To say that the Bosch franchise has been one of Prime Video’s biggest successes would be an understatement. The original series, Bosch, ran for seven seasons, followed by three more with Bosch: Legacy. Now, Ballard steps into the rather large shoes left behind after Legacy wrapped up earlier this year. The big question as the new season premieres is: can Ballard live up to the precedent set by its predecessors? Both Bosch and Legacy rank among the best detective dramas of the past decade, setting set a high standard for this new chapter. All ten episodes of Ballard’s first season will drop on July 9th. Thanks to Prime Video, I had the chance to watch the entire season early. Read on for my full, spoiler-free thoughts on whether Ballard lives up to the legacy and carves out a new one of its own.

It’s a Team Effort For Ballard

Similar to Bosch, Renée Ballard is far from alone when tackling the cases that land on her desk. The series features a well-drawn ensemble that brings their own perspectives and talents to each investigation. But unlike Bosch, who could usually count on a squad room full of seasoned detectives and official backup, Ballard’s crew is a far more unconventional mix. She’s heading up the Cold Case Division, a unit pieced together with volunteers, reserve officers, and retirees determined to find justice where others gave up.

This setup naturally creates interesting and often humorous dynamics. Having a seasoned detective deal with the quirks, limitations, and sometimes stubborn personalities of civilian volunteers and retired cops adds something fresh to the standard crime procedural formula. By including everyday people, it also makes things feel more grounded and accessible. This invites the audience to connect more easily with the team’s struggles and triumphs.

The supporting cast, including Courtney Taylor, John Carroll Lynch, Michael Mosley, and Rebecca Field, is excellent across the board. Each brings a welcome dose of humanity to the series. But make no mistake, Ballard is the star, and Maggie Q is excellent as Renée Ballard, growing more comfortable in the role as the season progresses. But the series isn’t all about the lone-wolf detective archetype. Solving the cold cases the team is tasked with is a group effort, and the chemistry between them makes them easy to root for and watch through the season.

Standing Out From The Shadow Of Bosch

From the moment Ballard was announced, it was inevitable it would have to contend with the long shadow cast by Bosch and Bosch: Legacy. Even more so when it was later announced that Bosch: Legacy would be ending after its third season, leaving Ballard the responsibility of carrying the franchise alone. Both Bosch and Legacy set a high bar for gritty, character-driven detective stories rooted in L.A. Being part of an established universe like Bosch is always a double-edged sword: on the one hand, you inherit a loyal fan base eager to return to a familiar world; on the other, you face the challenge of living up to what came before and convincing those same fans that you’re worth their time.

Fortunately, Ballard proves it’s more than just an echo of what came before. While it certainly honors the tone and world that Bosch built, filled with gritty streets, morally complex cases, and dogged pursuit of justice, it brings a fresh perspective through its protagonist, Detective Renée Ballard. Her story doesn’t just continue the legacy; it expands it. Ballard’s approach to policing, her willingness to question the system, and her drive show us new corners of the Bosch universe.

It’s no secret that Harry Bosch appears a few times this season, and when Titus Welliver commands the screen, it’s hard not to hope we’ll see even more Bosch in the future. However, his appearances are used to great effect and never feel like a cheap cameo to simply draw attention. By respecting its roots while pushing into new territory, Ballard stands tall as a worthy successor—and more importantly, as a compelling crime drama in its own right.

Renée Ballard: Strength and Empathy in Equal Measure

Much like Bosch, Renée Ballard finds herself at odds with others inside the department, but for very different reasons. While Bosch’s clashes were often about his refusal to play politics, Ballard’s battles are more personal and deeply rooted in the culture of the LAPD itself. As a woman who came forward after being assaulted by another officer, Ballard carries the weight of the fallout that followed and is a target of resentment among her colleagues. This tension adds another layer to her character as well as additional motivation in her cases within the Cold Case Division.

One of the strengths of Ballard is that it never falls into the trap of portraying its lead as simply an “angry” or “damaged” female detective, a trope that can flatten characters like hers. Instead, the show takes full advantage of having a woman at the center to explore complex themes through a fresh lens. Like any good crime drama, Ballard tackles difficult subjects: murder, corruption, betrayal. But it also doesn’t shy away from examining issues like sexism, sexual assault, and crimes against women. These topics are woven into the story thoughtfully and are handled with care, adding depth and weight without ever feeling exploitative.

Final Thoughts

Ballard is a strong successor to the foundation laid by Bosch and Bosch: Legacy. The writing maintains the same high caliber that made the earlier series so compelling, balancing casework, sharp character development, and dialogue. Maggie Q shines as Renée Ballard, bringing both toughness and vulnerability to a character determined to do things her way. The supporting cast is equally solid. Each member brings a distinct perspective and style that makes the Cold Case team. Their diverse personalities create a dynamic that is a pleasure to watch.

By honoring what came before while pushing the story in new directions, Ballard proves that there’s plenty of life left in this universe and plenty of stories worth digging up. If you’re a fan of smart, grounded detective dramas, Ballard is absolutely worth your time.

Ballard Trailer

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Sound off and tell us what you think. Are you looking forward to Ballard? Also, what are your thoughts on this series continuing the Bosch universe on Prime Video?

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