Ep 1. Chapter One: 'Tis the Season

Chapter One: 'Tis the Season is the opening episode of the American television series, Bosch, which premiered on Amazon Prime in 2014. The episode kicks off the first season with a peek into the world of LAPD detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) as he investigates an apparent suicide of a young boy found dead in a drainage pipe just days before Christmas.

The episode opens with Bosch in trial for a case, after which he heads into his squad car to start his day, excitedly mentioning how he's looking forward to picking up his Christmas tree at the end of his shift. Bosch is shown as a gritty, ethical, and professional detective with a strong stomach for violence. He's haunted by his past and seems to have a tenuous relationship with the law, as his methods are often viewed with suspicion by his colleagues.

Bosch is assigned to investigate the death of the young boy found in a drainage pipe who was identified as Arthur Delacroix. The boy's body was found in a stagnant watercourse, wrapped up in newsprint and wearing a necklace with a Father Christmas bell. Bosch, along with his partner Jerry Edgar (Jamie Hector), begins to investigate the case and quickly realizes that it isn't as simple as it seems.

The rest of the episode has Bosch and Edgar questioning the boy's family, including his mother, who is a drug addict, and her boyfriend, who is an ex-convict. They also speak to a witness who tells them that she saw a man with a backpack near the drainage pipe the day before Arthur's body was found. Bosch and Edgar follow up on the lead, and even though the man is uncooperative, they find evidence that ultimately leads them to the real killer.

In addition to the main case, Chapter One: 'Tis the Season also gives viewers an insight into Bosch's personal life. He's shown to be a widower, and he regularly visits his daughter, who lives with her mother and Bosch's ex-wife. Bosch's relationships with his colleagues are also explored, and it's clear that he doesn't have an easy time making friends on the force. There's a sense that despite his professionalism and intelligence, Bosch is somewhat of a lone wolf, and his rough-around-the-edges demeanor may be part of the reason why people keep their distance from him.

Overall, Chapter One: 'Tis the Season sets the tone for the rest of the series. Bosch is portrayed as a tough and flawed detective, but also one who's committed to seeking justice for the victims he investigates. With the gritty underbelly of LA providing a backdrop to the show, the episode showcases a noir aesthetic, bringing a particular style to the crime drama genre. It is a compelling and well-executed opening episode that promises a season of suspenseful and entertaining television.