Ballard, the new Prime Video police procedural starring Maggie Q, is a spinoff of Bosch. Michael Connelly, the author behind all 24 Harry Bosch books, shared that the character Renee Ballard is based on a real-life detective.
"Most of the characters I've written about are multi-influenced by fictional characters and people I've met," said Connelly. "But Renee Ballard is based on an actual LAPD detective, who recently retired, named Mitzi Roberts. I've known her for a long time and she was helping me on my Bosch books as a consultant."
Connelly found Roberts' story compelling enough to create a fictional detective inspired by her. "One day it dawned on me that her story was worth telling," he added. "I asked her how she ascended the ranks to become a homicide detective and it was so fascinating that I said I would love to write a character based on her, and she said 'yes'."
The Prime Video series has brought this character to life and is currently No. 1 on the streaming service. Connelly mentioned how Ballard's role has evolved in the series.
"Ballard has gone from being a detective in my books to leading a cold-case unit on our new show," he said with pride. He frequently consults with Mitzi Roberts for authenticity in storytelling. "Truth turns into fiction but I go to Mitzi Roberts all the time and ask, 'What would you do in this situation?' It always comes down to her stories and anecdotes and her experience. And now, she's working on Ballard as a producer and is part of the writing room."
The transition from Bosch to Ballard marked both continuity and change for Connelly's universe.
"We had an amazing run on Bosch," Connelly explained. "But I can't be disappointed after 10-plus amazing years. Now, I get to pivot into this other character while still telling a story about Los Angeles, but with a slightly different tone and a lot of new locations."
He expressed excitement about Maggie Q taking over as Ballard: "It's fun to have Maggie Q take the baton as Ballard and be the leader now."