Buckle up, fans of gritty detective dramas – a fresh chapter in the legendary Bosch saga is hitting screens soon, diving deep into the origins of one of TV's most relentless cops. But here's where it gets exciting: this prequel isn't just a recap; it's a raw look at how a young recruit turned into the justice-obsessed icon we adore. And trust me, it's poised to spark some heated debates among long-time viewers.
The entertainment giant MGM is rewinding the clock on its iconic character with Bosch: Start of Watch, an upcoming series streaming exclusively on MGM+. This thrilling prequel delves into the early life of Michael Connelly's famous detective, Harry Bosch, taking us back to his rookie days in the LAPD. Imagine a 26-year-old Harry Bosch, played by the talented Cameron Monaghan – you might recognize him from his standout roles in Shameless and Gotham – as he navigates the treacherous streets of 1990s Los Angeles. Joining him is Omari Hardwick, known for his powerful performances in Star Trek: Section 31 and Army of the Dead, portraying the seasoned officer Eli Bridges.
For beginners just tuning in, Harry Bosch is no ordinary cop; he's a symbol of unwavering integrity in a world full of corruption. This series, inspired by Connelly's blockbuster book series that birthed the hit Prime Video franchise, transports viewers to 1991 LA, a city simmering with racial tensions, rampant gang warfare, and a deeply divided police force. Through everyday police calls and escalating chaos, Bosch gets entangled in a major robbery case and a labyrinth of shady dealings that challenge his dedication to his badge. It's all about that famous motto: 'Everybody counts or nobody counts' – a principle that defines his character and sets the stage for the detective we'd see in later seasons.
Produced by Fabel Entertainment, the series is co-created and executive produced by Tom Bernardo and Brian Anthony, with Bernardo at the helm as showrunner. Michael Connelly himself, alongside Henrik Bastin, Jamie Boscardin Martin, and Jasmine Russ, steps in as an executive producer. Theresa Snider from Hieronymus Pictures serves as co-executive producer, ensuring every detail captures the essence of Connelly's world.
Michael Wright, the head of MGM+, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, 'We're overjoyed to broaden the Bosch universe with this captivating origin tale, illustrating the transformation of one of television's most cherished detectives. Thanks to Cameron Monaghan and Omari Hardwick's dynamic portrayals of these intricate roles, along with the creative genius of Michael Connelly and our skilled producers, Bosch: Start of Watch is set to offer that intense, genuine narrative style that upholds the franchise's tradition while launching an exhilarating new adventure.'
Connelly himself chimed in with gratitude: 'I'm truly thankful to Michael Wright and the MGM+ crew for nurturing this extension of Bosch's story with such meticulous attention and authenticity. Witnessing the evolution of Harry Bosch into the figure we've followed for ten seasons is a true treasure for me and his devoted followers. I'm eager to collaborate with Cameron and the writers on uncharted aspects of this character's journey.'
Now, this is the part most people miss – or perhaps the one that divides opinions: is Cameron Monaghan the perfect pick for a young Harry Bosch? His past roles in edgy, morally complex shows like Gotham and Shameless show he can handle darkness, but some fans might wonder if he can fully embody the stoic, justice-driven veteran we know. And here's where it gets controversial – with the Bosch franchise already a staple on Prime Video, is MGM risking over-saturation by spinning off yet another series? Could this prequel redefine the character in ways that clash with existing lore, or will it breathe new life into the saga?
What are your thoughts? Does Monaghan's casting excite you, or are you skeptical? Do you see this as a bold expansion or unnecessary repetition? And if you're new to Bosch, how does this origin story intrigue you compared to the main series? Drop your opinions in the comments below – let's debate!
Source: MGM+
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