Bosch - Season 5

Bosch is an Amazon Prime Video original series. Season five, 10 episodes, was released on April 19th. I have already watched all 10 episodes. It's good. 

Harry Bosch, the title character, is an LA police detective assigned to the Hollywood homicide division. He is a decorated and controversial detective and a special forces veteran who served in Afghanistan. As is expected of TV detectives, he does not always go by the book or follow all the rules. Each season concentrates on one primary crime investigation although there are other storylines, personal and criminal, going on at the same time. I love that a serious and complicated crime is not solved in the 43 actual minutes of a network TV show. The main season five crime is the murder of a corrupt pharmacist by a drug gang. A prominent side story is the attempt to overturn a 20-year-old murder conviction and simultaneously frame Bosch for planting evidence. No spoilers here. 

This series has enjoyed stellar performances by the main actors. Titus Welliver shines as Bosch, recurring characters Jamie Hector as Detective II Jerry Edgar, Harry's partner, Amy Aquino as Lieutenant II Grace Billets, Harry's immediate superior, and Lance Reddick as Chief of Police Irvin Irving, all are excellent. There are many other lesser characters, some who have been on all five seasons and several who have been in just one season. All competent and believable. Obviously, many of the bad guys don't survive for a second season or are sent to prison. 

Besides the acting, the writing is very good. This is the kind of show that you need to pay attention too. The clues are often very subtle and everything does not turn out as expected. It can be very intense.  

I have watched and enjoyed every episode. One warning, it's addictive and the writers are very skilled at ending each episode with a bit of a cliffhanger which tempts you to watch the next episode. For season five, the main storyline was mostly wrapped up in episode nine. Episode 10 opened several new storylines that can be expanded for a season six. In fact, Amazon has already confirmed that there will be a season six. Unfortunately, it probably won't be aired until April 2020. 

I highly recommend Bosch. Although each season can stand on its own, I would also recommend that you start with season one. It is helpful in understanding the relationships and history of the recurring characters. It's a complex web. The good news is that all five seasons are currently available on Amazon Prime Video and you can watch on your schedule. 

I rate season five and the entire series a solid A. Give it a try.

wjh