Ballard

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.

The project is pitched as a spin-off of the iconic Bosch, and it shows right away: the atmosphere, narrative structure, and visual style are carefully carried over from the original. Everything works in the familiar key - restrained, dark, and refreshingly unflashy.

Casting deserves special mention. In the role of Renée Ballard is Maggie Q - an actress who masterfully combines steely resolve with emotional depth. She's magnetic, compelling, and perfectly at home in the action genre. Her character isn't just a narrative device but the emotional and dramatic core of the story. On a personal note, I've been a fan since Nikita, and she doesn't disappoint here.

Narratively, the show doesn't reinvent the wheel. It's a procedural machine: clashes with the system, cold cases, bureaucratic rot, personal demons - the playbook is well-worn. The clichés are not hidden, but rather presented openly. And that's fine - because what matters is the execution. It's solid, measured, and stylishly done.

Not a masterpiece. But far from a failure. A confident, competent crime drama made with respect for the genre and its legacy. For Bosch fans, it's a must-watch. For everyone else - a decent one-evening binge, as long as you manage your expectations.

I really wanted to like this show, probably like a lot of viewers, I am a devotee of the Bosch series's

I was hoping for at least a semblance of the same gritty realism, balance and quality writing.

Opening Thoughts: Ballard, the latest addition to the Bosch universe, introduces us to Detective Renée Ballard, portrayed by Maggie Q. While the series aims to carve its own niche, it immediately falls into the trap of exaggerated tropes and lacks the nuanced storytelling that made its predecessors stand out.

Character Development: Renée Ballard is presented as a tough, no-nonsense detective. However, her characterization feels one-dimensional, relying heavily on over-the -top clichés in what feels like an exercise in building a moral superhero - and the hard boiled detective routine just doesn't sit well with Q, despite her acting ability.

Rather than offering a variation on the stereotype it just offers us exactly the same old character type right down to the smallest detail.

The supporting cast, though diverse, often serve as mere archetypes, lacking the complexity that would make them truly engaging.

Narrative and Realism: The series attempts to highlight systemic issues within the LAPD, but its portrayal feels exaggerated and out of touch with current realities. The depiction of gender politics, in particular, seems anachronistic, not reflective of current attitudes, forced, lacks the subtlety and panders to a safe narrative rather than tackling a genuine current real world dynamic.

Comparative Analysis: Compared to Department Q, which masterfully delves into the psyches of its characters, Ballard feels superficial. While Department Q presents flawed, relatable individuals, Ballard offers characters that seem more like symbols than real people.

Conclusion: While Ballard has the potential to evolve into a compelling series, its initial episodes cry out for more authentic storytelling and character development. For viewers seeking depth and realism, revisiting Bosch or exploring Department Q might be more satisfying options.

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.

I have been waiting for this show to arrive. Almost 2 hours after it's release I went to look up a few cast members, and I see 3 reviews, horribly rated. How did you watch 8 hours of show already? I chalk this up to two things. Misogynists or Bosch lovers who can't let go.

I only know Maggie Q from a failed, very decent sitcom...and Bosch.

Elevator Pitch: It's like "The Sandlot" meets "The Shield" with goodness.

Almost every episode, there is a 'sort' of win, for this rag tag team. Some story lines seem too quick and too wrapped up, but over all, this is quite entertaining. So much better than 3/4 of the American made tripe. Maggie Q is wonderful. The whole, "rag tag" team are fantastic. The "tussles" are great as are the police car barricade scenes. So worth it, Don't pay attention to nay sayers.