Bosch: Legacy - General Discussion

[Meredith Quill]

All discussion of the Bosch series on Amazon Prime goes here!

[ljp]

Just finished the first season yesterday. I really enjoyed it (although I'm easy to please when it comes to murder mysteries). I've read many of the books over the years, but so long ago that this seemed all new. I think in part it was due to the updating, I'm pretty sure the series started so long ago that the main character is much older now than the Bosch on the show?

I don't think this is groundbreaking TV, but I do enjoy the 6 to 10 episode one story shows much more than 22 episode series that ramble endlessly on. I watch a lot of British series as a result. This reminded me of those, but really liked the LA setting and sort of American Noir vibe. Just me or lots of grey blue tones? Hoping this does well enough that we get a second season. Liked most of the secondary characters but I did spend much of series waiting for one shoe to drop as it was ridiculously telegraphed.

I'm afraid to say much else as I don't want to spoil things for anyone. Is this topic going to be for people who've gotten all the way through the whole season?

[Cheyanne11]

Just finished the first season yesterday. I really enjoyed it (although I'm easy to please when it comes to murder mysteries). I've read many of the books over the years, but so long ago that this seemed all new. I think in part it was due to the updating, I'm pretty sure the series started so long ago that the main character is much older now than the Bosch on the show?

 

Yes, they updated the story so now Bosch is a military veteran first serving in the Gulf War.  In the books, he was a Vietnam vet.  I've read most, if not all, of the Bosch books, and that was the only change/update I could see so far.

[Bort]

Yes, they updated the story so now Bosch is a military veteran first serving in the Gulf War. In the books, he was a Vietnam vet. I've read most, if not all, of the Bosch books, and that was the only change/update I could see so far.

The third book has the plot about Bosch being sued by a dead perp's widow but the scenario is way different (the details are best left for the book thread), though the part about the perp reaching for something and getting shot is the same.

There's other stuff I noticed, like Bosch's ex living in Hong Kong, then Vegas, when in the books it was the other way around. And other little things. I think they've changed a lot of detail on cases, which keeps me from guessing the outcome because if it were exactly the same, I'd remember it better.

I only got through three episodes so far, FYI.

Edited February 16, 2015 by kariyaki

[Irlandesa]

I'm afraid to say much else as I don't want to spoil things for anyone. Is this topic going to be for people who've gotten all the way through the whole season?

I think this topic has to be for the full season since everyone will be watching at different rates there'd be no way to control when it's okay to talk about the third episode or the seventh episode or the final episode.  For those who aren't finished, I would imagine episode threads could be created.  Although, I don't feel like this is truly "episodic" television.

 

I've seen reviews say that every episode feels like a chapter and I'd have to agree.  While some small things come up and are resolved in each episode/chapter, the show is really meant to be seen as a whole.  In fact, the final episode feels like an epilogue. 

 

The show isn't revolutionary or even necessarily great but I thought it was very good.  I love a good mystery and this felt like what The Killing could have been.   It balanced two types of mystery-the "whodunit" with the Delacroix mystery and the "Howcatchem" (sort of) with the Waits case.  I liked how the investigations stuck closely to good old fashioned pounding-the-pavement detective work.  The introduction and dismissal of the red herrings felt organic and not just meant to throw us off (I see you The Killing.) It was just easy to watch.

 

Two things I would call great about the show are the opening credits.  I just loved the look and sound of them. The show was also shot beautifully.  Even if I didn't like the detective aspect of it all, it'd be worth watching it just for that.

 

I may have read one of the Bosch books in the past.  I think I've read more of the Lincoln Lawyer series where Bosch appears but isn't always considered a main character so I wouldn't have much to compare the character/mysteries to the books which served as inspiration.  Not that it would matter much.  I am not someone who gets wrapped up in those details when it comes to adaptations.  I know some people are upset that he doesn't have a moustache (which Welliver may grow for a second season if there is one) or that he's not a Vietnam Vet but I wouldn't get upset about that.  Heck, I'm one of the few that didn't care that a tiny Tom Cruise played the book-described-giant Jack Reacher.

[yourdreamer]

I've made it through the first five episodes (watching with my boyfriend who tends to fall asleep so it's a little slower going than my normal binge watching).  I did remark to him that he was a Vietnam Vet in the books, but I don't think Titus reads as younger than the contemporary Bosch of the book series.  It has been a while since I've read the books, although this makes me really want to re-read (although preferably after I've finished the first season, as there are still some surprises for me).

 

I read some critics reviews who only had the first 4 episodes to review and they generally all remarked that the pace sped up near the end of the fourth episode.  I agree - it took a while to introduce the characters, plot, look/feel of LA, etc.  Something I did notice was that the first 3 (or so) episodes all seemed to be solely focused on Bosch's POV, but there are some scenes in the later episodes that I have watched which expand the universe (e.g. the Deputy Chief's discussion with the Lieutenant and, later, his son, Raynard Waites's life with his mother).

[kieyra]

I think I've watched too much Nordic Noir, but I'm finding this all strangely perfunctory, like Amazon knew they needed a crime/serial killer show and some Wire/HBO alumni needed the work. 

 

Again: I've watched almost every prestige crime/serial killer drama they've made lately (The Killing, Broadchurch, Forbrydelsen, The Fall) so maybe I'm just saturated. The Fall in particular made me extremely uninterested in killer-POV scenes, and I FF'd through a lot of the scenes with Waites (sp) and his mother because it all just seemed enormously telegraphed. (Did anyone believe she would survive the series?)  I'm not invested in any of the characters, don't even really know anyone's names. (I'm ... I don't know, 75% in?) I was happy to see Titus Welliver in a non-badguy role, but he's ... well, I won't say as flat-affected as Gillian Andersen was in The Fall, but manages to sound pretty bored most of the time, such a when he's on the phone with ... you know, a serial killer. Which he is once or twice per episode. 

 

And the show just hits so many predictable notes, including the flawed cop promising his daughter he'll be home for Christmas--including using the word 'promise'--and then not making it.

 

I generally like Amazon's offerings but this one feels very cookie-cutter, and not particularly going for innovation like many other Netflix/Amazon originals. It's like they're following a blueprint/bullet list for serial killer seasons. In fact, as I type, the serial killer just kidnapped the victim who is still alive and screaming, and he left a note about, so I guess we'll wonder for a while whether she will be rescued. The Fall dragged this trope out for almost the entire second season, so my bitterness is high. 

 

Happy to see so many people from The Wire getting work. I do wonder if Lance Reddick gets tired of his police-captain typecasting.

Edited February 17, 2015 by kieyra

[Desperately Random]

I'm on episode 7 and am enjoying it a lot more than I originally thought I would. I've always like Titus Welliver but he was not how I pictured Bosch would look so it sort of threw me at first. Now, I'm used to him and think he is doing a good job. I figured they would have to update a few things and the fact that he is a Gulf War vet and not a Vietnam vet doesn't bother me at all. They have made some small changes like Maddie's mom being re-married (and still alive) and Maddie not living with him. I think I like that better. Makes more sense that he is all about the job because he doesn't have anyone at home depending on him. I do miss that the Kiz Ryder character so far has been very much side-lined. At this point in the books, she and Harry were good friends and I liked their relationship.

I hope this does get a second series and they do the story of how Harry

solves the murder of his mother.

That was one of my favorite books in the series.

[Snarkette]

Loved the pilot, couldn't wait for the series, loved the series, hope this gets a second at least.

[Prevailing Wind]

I noticed he's no longer a Vietnam vet, but Afghanistan.  It's certainly been updated - I watched episodes 5 - 8 tonight and was noticed the Ferguson, MO. comment from Rev. Ott.  Pretty current!  And, yes, they DO still make flip phones - I have one. LOL.

[Prevailing Wind]

I'm enjoying the series so far.  I've only got 2 episodes to go, but it's already past my bedtime...

[CarpeDiem54]

Loved the pilot, couldn't wait for the series, loved the series, hope this gets a second at least.

Exactly what I was going to say. I want more Bosch! The cast was great and the cinamatography was outstanding, also.

[kathyj]

I really enjoyed season 1 of the series.  I'm reading book 10 now, so I've covered what was included in the series.  Some surprising changes from the book, but I don't think they ruin anything.  Both the book and the series are fun to read/watch.

The music is really good.  Did anyone notice how the jazzy style changed to bluesy in the final song of the episode 10?

What a sicko the killer was!  I had a hard time watching the scene when he was chasing his last prey.

There is so many stories from the books to cover in the series.  It could go on for years!  At least I hope so.

[kathyj]

What a miserable creep!  I can't believe he left his mother in the bed with the candle lit - perhaps for the smell?  His death seemed a bit anticlimactic.  Anyone else agree? Does anyone remember him from the books?  Perhaps I haven't gotten to that book yet.  Currently reading book 10.

Edited February 18, 2015 by kathyj

[Prevailing Wind]

Whenever they mention Eleanor & Maddie being in Hong Kong,

I kept waiting for the mention of Maddie having been kidnapped & Harry needing to go save her (like you know he would)

...but that's for another season, I guess...

Edited February 21, 2015 by stacey
spoiler tag

[Prevailing Wind]

I thought perhaps he was thinking the candle would burn down & set fire to the place, yet somehow leave his Magic Castle intact below ground...or wherever the hell that was.  Was the garage built up against a hill & Harris excavated all that to make his hidey hole?

[kathyj]

At first I thought he was going to burn up the house too, but then thought it would fall into his hidey hole.  I think if he wanted to burn it down, he probably would have just set her on fire!  Oh, what a horrendous thought.

[Prevailing Wind]

Maddie comes to visit Harry. He takes her to breakfast.  She orders pancakes and an extra plate and proceeds to lay down the syrup first and then the pancake, something she recently learned from Harry.  And nothing's mentioned.  There's not even a shot of Harry looking amused as his daughter takes up his idea that pancakes are best eaten that way.  It was such a lovely, throwaway moment that might have been missed if you weren't paying attention.  I loved that.

[Lillybee]

Jason Gedrick did an incredible acting job on this show.

[Prevailing Wind]

He reminded me (physically) of Robert Pastorelli (Eldin from Murphy Brown).

[benteen]

I just finished the first season and I really enjoyed it.  I've never read the books though I'm familiar with Michael Connelly's work...bought The Scarecrow (which I know isn't a Bosch book) after reading an EW review but still need to read that.  I'm bad that way. ;)

 

I think the acting/casting is excellent and I always appreciate shows that make the city itself a character (like NYC is with Person of Interest).  Titus Welliver is great as Bosch and I've been a fan of Annie Wersching since 24.  The guy playing Waits was really good too.  Also will share the love for the opening credit sequence.  I agree that the show itself isn't exactly groundbreaking on the storyline front but I really hope this show gets picked up for a second season.  I've liked quite a bit of what I've watched on Amazon Prime so far.

[auntiemel]

The character appears in the novel Echo Park.

[auntiemel]

I hope this does get a second series and they do the story of how Harry

solves the murder of his mother.

That was one of my favorite books in the series.

 

I'm hoping that if they get a second season, that's the story they focus on. It would be a natural progression, because in the books, the precipitating event for him having time to focus on a side-case is him being on suspension for punching Pounds. It's also one of my favorites of the novels!

[auntiemel]

Also, the resolution to the Brasher plot was quite different in the books and the show!

[AuntiePam]

I've only watched the first episode so maybe this isn't fair criticism, but I think there's too much on the screen.  We're being told too much, too soon.  It looks like the show will be one to watch for what happens, to solve the mystery.  It needs more subtlety, or something.  We were hit over the head (no pun intended) with the ME's description of the first victim's injuries, Bosch has an almost physical reaction, and then he revisits the grave -- yeah, we get it, he cares.  There are too many scenes with Bosch ignoring his boss's instructions. 

 

On an even shallower note, the female cop has the dullest red hair I've ever seen.  If it's a wig, it's awful, and if it's real, that's even worse.  Get some highlights, girl!

 

I did like seeing all those familiar faces, especially Herschel and Marlo.

[Raja]

He was way over the top super villainy.  He wasn't going in and out of the system for 25 years yet is able to pull off rapid disarming of officers escape s and evasions..

[seamusk]

I was sick today so I binge watched the last like 8 episodes and finished it. I really liked it. I felt it wasn't heavy fair per se, and I do agree that it wasn't ground breaking. But I think it was in some ways at least bold in that it didn't resort to ridiculous hacking memes or make Bosch into a magician. I am not a book reader, but this show was much more about straight up detective work than others. And i'm sure the vets from the Wire made me notice it, but it had a light touch of the politics and the city that was heavy in the Wire. The closing shot was very Wire-esque actually and I liked that touch. Anyhow, I liked the show and I liked Brasher's red hair. :)

[marys1000]

I love the books and somewhat surprisingly really like the show (usually casting doesn't match whats in my head).

 

When or when is season 2?   One complaint about Amazon is that they seem to do a shitty job of second or more seasons of things people like and its hard to find information and schedules.  (Not to mention to giving me any seasons of pilots I liked). 

[Noirprncess]

Season 2 is supposed to come out either in January or February 2016

[kathyj]

Yeah! I'm reading "The Crossing" now.  Love Bosch!

[Bort]

New season drops March 11.

[shapeshifter]

New season drops March 11.

According to metacritic.com/feature/tv-premiere-dates, this season features one of my fake TV boyfriends, Joel Kinnaman.

Is this the kind of series where I could just start watching with this new season?

[Bort]

According to metacritic.com/feature/tv-premiere-dates, this season features one of my fake TV boyfriends, Joel Kinnaman.

Is this the kind of series where I could just start watching with this new season?

I don't know, maybe. I haven't heard yet if season 2's plot will be totally independent of season 1's. Possibly. That's how the books went. Same characters, new mystery. I didn't actually read them in order.

[benteen]

I enjoyed Season 1 and am very much looking forward to Season 2.

[OoogleEyes]

Is it ever mentioned how Harry could afford that fabulous pad in the hills overlooking downtown LA?

[Bort]

Yes, Harry said they made a movie based on him and the payout from it gave him the money to buy the house.

[OoogleEyes]

Yeah, I guess I could have waited a minute until I watched S1E10! Thanks, though!

[Irlandesa]

Sepinwall reviewed it and liked it more than last season. (And I've seen a few generally positive reviews.)

 

http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/review-how-amazons-bosch-figured-itself-out-for-season-2

 

Since I liked last season, this makes me even happier for tomorrow. I only wish I didn't have to work a bit this weekend.  Darnit. 

[KateeBar]

Glad to find fellow Bosch watchers! I have enjoyed the books for years and I've been waiting for season 2 to finally come out. I think they've done a good job using the source material as a foundation, but riffing where necessary. And man I love Titus Welliver. 

 

I just wish the showrunners could have kicked Bosch's love of jazz to the curb. I can take the soundtrack's jazzy undertones to a degree, but please don't make me watch too many scenes in an actual jazz club. Gah. Personal preference, of course. 

[Primetimer]

Is it burying the lede to mention that Eric Roberts plays Al?

Read the story

[zxy556575]

I appreciated the long "previously" segment because I didn't realize how much I'd forgotten until I started watching again. And I suspect a lot of my character memories are from the books anyway.

 

But yeah. Bosch is back from suspension and still butting heads with everyone plus now the FBI ... go!

Edited March 11, 2016 by lordonia

[preeya]

Been waiting for S02. Glad it's finally here.

[OoogleEyes]

You know, I'm really enjoying Jamie Hector's Jerry Edgar. He was so iconic as Marlo, it was hard to imagine him as murder police.

[berly57]

I truly will be interested to hear what others think of Season 2. I am midway through Episode 6 and have to say Season 2, so far, is a fail for me compared to Season 1. I don't know if there are different writers, directors . . . what it is, but I am really disappointed so far. Even the acting (even though there are the same actors) seems "off" to me this season. Really disappointed because I absolutely loved Season 1 and was so looking forward to 2. 

 

Maybe someone can more succinctly express what I am trying to say (if anyone agrees with me, that is).

[AndySmith]

It was nominated at the 1991 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics. And was the first Emmy nomination for TNT. Thank you, google.

[shapeshifter]

I was surprised to see in IMDb that he only appeared in 3 episodes of Lost. It seemed like more.

[molshoop]

I remember Irving being much more unlikable in the books than in this series.

[Bort]

He was. I was kind of surprised to see that Irving was an ally in the show.

Season 2 runs plots from three books: Trunk Music (the porn/mob guy's murder), The Drop (Irving's son's death), and The Last Coyote (his mother's murder). I don't think I read the last one, I don't remember much about the Irving's son book but the one I do remember very well is Trunk Music. That book stuck out in my mind because I remembered that the whole Vegas mob plot (that spans the first two-thirds of the book) was all a red herring because it turned out the wife did it.

It WAS neat how they managed to tie two of the plots together on the show, I thought it was nicely done.

[Bort]

The mob plot is inherently less interesting than a serial killer plot. Season 2 had big shoes to fill, coming off season 1.

I do like Jeri Ryan in this, I was kind of rooting for her to get away with everything.

This part killed me: Arceneaux: Who the hell are you? Bosch: Uber.

I also wanted to applaud Billets and her captain friend for giving Brasher a dressing-down. I can't believe Brasher had the nerve to shoot her mouth off like that. And I'm glad she wasn't involved in the plot at all and we didn't see any more of her than we did.

[mjc570]

 I very much liked this, but not as much as Season 1.  The actual plot was kind of boring (I am not interested in Vegas mob stuff), but for me, the biggest problem there was WAY WAY WAY too much Eleanor and Maddie.  Speaking of Maddie - I was so irritated in episode 10 - a girl, who looked like she was at least 8-10, comes up to Maddie - a perfect stranger - in the playground and asks her to push her on the swings.  I realize they couldn't have a 5 yo do it, but still.  And then - Maddie requests (and gets) a "group hug" "Maddie sandwich" in public - ugh.  Yeah, I get that there was a profound message about childhood/family ties, but really?

 

On the other hand, no show with Brent Sexton, Matthew Lilliard and Amy Aquino can ever be bad. I found myself mesmerized by Chief Irving - for some reason, I could stare at him for an hour and not get bored.

 

I actually watched all of this within a few days, but for some reason I am totally blanking out on who Jeri Ryan was supposed to have stabbed with scissors.