This episode appears to be based on several separate cases/incidents:
- The 2021 Britney Spears conservatorship dispute.
- The 2022 Amanda Bynes conservatorship dispute.
- The life and career of Serena Williams. Also, Lucy McDaniel's controlling father appears to be loosely based on Richard Williams, Serena's father, who coached her and her sister Venus Williams.
- Inspired by mental health activism by professional athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles. The detectives make reference to Lucy McDaniel's dropping out of a big tournament - Osaka dropped out of the French Open in 2021, citing mental health issues and battles with depression.