Bosch: The Best Show You Haven't Seen

When people ask me for suggestions regarding a TV series to watch in these days of multiple viewing choices and numerous streaming options, there are certain shows I consider my "go to" recommendations. Series like Ozark, Better Call Saul, Penny Dreadful and Sense8 are personal favorites, but some of those selections may not be everyone's cup of tea. One show I can recommend to everyone without hesitation is Bosch, the Amazon-produced series based on the novels of bestselling author Michael Connelly. If you're not watching this show, you're missing out on one of the best series currently running on any platform. Bosch is a crime drama which tells the story of veteran Los Angeles detective Harry Bosch, whose deep sense of justice and relentless pursuit of murderers is fueled by his personal demons and his tragic past.

Titus Welliver as Bosch

Bosch's mother was killed when he was a child, and her killer was never found. He's obsessed with finding out the true circumstances behind her murder, and that search plays out as background to the first few seasons of the show. The writers incorporate multiple storylines from Connelly's novels into each season of the series. If you haven't read the books, you can watch and enjoy the series on its own terms. However, if you have read the novels, you'll have an even deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry the writers have cleverly laid out across each ten episode arc of the show. The major storylines are usually resolved by the end of a season, but there are ongoing plot points that run throughout the series. The stories are superbly crafted tales of murder, police corruption, and fractured relationships, which often travel in surprising, but dramatically satisfying, directions.

The cast is terrific, and it's criminal (no pun intended) that they haven't been recognized by the Emmys or SAG Awards for their sterling work on the series. Bosch is portrayed by the indispensable Titus Welliver, who you may remember from his roles on the TV series Sons of Anarchy and Lost, and in films such as The Town and Argo. Welliver's multi-layered, richly textured portrayal of Bosch is the glue that holds the show together. He's aided and abetted by a talented ensemble that includes Jamie Hector as his partner Jerry Edgar, Amy Aquino as their boss, Lieutenant Grace Billets, and Madison Lintz as Bosch's daughter Maddie. Other top-notch actors featured throughout the series are Sarah Clarke, Steven Culp and Mimi Rogers. Lance Reddick (of Lost and Fringe) is perfect as Police Chief Irving. No one heaves a sigh quite as effectively as Reddick. Top notch supporting players Gregory Scott Cummins and Troy Evans, are wonderful as Detectives Crate and Barrel, and they absolutely deserve a spinoff series!

The behind the scenes talent is strong as well. Directors like Ernest Dickerson and Tim Hunter have helmed episodes of the show, and the talented writers for the series include Tom Bernardo and Katie Pyne. There's never been a better time to get into this excellent show. The stories are more intimate and emotionally driven than most police dramas, and while they travel down some dark roads, there is always a sense of light and redemption as well. The sharply drawn performances and well-crafted stories give you a real sense of empathy for, and understanding of, these full fleshed out characters. There are currently six seasons of Bosch available for streaming on Amazon Prime. It was recently announced that the series will return for a seventh and final go-round next year. This is the best show you (probably) haven't seen, and it should definitely be on your must watch list. Give Bosch a chance; you wont be disappointed. Here's a link to the trailer for the first season of this awesome series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-HUa10kVpQ.