The first season of Prime Video’s Ballard came to a shocking conclusion with Ballard racing to bring Gary Pearlman to justice. And a glitch in the corruption case leaves Ballard’s team in disbelief.

The episode opens with Renee racing to the Pearlman house, just as paramedics wheel Rawls out on a gurney. He’s been shot and is set for emergency surgery. Meanwhile, an APB for Gary Pearlman is issued as he escaped in Rawls’ car. Renee begs Berchem to delay their search, as she believes Gary will remain in the city. Thinking he may go after his lone survivor, Renee and Jake hold a press conference, pleading with him to surrender.

Unfortunately, Renee’s gut is wrong, as Gary is spotted at Union Station with several train and bus tickets. A reported carjacking lists him as the main suspect, headed toward the Mexican border. Gary Pearlman, Sarah’s murderer, is gone. In the wake of this news, Jake suspends his campaign. And sadly, Ted Rawls succumbs to his wounds.

Renee is preparing to leave headquarters when the lights go out, as if they’ve been reset. She texts “Gary’s here” just as gunfire erupts in the darkness. Gary chases Renee throughout the office before she finally gets the upperhand. Once arrested, Laffont and a fellow officer interview the serial killer, seeking a motive. Gary had a disdain for “a certain kind of woman.” Women whom he described as uppity and selfish, all a result of abandonment issues tied to his mother.

When asked why he killed Sarah, he reveals she wasn’t his biological daughter, which is why his DNA did not come as a match at the crime scene. Despite raising her as his own, she dared to confront him one day about an alleged affair. She had found his souvenirs.

With Gary’s fate sealed, everything else seems to fall in place for Ballard’s team. The man wrongfully convicted of his fiancée’s murder is released. And Laffont finds and reunites Gael Ibarra with his biological mother. Renee even enjoys a wave on her father’s reconstructed board. The solace is soon shattered with the resounding news that only six of the corrupt seven officers will face a trial. Olivas struck a deal.

After confronting DA Honey Chandeler (Mimi Rogers) over Olivas walking, Renee confronts the free man at his home. At first, she’s irate that he keeps getting away with his crimes. She even pulls her gun on him as he threatens her. But then she notices he’s alone; his wife, Janet, left with the kids. His accolades are packed in a box. She realizes his toxicity will be his ruin professionally and personally.

The episode closes stunningly. Renee and Samira have retired for the evening, reflecting on what has come of their friendship. Their joy soon turns to terror as blue and red lights arrive at Renee’s home. Police have come to arrest Renee for the murder of Detective Robert Olivas.

The season finale is another top-notch episode that delivers a perfect cliffhanger for a second season. The final battle between Ballard and the killer was a welcome surprise, as one could imagine his pursuit would carry throughout the series. But the final scene shifts all expectations of where this show and our characters are headed.

Along with the great writing choices, the episode delivered on a theme that had been building throughout the season: women’s autonomy, or lack thereof. Whether a decorated officer of the law or a smiling part-time barista, women experience the wrath of fragile men daily. Fortunately, the series counters those predators with male characters who upend the trend. And it is the same in real life, even if a loud minority is trying to steer the narrative.

Overall, season one of Ballard is a powerful, smart successor to the Bosch universe and deserves a second season.

Rating: 9/10