Harry comes to a crossroads in the series finale of Bosch.
Bosch Season 7 Episode 8 ‘Por Sonia’
Written by: Michael Connelly and Eric Overymyer
Directed by: Patrick Cady
Chief Irving’s plan for a second term succeeds, but at what cost? Jerry seems to have turned a corner. Maddie considers a new path. Meanwhile, Billets gets some positive news about her career. Honey Chandler meets another milestone in her recovery.
Bosch is steadfast in his effort to bring Miguel Pena to justice. Hollywood Homicide detectives learn the fate of their future careers when Billets posts the reassignments. Scott Anderson may have one of his biggest stories yet.
Let’s investigate further Bosch season 7 episode 8.
The vote
Jerry is looking calm and alert with coffee in hand as he sits outside Jacque Avril’s home, this time, with a for sale sign in front of it. Perhaps this represents some closure for Jerry. Even his tie is neatly knotted like the Jerry we are used to seeing. Jerry has the radio on and there is news of an imminent vote on Chief Irving’s second term.
We get a glimpse inside the board room as the Police Commissioner’s vote yes or no to Irving getting another 5 years as police chief. The vote is tied and only Nestor Delgado is left to vote. Delgado votes in favor of Irving receiving a second term, something we never expected until Irv told the mayor he knows about the investigation into her mayoral campaign. Scott Anderson is on hand taking notes for a story.
When Jerry arrives at the station he asks Harry if he has heard about the vote. Jerry tells Harry what happened. They both wonder how that came about.
Collins updates Harry
Harry finds Collins outside the station hosing down car mats from a snitch throwing up in his car. Harry wants more details on the mysterious phone call Collins received the night before.
Collins tells Harry the call was from FBI Agent Nidi of the Joint Gang Task Force. The detective tells Harry he was told to leave Las Palmas alone and to keep away from the El Cholo restaurant. Collins shares that Las Palmas use a private room at the restaurant for their meetings. As he mentioned the night before, Collins says this order comes from the top of LAPD.
Breakfast talk
At Billets’ home, she and Anne disagree about the idea of Grace suing the police department in light of the Cooper, Norris and Leonard arrests. Anne thinks she should sue, but Grace does not want to jeopardize her job. She explains to Anne that “it’s all about power”.
Over at Antonio’s apartment, we hear the morning news station talking about a mysterious virus spreading from Wuhan, China. Antonio asks Maddie what she’s doing as she hovers over her laptop. She tells him that she is looking at the application page for the LAPD. Antonio is surprised, Maddie says she wants to do something that really makes a difference.
It’s time for Antonio to go to work and he gives Maddie a goodbye kiss on the cheek. Later, we see Maddie click a button and the screen shows that her application was submitted.
Inquiries from Harry
Harry arrives to Grace’s office as she is on the phone apologizing to Anne about their disagreement earlier. Harry asks Grace what she thinks triggered the vote in Irving’s favor. She knows nothing more than Harry does.
Harry brings up the topic of homicide transfers to West Bureau. He offers to make a suggestion. Grace welcomes his input and he shuts the door behind them.
Later, Harry meets up with Agent Reece again. She tells Harry that a big meeting is coming and that CIT (Critical Incident Team) will be on site. When Harry mentions that CIT is usually there for mass casualties, Reece reminds him that CIT responds to mass arrests as well.
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— Michael Connelly (@Connellybooks) June 26, 2021
Harry approaches Scott Anderson
Harry finds reporter Scott Anderson in the cafeteria at the L.A. Times. Harry inquires about Anderson’s post earlier in the day regarding Irving getting a second term. Bosch suggests the coverage of that news is weak. Anderson tells him there is more coming.
Harry inquires as to what else Anderson knows and the reporter swiftly reminds Bosch that he does not work for him. But Harry suggests that he could “owe one” to Anderson if he gives up more. Anderson goes on to talk about investigating a rumor. He says that rumor suggests that Irving received his second term in exchange for not pursuing a prior investigation into Lopez’s campaign. Now Bosch owes him one.
Not so fast, Anderson. Bosch points out that the investigation is old news and nothing came of it. Anderson replies noting that charges were not filed, but that is not necessarily the same thing as finding nothing. Anderson confirms that there was a file opened about the mayor’s use of funds. He has not seen it but suspects that Irving has seen it.
Anderson wants to find out what Irving offered the FBI in exchange for looking at the file. It suggests a quid pro quo between Irving and the FBI.
Chief encounters
Irving pays a visit to Grace’s office and inquires about how she is doing after the arrests of Cooper, Leonard and Norris. She tells him that her girlfriend wants her to sue LAPD, but Grace is not interested as she considers this her “home”.
Chief Irving says he would like Grace to take over for Captain Cooper. Grace assumes he means an interim placement. She did not enjoy that last time. But Irving says it would be in the process of taking the job permanently. Grace reminds Irv that she did not do well on the orals portion of the Captain’s exam. The chief says that should not be a problem and suggests that the Captain position is just one promotion towards a long line of moves up in the department for Grace. LT thanks Irving and he tells her to remain quiet about the news until he makes a formal announcement. He exits and she takes a long breath as she thinks about what just happened.
Harry stops the chief in the parking lot as he is leaving the station. Bosch accuses Irving of cooperating with the feds for his personal benefit. Irving acts like he doesn’t know what Harry is talking about. Harry says Irving is letting Pena get away. Irving says Harry already has Trejo and Alvarez arrested for the fire. Harry shouts an expletive at the chief who stares down Bosch telling him that is his “last free one” (to disrespect him like that).
Maddie and mentor
Maddie meets with her mentor to proceed with her application to the police academy. He advises that she will have an interview. The mentor notes that she is a “legacy” candidate with her father serving in LAPD. He also asks why she wants to be a police officer. Maddie shares that she “wants to make a difference and help people when they need it the most”.
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— Bosch (@BoschAmazon) June 2, 2021
Harry talks to Luke Goshen
Harry asks for a meeting with Luke Goshen. You may recall that Luke Goshen worked undercover in season 3 as Luke “Lucky” Rykov before Bosch learned he was an agent.
Harry wants Goshen to tell him the time and location for the big meeting with Las Palmas, la eMe and the cartel. Bosch explains that Pena is being allowed to get way with Sonia’s and 4 other victims’ murders. Luke is uncertain how to respond as this is not his case.
Bosch says he knows CIT will be at the meeting and that he just wants to pick up Pena after the feds get what they need from Pena’s wire. Goshen makes no promises and the two of them part ways.
Reassignments
Finally, Grace posts the homicide reassignments outside the bullpen, but wait . . .
Breaking news!
*Juan the shoe shiner speaks*
That’s right! After 6 seasons of silent nods, Juan replies out loud to Billets calling her jefe (boss). She says goodnight and he tells her to have a good evening. It’s a great moment for viewers who have seen Juan quietly working all these years in earshot of so many cases.
Pierce announces that Billets has left for the night and the homicide detectives scurry to the posting. CAPs detectives Crate and Barrel follow behind to look at the list.
- J. Edgar has been reassigned to RHD.
- Bosch and Vega are being transferred to homicide at West Bureau.
- Pierce is reassigned to the “late show”.
Pierce is sorely disappointed and cannot believe this has happened. The group plans to head over to Musso and Frank’s to digest the news. Jerry takes a detour over to Harry’s desk asking his partner if he influenced Jerry’s assignment to RHD. Harry dismisses the notion saying he does not have that much power.
At the Grill
Over at Musso and Frank’s, Pierce is still bemoaning his fate. Mank, Crate and Barrel try to cheer him up and talk about all the different kinds of cases he will encounter. Barrel reminisces with a wild story about meeting his first wife while working graveyard. None of this is helping Pierce. He is still in disbelief and walks to the other end of the bar where Harry is sitting.
Harry offers to buy PIerce a martini and tries to assure him that it will be okay. The senior detective calls Pierce “Youngblood” and tells him to “hold fast”. A few seats down, Vega is asking Jerry what it’s like to work with Harry. She had hoped she and Jerry would have become partners.
Maddie walks in looking for her dad. She approaches Harry who is still sitting with Pierce. Maddie says hello and Pierce offers his seat to her. Pierce still has a glazed look on his face and heads in the other direction with his martini.
News for Harry
Maddie shares that she has news. First, Bosch thinks she is engaged. Maddie readily dismisses that notion and Harry is relieved. She tells her dad that someone will need a recommendation from him for the police academy. When Harry realizes she is talking about herself, Harry is briefly speechless.
Harry wants to know if Maddie is sure about her decision. She confirms that she is and tells him she thought he would be proud. Harry ensures her that he is “always” proud of her and the news simply caught him by surprise. Maddie talks about taking her first shift with her dad as is the custom for legacy candidates. They decide to stay for dinner and order the chicken pot pie.
We later learn that Chandler is coming out of the coma. Maddie goes to see her at the hospital the next evening. Maddie holds Honey’s hand and the attorney opens her eyes and is pleased to see Maddie standing there. Honey hears Maddie say, “Welcome back”. Chandler is clearly emotional.
FBI meeting
Special Agent in Charge Brenner is holding a meeting with all those involved in the takedown planned for that evening at El Cholo. Brenner expresses priority for safety of the agents and the public. He reminds everyone that the attendees will be well armed and dangerous.
We see Luke Goshen in the back corner. Brenner announces that CIT will come in to make arrests if the FBI acquires the evidence they need from Pena’s wire. The operation will gather at 1800 hours.
Also of note is cameo of Tim Marcia who is a longtime law enforcement consultant for both Michael Connelly’s novels and the Bosch television series. Tim sits at a table at the meeting as one of the agents.
Back at the station
Harry and Jerry are back at the station the next morning. Jerry inquires about the paperwork Harry is putting together. Harry tells Jerry it is the filing package on Pena to take to the District Attorney. Jerry is surprised and asks to speak with Harry outside.
Outside, Jerry warns Harry that proceeding with a Pena arrest could ruin Harry’s career. Jerry is well aware that Harry has been ordered to stay away from Pena. Harry tells Jerry that he just cannot live with the notion of letting Pena get away with ordering the fire. He reminds Jerry of the victims and says he “can’t let it go”.
Harry tells Jerry how he plans to pick up Pena from the staged meeting between Las Palmas, the Mexican Mafia and the cartel. He thinks it will be at El Cholo but is waiting to find out the time. Harry points that once Pena is taken into custody the DA will have to make a choice between filing or allowing a murderer to escape, the latter of which would not look good in the press. Jerry sees that Harry will not back down, so he offers his partner backup.
Back inside, Robertson and Harry talk about the photos on Harry’s desk representing unsolved murders. Robertson says it’s good that he knows Sonia by name but learns that the other photos remain unnamed. Jimmy thanks the detectives for their help in apprehending Wally Datz. Jerry and Jimmy talk about working together at RHD. Robertson tells Jerry that Bennett wants him to call her. Robertson turns around and winks at Harry as he leaves.
Suddenly, Harry gets a text with the time and place of the meeting (2100 at El Cholo), plus a warning that there will be a lot guns.
Every case deserves a closer look. Check out some behind-the-scenes moments from the final season. #BoschAmazon pic.twitter.com/zWzXbCEpXu
— Bosch (@BoschAmazon) June 26, 2021
The big event
Inside the command center, agents are giving updates about who has arrived to the meeting.
Jerry drives Harry to El Cholo in Harry’s Jeep. The partners see that Las Palmas already has people guarding the restaurant, so they pull to another location to watch. A large truck pulls to the front of the restaurant and they see Pena get out.
Jerry pulls into the restaurant parking lot and Harry smoothly rolls out of the Jeep placing a beanie on his head for a lower profile. The look is reminiscent of Harry scaling island terrain to take down Trevor Dobbs in season 3.
Jerry has a close call after gets out of the car. He is approached in the parking lot by one of the henchmen. Jerry claims to be picking up takeout, but the man shows Jerry his gun. Jerry complies and drives away.
Inside, Bosch stealthily moves through the restaurant dodging recognition and finally apprehending Pena. Harry is clearly not waiting for the FBI to get their evidence as Bosch had suggested when talking to Goshen earlier.
At first, Bosch whispers into Pena’s ear that there has been a change in plans. Bosch is behind Pena posing as one of the feds and goes unrecognized by Miguel.
When Harry yanks Pena’s arm backwards, it prompts Pena to turn around and see that it is Bosch guiding him away. Pena calls out Bosch’s name and Harry slams Pena’s head to the counter. Pena tells Bosch his plan will not work. Bosch proceeds and tells Jerry to be ready to pick them up outside.
Jerry scares the security detail and/or feds as he charges through the parking lot making room for Harry to shove Pena into the Jeep. They drive away as Harry tells Jerry to quickly get them to the police station. Harry makes the formal arrest charges against Pena. Pena continues to tell Harry that his plan will ruin the detective’s career. Bosch strips the wire off of Pena’s body.
Meanwhile . . .
Brenner is livid and trying to figure out what is going on. Goshen reports the direction that the Jeep is heading with Pena inside.
Irving is having a peaceful evening at home with Jun and the baby when he receives the call from Brenner about Bosch taking Pena. Brennar is irate and tells Irv that he broke their agreement and sorely messed up the operation. The agent threatens to call out Irving in the press if he does not get Pena back stat. Irving promises he will return Pena asap.
Irving places a call to Bosch but it goes straight to voicemail. The chief heads to the station.
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Description: Pictured: Titus Welliver (Detective Harry Bosch)
Booking
At the station, Harry quickly ushers Pena to booking as Mank looks on in disbelief. Pena continues to insist that the FBI will come for him as he goes through booking.
Apparently, Bosch has sent word to reporter Scott Anderson to meet him at the station. Anderson arrives asking for Bosch and, again, Mank is befuddled when Harry tells him to send Anderson back. Harry gives Anderson the scoop on what went down but sends him off when he learns that Irving has arrived.
With Irving about to enter the station, Harry talks to Jerry telling him he will take it from here. Harry does not want Jerry taking any blame for what happened. Harry thanks Edgar for his backup and Jerry pledges his support “anytime”.
Irving orders that both Pena and the booking log be pulled right away. Harry tells Irving that the arrest is already in the system and the filing package is already going to the DA’s office. Irving unleashes on Bosch telling him he is suspended pending review. Irving tells Mank to escort Pena out for pickup by the FBI.
‘Por Sonia’
Bosch collects the filing package for Pena from his desk and tells the other detectives he has been suspended. Harry tells Jerry he is going to take the package to the DA even though Jerry suggests they will not do anything once Irving comes to them. Officers Morgan and Rodriguez walk Pena outside. Pena is feeling bold and asks if he can smoke. The officers allow it. Pena lights the cigarette. The flame is a striking visual that is a haunting callback to Pena’s crime. Pena looks up to see a gun pointing at him. It is Sonia’s father Hector. The distraught father utters the words “por Sonia” and shoots Pena.
The sound of the gunfire rings out through the station and everyone rushes outside. The officers have fired back at Hector who is on the ground dying. Bosch goes to Hector who again utters the words “por Sonia”. Hector takes his last breath and dies.
Bosch confronts Irving on the sidewalk and blames him for everything. Harry turns in his badge to Irving. An FBI drives by with Agent Nidi in the passenger seat. He sees what has played out on the sidewalk and tells the driver to keep going.
The aftermath
Scott Anderson has quite a story to tell. Maddie rushes home to see her dad after learning from Jerry what happened. She asks if her dad what he will do next. He says, “Something will come up”. Maddie looks from the balcony through the window where Harry’s unsolved photos and files sit on the table. She tells him she wants to help and Harry agrees.
Finally, we see Harry applying for a Private Investigator’s license. Of course, his application is pending FBI approval. I wonder how that will go!
Bosch stands his ground to the end. He finds himself without a badge but still a burning desire for justice. Daughter Maddie is pursuing the police academy and Honey Chandler is on the mend.
A spin-off was announced in March of this year with these three characters set to star (Harry, Maddie and Honey). In fact, filming began the same week as the Bosch season 7 release.
Keep your eyes peeled for more news about the spin-off coming to IMDb TV. Be sure to listen to our interviews with cast and creatives on the Everybody Counts Podcast, many of which touch on the spin-off.
And with that, hold fast.
You can follow ongoing coverage of Bosch television at So Many Shows and on the Everybody Counts Podcast.