When it comes to crime dramas I generally binge on everything available to me on the small screen.
Once I’m hooked I generally catch every season of it. Suffice to say I also end up making mental comparisons along the way.
For example Criminals Minds returned for a 12th run. And the series stayed true to its legacy of exploring the recesses of the most dark and deadly minds through its gripping narrative.
Bosch is another favourite; more so because the main anchor – Detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) – dangerously straddles that fine line between enforcing the law and breaking it.
His tenacity as a cop often blinds him to reason. This has had a domino effect on his career as well as his personal life.
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Viewers favour this TV character, though. His fallibility makes him relatable.
He has an abrupt personality that is an acquired taste. And he has a renowned proclivity for ruffling the “wrong” feathers.
Of course there are other characters that ensure the dynamics of the series works. For example, Lance Reddick as Deputy Chief Irvin Irving.
He went from being a major thorn in Bosch’s side to a sort of ally after his cop son was murdered during an undercover operation. They now share a silent and mutual respect for each other.
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Meanwhile, Bosch’s partner Detective Jerry Edgar has always been by his side, irrespective of the perilous situations they are thrown into.
This season picks up from the emotional aftermath of season two with Bosch arresting Veronica Allen (Jeri Ryan), who was married to a murdered Armenian porn producer. Distractingly beautiful, she is manipulative and dangerous.
With many years of experience under his belt, Bosch saw through her attempts to play the victim.
Sadly, bringing her to book hasn’t worked out the way he imagined – she walked away after the judge declared a mistrial.
But we all know how relentless he can be. And so the battle lines are drawn while he is also roped into a new murder case.
Meanwhile, the writers have softened Bosch this season. He is taking his daddy duties rather seriously now that his teenage daughter is around more. He can afford to as well, now that he isn’t haunted by his mother’s murder.
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In this 10-part season, the storyline is underpinned by politics. There’s also a looming promotion for Lieutenant Grace Billets (Amy Aquino), Bosch’s superior and close friend.
Don’t be fooled by Edgar and Bosch’s partnership, something comes between them this season.
Bosch is a slickly shot series with intense drama. In exploring each character’s backstory and dilemmas, the writers ensure the viewers becomes emotionally invested in the storytelling. Expect plenty of action, twists, red herrings and corruption along the way.
Who knows, Bosch might even stumble on a bit of romance along the way.
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Bosch 3 is on Universal Channel (DStv Channel 117) on Sundays at 8pm.