Latest news with #DeptQ
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Ballard' review: Solid crime procedural does justice to its legacy
What are crime drama fans doing right to get two "Dept Q" series in the same year? Ballard, the latest adaptation of Michael Connelly's (Bosch, The Lincoln Lawyer) books, has more than a passing similarity to the set-up of that Matthew Goode series from earlier this year. Consider: a disgraced detective who doesn't play well with others is consigned to a basement office with a motley group of non-cops (a retired detective, a police reservist, a volunteer and an intern, initially) and a stack of cold case boxes. (As for the "Q" connection, well...) It should be noted that in the first Connelly novel featuring Detective Renee Ballard (Maggie Q), she was not kicked out of the Los Angeles Police Dept's Robbery-Homicide division. Instead, she was banished to the graveyard shift while keeping her spot on the team, albeit for the same reason she winds up in the TV show's makeshift cold case unit. 'You bring the cold cases, we bring the heat.' The main reason for the unit even existing is because of pressure from LA Councilman Jake Pearlman (Noah Bean, Nikita mini-reunion alert!), who wants the cold case of his sister's murder solved for the family to get closure. With a 10-episode first season available to stream all at once – one of those rare departures from Prime Video's typical weekly release schedule – we can view it at leisure or binge it, depending on our preference. Chances are that it will be the latter, given the intrigue involved here, not just for the primary case but the far-reaching consequences of another case involving a John Doe murdered at a seedy motel. Being from the same literary and TV universe as Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, Ballard follows a similar pattern of character and story beats. (In fact, Ballard herself showed up in the closing segments of Legacy's final season, ICYMI.) The familiarity is comforting, as is the parade of familiar faces from the earlier shows as they help us get acquainted with this new cast of characters. Given the stresses of Ballard's situation and the cases, plus some unresolved trauma from a family tragedy, Maggie Q gives us a convincing lead character who is visibly restraining herself, but not so much that she doesn't occasionally call out her higher-ups for their BS in a few satisfying scenes. It's fortunate for Ballard that she has solid support at home (from her "Tutu", or grandmother, played by veteran Amy Hill) and at work. 'Do I need a court order or what? People are starting to think that word you guys keep inserting between Harry and Bosch is my actual middle name.' Her staunchest supporter on the job is Thomas Laffont (John Carroll Lynch, Fargo), her ex-partner brought out of retirement to work the cold cases. Remember how Lynch gave The Walking Dead an entire season's worth of heart from just a single episode (Here's Not Here, as the enigmatic Dr Eastman, who gave Lennie James' Morgan his trademark staff)? In Ballard, his palpable investment in the case of a missing baby provides extra depth to a character we already know must be full of compelling experiences. Ballard also finds a kindred spirit in ex-cop Zamira Parker (Courtney Taylor, The Invitation), whom she coaxes back to the force and who provides the show with one of its more redemptive character arcs. Ballard's showrunners, Michael Alaimo and Kendall Sherwood, count the Mary McDonnell procedural Major Crimes on their resumes, and the experience of juggling a large cast – and keeping each character interesting – pays off here. None of the supporting characters feels obligatory or like dead weight, from the cold case squad's varied components down to the suspects, bureaucrats, even Ballard's kind-of boyfriend – so much so that when things happen to one (or more) of them, the impact is deeply felt. Buoyed by the goodwill left over from its predecessors, Ballard hits the ground running and carries us easily through its debut season. Right through to an ending that sets up a second season in so nail-biting a fashion that we're left with fingers and toes crossed in this streaming age of uncertain series longevity. And yeah, Prime Video/Amazon, I still haven't forgiven y'all for axing The Bondsman. All 10 episodes of Ballard are available to stream on Prime Video.
Elle
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
'Hostage': Suranne Jones's New Netflix Thriller Series Will Fill The 'Dept Q' Hole In Your Life
Seeing Suranne Jones starring in anything is a good indicator of a stellar TV show — so the news that she's leading new Netflix thriller, Hostage, is enough to make us mark a date in our TV-watching schedule. A trailer just dropped for the new British thriller, which looks right up the street of Dept Q fans and also stars Julie Delpy. Unsurprisingly fans are already excited to watch. Netflix says of the plot, written by Matt Charman (whose previous credits include Bridge of Spies and Treason): 'When the British prime minister's husband is kidnapped and the visiting French president is blackmailed, the two political leaders both face unimaginable choices. Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, can they work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both?' Fans of Dr Foster and Vigil will be thrilled to see Jones in a role she usually excels in — namely unimaginable stress. Speaking about taking on the role, she told Tudum: 'I'm thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I'm really proud of,' she said. 'It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. We'd talked about projects previously, but for me, it was about finding the right thing. Hostage was perfect — me and Matt together, backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.' Charman said: 'I've been dying to find the right story to tell with Suranne and I honestly believe what she's done with this character is going to blow the Netflix audience away. An embattled British PM in the middle of a fight for her country and her family — she's fierce, ruthless, and you can't take your eyes off of her.' Yes, and it looks so good. You can watch the trailer at the top of this article. It's not long to go now; the series will air from August 21 on Netflix, making it perfect for a summer treat. You can watch Hostage on Netflix from August 21. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Metro
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Amazon Prime fans can now binge all 10 episodes of ‘sinister' crime thriller
When it comes to how many times we can watch the unconventional but brilliant detective crack a cold case in a TV drama, the limit does not exist. So this week there's another entry to the small screen, with the spin-off to Bosch dropping on Amazon Prime Video on Wednesday (July 9). With a plot that will instantly appeal to fans of Dept Q on Netflix, Ballard stars Maggie Q as Renée Ballard, who has been shunted to the basement with other LAPD misfits. Also drawing comparisons to Apple TV Plus hit Slow Horses, the group have been sidelined after a brave but ultimately doomed attempt to bring down a well-connected crime organisation. With a prickly demeanour and exacting approach to work, Ballard isn't going to win any popularity competitions, but she's soon opening decades-old murder files and making breakthroughs. As you do. With all 10 episodes now out just in time for a weekend binge, Ballard's main adversary this season could turn out to be the department itself, as she uncovers a wide-reaching conspiracy. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The case involves a serial killer's string of murders, which the official show synopsis says plunges Ballard into a hunt to 'uncover a sinister police conspiracy that threatens everything she stands for'. 'There's a storyline that arcs the entire season you're going to be following, that has its tentacles to go off on tangents,' Q explained to Amazon ahead of the show's release. 'There will be a couple of episodes that are more standalone, and you'll get a different case for a good reason, very organically, but other than that I think it will be that one overarching story people will tune in for. That's the gold at the end of the rainbow.' Based on the wider world of Michael Connelly's books – which also inspired Bosch and Bosch: Legacy – we also know that retired detective Titus Welliver's Harry Bosch makes an appearance in the show. Sight Unseen . With ten episodes set to drop between now and August, the show follows Vancouver homicide detective Tess Avery (Dolly Lewis) who is forced to quit her job when an accident nearly kills her partner and leaves her clinically blind. . With ten episodes set to drop between now and August, the show follows Vancouver homicide detective Tess Avery (Dolly Lewis) who is forced to quit her job when an accident nearly kills her partner and leaves her clinically blind. Scrublands . A journalist investigates what he initially thinks is a straightforward story about a small town a year on a priest shooting dead five parishioners. . A journalist investigates what he initially thinks is a straightforward story about a small town a year on a priest shooting dead five parishioners. A Good Girl's Guide To Murder . In the summer holidays before entering her last year of school, Pip decides to use her A-Level extended project to investigate an unsolved case. . In the summer holidays before entering her last year of school, Pip decides to use her A-Level extended project to investigate an unsolved case. Countdown. Following the murder of a Department of Homeland Security agent, Nathan Blythe (Euphoria star Eric Dane) puts together a task force of agents from various agencies who are each known for their unconventional methods. In reviews of the show, Ballard's immersive storytelling has been praised, with Collider sharing: 'You get the suspense, the emotional drama, the suspects you wish were guilty, the suspects you wish weren't, and the healthy dose of a well-timed witty remark to get you cackling.' More Trending A Roger Ebert review praises the show's moment, writing: 'As with most procedurals, there are hard left turns, mounting personal stakes, and growing anticipation for how it all fits together, and when the denouement will ultimately explode. And explode it does.' Meanwhile, The AV Club noted that while most of the supporting characters weren't particularly fleshed out, they concluded: 'Ballard, while indeed formulaic for the most part, is at least an intriguing Connelly adaptation that boasts Maggie Q killing it once again.' View More » Ballard is available to stream on Prime Video from July 9. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: New 'thrill ride' action movie dominates Amazon Prime Video charts MORE: Dystopian thriller dubbed 'provocative and disturbing' now streaming on Netflix MORE: Prime Day launches today – and these films are streaming with huge discounts
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV drama hailed as 'brilliant' watch for Dept Q fans as it storms Netflix chart
Netflix viewers have been binging a 'brilliant' ITV detective drama after the six-parter arrived on Netflix after originally airing on the terrestrial channel back in January While the heatwave may be raging on in the UK, it hasn't stopped TV fans from binging Netflix 's latest releases - including one particular show that was made by ITV. Netflix viewers can't get enough of ITV drama North Shore, which has finally arrived on the streamer after making its debut on Paramount+ back in 2023. The six-part detective drama stars Game of Thrones' John Bradley as Max Drummond - a British detective sent over to Australia to investigate the murder of trade minister Abigail Crawford's (Joanne Froggatt) daughter. After the body of Abigail's daughter Sophie is discovered in Sydney Harbour, Max is forced to work with Australian detective Meg Driscoll (Kirsty Sturgess) to discover the truth behind the complex case. The mystery crime thriller arrived on ITVX at the end of last year in the UK and premiered on Network 10 the year before in Australia. However, many new fans are binging their way through North Shore, written by Cold Feet writer Michael J. Bullen. "#northshore on @netflix is brilliant! When is the next series please??" one fan wrote on X. Another said: "Have you seen North Shore on Netflix? Aussie crime series. Just starting ep 2 but like it very much so far." A third wrote: "North shore on Netflix well worth a watch!!" The series is making its way up the Netflix Top 10 streaming charts in the UK, placing at number nine. Meanwhile, some even compared the series to Netflix hit Dept Q - recommending that fans of the Matthew Goode series give North Shore a watch. "For anyone missing Dept Q, you might want to look at North Shore on Netflix. Brilliant." Another said: "If you're looking for good British crime shows on Netflix, watch Dept Q and North Shore." When the series aired on ITV earlier this year, many fans b egan to remember Joanne Froggatt's early role in Coronation Street as Zoe Tattersall. She appeared on the ITV soap from 1997 until 1998, before which she appeared in an episode of The Bill. If you're looking for something else to watch, Netflix users have just seven days to watch the highest rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes - Leave No Trace. The film follows a father and daughter as they return to the real world after living in the forest for years. Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie star in the film, which details the twist and turns of their journey after their off-the-grid life is discovered by the authorities.
The Herald Scotland
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow School of Art decision to close studio met with protest
On Tuesday afternoon, some of those affected by the closure - students, former students, users of the open studio and supporters - staged a protest outside the building. Among those joining the protest was Deborah Houston, who has been attending stained glass classes at the studio since she lost her job in higher education 10 years ago. READ MORE: Art school closes last link to studio where Mackintosh studied Nick Nairn celebrates 25 years of Scotland's first cook school New play set in 'crumbling' A&E department to premiere in Glasgow Dept Q film studio to be turned into Edinburgh Festival pop-up venue She told The Herald: "I'm really, really upset. It was a kind of lifeline for me so it's left a big gap socially. It affects everything really. We weren't a wee hobby class, you know, we were quite serious glass artists. We didn't produce wee trinkets and things like that. People were working on fairly advanced level glasswork. It was good. And it was the last of its kind because City of Glasgow College closed its studio last year I think. They ran the last remaining official course, a HNC, and that folded. 'Whilst there is this huge built environment in Glasgow that contains stained glass, second only to London in the UK, with a huge requirement for conservation, renovation and replacement, there's nowhere now to learn the skills other than very short weekend courses or a one-day course or taster courses or hiring your own studio space, which is hugely expensive. "Although the courses weren't cheap at GSA, it wasn't as expensive as hiring your own studio and setting up with your own kiln and all the rest of it. 'It's not a great feeling because it's left us all up in the air with nothing much to fill it.' People protesting outside the Glasgow School of Art Haldane building against the decision by the GSA to close the stained glass studio and end the classes (Image: Colin Mearns) Houston, who has produced beautiful fan light stained glass for her own doors, said that even some within the GSA were unaware of the closure. She added: "There was a mixture of ages and genders at the demo - a diversity of characters that do glass. We are all very sad about it. I went into the studio after the demo to collect glass that I was asked to pick up and it was sad being in it. We were all quite buoyant at the demo but a wee bit sad afterwards I think because we feel kind of useless. We have nowhere to go with this basically. The GSA has made a decision. "Interestingly I spoke to someone from the department that's taking over the space and she didn't know that that was happening. She was appalled. This wide consultation didn't seem to extend to the department that are taking over the space. So I don't know who the wide consultation was with." In a statement, a spokesman for the GSA said: 'The glass studio space is being repurposed to accommodate new full-time undergraduate students and studio space for the GSA. Unfortunately at this time there is no alternative space available for either the glass studio or the expansion of student numbers.'
