We're not over Ballard yet: 8 questions Season 2 must tackle

The first season of Ballard raised more questions than answers for viewers. Filled with suspense, secrecy, and drama, the show ended with a twist that at least threw fans off. As Ballard is arrested, Olivas is killed, and a maze of police corruption unfolds, the story is far from over.

The resolution of numerous unanswered questions concerning each character, which could change their futures, depends on Season 2. Since the show has started diverging from its source material, fans are eager to see where it will go next. These eight questions must be answered in Season 2 to bring clarity and closure.

Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

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Here is the list of the Ballard Season Two 8 questions:

8. Which direction will the show follow now that it has deviated from the books?

The Ballard trilogy has already moved beyond the novels of Michael Connelly. It combines elements of The Late Show, Dark Sacred Night, and Desert Star, introducing new scenes and killing characters who have survived in the novels. Officer Olivas' death was significantly altered. He did not die in the original material.

The series takes advantage of this by emphasizing more dramatic examples of corruption and treachery. There is also a jump in the timeline of the four novels by the creators. This allows for more experimentation in storytelling, allowing the show to incorporate more intricate cold cases and heartfelt arcs sooner. Fans of the show will be on the lookout for whether future seasons strike close to the books or continue carving a path of their own towards Ballard.

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7. What role will Harry Bosch play in Season 2?

In Ballard's first season, Harry Bosch is shown as a helpful mentor. He assists in investigating the cases with Renée Ballard. The supporters hope Bosch will get more involved in exonerating Ballard once she is arrested. The actor who plays Bosch, Titus Welliver, will perform recurring duties in Season 2, not just as a cameo. This suggests that he will play a larger role in the complex plot and has helped lead the cold-case squad since Olivas' death.

Bosch's presence gives several significant moments a certain amount of emotionalism and believability, especially when Ballard is preparing to face legal danger. The audience will find themselves tuning in to watch to what lengths Bosch is willing to go to defend this protégé.

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6. Will it be Samira Parker who leads?

Samira Parker is a fierce character, and like any other human being, she is also filled with emotions. She is a retired LAPD officer and a key member of the Ballard cold-case team. Actress Courtney Taylor has shared how this part challenged her and provided her with an opportunity to portray strong roles on television. Parker managed to win over the hearts of the fans with her empathetic and stubborn attitude toward every case.

Parker might replace Ballard as the team's interim leader since Ballard was imprisoned at the end of Season 1. The absence of Ballard allows the show to learn how she manages pressure and authority. Additionally, it can help her grow as a person by giving her newfound maturity and strength.

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5. What happens if Ballard isn't leading the cold-case unit?

Detective Renée leads the Ballard team. Laffont, Parker, Castro, Hatteras, and Rawls are among its members. Their future is unknown since Ballard is imprisoned at the end of Season 1. Will the team be able to adjust to a new leader, or will they choose to part ways? The situation could shift dramatically. Laffont might try to bring everyone together, or the new boss could step up to a higher position.

Ballard's determination and faith in her team are the reasons the unit has been successful thus far. In her absence, their cold-case investigation can break or collapse. Season 2 will be able to delve into the extent to which character and momentum are dependent on Ballard. It could jeopardize the team's mission, togetherness, and ability to withstand institutional pressure while the founding leader is absent.

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4. How pervasive is corruption in the LAPD?

Ballard's high level of corruption is more widespread than a few shady LAPD officers. Detective Renée uncovers a system of dishonest police officers involved in a gun-running conspiracy that is connected to a cartel in the first season. The evidence of the wiretap and bullets led to the cartel-linked police officer, Anthony Driscoll, and others in the police force. One of the network members is Captain Olivas, who would soon testify against other officers. A systemic issue that is deeply embedded in the department is indicated by all of these factors.

In Season 2, we'll find out whether this corruption is limited to lower-level police or spreads to higher-level positions. It might reveal Ballard's stress in the LAPD, as well as institutional ineptitude and culpable ignorance. Fans will wonder if it is a small group of corrupt cops or part of a larger conspiracy.

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3. Can the LAPD conspiracy still be exposed without Olivas?

The season finale of Ballard revolves around the killing of Robert Olivas before he can blow the lid off his fellow conspirators. Olivas had been ready to turn and testify against the cartel-connected officers, but his untimely killing put that action to rest. The former dishonest police officer may currently leave without saying anything. With hard evidence, such as gun traces and cartel money payments, the case made by Ballard stands stronger in the court of law, but it might not be sufficient.

Season 2 should explain how the team will use digital data, informants, and other insiders to build a case. The issue is clear: without a star witness, how can Ballard and her team bring charges and demonstrate that corruption goes far beyond the surface? Or before they blow the conspiracy, will the system take care of them first?

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2. How exactly was Olivas killed?

The show concludes with Ballard being arrested for Olivas' murder, though the audience does not witness the murder or how Ballard's presence led to her murder. Nobody knows who shot him or what DNA/forensic tests revealed a match to Ballard. Was she framed? She pulls her gun and faces him. Or was it someone who murdered during or after the tense interaction? Was she killed based on motive, fingerprints, gun residue, or testimony from any witness?

Season 2 should focus on resolving these missing details. Viewers should pay close attention to the incident's history, timeframe, and the details that led to Ballard being named the major suspect. Only then would she be able to refute the charge and clear her name.

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1. Who killed Olivas, and why was Ballard arrested?

Ballard's dramatic conclusion involves him being handcuffed and charged with Olivas' murder. She was furious at him because he raped women and sold the cases. But was she, or was she a scapegoat? There were many enemies of Olivas: cartel members who needed to stay silent out of fear of his testimony and those Olivas had hurt. It is possible that the LAPD caught Ballard in the act, with the evidence and intent, prompting them to press charges to conceal a larger conspiracy.

Season 2 will need to explore who was truly responsible for the shooting. It should show how Ballard fights corruption and exposes lies. To justify the arrest and reveal the conspiracy, discovering the real murderer and proving how he/she manipulated evidence will be crucial.

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Season 1 of Ballard successfully highlighted conflicts, emotional development, and risky situations. The plot had significantly outpaced typical police dramas by the end. Institutional betrayal and broken trust became central themes. With Ballard on the run and the gang members still unaware of Olivas' fate, the show needed not only a new season but also answers to these questions.

Clues were left for fans, and justice was still awaited. With the promise of additional disclosures, evidence, and answers, these eight pressing questions will shape the course of Season 2.