Unmasking RHD: The Shocking Connection Between Ballard and Bosch!

by

In both ‘Ballard’ by author Michael Connelly and ‘Bosch’ (the TV series), the abbreviation RHD represents the same thing. However, its influence on Ballard (played by Maggie Q) in the new 10-episode Amazon Prime Video series runs much deeper. The story revolves around Ballard, a former detective who was relegated to the Cold Case unit after she accused a fellow officer of sexual harassment within the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). As one of the heads of the LAPD’s less well-funded departments, Ballard consistently demonstrated her relentless spirit, which ultimately allowed her team to expose a far-reaching conspiracy within the LAPD.

Prior to investigating cold cases, Ballard was associated with a well-known division (RHD) within the Los Angeles Police Department. This division was responsible for addressing unusual cases, but it suffered significant damage to its reputation when some of its detectives were found corrupt.

In the spinoff series titled “Bosch: Legacy,” an outstanding ensemble of actors took center stage, with Maggie Q, Ricardo Chavira, Michael Mosley, John Carroll Lynch, Courtney Taylor, Rebecca Field, and Amy Hill leading the way. The show, named “Ballard,” made its debut on Amazon Prime Video on July 9, 2025.

What Does RHD Stand For In Ballard?

In the course of Ballard’s ten-episode series, as well as Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, RHD (Real Homicide Division) was frequently referenced. This suggests that it holds significant importance within the broader narrative.

The acronym refers to the Robbery-Homicide Division of the LAPD, a department where Renee Ballard previously worked before being reassigned to Cold Cases. This division was also once home to Harry Bosch, the main character from the series (who is portrayed by Titus Welliver and originally a detective, now turned private investigator).

Within the Los Angeles crime unit, detectives from the RHD (Robbery-Homicide Division) are tasked with managing high-stakes cases such as major thefts, serial murders, human trafficking, and gruesome homicides. Their methods, often considered daring by some colleagues, have earned them a reputation for being unconventional and even disliked in certain circles due to their unorthodox approaches to resolving cases.

Previously, Ballard worked for the RHD, but she was dismissed following her allegation of sexual harassment against Detective Lieutenant Robert Olivas. Although there was evidence of an inappropriate act, the LAPD found Ballard’s testimony unconvincing and assigned her to the Cold Case division instead.

In the series ‘Bosch’, season 4 finds Harry Bosch delving into corruption within the ranks of the RHD detectives, following the brutal murder of a lawyer who had frequently brought cases against the LAPD.

It’s not hard to understand that the RHD carries a negative image, leading to Ballard and Bosch no longer being affiliated with the department. However, it’s worth noting that the RHD is significant in the conspiracy Ballard is pursuing, despite the explosive Season 1 finale of the Bosch: Legacy spinoff, where Olivas and multiple officers were exposed for their dealings with a hazardous cartel.

Did Ballard Return to RHD After Season 1?

Renée Ballard had a lot going on by running the LAPD’s Cold Case department in Ballard Season 1. 

Her team was deeply engrossed in investigating a notorious serial killer, who had been preying on successful women in Los Angeles, as well as uncovering a conspiracy that linked corrupt cops to the Zacatecas Nuevas cartel.

In Season 1’s finale, Ballard’s team worked tirelessly to gather evidence and solve puzzles, leading them to apprehend and execute Gary Pearlman, the notorious serial killer. Following his capture, Ballard shifted her focus to uncovering a corrupt network within the LAPD, eventually exposing several dishonest officers, among them Olivas.

After securing a victory at Ballard, she chose not to go back to RHD following the subsequent upheaval. Instead, she believed she could continue making a significant impact by leading the Cold Cases department.

Following the conclusion of Season 1, Ballard’s career took a different course when she was detained. This was due to Olivas’ body being discovered in his residence, a fact that linked her as the last person to have seen him alive. Intriguingly, she had threatened him on the night he met his demise. However, it should be noted that she did not take his life.

Ballard’s apprehension implies that there remain dishonest officers within the LAPD, possibly seeking to silence her to wrap up any outstanding issues. This creates a tangled plotline for Season 2, as she grapples with deciding who is trustworthy.

Read More

2025-07-15 20:04