Titus Welliver strongly feels that fate plays a role in his life. A few years back, when it was determined that internationally renowned author Michael Connelly’s LAPD Detective Harry Bosch would be adapted into a streaming series for Amazon, Welliver had an intuition deep within him that he was the ideal actor to embody the character, bringing him to life from the pages of the books.
Connelly and his fellow executive producers embraced Williver’s vision when he presented it for Bosch, a casting choice that led to Bosch becoming the longest-running streaming character so far. After portraying Bosch for seven seasons, “Bosch: Legacy” is back with its third and final season, and more spinoffs within the franchise are planned in the future.
With the debut of “Bosch: Legacy” streaming its initial four episodes, it marks the start of the final chapter for Harry Bosch and his storyline. In September, Prime Video disclosed that “Bosch: Legacy” would conclude with season three, which came as a disappointment to the vast and loyal fanbase. It seems this news was also unexpected for Titus Welliver and Michael Connelly, and Connelly has pledged to deliver a “satisfying conclusion” to Welliver’s decade-long portrayal of Bosch.
Williver shared that towards the end of the previous season, discussions about the following season and potential concepts for season four were well underway, and there was great enthusiasm among us. However, I received a call from them stating they won’t proceed. The conversation was brief, but we all expressed our disappointment. After being in this business for some time, we understand that such things can happen.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actor Titus Welliver bids farewell to a character he feels more connected to than any other role he’s played throughout his over 30-year acting career. As Bosch has retired from the LAPD and transitioned into private investigating, Welliver discusses the impact of Bosch on television while previewing the upcoming season and hinting at how the finale will pave the way for the upcoming Renée Ballard spinoff series within the franchise. Furthermore, Welliver delves into negotiations with Amazon to conclude the show and shares his thoughts about a potential return: “I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a revisit to this character in the future.
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Not only did Bosch captivate fans of crime dramas, but it also struck a chord with jazz enthusiasts, particularly those deeply immersed in the genre. Is your appreciation for jazz similar to Bosch’s?
As a jazz enthusiast, my encounter with Michael Connolly, who boasts an extensive understanding of jazz, introduced me to a vast array of new discoveries. Growing up, my parents, avid jazz fans themselves, filled our home with various genres of music. They had a deep appreciation for all types of tunes, and our house was always resonating with some form of melodious sound. My father, who was well-connected in the jazz world, counted Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and others among his friends. I was fortunate enough to meet Mingus and even Miles at a young age due to my father’s connections. However, it was John Coltrane that my dad knew particularly well, but I had the opportunity to meet Mingus and Miles instead.
Michael often mentions, “Ever listened to this recording from Stockholm, Sweden, 1956?” Now, these recordings are being re-released in exceptional high-definition on vinyl. Prices range from $150 to even $200. However, they are all taken directly from the original analog recordings. So yes, I too appreciate authenticity like Harry does; although digital CDs can sound fantastic, nothing compares to hearing music through a vinyl on a decent system. Even with a basic setup, it’s the richness of the lows and highs that makes it feel as if you’re listening exactly as intended. Growing up in the ’60s, we didn’t have CDs or similar technology; hence, the sound remains as it was originally meant to be heard.
Besides a love for jazz, what are other similarities between you and Bosch?
As an artist and actor, I’m constantly in a mode of studying the world around me. I’m always taking note of how light interacts with different surroundings, such as buildings, trees, or the ground at various times of day. In my acting career, I observe people’s behaviors, gestures, and mannerisms. I often encounter intriguing individuals, like a cat I might meet on the subway, and think to myself, “That’s worth noting down. I’ll find a character where I can make use of that observation.
In much the same way, I, like detective Harry Bosch, am always observant, not just for danger but for people and surroundings as well. I scrutinize crime scenes, study faces, read body language – traits I find myself mirroring in him. Being city-raised has honed this ability; my instincts are finely tuned, often alerting me to impending action. I believe it’s this heightened awareness that I share with Harry Bosch.
How does it happen that Amazon approaches the Bosch production team, who are working on a popular series with an undying fanbase, and suggest that they should conclude Bosch: Legacy? Can you explain this process in more detail?
Essentially, much like Harry might put it, I too don’t inherently lean towards politics or administration. I am an artist at heart. It was Michael Connelly and one of our producers, Henrik Bastin, who reached out to me, as we had been discussing potential ideas for the next season during our conversations near the end of the current one. We were all quite enthusiastic about what could be. However, they informed us that they won’t proceed with it. The conversation was rather brief, and we all shared our disappointment, but we are veterans enough in this field to understand that such decisions can happen.
In simpler terms, you might encounter a TV show you enjoy, only for it to be abruptly taken off the air after a few episodes. You’re left wondering why this happened, and often, there are multiple factors at play that aren’t always clear. While I understand that production studios may face financial constraints due to economic conditions, I’ve never had a direct conversation explaining the specific reasons for a show’s cancellation from start to finish.
For over a decade, I’ve had both professional and personal ties with Amazon Studios, dating back to when they first ventured into the entertainment industry. Currently, I hold a first-look development deal with them, which isn’t limited to our work on Bosch. In Tinseltown, surprises are commonplace, so it’s not unimaginable that we might revisit this partnership in the future. Life moves on for everyone, but if fans have their way… and they make their preferences quite clear!
There is a spinoff that will materialize not long after the final curtain of Bosch, Ballard.
The upcoming spinoff series indeed features Renée Ballard, skillfully portrayed by Maggie Q. In one of the final episodes this season, we introduce the character of Renée Ballad. This dynamic exists within the books, where she is younger than Harry. Their paths cross, and in the books, due to the extended narrative, they form a relationship over several books as they work together. He takes on a mentor role for her, while she provides him access to information he wouldn’t typically have since he’s no longer a cop. There’s a sense of paternal feelings between them that is beautifully developed in the novels. In the confines of a 45-60 minute episode, there’s only so much we can do, but Maggie and I share great chemistry, and the introduction to her character is robust and true to the Bosch series.
It appears that Bosch: Legacy often features multiple plotlines unfolding at once. Is this a consistent approach or narrative style across the entire franchise?
As a gamer, I often find myself merging two different narratives to create a unique storyline. This involves tweaking certain elements from both sources to fit seamlessly together. While penning this tale, other writers were simultaneously weaving intricate subplots featuring various characters, ensuring a rich and immersive gaming experience. Characters like Honey Chandler (Mimi Rogers) or the late great Lance Reddick, whose roles were limited in the books, were given more depth within the show’s universe. By expanding their relationships and making them integral parts of the story, I was able to craft a captivating and engaging gaming world for players to explore.
In the narrative, we’ve consistently focused on two primary aspects: Harry solving the case (the main plot, or A-plot) and his personal life with his daughter. Meanwhile, Irvin [Rerddick] has his own set of circumstances to deal with. Additionally, there are events unfolding involving Jerry Edgar, Harry’s partner, portrayed brilliantly by Jamie Hector. This necessitated the writers to expand upon these characters and generate additional storylines, which added a layer of excitement as we delved deeper into their partnership dynamics.
A significant aspect that shaped the essence of the story unfolded as Harry reconnected with his daughter, Maddie (Madison Lintz). She moved in with him and eventually pursued a career as a police officer in Los Angeles. This development greatly influenced Bosch’s emotional growth, as he is not overly expressive but neither does he speak much. He is not an openly emotional character at all; rather, he keeps his feelings hidden. However, the rare instances where he reveals himself, even hesitantly, are mostly with his daughter.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the strained relationship between Harry Bosch and his daughter Maddie in the initial episodes of Bosch: Legacy. The palpable disconnect and mistrust she displays towards him hints at some deep-seated questions about his moral compass. Could you shed some light on this intriguing storyline and how their shared past might be challenging their bond now more than ever?
Indeed, since it doesn’t ruin any significant plot points, let me explain the reference. The storyline revolves around Preston Borders, a character portrayed by Chris Browning. In the past, Bosch had arrested and imprisoned Borders for being a rapist and murderer in 1987. However, in an unexpected turn of events, at the end of season two, Borders makes a collect call to Bosch from prison. The catch? He claims to have killed Maddie’s kidnapper, supposedly as per Bosch’s orders. Maddie subsequently receives this call.
In Season 3, eight months will have passed since we last saw things. During this time, an investigation into Harry’s actions begins. There are suspicions that he might have manipulated or arranged for Dockweiler’s [David Denman] death, as it appears he threatened to harm him in season 2 over the kidnapping of his daughter. This incident happened when Bosch entered the room with a pen, and J. Edgar arrived just in time. Many fans wonder if Harry is capable of murder, to which I often respond: “If his daughter wasn’t returned, things would have played out very differently.” However, given the circumstances at that moment, it’s clear that he was prepared to use violence against this man in order to find his daughter. This aligns with our understanding of Harry’s character.
It’s clear that Harry, who was initially only meant for a single season, proved to be incredibly useful when we rekindled the Maddie relationship. However, Connelly pointed out that while Harry can handle things on his own, having his daughter in the picture makes him susceptible. This vulnerability actually increases his danger level. Throughout this season, Maddie is left puzzled as she learns secrets about her father’s military past that he never shared. One of his Special Forces teammates reveals a story from their time in Afghanistan, giving Maddie a new perspective on her father. Although she gains a deeper understanding of her father, she also comes to terms with the fact that these events occurred during wartime, which is fundamentally different from the Harry who works for the LAPD.
1. Could you share some of your most memorable experiences from the past decade playing Harry Bosch, and what lasting impressions or feelings might this conclusion bring about, since it seems like we’re wrapping up telling his story so vividly?
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2. Reflecting on the last ten years portraying Harry Bosch, could you tell me about some of your most significant memories? And as this chapter in his story appears to be coming to a close, what lasting thoughts or feelings do you carry with you?
Initially, as I immersed myself in the script, I felt a strong affinity towards the character and thought, “I truly understand this man and I know how to portray him.” However, having been in this industry for so long, I didn’t want to be overly eager. I was so drawn to the character that I feared they would opt for a more prominent Hollywood actor. After all, I had an impressive body of work behind me, and I always took my roles seriously. Unfortunately, due to a series of mishaps, I found myself shooting Transformers films across the country and in Hong Kong. This meant that meetings weren’t possible. It wasn’t until months later, during a break from Hong Kong, that I was able to return to the U.S. My manager called me and said, “You’re going to meet with Michael Connelly.” I responded, “Bosch?” He confirmed, “Yes.” I was surprised, thinking, “I thought my chance had passed,” but he explained, “No, they haven’t found the right Bosch yet. Michael Connelly has been trying to arrange a meeting with you for months.
In essence, I found myself fitting the role perfectly, and Michael Connelly, along with other producers, agreed. However, the production of this show over these years has been more of a collaborative journey than a typical television experience. It transcended the ordinary, taking on an artistic quality. There was no sense of routine or standardization; instead, it felt like we were creating something extraordinary. The cinematography was exceptional, capturing scenes as if it were a full-length movie.
Working with a multitude of exceptional directors such as Ernest Dickerson, Patrick Cady, Alex Zakrzewski, and Jet Wilkinson was nothing short of a directorial goldmine. With actors, producers, and guest stars, we formed an unbreakable bond akin to family during our extended collaborations. I believe the caliber of the material drew in numerous renowned actors as they saw it as a chance to delve into something meaningful.
I will miss this experience deeply, for I can confidently say that even though there were days when I woke up at 3 a.m. on Mondays due to our early starts, I always looked forward to going to work with joy in my heart. I came to appreciate the immense privilege of portraying this character and working alongside such remarkable individuals. The experience was truly extraordinary, and it has been an honor. Furthermore, the loyalty and dedication of our audience have been nothing short of inspiring since day one.
As a devoted reader and admirer, I can’t help but miss the joy of being immersed in the captivating worlds penned by Michael Connolly, one of the world’s most renowned authors. His books are not just bestsellers; they’re treasured gems in the literary landscape. As a fellow writer, I hold him in high esteem, not only for his prolific and masterful storytelling but also for his humble and compassionate nature. Working alongside such kind-hearted, talented individuals was a daily source of inspiration and camaraderie, which I dearly miss.
However, I must keep myself occupied. As the old saying goes, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” This year, I have multiple films set for release, and there’s a lot simmering on the stove with Amazon.
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Bosch: Legacy airs two fresh episodes every Thursday on Amazon Prime Video, building up towards its final episode on April 17.
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2025-04-01 23:26