Bosch Epis 1-2 Reviews: An Interesting Old School Police Procedural (Season Premiere)

Amazon Prime's newest foray into original programming was delivered on Friday the 13th. Let's hope that's not bad luck. The show is based on Michael Connelly's novels. All ten episodes of "Bosch" were released simultaneously. It's the story of a cop named Hieronymus Bosch (let's just call him "Harry") as he solves crimes in Los Angeles. The character of Bosch is played by Titus Welliver (who has excellent screen presence).

In episode 1, Bosch is named in a wrongful death lawsuit for shooting a suspect (although he was cleared by the police department). We learn he's killed an unknown number of people during his time in the military and as a police officer. While on trial, Bosch also weasels his way into the investigation of a child murder. We meet several other members of the LAPD and other assorted characters (hey that's Hershel from "The Walking Dead") along the way.

Bosch & A Dead Guy

In the big reveal of episode, we learn Bosch's mother was a prostitute. She was murdered. The killer has never been found. Bosch was severly abused as a child by a man I assume was her boyfriend. This is why he empathises with the murdered child so much.

Episode 2 "Lost Light" reveals a new baddie during a routine traffic stop. The police find a naked dead guy in the back of his van. Mental Note: When cops find a dead body in your car, you apparently should deny...deny...deny.

Bosch & Love Interest Julia

Bosch and a fellow officer (Julia) go out for drinks. They of course have a love connection. Yep we knew this would happen. Everyone knows "you can borrow my flashlight" is actually code for "lots hit the sheets tonite". She is a beat cop but wants to be a detective. Did I hear her right... she used to be lawyer? Why would you want to be a cop then? Anyway, everyone at the precinct finds out about their relationship (and feels free to express their opinions).

Bosch & Edgar Have Been Partners For Five Years

The cops previously interviewed a child molester in the murdered boy's case. Bosch and his partner Jerry Edgar later found the guy has hung himself.

Waits' public defender tells him that DNA from multiple victims (6 men and 1 woman) were discovered in his van. Waits wants to speak with the prosecutor. He has valuable info on the murdered child that he wants to trade for...say... avoiding the death penalty. Waits confesses to putting the boy in the canyon years ago. His other victims are there as well. He likes the view.

Favorite Quotes:

"Street wisdom baby. I told you this stop would produce."- patrolman on how he knew to stop Waits' van.
"Its been a real pleasure watching Chandler expose you for what you are. A insubordinate, arrogant, know it all loner, and all around self righteous prick. We dont need cops like you any more Bosch. Put in for your pension pal. Your days are fucking numbered."- Captain Pounds to Bosch.
Detectives Crate & Barrel (yes, that's a nickname) : "Who's the dead guy in the van?" Raynard Waits: "I dont know. I've never seen him before. Somebody must have put him there."

Grade: 3 3/4 Monsters (out of 5) The show is beautifully shot. The city of Los Angeles becomes another character. The lead is compelling. One thing I didnt find realistic was the multi million dollar house Bosch lives in on the hill. He tells Julia that Paramount paid him big bucks when they made a movie (Black Echo) about one of his cases. Uh, ok... if you have that much money why not quit your job (since apparently a number of people at the PD hate your guts).

This genre is not in my usual wheelhouse but I may check back later to see what becomes of Bosch. If you like a good old school police procedural, "Bosch" might be the show for you. Please leave your thoughts and comments below.