There's one thing you've absolutely got to nail in 2025 TV. The first episode. In this example, that's just not the case.
I and I'm sure many others, try a show out. Episode one, it's an audition. If it's unique, special or in some way surprises you, you give it a chance.
It it's not. If almost anything is off. Be it story, actors, soundtrack, overall concept. It doesn't get a second chance.
Sadly, this appears to be story here. A slow first episode. A very formulaic premise. Cop, uniquely strong independent woman, personal struggles etc, etc
Dept Q, a UK cold case show, kinda just did this, but with more heat. Obviously, there's room for more than one show, but it seems Ballard just doesn't pack the cast or freshness required to measure up.
On a side note. I thought Ballard was half Hawaiian? Maggie Q is half Vietnamese. That's quite a leap. I get that Maggie Q lives or grew up in Hawaii. That's a stretch that she's now a default Polynesian person. because she lived/lives in Hawaii.
If I was born in Africa, does that make me black?
A Vietnamese person looks enough like a Polynesian person, that'll do? We don't have any name actors that are Polynesian. Well, why not make a star, cast a new actor? Too hard. Typical Hollywood. Too lazy or basically too racist to hire an actual Polynesian woman. Let's just make her Asian...
It seems to have a good sound track. Some strong score to start with. It's technically well shot. Too well shot. Like a lot of these Prime and network TV series, it's over lit and very by the book. It lacks style. Almost like the DP was trying to make a long commercial. This sort of content needs to be far more raw. Cast seems okay, but the dialogue is a bit bland. Lacking in personality. Originality is another issue. Ballard's assistant being, female, overweight and into horoscopes is a perfect example. Every stereotype possible in a single character.
Oh, and the old Toyota Landcruiser. Maggie Q driving that is totally unbelievable, that sort of thing usually demonstrates miss casting. If the actor seems HIGHLY unlikely to be driving the 'unique' vehicle they drive in the show. They are probably miss cast, their character wardrobe is wrong or the vehicle is poorly selected. In this instance it's all of the above. The character is written driving an old van or truck, but the actor is not believable in it. Suspension of disbelief broken.
I'll see how the feedback goes on the full season, but so far. I'll pass.