Ep 7. Lost Boys

The Bosch season 1 episode 7, Lost Boys, deploys the show's thought-provoking storytelling to illuminate the plight of “lost children” in LA. In the city's gang-ridden streets, youngsters are exposed to every form of vice imaginable, from drug addiction to prostitution. While most of these lost boys eventually end up in the morgue, the police department, led by the titular detective Harry Bosch, never ceases to fight for their redemption and justice.

In this episode, Bosch is assigned to investigate the murder of a young boy whose body was found in a dumpster. The child's identity is unknown, but Bosch soon discovers that he had been living in one of the city's notorious homeless camps that have sprouted up in empty lots and desolate alleys.

Bosch is no stranger to this world, having spent his childhood in a similar situation. His empathy is palpable as he uncovers the boy's previous life in the shadows of Skid Row, a place populated almost exclusively by transients and drug addicts. Bosch discovers that the victim was part of a ragtag group of youngsters who scavenged for food and shelter, relying on each other to survive the brutality of life on the streets.

With the help of his colleagues, including his partner Jerry Edgar, Bosch begins to unravel the circumstances that led to the boy's murder. He discovers that the victim was not a random target but a pawn in a game of gang rivalry between two powerful factions vying for control of the streets.

As Bosch digs deeper, he realizes that the boy's death is just the tip of the iceberg, and that the gang war has escalated to a dangerous level. In the midst of his investigation, Bosch forms an unlikely alliance with a homeless man named Julius who knew the boy and also navigates the harsh realities of life without a home.

Bosch and Julius form a unique bond, as they help each other uncover the truth behind the murder. The scene where Bosch and Julius walk into Skid Row looking for clues is particularly poignant, showcasing the strong contrast between the detective's life and the desolate world of the homeless. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Bosch and Julius share a common desire to protect the vulnerable, a theme that is prevalent throughout the episode.

As the investigation heats up, Bosch is pulled deeper into a world of corruption and deceit, where those in power are quick to take advantage of the marginalized. The stakes are high, and Bosch knows that every move he makes could put the lives of those around him in danger.

Lost Boys is a gripping episode that shines a light on a deeply troubling issue that many people choose to ignore. The show's writers handle the subject matter with sensitivity and nuance, never resorting to cheap tropes or sensationalism. The episode delivers a sobering message about the dangers of a society that marginalizes its most vulnerable members.

In addition to the overarching theme of lost children, the episode also delivers thrilling moments of suspense and mystery. As with all of Bosch's cases, there are many twists and turns, and the audience is kept guessing until the very end.

Overall, Lost Boys is an excellent episode and a highlight of the first season. It showcases all that is great about Bosch, from the show's exceptional writing to its talented actors. It's a harrowing tale that will stay with you long after the credits roll.