Ballard

As a longtime Maggie Q fan, I've always felt she hasn't been given nearly enough roles that showcase her full range. Outside of Nikita and the criminally short-lived Stalker, we rarely got to see her dig deep into a role that matched her capabilities. Ballard changes that-and then some.

As Detective Renée Ballard, Maggie Q doesn't just lead the show-she owns it. Her performance is a compelling mix of grit, intelligence, empathy, and quiet resilience. It's the kind of nuanced, powerful work that reminds you just how underutilized she's been until now. This is the role she's long deserved, and she meets it with both power and grace.

Centered around a team of volunteer detectives working the LAPD's Open-Unsolved Unit, Ballard focuses on cold cases-those emotionally charged, high-stakes investigations that don't always come with easy answers. The fact that they're digging into the past makes every win harder-earned and every clue more precious. It raises the emotional stakes and the degree of difficulty.

The storytelling is tight and layered, often weaving together multiple cases per episode. This approach mirrors the chaotic, overlapping nature of real police work and adds to the show's authentic feel. The pacing stays sharp, the stakes stay high, and the suspense rarely lets up.

The ensemble cast is another strength. Each team member brings depth, personality, and a bit of emotional baggage, creating a group dynamic that feels lived-in and real. Their chemistry is effortless; their interactions laced with humor, friction, and genuine camaraderie. You don't just root for them-you care about them.

One particularly thoughtful detail is the inclusion of Ballard's former partner: a retired, gay officer who's happily partnered. His presence is handled with subtlety and respect-never feeling like tokenism, just honest, well-executed representation. It's one of many small touches that reflect the show's integrity.

If you're a fan of The Closer, Ballard will feel like coming home-with fresh energy and a sharper edge. I binged the entire season in one sitting and ended up hungry for more. A lot more. Like Bosch, this show has the foundation to go the distance-and it deserves to.

So, pour a glass of wine, round up your fellow crime procedural junkies, and dive into Ballard. It's smart, gripping, grounded television with real staying power. And once you're hooked (and you will be), join me in manifesting not just a second season-but a long-running Ballard legacy.

Update: After binging the entire season and letting the afterglow settle for a few days, one detail still lingers in my mind: I wish the show had offered a clearer explanation behind the killer's first victim. That particular murder didn't quite match the pattern he developed later-and considering she wasn't alone and he had to kill someone else just to get to her, it feels like a key moment that begged for more context. Like, did he just need a cover for his storage unit? A murder of opportunity that unleashed his inner demons and turned into a series of murders? Exploring that could've provided insight into what actually triggered his descent into serial killing.

To be fair, every other case wrapped up cleanly (cliffhanger aside!), which makes this feel like a missed opportunity rather than a flaw. It doesn't take away from how much I loved the show-at this point, I'm just nitpicking. Still, here's hoping the writers take note for future seasons.

In some instances, the dialogue is entertaining, with clever quips and moments of wit that land well. However, there are times when it feels like the script is so poorly written that not even the most seasoned actors can salvage it. Some scenes are cringeworthy, and it's clear that the dialogue doesn't serve the characters or the plot effectively. That being said, the cast does their best, and in certain moments, they manage to elevate the material despite the weak lines.

The standout performance, without a doubt, is Maggie. Her presence on screen is undeniable, and she really helps anchor the show, pulling the cast together. Her character feels grounded and compelling, and it's clear that her portrayal has more depth than the script may give her credit for. She certainly brings a sense of heart and authenticity to a show that occasionally struggles to find its footing.

Despite the questionable dialogue, the premise itself is strong, offering a fresh take on the crime genre. The storyline keeps you intrigued, and there's a solid foundation for the show to grow. The pacing and character development, while a bit uneven at times, are ultimately enough to keep you invested in the long run.

Ultimately, despite the script's flaws, the show has potential. It will probably become my new crime series, mostly thanks to the compelling premise and Maggie's stellar performance. With a bit more polish in the writing department, this could easily evolve into one of the top shows in the genre.

As a devoted Connelly fan, I was eagerly anticipating this series. However, after watching three episodes, I find myself rather disappointed. I struggled to connect with the characters and the storyline, which felt disconnected from the world of the novels.

In particular, Ballard's portrayal jarred with the version I've come to know and admire-an independent, gritty protagonist who lives out of her car and has no ties to family. That rawness was part of her appeal, and unfortunately, the writers have chosen to take her character in a far more conventional and uninspired direction.

I realise this might go against popular opinion, but despite Maggie Q's beauty and competence, she doesn't quite convince in the role. She lacks the commanding presence needed to carry the series as its central figure.

Overall, the show feels superficial, with obvious political messaging that detracts from the story rather than enhancing it. It's not terrible-but it's certainly not compelling enough for me to binge.

Originally I gave this a 5 after the first few episodes but I'm taking one star off because of the dretch I had to sit through to finish the season. Everything everyone else has said is true. The writing is bad and the acting is even worse. I feel like there were at least 3-4 people miscast. Parker is horrible and I hate every scene she's in. The usual basement motley crew of diverse heroes delivering cheesy lines you've heard a million times in CSI and other shows while fulfilling every modern day trope and social justice crusade. Unfortunately it's tone deaf and about a year out of date. I love Bosch and that's the only reason this doesn't get a 1 star. Anybody giving it a 10 should have their internet privileges revoked.

One disclaimer, this series isn't a note-for-note book adaptation. That isn't necessarily bad. But it ain't all good either. Characters who were criminals in the books have morphed into teammates, story arcs that were developed in individual books are mashed together in this series. And Harry, prominent in the books as a prickly partner to Ballard, is only a minor, infrequent presence.

Maggie Q stars as Renee Ballard, a Robbery Homicide Division detective who's been pushed out of the limelight into a poorly funded Cold Case division that's off the beaten path and staffed by volunteers, career Enders and castoffs.

Maggie Q does okay, with more dialogue and backstory than she typically gets in her well known action flicks. But truly, just okay. She's not a great actress and given a starring role in this series requires a lot from her that she has trouble delivering. I believe a great actor is like a tide that lifts all boats. You'll notice that when Titus Welliver is on screen, Q's performance improves dramatically, as do other performers. Q does not provide the same "lift" to her costars. If you listen to her line delivery, every sentence is spoken in one breath. No pauses, no emphasis on key words. Just flat. Her costars struggle playing off of her performance.

The rest of the cast are not well known and their performances are a mixed bag. Amy Hill as Tutu (Hawaiian for grandma) is tonally very different from the rest of the series' scenes, almost like a sitcom.

Ballard's crew varies from believable (her grizzled, almost retired gay partner) to corny (the new age hippie who gets "vibes" from everything) to terrible (Michael Mosley as Ted Rawls the greasy brown noser).

The early plot development is a bit chaotic and confusing. There are too many layered cases stacked on top of each other.

By episode four things settle down, after more character's back stories (and forced diversity) are thrown in. The casual relationship with a local lifeguard fizzles out late in the season which is a blessing. The actor portraying her "no strings attached" romantic partner is one of the less talented performers in the series.

The sub plot of Ballard's sexual assault by a fellow officer and her getting screwed over by the entire department is by turns upsetting, and head scratching. Then we have the new recruit, ex-officer Parker played by Courtney Taylor who is not happy with all the bad white cops. Her dad, a retired black officer, tells her "someone has to watch the watchers". Her arc is further complicated as we learn she was abused by the same cop who abused Ballard.

The councilman, terribly overplayed by Noah Bean, and his executive aide are laughable.

Ricardo Chivera as would-be-rapist and signature creep Robert Olivas is spot on. His smug, everyday monster is believable.

The big "twist" near the end of the series is surprising, but a bit of a cheat because there's virtually nothing to indicate this possibility until it's revealed.

The massive cliffhanger is (while similar to Bosch season finales) irritating, and a guarantee for a second season.

Many performers in the original Bosch improved in the second season.

Let's hope that holds true for Ballard season 2. Maybe Maggie Q will develop a more natural performance as she becomes more comfortable in the role.