The Best Episodes of Ballard Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   6.4/10(38 votes)

   #1 - Library of Lost Souls

   S1:E17/9/2025

   Ballard reopens a mysterious John Doe case while pursuing justice for a councilman's murdered sister. As she navigates reluctant witnesses, department politics, and her own demons, Ballard and her team uncover buried secrets that suggest corruption within the police force.

   Director:Jet Wilkinson

   Writers:Michael Alaimo, Kendall Sherwood

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   Director:Jet Wilkinson

   Writers:Michael Alaimo, Kendall Sherwood
2. 

   6.3/10(37 votes)

   #2 - Haystacks

   S1:E27/9/2025

   Ballard and Parker investigate housekeeper Yulia Kravetz's murder. Meanwhile, the hunt for the serial killer's latest victim reunites Ballard with retired Detective Harry Bosch.

   Director:Jet Wilkinson

   Writer:Kendall Sherwood

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   Director:Jet Wilkinson

   Writer:Kendall Sherwood
3. 

   6.6/10(32 votes)

   #3 - BYOB

   S1:E37/9/2025

   The 2006 death of fraternity member Nick Thatcher was initially ruled an accident. When a video goes viral accusing the fraternity of murder, Ballard and her team are forced to reopen the case.

   Director:Patrick Cady

   Writer:Thania St. John

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   Director:Patrick Cady

   Writer:Thania St. John
4. 

   6.3/10(35 votes)

   #4 - Landmines

   S1:E47/9/2025

   Ballard uncovers an LAPD conspiracy with connections to a Mexican cartel. The Pearlman case heats up when clues lead to a dangerous showdown with a potential suspect.

   Director:Patrick Cady

   Writer:Julissa Castillo

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   Director:Patrick Cady

   Writer:Julissa Castillo
5. 

   6.1/10(32 votes)

   #5 - What's Done in the Dark

   S1:E57/9/2025

   When the team uncovers disturbing new information in the Pearlman case, they focus in on a new suspect.

   Director:Tori Garrett

   Writer:Brandi Nicole

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   Director:Tori Garrett

   Writer:Brandi Nicole
6. 

   6.4/10(31 votes)

   #6 - Beneath the Surface

   S1:E67/9/2025

   Ballard's serial killer investigation takes a high-stakes turn. With 72 hours to secure the case before it's transferred to Homicide, the team races to find connections between the victims.

   Director:Nefertite Nguvu

   Writer:Liz Hsiao Lan Alper

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   Director:Nefertite Nguvu

   Writer:Liz Hsiao Lan Alper
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7. 

   6.5/10(35 votes)

   #7 - Fork in the Road

   S1:E77/9/2025

   Bosch delivers a shocking lead in the LAPD corruption case. Ballard and team dive into the mysterious murder of a teenager with ties to a local gang.

   Director:Jon Huertas

   Writer:John Coveny

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   Director:Jon Huertas

   Writer:John Coveny
8. 

   6.6/10(35 votes)

   #8 - Last Call

   S1:E87/9/2025

   The Ibarra case turns personal as Martina discovers someone close to her is part of the corrupt LAPD ring. The team races to identify the remaining corrupt officers before time runs out.

   Director:Sarah Boyd

   Writers:Thania St. John, Galeesa Murph

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   Director:Sarah Boyd

   Writers:Thania St. John, Galeesa Murph
9. 

   6.8/10(37 votes)

   #9 - Collateral

   S1:E97/9/2025

   A fresh lead turns into a shocking revelation as the team learns their serial killer has been in their grasp the whole time.

   Director:Logan Kibens

   Writer:Ralph Gifford

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   Director:Logan Kibens

   Writer:Ralph Gifford
10. 

    6.6/10(35 votes)

    #10 - End of the Line

    S1:E107/9/2025

    A city-wide manhunt begins for Rawls's shooter. Ballard receives an unexpected update on the LAPD conspiracy case.

    Director:Sarah Boyd

    Writers:Michael Alaimo, Kendall Sherwood

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    Director:Sarah Boyd

    Writers:Michael Alaimo, Kendall Sherwood