Cameron Monaghan’s casting as young Harry Bosch in MGM+’s upcoming Bosch prequel series is a great development for the show, but highlights an issue faced by the original Bosch, Titus Welliver. While the new Bosch prequel allows for a whole different look at the intuitive, world-weary, independent detective before the original series began, the franchise expanding changes things for long-time viewers.
After Bosch came to an end, the series moved ahead to Bosch: Legacy, which saw viewers’ favorite LAPD detective move from being a piece within the system to a private investigator working outside of the structure. While watching Bosch figure out how to pull strings from outside the LAPD was fascinating, the series didn’t get as fair of a shake as Bosch itself.
Coming to an end after three seasons, Bosch: Legacy’s end was a loss for Bosch fans, and for Welliver himself who spoke highly of the series and seemed to hope it would continue on. While the Bosch spin-off has buzz surrounding it with fresh faces and a new era being set in 1991, new chances to explore the character from a different perspective don’t erase past franchise mistakes.
Cameron Monaghan’s Bosch Prequel Casting Is Exciting For The Franchise
His Portrayal Of Young Harry Bosch Will Be Refreshing
Although Monaghan may not be the Bosch that fans of the show already know, his casting is an incredible get for the prequel. Monaghan has shown range in his past roles, playing dark comedy-drama on Shameless for years as Ian Gallagher and then taking a turn as twins iconic Joker-style Jerome Valeska and Jeremiah Valeska on Gotham. His take on Bosch will be fresh, which is exciting.
Along with Monaghan as Bosch, the new prequel series will see Omari Hardwick as Bosch’s training officer, which proves the franchise is doing its due diligence to widen the scope of the universe for viewers. Allowing for a familiar, less grizzled version of the Bosch viewers love shine through, the prequel feels like a serious effort to expand the Bosch universe in an interesting way.
Why The Bosch Franchise Still Needs Titus Welliver (Despite Legacy’s Ending)
He’s An Integral Piece Of The Franchise Puzzle
Unfortunately, the world without the original Bosch himself is difficult to comprehend. While Welliver is still a part of the show’s universe with cameos on Ballard, it’s not the same as seeing him be the central figure of a series. There’s been major disappointment from viewers, cast, and industry professionals alike about the end of Bosch: Legacy, which felt like it was canceled far too soon.
Welliver brought over a decade’s worth of experience to the Bosch universe, and to see it forge ahead without him doesn’t feel natural. While Monaghan will be able to create his own version of the character, viewers may feel less interested after how abruptly Bosch: Legacy came to a close. The Bosch prequel adds valuable real estate to the franchise, but doesn’t complete the story fans wanted.
- Created by
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Eric Overmyer
- First Episode Air Date
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February 6, 2014
- Cast
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Titus Welliver, Jamie Hector, Amy Aquino, Lance Reddick, Madison Lintz, Mimi Rogers, Paul Calderon, Jason Gedrick, Sarah Clarke, Jeri Ryan
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