life that isn’t baseball-centric only. That doesn’t mean that Jordan is equally basketball gifted though. Both the brothers are insanely talented and consider themselves future NBA athletes. But when Alexis arrives in Jordan’s life, things get complicated beyond imagination and jealousy starts to run high.
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When Life Throws A Ball At Them, The Bell Brothers Start Playing Basketball
As two prodigy twins, Josh and Jordan, often compete against each other with Josh always flaunting his dunking skills. Harbouring dreadlocks, and narrating his feelings through free-verse poetry, Josh is trying hard to not be jealous of his brother. But of course, he is failing immensely. These teenagers stand at two different thresholds in their lives and before they could sort out their feelings, life has taken a major turn. Chuck, who has a nasty habit of avoiding doctors and downplaying his health, suffers from a heart attack.
With their father’s health at a crucial stage and their mother, Crystal, standing at a vulnerable point, the Bell twins are under ample pressure. They have to choose between giving up on their father’s dream, staying with Chuck and fulfilling his dream all the while embracing their talents. Josh finally realizes that nothing matters more than family and it is important to admit these feelings before it is too late. Jordan, Josh and Crystal try to stay strong for Chuck whose health is in a compromising position. Leaving all the other feelings aside, the Bell brothers decide to play one last match and make their father proud.
The Crossover Ending: 2031 Seems To Be The Year For Josh
Crystal and Chuck hold onto each other as they witness their children embracing high school and navigating their lives. Chuck knows his health is deteriorating continuously and yet he smiles and laughs it out. Jordan and Josh, who now realize the true meaning of life and family, decide to stick by each other. So, when Chuck’s alleged daughter, Kelli, drops in unannounced, things get a bit more complicated. She accuses Chuck of abandoning her but of course, Chuck has his own story–a tear-filled one.
Things start to smoothen out in The Crossover end, Chuck’s healthy gets a tad bit better, Kelly embraces her new family and the Bell brothers work on their bond. Since Josh was suspended for a while, he truly understood the importance of poetry and basketball in his life. Chuck and Crystal’s relationship gets stronger while J.B. and Alexis go through a breakup.
The screenplay then jumps into 2031 and we are treated to an adult Josh who seems to be a bit more mature. Crystal, the Bell brothers and their family have gathered to celebrate the ginormous success of Josh’s poetry book. Back to the past, The Crossover ends with Josh and Jordan reminiscing about their time on the basketball court.
The Crossover Review: It Isn’t Just A Sports Drama But A Journey Towards Embracing Your True Self
Alexander’s free-verse novel was centred around the Bell brothers’ journey of learning the true meaning of life and family. The Crossover series adapts Alexander’s intentions perfectly. This coming-of-age sports drama is brimming with emotions, life lessons and meaningful moments. This isn’t just a series centred around two brooding teenagers. It carefully and artistically weaves the story of Josh and Jordan together as they accept challenges and make the most of them.
Of course, the series has a few turndowns, too. The Crossover hasn’t truly stuck to Alexander’s novel. The storyline has been altered and Josh’s poetic lines have been reduced drastically. This new plot works well and Daveed Diggs’s narration as adult Josh is quite commendable. The Crossover could make up for a perfect lazy binge-watch available only on Disney+ Hotstar.