The first episode of Bosch: Legacy‘s third season takes us eight months after the events of season two. Honey “Money” Chandler has decided to run for DA of Los Angeles County, going against longtime DA Archer. And Maddie Bosch, trying to piece her life back together, receives news that the man responsible for her kidnapping, Kurt Dockweiler, died of an overdose in prison. Little does she know that her father, Harry Bosch, had a hand in the convicted felon’s death.
The episode reintroduces us to our main cast. Chandler has kicked off her campaign, running on promises to restore victims’ rights against a left-leaning justice system that seems to support criminals. Her outreach efforts include meeting with victims’s family members and holding a charity event at the culture event center, Plaza De La Raza. As she battles mudslinging from her opponent, Honey is visited by a stranger from her past.
Frank Sheehan — a disgraced LAPD officer and Bosch’s former partner — spent five years in prison after a police brutality civil suit against the department. Now free, he asks Honey to help him get his job back. Unfortunately, she cannot help him, which leaves Frank unfazed. However, he promises he’ll be watching her. Spooked by his veiled threat, Honey contacts Harry to investigate. A stakeout reveals a man with not much else to lose. In five years, he lost his job, family, and freedom.
While Harry watches Frank, Detectives Jimmy Robertson and Perry Lopez watch Harry. Rumors are circulating he ordered the hit on Dockweiler as revenge for his daughter, Maddie. The rumors are supported by a recorded phone call between Harry and a prisoner, alluding to finishing Dockweiler off. They need more evidence and find it in the call log of the prisoner’s burner phone that pings near Harry’s residence.
Harry tells Maddie to ignore the cop talk about Dockweiler’s death, assuring her he was dead no sooner than he got behind prison doors. Instead, Maddie focuses on a new case with partner Officer Reina Vasquez. They investigate two thieves who followed a couple home and robbed them at gunpoint. They break fast with security footage of the vehicle and a possible plate.
On the day of Honey’s charity event, Bosch and his team provide security suspecting Sheehan may strike. After a rousing speech and a meeting with Mayor Lopez, shots ring out. But Bosch quickly discovers it’s a diversion allowing Frank clear access to Honey.
Directed by Sharat Raju, the first episode is decent, balancing the multiple characters and plots. Solid performances lift the material, especially from Jamie McShane who portrays the broken Sheehan. While his character’s actions are predictable, the tension building is solid.
Rating: 8/10
