Critic Reviews

Prime Video’s Ballard is simply exceptional. Maggie Q has never been better (and that’s admittedly a bold statement after her unbelievable work on The CW’s Nikita). She perfectly embodies this character, leading an immensely talented cast that also consistently delivers, regardless of how much or how little time they have in the spotlight.

One of the best police procedurals on TV. .... Smartly acted, beautifully paced and genuinely engaging, “Ballard” is a thrilling ride from start to finish.

A resounding, unique, intoxicating “yes. ”It’s an uncommonly great potboiler with something for everyone.

Ballard steadily and coherently interrogates everything it aims to, exposing a different side to the underbelly of the justice system, one that women are generally impacted by. But it's a show that any fan of the genre will enjoy, whether you've seen Bosch or not, as cold cases and conspiracies wrap around the all-too-relatable pits of grief, trauma and loss.

If you’re looking for a procedural thriller that’s grounded by grit, genuine leads, and complex cases, “Ballard” gets it done. Each character is fairly well sculpted, seeming to wrestle with some amount of dirt on their hands or darkness shadowing them. This series fits right in with “Bosch” and “Bosch: Legacy”.

Even if you didn’t catch Renée Ballard working with Harry Bosch in the Legacy finale, Ballard’s arrival feels fully formed. Maggie Q brings her serious-minded, action-oriented capacity to the lead role.

Ballard, while indeed formulaic for the most part, is at least an intriguing Connelly adaptation that boasts Maggie Q killing it once again.