Trigger warning! This article contains mentions of sexual assault.
Ballard star Courtney Taylor has discussed how season 1’s Olivas revelation will irrevocably change her character, Parker. Ballard season 1 has been dominating the streaming charts on Prime Video, and the strong, gritty storytelling, combined with interesting characters and a strong cast, has made the show a big success.
Parker has been one of the most complicated and flawed characters on the show, with a mysterious backstory that only fully comes to light with revelations about Detective Robert Olivas, and her complicated past with him. Now that the truth has been revealed, the revelation is set to impact Parker moving forward.
Screenrant interviewed Taylor, to discuss Parker’s Ballard season 1 arc, and what the future holds for the troubled former cop. The star discussed how the revelations of her character’s sexual assault by Detective Robert Olivas are set to shape her future, particularly after he attempts to assault Ballard as well. Check out Taylor’s quotes below:
I think it changes in that I think about myself differently. Parker had put up this wall, this kind of stone-cold [persona], like, “I’m tough, I left on my own volition.” She had an idea of why she left in her head, and I don’t think she had any animosity towards her ex-partner, until it finally settles in and she can realize all the gaslighting that occurred.
She can realize all the pain that she experienced, and maybe blocked out entirely, because she was trying to be professional, or didn’t want to ruffle feathers. I think you notice a change in Parker, in her ability to speak up for herself in a more beneficial way, and also leaning on her community, especially Ballard, and the crew of people she’s working with.
It allows her to fall back in love with her job, and what she’s so passionate about. So, I do think her relationship does end up changing with Olivas heavily, because now the blinders are off. Now, the rose-colored glasses are off. Now, I can finally stand in what I know is wrong, and I think you see that in Parker when she has her interactions with Olivas after she’s made the realization.
What This Means For Parker Moving Forward
Expect A More Open & Less Standoffish Parker
These unpleasant revelations would have impacted Parker in ways she might not have expected, but the fact Ballard had a similar experience is important in showing her that she is not alone. Coming to terms with what happened to her is the best way of being able to process it, and, as Taylor says, she will be able to lean on those close to her now.
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The character now has a chance to grow differently and understand her place in the world of law enforcement. Instead of keeping things inside to appear more professional, Parker is likely to speak her mind more, and this could wind up changing the way she approaches her job, as well as informing her interactions with co-workers.
Our Take On Parker’s Ballard Season 2 Journey
It Could Be A Journey Of Frustration & A Quest For Justice
Ballard and Parker now share mutual trauma committed by the same man, and the fact that Olivas was also part of Ballard season 1’s LAPD conspiracy also makes this more jarring. The revelation that he cut a deal for immunity is a big blow for both women, and there is no doubt they will be looking for revenge on Olivas in the future.
Ballard season 2 has not been renewed yet, but Parker is bound to have a strong role in the season, and the fact that she will undergo some strong changes as a character should make for an interesting arc. It will be fascinating to see the direction the show, and Parker as a character, take for Ballard season 2.
