Ballard

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.

When I first wrote this review, I had just finished episode 2. Now that I've completed all 10 episodes, I have a much better picture, and I have to say, it didn't disappoint. I actually really enjoyed it, so I'm updating my review and adding an extra star.

I'm not familiar with the source material and haven't seen the original show, so I came in with no expectations. I enjoy police dramas, but I've grown tired of the ones that follow a rigid formula with no character depth, stand-alone episodes, and barely any ongoing story.

Ballard felt different from the start. The show gradually adds layers that unfold as the story progresses, and by the end, it all comes together nicely. I also really appreciate shows that release all episodes at once, so you can choose your own pace. I ended up watching quite a few in a row and It's a solid ride.

Maggie Q is great in this role. She brings strength and presence, and the character fits her perfectly. The rest of the team also has strong potential, and you can tell there's room to grow with their stories.

One thing I really liked was how the show kept things realistic. Injuries didn't magically disappear, bruises stayed visible, and wounds actually took time to heal. It's a small detail, but it adds a lot of realism, something many shows skip, and it was refreshing to see here.

Overall, I think the story was brought together well across the season, and I really hope it gets renewed. I'll definitely be watching if there's a second season. (hopefully soon)

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.

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.

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.