How Ballard Mashes Up the Bosch Universe

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Warning: This discussion contains spoilers from the entire first season of Ballard, which debuted on Prime Video on July 9.

Today is wrapping up with the letter ‘y’, which means it’s time for another police-themed show! This one is called “Ballard”, a spin-off from “Bosch: Legacy”, which was based on the Amazon Prime Video series inspired by crime writer Michael Connelly’s numerous novels about detective characters Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch. In “Ballard”, Maggie Q portrays a determined and compassionate investigator whose past tragedies and professional betrayals have fueled her pursuit of justice for forgotten victims. There are approximately 6,000 cold cases in the LAPD, and as the head of the new Cold Case Unit, Renée is dedicated to solving as many as possible. Her initial case revolves around the early 2000s murder of teenager Sarah Pearlman, whose death inspired her brother, Councilman Jake Pearlman (Noah Bean), to establish the Cold Case Unit and support Ballard in her role as its leader – as long as she identifies Sarah’s killer in a way that benefits him politically.

In the television series titled “Ballard“, significant elements are drawn from three of Connelly’s books, namely “The Late Show“, “Dark Sacred Night“, and “Desert Star“, but a substantial amount of original content has been created to fill the ten episodes of the first season. This fresh material includes new characters, cases (some are standalone episodes to complement the source material’s more serialized structure), and introduces the main character as a tough, workaholic detective who stands against departmental sexism and trusts her Cold Case Unit teammates to dedicate themselves fully to their cause.

As for Titus Welliver, his screen time is minimal in “Ballard“. The series focuses instead on establishing the title character as a protagonist with unyielding resolve. Early in the season, Ballard’s former partner remarks, “Cops can be assholes. Doesn’t make it personal.” However, when the season concludes with Ballard being framed for a murder she did not commit, the situation becomes deeply personal – a stark departure from the books on which “Ballard” is based. Here’s an overview of the series’ major alterations compared to its source material:

1. Expanded character development and original storylines
2. Minimal screen time for Titus Welliver
3. A focus on Ballard as a strong, anti-sexism advocate within the department
4. The introduction of new cases and characters
5. A dramatic twist at the end of the season: Ballard being framed for a murder she did not commit, which sets the stage for future seasons.

That cliffhanger

Beginning with the conclusion, Ballard generally adheres to Renée’s professional background as outlined in Connelly’s novels. She was a somewhat reckless but respected detective with RHD who was abandoned by her peers after filing a complaint against her superior, Robert Olivas. Despite Ken Chastain witnessing Olivas’s attempt to sexually assault her, neither he nor anyone else came to her defense. Internal Affairs supported Olivas, and she was reassigned to the midnight shift. In “The Late Show,” Chastain is killed for investigating a case, and Ballard enlists Olivas to help find the other officer involved. In “Dark Sacred Night,” Ballard reveals that Olivas, with a history of sexual abuse, has been appointed head of a special task force investigating sex crimes; Connelly often portrays the LAPD as inefficient and self-destructive. By 2019’s “The Night Fire,” Ballard and Olivas still harbor animosity towards each other, but by “Desert Star,” she leads the Cold Case Unit, and Olivas is a fading memory.

In a fresh twist, Ballard rearranges elements from The Late Show, The Dark Hours, and Desert Star, transforming Ricardo Chavira’s character, Olivas, into a ruthless serial sexual predator and a key figure in a corrupt cop-cartel alliance dealing weapons and narcotics. This despicable individual is eventually apprehended, bringing relief to Ballard and Samira Parker (Courtney Taylor), a former partner of Olivas’s who left the LAPD after he assaulted her. The duo shares a powerful, emotional reunion upon capturing Olivas. However, things take an unexpected turn when Olivas strikes a deal with the district attorney to evade prosecution, enraging Ballard and leading to a confrontation at his residence. This altercation results in Ballard’s DNA being left at the scene, raising suspicions that she may have killed him. The season concludes with Ballard’s arrest for Olivas’s murder, setting the stage for an entirely new narrative as we anticipate the series’ second season, where it appears Ballard might not be the actual culprit.

In the novels, Ballard has taken the lives of several individuals. In the book “The Dark Hours”, she eliminates a corrupt officer named Bonner who breaks into her home and attempts to strangle her; this plot point is reimagined for the series with the character Anthony Driscoll, alias Montana (portrayed by Brendan Sexton III), whom Renee suspects of being connected to the same criminal police network as Olivas. Unlike in the books where Ballard justifies every killing due to her cases being legitimate, the Olivas storyline for the show presents an intriguing twist: How does Ballad prove she didn’t commit a crime? Given that the rest of the Cold Case Unit is likely to get involved, particularly Parker who has firsthand knowledge of Olivas’s wrongdoings, and the introduction of new character Manny Santos (played by Colin McCalla), another cop who worked with Olivas and Driscoll, it seems their changed allegiances could aid Ballard’s defense. However, it is amusing that the show places its main character, Ballard, in a situation reminiscent of Bosch (who is frequently accused of vigilante actions in the books), when the series generally lessens Bosch’s impact on this narrative (which will be discussed further).

The serial killer’s identity

In “Desert Star,” the murder of Sarah Pearlman is mainly handled by detectives Ballard and Bosch, who uncover a link between Sarah’s death and that of a young Black woman named Laura Wilson. A palm print on Sarah’s window leads Bosch to the idea of extracting DNA, which eventually reveals that Ted “Lou” Rawls, an old friend of Jake from high school and former Santa Monica cop, was the serial killer. Rawls had been on Ballard’s Cold Case Unit due to Jake’s suspicion. He killed Sarah during their youth, then befriended Jake to conceal his crimes; in the ensuing years, he continued killing women, some of whom (like Laura) were associated with Jake’s political campaigns. When Bosch begins tailing him, Rawls becomes aware and disposes of some evidence, shoots Bosch, and eventually takes his own life, leaving the Cold Case Unit unaware of many of his victims.

In a departure from Connelly’s typical narrative pattern where corrupt cops are common, the TV adaptation of Rawls (portrayed by Michael Mosley) is depicted as an honorable character in contrast to his book counterpart. Although he remains a plant for Pearlman, he lacks the laziness and aggression that characterized the book version. He is old-fashioned in his views on gender dynamics but evolves after working with the predominantly female Cold Case Unit. His change of heart, skillfully portrayed by Mosley, is evident in a conversation with Ballard about the daily dangers women face from men. Interestingly, he defends Ballard’s authority over Sarah’s case, demonstrating loyalty that is tragically cut short when it is revealed that Gary (Kevin Dunn), Jake’s father, is the killer. In a twist of fate, Gary kills Rawls upon discovering his identity and attempts to kill Ballard as well. However, Ballard survives and ultimately arrests Gary, supporting the Cold Case Unit’s theory that misogynistic individuals like Gary target ambitious women.

During his journey towards imprisonment, the team wraps up the cases he was in charge of, bringing peace to Michole Briana White, his only surviving victim. They also uncover why he committed the murder of Sarah, despite Gary’s claims about valuing family. The revelation that Sarah was his stepdaughter didn’t deter him from taking her life when she stumbled upon his mementos and started suspecting his hidden dual life. It’s somewhat predictable that Gary harbors resentment towards career-focused women, considering he is ultimately brought down by strong-willed women like Ballard and Parker. However, the plot in “Desert Star” offers a more poignant resolution for the Cold Case Unit, as a kidney donation from Nelson Hastings (Alain Uy), Jake’s chief of staff, to Rawls was the crucial evidence Ballard and Bosch used to bring him to justice.

The Bosch of it all

In the continuation of Harry Bosch’s controversial TV past, he is referred to as “Harry Bosch” by Ballard, a title set in “Bosch: Legacy”. However, the series departs significantly from Michael Connelly’s portrayal of these two characters who collaborate more closely in the books. In “Desert Star”, Bosch accepts an invitation to join Ballard’s Cold Case Unit, gets shot by Rawls prior to Rawls taking his own life to avoid capture, and exposes to the media Rawls’s close ties with Jake after the councilman attempts to conceal their friendship and undermine the effectiveness of the Cold Case Unit’s investigation.

In the story Desert Star, Bosch’s work on the Pearlman case mirrors his reason for joining the Cold Case Unit – both involve uncovering truths about deceitful acts committed against families. However, since this plotline was previously used in Season 3 of Bosch: Legacy, it cannot be repeated here. As a result, the tension between Bosch and Ballard, originating from their disagreement over stolen case files in Bosch: Legacy, continues. Their significant conversation occurs when Ballard informs her that Olivas has struck a deal to evade prosecution for his ties with the cartel, which remains their most important interaction in the storyline Ballard.

Although it’s logical for the show to mainly center around its main character, Ballard, it’s still disheartening that the series fails to recapture Renée’s distinctive traits that shine through her relationship with Bosch in Connelly’s novels. Her rigid responses whenever Bosch disregarded her instructions and pursued his own investigation path; her witty ingenuity during their brainstorming sessions about drafting search warrants; her job-threatening loyalty when she threatened to resign from the LAPD following suspicions that they were attempting to tarnish Bosch’s reputation for his encounter with Rawls. It seems unusual to argue, “This series about a woman should have more of THIS SPECIFIC MAN,” but it’s not as though Connelly developed Ballard and Bosch’s bond primarily based on their genders. Their partnership is rooted in a mutual understanding of righteousness and the lengths a detective should go to achieve justice for victims, and Ballard hasn’t yet established that level of connection with any of the show’s characters.

1. Additionally, Welliver’s portrayal of Bosch is captivating, particularly the understated tension he infused into the character’s ambiguous moral decisions. Conversely, Ballard occasionally leans towards a workplace comedy with its team members constantly squabbling and intruding on each other’s personal lives. Introducing Bosch would provide an intriguing contrast to the Ballard atmosphere, as evidenced by the few scenes Welliver and Maggie Q shared, which suggest they could convincingly portray their complex and sometimes strained relationship. Here are some more options:

2. Furthermore, Welliver’s characterization of Bosch is riveting due to the subtle tension he instilled in the character’s questionable moral choices. On the other hand, Ballard veers towards a sitcom-like depiction of workplace dynamics with its constant bickering and meddling in one another’s personal lives. The inclusion of Bosch would offer an intriguing contrast to the environment of Ballard, as suggested by the scenes Welliver and Maggie Q shared, which indicate they could effectively portray their sometimes contentious relationship.

3. Plus, Welliver’s performance as Bosch is engaging, especially the subtle tension he imbued in the character’s morally gray decisions. Meanwhile, Ballard occasionally feels like a sitcom with its focus on workplace squabbles and intrusion into one another’s personal lives. The incorporation of Bosch would provide an interesting contrast to the setting of Ballard, as evidenced by the scenes Welliver and Maggie Q shared, which hint at their ability to portray a complex and strained relationship.

4. Furthermore, Welliver’s interpretation of Bosch is enthralling because of the understated tension he incorporated into the character’s morally ambiguous choices. In contrast, Ballard sometimes resembles a workplace sitcom due to its emphasis on team disagreements and interference in each other’s personal lives. The addition of Bosch would offer a refreshing contrast to the atmosphere of Ballard, as demonstrated by the scenes Welliver and Maggie Q shared, which imply they could successfully portray their complex relationship dynamic.

The members of the Cold Case Unit

In Connelly’s novels, the members of the Cold Case Unit tend to be seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in law enforcement or criminal justice. As Bosch learns when Ballard is recruiting him in “Desert Star”, this team includes retired FBI agent Thomas Laffont, former Vegas Metro officer Lilia Aghzafi, ex-Santa Monica cop Ted “Lou” Rawls, retired deputy district attorney Paul Masser, and citizen detective genealogist Colleen Hatteras. Their discussions often revolve around their work, and they are well-aware of the system’s imperfections due to their long years of service within it.

In this revised version, Ballard transforms the team to better represent Los Angeles’ diverse demographic and make its members younger. John Carroll Lynch’s Laffont becomes Ballard’s initial partner during her detective days. A new member, Samira Parker, has endured similar abuse as Ballard at the hands of Olivas. Martina Castro, a college student and intern in the Cold Case Unit, takes over Masser’s legal expertise and assists Hatteras with technical aspects of investigations. Regrettably, Aghzafi, who had a minor role in Connelly’s books, is no longer part of the team. The absence of this MENA-coded character might be disappointing for Ballard.

In the show, Bosch’s influence has significantly decreased, leading to many of his ideas and actions being assigned to other team members. For instance, it is Renée, not Bosch, who proposes testing Sarah’s window palm print for DNA, and she, not Bosch, interviews Wilson’s mother. Laffont and Parker are the main confidants for Renée’s investigation into Driscoll, Olivas, and other corrupt cops. Meanwhile, Rawls takes on the task of searching for witnesses and suspects in their cold cases. The casting of Jim Rash as Laffont’s husband, Leo, is a clever touch, adding humor to the series.

The series primarily focuses on Ballard, with the ensemble coming in second, particularly Parker and Castro. However, the limited representation of female characters in key roles could be seen as a limitation. To create longevity for the series, the writers have given shared pasts and traumas to the unit members, which swiftly sets the stage. The death of Rawls and the team’s mourning over this loss also contribute to the narrative.

In future seasons, if the team expands, there is potential for Bosch’s daughter Maddie (a cop who joins the Cold Case Unit in 2024’s “The Waiting”) to be introduced. There is also the possibility of bringing back RHD detective Jerry Edgar (Jamie Hector), whose spinoff was canceled but appears in “Ballard” for a few scenes in the penultimate episode “Collateral” and the finale “End of the Line.

Renée’s family trauma

In Connelly’s books and the TV series, Ballard’s character development shares some parallels with Bosch. Just as Bosch was deeply affected by his mother’s murder, Ballard was shaped by the loss of both her parents – her father perished in a surfing accident and her mother abandoned her due to grief. After Ballard’s father drowned, her mother was unable to cope, leading to her departure; even as adults, they remain estranged, with their relationship becoming increasingly complicated following Ballard’s mother’s disappearance during the 2023 Hawaiian wildfires.

As a devoted fan of cinematic masterpieces, I can’t help but notice how profoundly the past haunts the protagonist in Ballard. Just like Bosch was molded by his mother’s untimely demise, Ballard herself carries the weight of her father’s tragic passing. The show cleverly weaves this pivotal event into almost every action she takes. Recurring nightmares about her father’s drowning at age 14, therapy sessions delving into their shared past, and a poignant connection with a recreated surfboard – all point towards the profound impact of this event on Ballard’s life.

However, it’s intriguing that the show seems to overlook or underplay another significant aspect of her backstory: her mother, Makani. The novels make it clear that Makani’s abandonment holds equal importance for Ballard as her father’s death, but in the series, she is merely mentioned as a distant figure who has “gone missing.”

This omission feels odd, given the central role that female characters play in the show. Yet, it seems the narrative momentum primarily relies on male actions. It leaves me hoping that future seasons will delve deeper into Ballard’s search for Makani after the wildfires and provide a more balanced portrayal of her complex past. For now, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration at this missed opportunity to explore Ballard’s relationship with her mother more fully.

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2025-07-11 22:57