BOSCH: LEGACY
AMAZON FREEVEE, FROM 6 MAY
When Amazon announced that it was turning Michael Connelly’s popular Harry Bosch novels into a TV series, many fans were understandably nervous about how this complex detective and the rich cast of supporting characters would be interpreted for the small screen. They needn’t have worried – Bosch turned out to be one of the best crime dramas of recent times, leaving viewers bereft when the final episode of its seventh season streamed last year.
Now, just a year later, this spin-off arrives. Viewers will remember that, at the end of season seven, Harry (Titus Welliver) had somewhat pissed on his proverbial chips by going against his chief’s direct orders and derailing a major Fbi-organised crime investigation, before turning in his badge. The postscript at the end of the episode credits showed Harry submitting his application to become a private investigator and being told it was all good, pending an FBI background check – hinting at possible problems with that.
This new series picks up with Harry now working as a PI, while his ignominious exit from the LAPD doesn’t not seem to have hindered his daughter Maddie’s prospects on the force, as she is now a rookie in Hollywood Division.
One of the great successes of the original series was the way that it managed to have multiple narrative threads from the different books running concurrently without everything getting too confusing. And Legacy continues that in fine style. The first storyline sees Harry tasked with finding an heir for an ailing billionaire, Whitney Vance (William Devane, 24), and coming up against powerful interests who would rather that did not happen. Alongside that, he finds himself in the employ of former adversary, defence lawyer Honey Chandler (Mimi Rodgers), as he is tasked with bringing those who tried to have her and Maddie (Madison Lintz, The Walking Dead) assassinated in Bosch season seven.
Sadly, many of the old Hollywood Division faces, including J Edgar and Lt Billets are gone, but there is a whole new supporting cast, including tech expert Mo’ Bassi (Stephen A Chang, Captain Marvel), who also shares Bosch’s love of jazz. With everything the same but different, this should be one legacy the programme makers can be proud of. ★★★★★ Matthew Hurrell