Abhiroop Das
While Prime Video’s ‘Ballard’ is the story of Renée Ballard‘s new Cold Cases Division in the Los Angeles Police Department, it doesn’t miss out on tapping into its nostalgic elements, particularly with the return of characters from ‘Bosch.’ While Harry Bosch makes an early appearance in the story, after Ballard reopens one of his former cases, the return of Detective Jerry Edgar, Bosch’s former partner in the Hollywood Division, seems to have more weight to it. Prior to this, Edgar does make cameo appearances in ‘Bosch: Legacy,’ but they are markedly different from his role in ‘Ballard.’ Here, he breaks free from the established pattern and brings a fresh perspective to the story. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Jerry Edgar Returns As Ballard’s Friend
Jamie Hector’s character, Jerry Edgar, makes his first appearance in the show in the ninth episode, ‘Collateral.’ He meets Ballard in the elevator, and the two strike up a conversation about the Sarah Pearlman case, which the protagonist has resuscitated into an active case. When Ballard asks who gave him the heads-up, he playfully remarks, “a mutual friend,” implying Bosch, who has previously worked with both of them. Edgar then relays to her that those higher-ups are considering her return to the Robbery-Homicide Division. However, he also adds that their decision is contingent on her success with the case. The news sparks hope in the eyes of the Detective, who is eager to get back in, but also cautious, given her tumultuous past experiences with the Division.
Edgar then reveals his interest in her return, as he is looking for a new partner, who he hopes will be an improvement on Officer Tomlinson, his present partner. Following Bosch’s departure from the LAPD in the final season of ‘Bosch,’ Edgar has likely experimented with many new partners, yet the fact that he is still looking for a new one might suggest that none so far seem to match his combined detective prowess with Bosch. In the present, Edgar criticizes his partner’s lack of dedication, claiming that Tomlinson spends all day tracking cryptocurrency.
Ballard and Edgar meet again in the final episode at a funeral service. During their conversation, she recounts an old story about her father and one of his friends, echoing the idea of trust and camaraderie. Edgar gets the cue and realizes that Ballard will not be returning to Robbery-Homicide, instead choosing to nurture the bonds she has formed in the Cold Cases Division. While the two might not become partners in the near future, the idea of friendship also applies to Ballard and Edgar, and they are likely to stay in touch and perhaps even help each other out in their future endeavours.
Jerry Edgar Was Supposed to Have His Own Spin-off Show
Jamie Hector’s cameo in ‘Ballard’ is not without context, as his character was supposed to lead a spin-off series of his own. In February 2023, Amazon reportedly announced that two spin-off sequels of ‘Bosch’ were in the early stages of development. They were categorized as ‘Untitled J. Edgar project’ and the ‘Untitled Renée Ballard project.’ Three months after that, Jamie Hector was confirmed to reprise his role, with the plot following his undercover FBI mission in Little Haiti, Miami. The series synopsis also teased a peek into Edgar’s past, which has always been shrouded in mystery. However, the project was reportedly shelved in October 2024, with no official explanation behind the decision.
As of writing, neither the production team of ‘Ballard’ nor Jamie Hector has provided any update on his future as a member of the show. Given the fact that Edgar’s introduction in the show opens up new plot threads, it is possible that he will have a returning role in the series. On the other hand, the team might also be testing the waters for greenlighting his spin-off series. There is also the wild card scenario of Edgar joining Ballard’s Cold Cases Division, even if temporarily, as it is entirely comprised of volunteers. His presence and insight would add another feather to Ballard’s cap and open up the possibility of solving many more cases. Edgar’s connections within the Hollywood Homicide Division and the RHD also make him an invaluable asset. As such, while the character is likely to return to the narrative, the manner itself is still up in the air.
Read More: Is Madison Lintz’s Maddie Bosch in Ballard?
