This is why Ballard will become your new crime addiction

As a true crime lover, I have already devoured quite a few documentaries. Mega interesting of course, but knowing that all that misery really happened sometimes leaves a nasty aftertaste. Diving into the fictional crime world is then the perfect solution. Just as exciting, but somehow a bit lighter. For those who are also ready for this: the new Prime Video hit ‘Ballard’ should be at the top of your watchlist. A series full of complicated cold cases, and a hefty dose of woman power.

What to expect from the story of Ballard

After police detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q) accused one of her colleagues of assault, she is far from popular, especially among the male officers within the LA police. She is removed from the Robbery and Homicide division and must now deal with cold cases. Somewhere in the basement of the police station, she will have to solve cases that have been stagnant for years with limited resources and a team of former officers, volunteers, and interns It seems like an impossible task, but Ballard is determined to prove herself again. The further she gets into her investigations, the more cases seem to be interconnected. It is likely a serial killer, and he is still on the loose. Ballard's team does everything they can to find the perpetrator, but the investigation soon turns against them. It turns out it’s not surprising that all the cases have been left unresolved; important evidence has been ignored or even destroyed. But by whom? Which officers are sabotaging things from within?

Misogyny and power: why Ballard is more than just a crime series

Just like with most crime series, you also enjoy the search for answers and the tension that comes with it in ‘Ballard’. But there is more: besides the crimes, the theme of misogyny plays a significant role. The cases that Ballard's team has to solve are all cold cases that have something in common. Almost all of them involve female victims. The detective herself also constantly faces contempt and hatred from her male colleagues in her work. She is seen as the culprit who tried to sabotage another officer's career. Now she has to fight ten times harder, along with the other female officers, to do her job and be taken seriously. A message from the creators to think about.

Ballard is a spin-off of this popular crime series

Although the series is new, viewers can already recognize some characters. And I don't just mean that you've seen the actors before, but also specifically the characters they play. ‘Ballard’ is a spin-off of the successful crime series ‘Bosch’ and its sequel ‘Bosch: Legacy’. Both series revolve around detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) who works in the homicide division of the Los Angeles police and heads various major cases. The character of Ballard was also seen in ‘Bosch: Legacy’, and now he makes his appearance in this new series; although his role is of course much smaller now. Ballard has learned a lot from him, but she really has to do it herself.

The world of Michael Connelly: where Bosch and Ballard meet

It is not just a coincidence that ‘Ballard’ is a spin-off of ‘Bosch’, both characters come from the books of American author Michael Connelly. The storylines have been somewhat adjusted in the series, but the inspiration is clear; the author was also involved as a producer in the projects. This is not the first time his work has been transformed into a film or series. In 2002, Clint Eastwood directed the film ‘Blood Work’ in which he also played the lead role, and in 2022 the series ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ started, which has already had three seasons. These stories are also based on the eponymous books. For his stories, Connelly drew inspiration from cases he encountered in his earlier work as a crime reporter. All investigative methods, procedures, and locations thus also find their origin in reality. It is therefore not surprising that ‘Ballard’ feels so realistic.

Will there be a second season of Ballard?

Just like with every successful new series, the question with ‘Ballard’ is whether a second season will come. For now, it is still too early for Prime Video to make decisions, and even lead actress Maggie Q is still cautious. In Hollywood, you never know. “This industry is not what it used to be. I hardly recognize it, and shows are so disposable. They can cancel a show in two seconds, and it doesn’t matter that entire worlds and lives are at stake.” Nevertheless, preparations are cautiously being made in case the green light comes. The writers are already busy with a sequel, and according to Q, the storyline for season two is very exciting. Courtney Taylor, who plays officer Zamira Parker, is already cautiously more positive. “It feels good, it sounds good. Everyone seems very enthusiastic and positive. So all I can do is spread positivity and hope for the best.” For now, that’s also all we as viewers can do, and binge season one (again) of course. ‘Ballard’ is now available on Prime Video.

Source: Volkskrant, US Magazine. Image: Tyler Golden/Prime