The 2006 death of Nick Thatcher was initially ruled an accident - a drunken fall from a balcony. When a video goes viral of Nick's sister accusing the fraternity of murder, Ballard and her team are forced to reopen the investigation. Ballard continues the investigation into the cold case of the now identified John Doe, Luis Ibarra, a cartel-affiliated coyote found murdered in Los Angeles.
"BYOB" was written by Thania St. John and directed by Patrick Cady
Not all progress stops with the Sarah Pearlman and John Doe cases. However, momentum is largely halted in favor of spending time with an episodic investigation. That's not a bad storytelling impulse. The narrative should have the freedom to explore plenty of cases. It has two overarching stories. Yet they are hardly the only things of importance in the lives of these characters. The show is still putting in the work to further develop its ensemble. They have lives outside of work. Ballard is focused on getting her former job back. She wants Parker to obtain her badge again too. It's out of convenience. Parker had good reasons for leaving the job. She feels the calling to join again. She sees purpose in the work with Ballard. It's built on a likely cover-up within the LAPD. Ballard knows the ramifications of making an accusation without airtight evidence. She confessed to her partner about being assaulted. He didn't believe her. He fell in line with the rest of the department. Ballard is trusted to handle a sensitive case when new publicity arises. She's simply at the bottom of the hierarchy. She's expected to do whatever is ordered of her. It's not meant to evoke respect. Her successes are suppose to paint her as heroic for the audience. That's the inherent dichotomy of the show. She does well in this job even though she doesn't want it.
Not all progress stops with the Sarah Pearlman and John Doe cases. However, momentum is largely halted in favor of spending time with an episodic investigation. That's not a bad storytelling impulse. The narrative should have the freedom to explore plenty of cases. It has two overarching stories. Yet they are hardly the only things of importance in the lives of these characters. The show is still putting in the work to further develop its ensemble. They have lives outside of work. Ballard is focused on getting her former job back. She wants Parker to obtain her badge again too. It's out of convenience. Parker had good reasons for leaving the job. She feels the calling to join again. She sees purpose in the work with Ballard. It's built on a likely cover-up within the LAPD. Ballard knows the ramifications of making an accusation without airtight evidence. She confessed to her partner about being assaulted. He didn't believe her. He fell in line with the rest of the department. Ballard is trusted to handle a sensitive case when new publicity arises. She's simply at the bottom of the hierarchy. She's expected to do whatever is ordered of her. It's not meant to evoke respect. Her successes are suppose to paint her as heroic for the audience. That's the inherent dichotomy of the show. She does well in this job even though she doesn't want it.
The death of Nick Thatcher doesn't have the same depth as the rest of the storytelling. It highlights who thrives in this fraternity culture. The same rules essentially apply to the LAPD. They close ranks and protect their own. It doesn't matter if innocent people get hurt in the process. It was easier to believe Nick fell from the balcony. He was pushed. The truth comes out. It's not a rewarding reveal. It only details that Nick was just as monstrous and demeaning as the other members of the fraternity. His sister saw the best in him. She projected conflict. She needed the truth. She receives it. That provides everyone with the peace and ability to move on. They have to see the full complexity of the situation. They can't remain haunted. They have to address their concerns. That applies to Ballard as well. Her father's death is introduced. That's another piece of the complicated puzzle of her life. She doesn't want to talk about it. Tutu pushes just hard enough at the right time to get Ballard to want to see an old photo. That's all that basically happens. It evokes meaning even though the audience doesn't have quite enough information at this point.
Grade: C+
"Landmines" was written by Julissa Castillo and directed by Patrick Cady
Ballard and Chastain were not on good terms at the time of his death. In fact, the man eulogized doesn't resemble his actions towards her. Barrel recalls him as a goofball who was dependable. His death is tragic and emotional. It's important that Ballard attends the service. She would regret it if she was driven away by those who don't want her there. She has plenty of allies. They know the truth. They provide complete support. Parker recognizes the importance despite largely being in the dark. Olivas assaulted Ballard. Chastain didn't believe her. That guilt ate at him. That wasn't the only thing going on leading up to his death. His widow tells Ballard all about his struggles. Ballard knew about the drinking. He had a problem and feared getting treatment. He thought that would make him look weak on the job. And so, he hid. He overheard Olivas bragging about another assault he committed. That made him realize the harm he did to Ballard. By then, it was already too late. Nothing he did would matter. She has already been made an outcast. That makes it seem impossible for her to ever get back to RHD. That's still her goal even though the show is based around cold cases. Usually, that story would be annoying to watch play out. It could read as the protagonist not being invested in the work. That's not true at all. Ballard cares about honoring the victims. She puts in the work. Her ambitions extend elsewhere. They probably won't be realized. She doesn't want to accept that.
Ballard and Chastain were not on good terms at the time of his death. In fact, the man eulogized doesn't resemble his actions towards her. Barrel recalls him as a goofball who was dependable. His death is tragic and emotional. It's important that Ballard attends the service. She would regret it if she was driven away by those who don't want her there. She has plenty of allies. They know the truth. They provide complete support. Parker recognizes the importance despite largely being in the dark. Olivas assaulted Ballard. Chastain didn't believe her. That guilt ate at him. That wasn't the only thing going on leading up to his death. His widow tells Ballard all about his struggles. Ballard knew about the drinking. He had a problem and feared getting treatment. He thought that would make him look weak on the job. And so, he hid. He overheard Olivas bragging about another assault he committed. That made him realize the harm he did to Ballard. By then, it was already too late. Nothing he did would matter. She has already been made an outcast. That makes it seem impossible for her to ever get back to RHD. That's still her goal even though the show is based around cold cases. Usually, that story would be annoying to watch play out. It could read as the protagonist not being invested in the work. That's not true at all. Ballard cares about honoring the victims. She puts in the work. Her ambitions extend elsewhere. They probably won't be realized. She doesn't want to accept that.
Plus, Ballard can still accomplish consequential things in her new unit. She brought Laffont into the case of police corruption. She trusts him completely. He earns that respect from Parker because of the support they provide Ballard at the funeral. He shows up when it counts. Parker had her doubts. This team can lean on each other. Martina and Colleen's instincts and connections may be unconventional. They also provide new resources to this job. It's important to recognize their contributions. The brotherhood protecting their own and kicking out any outsiders stifles improvements and efficiencies. The cold case unit is effective because of the diverse team. Ballard leads with that respect. Rawls is the more traditional cop. He's eager to prove himself. He handles himself well enough. Ballard can work with that even though she's always looking over her shoulder to check what he's doing. He has a connection to Councilman Pearlman. Information gets out of the unit in regard to Sarah's case. He too steps up to help Colleen find Yulia's family. It's not a happy ending. Everyone has been killed in Ukraine. He sits with her as she grieves this loss. It hits her hard because of the immense empathy within her. That's the response that should be expected and rewarded. Time must be provided for it. The narrative does that and more.
Grade: B-
