Prime Video's Crime Drama 'Ballard' Is Perfect For 'True Detective' Lovers

What is 'Ballard' about?

Based on the highly praised novels by Michael Connelly, this series will center around Renee Ballard (portrayed beautifully by Maggie Q), who is determined to bring justice to the cold cases that most people have forgotten all about.

What separates Ballard from other crime dramas is the fact that it isn’t afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve. Rather than the cold, almost clinical atmosphere of crime shows like Criminal Minds and Ryan Murphy’s Dahmer, where the killings are so frequent you almost have to become desensitized in order to digest all the traumatic emotions, Ballard does the opposite. It forces you to feel for the victims, yet not in a way that comes across as emotionally manipulative or calculating.

Instead, the series (as well as the book it’s based on) manages to genuinely tug at your heartstrings, which will have you rooting for Renee the whole time. Her number one goal, as she reveals in the series trailer, is to bring things back “to the way they were.” As in, a safer version of LA, with less threat of bloodshed. Yet, unfortunately, as her boss reveals, “The way things were might not exist anymore…”

Ballard is continuously gripping throughout. But it’s not just me who loves how the series turned out. The author himself, Michael Connelly, has offered his two thumbs-up stamp of approval. He revealed in a statement to Hello! Magazine, "I'm beyond excited about sharing this show. I've seen it and know how good it is, and how Maggie Q absolutely captures the character of Renee Ballard.”

"Great writing, acting, directing, and production, throw in a few surprise appearances, and I think this show is going to be a fan favourite."

Is 'Ballard' based on a true story?

What makes Renee Ballard’s character especially interesting, in my opinion, is the fact that she’s based on a real-life detective. Her kind-hearted, brilliant, and sociable leadership skills are based on Mitzi Roberts, an LAPD detective who managed to take down several dangerous criminals. To add to the authenticity of her character, Mitzi Roberts was on the set of Ballard and had formed a close relationship with Maggie Q to ensure accuracy of the part.

Who's in the 'Ballard' cast?

The Ballard cast includes:

• Maggie Q — Renée Ballard
• Michael Mosley — Ted Rawls
• Rebecca Field — Colleen Hatteras
• Victoria Moroles — Martina Castro
• Amy Hill — Tutu
• John Carroll Lynch — Thomas Laffont
• Courtney Taylor — Samira Parker

How many episodes of 'Ballard' are there?

There are 10 episodes of Ballard season 1! They include:

1. Library of Lost Souls
2. Haystacks
3. BYOB
4. Landmines
5. What's Done in the Dark
6. Beneath the Surface
7. Fork in the Road
8. Last Call
9. Collateral
10. End of the Line

How can I watch 'Ballard'?

You can stream all 10 episodes of Ballard on Prime Video right now!