Sonya Cross on "The Bridge" (FX)

NAME OF CHARACTER: Sonya Cross

PLAYED BY: Diane Kruger

SHOW (NETWORK / RUNTIME / GENRE):  "The Bridge" (FX / 44 Minutes / Crime, Drama)

GENERAL SYNOPSIS: "Demián Bichir stars in the role of "Marco Ruiz," a homicide investigator for the state of Chihuahua, Mexico living in Ciudad Juárez. A family man, Marco is one of the last good men in a corrupt and apathetic police force that is out-gunned by the powerful drug cartels. He's sharp, charming, and observant and painfully aware that his city is in a state of chaos. When a body is dumped on the bridge that spans the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez border, Ruiz is forced to work with his American counterpart, "Detective Sonya [Cross]" (IMDB).

TITLE OF EPISODE WATCHED (ORIGINAL AIR DATE): "Pilot" (July 10, 2013)

SUPPORTING/ MAIN: Main

AGE: Never explicitly stated (likely aged between 30-35)

GENDER: Female

OCCUPATION: Police Detective

ASD IGNORED / MENTIONED ON AIR: Implied (a topic discussed in an article by Parade)

IN MOTION / VISUAL DIAGNOSTICS:

(Although the following is a YouTube clip of "Sonya's Best Moments," I reiterate the fact that, in formulating this response, I considered only the first episode of the show's first season. The video is nonetheless entertaining and provides a good sense of "who Sonya is.")

WOULD S/HE LIKELY MEET DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR AUTISM (DSM-IV)*: NO

In the first set of diagnostic quota (I), she demonstrates five items (of the required six) from (A), (B), and (C). She does not demonstrate a (IA) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by (IA1) (IA2) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level (e.g., at first refusing to have a partner), and (IA3) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., claiming cases herself) (IA4). She demonstrates (IB) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by (IB1) (IB2) marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others (IB3) (IB4); also, she does not fill the quota for the third set (requiring two) (IC), having only (IC1) an encompassing preoccupation with a stereotyped and restricted pattern of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus (e.g., crime solving) and (IC2) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals (e.g., "There are rules!") (IC3) (IC4). Also, there appears to be signs of (II) current or past delays or abnormal functioning in one of the target areas (IIA) (IIB) (IIC), despite the fact that (III) the disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

. . . DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR ASPERGER'S SYNDROME (DSM-IV)*: YES

She shows (I) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by any of the given options (IA) (IB) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level (e.g., at first, refusing a partner) and (IC) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interest or achievements with other people (e.g., claiming cases herself) (ID). She does demonstrate (II) restricted repetitive & stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by (IIA) an encompassing preoccupation with a stereotyped and restricted pattern of interest that is abnormal in intensity (e.g., crime-solving) and (IIB) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals (e.g., "The rules!") (IIC) (IID). (III) This disturbance causes clinically significant impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, although (IV) there is no (apparent) clinically significant general delay in language or (V) cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction) and curiosity about the environment in childhood. Finally, (VI) criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia.

WHAT'S REALLY RIGHT:

• Sonya recognizes the gift of her Asperger's, as it reflects in the success with which she solves crimes! Like a true "Aspie," she's by-the-rules, detail-focused and driven, and that's what the best detectives are! 

• The writers acknowledge Sonya's Asperger's in the same way that they do her femininity. Certainly, they emphasize it as something that makes her her, but they don't dwell upon it and force the issue.

• The actor is aware, even meeting with advocates and autistics to develop the character . . . 

WHAT'S REALLY WRONG:

• Nothing appears to be really wrong (in my opinion), but there are some questionable choices. Sonya, for example, exhibits direct eye contact. Diane Kruger, the actress who plays Sonya, has addressed such concerns, remarking that there will be tweaks in Season 2.

GENERAL RATING: ★★★★ ("Good")

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: The FX show premiered to overwhelmingly positive reviews. It has also sparked some discussion in the general public, which was always its intended aim.

*For explanations, it is necessary to click on the link and see the corresponding numerals being referenced. Letters/ Numbers crossed out do not apply.