‘Bosch: Legacy’s Shocking Death Just Changed the Show Forever
Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Bosch: Legacy Season 3, Episode 6.It’s always a gut punch when a show shockingly kills off a character we’ve come to care about. In Season 3, Episode 5 of Bosch: Legacy, the series delivers one of its most shocking blows with the murder of Detective Santiago “Jimmy” Robertson (Paul Calderón). A steady presence in multiple seasons of Bosch, Jimmy and Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) have clashed over the years and have a complex history. Yet, over time, their contentious relationship grew into a quiet mutual respect.
In Season 3, Jimmy finds himself once again drawn into Bosch’s world when DA Emmett Archer (Jim Holmes) assigns him to investigate Bosch for the murder of Kurt Dockweiler (David Denman). Despite his doubts about Bosch’s guilt, Jimmy suspects the investigation might be politically motivated — especially with Archer running against HoneyHoney Chandler (Mimi Rogers) for DA. If Archer can paint Chandler as being aligned with a “criminal,” it could hand him an easy victory, making Jimmy’s role in the case all the more complicated. As Jimmy digs into the case, more evidence comes to light, leading to a pivotal moment where he saves Bosch’s life. Just as the two men are beginning to bond more, a heartbreaking and game-changing twist in Episode 5 sets off a chain reaction that will change everything for the rest of the season.
Detective Jimmy Robertson Has Become a Beloved Character in the ‘Bosch’ Universe
When we first see Jimmy in Bosch: Legacy Season 3, he’s asked by DA Archer and Chief Hughes (Sophina Brown) to conduct a discreet “Chief’s Special” investigation into Harry and Maddie Bosch (Madison Lintz) following the mysterious prison death of Kurt Dockweiler. Dockweiler, who kidnapped and buried Maddie alive in Season 2 before Bosch rescued her, was later murdered behind bars. In the Bosch: Legacy Season 2 finale, inmate Preston Borders (Chris Browning) made a cryptic call to Bosch’s phone and spoke to Maddie, implying that her father had ordered Dockweiler’s death. While this exchange led to emotional father-daughter moments, it also raised red flags for the LAPD, which monitors prison calls. Complicating matters further, Maddie failed to report the call, which, as an LAPD officer, violated department protocol.
Jimmy was chosen for the investigation because he was seen as “Goldilocks” when it came to Bosch — not too close, but not an adversary either. Bringing Jimmy back was a great choice, as he had not only earned Bosch’s begrudging respect but had also become a fan favorite thanks to a compelling performance from Paul Calderón. While Jimmy didn’t believe Bosch was capable of murder, he was willing to let the case unfold and follow the evidence wherever it led. Alongside his partner, Perry Lopez (Miles Gaston-Villanueva), Jimmy pursued the case, eventually transporting Borders to his grand jury appearance. On the way back, their car was ambushed, allowing Borders to escape. Bosch chased him down, but Borders gained the upper hand, putting Bosch’s life in immediate danger. At the last moment, Jimmy arrived and shot Borders before he could pull the trigger, saving Bosch’s life.
Following this harrowing experience, Jimmy and Bosch shared a drink, joking about whether they were finally friends. The moment Bosch casually suggested they do it again sometime, there was an eerie sense of finality. Moments later, Jimmy stops at a food truck and is brutally gunned down by a masked assassin in what appeared to be a robbery gone wrong. It’s a shocking, gut-wrenching moment, made even more tragic by how much Jimmy has grown as a character. It’s a testament to Calderón’s performance that, despite only appearing in a handful of episodes in his return, his death has had a profound impact. His unexpected murder was a bold creative risk, ensuring that his absence would be deeply felt throughout the rest of the season. But beyond the emotional blow, Jimmy’s killing signals a much larger conspiracy — one that could put Bosch, Chandler, and everyone in their orbit in even greater danger.
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The new episodes drop this Thursday on Prime Video.
Jimmy’s Death Has Major Ramifications in ‘Bosch: Legacy’ Season 3
Episode 6 picks up a month after Jimmy’s death, showing Bosch deeply affected by the loss. While they were just then becoming closer, Jimmy’s murder shook Bosch to his core, fueling his determination to find out the truth. Bosch, along with Mo (Stephen Chang) and newly elected DA Honey Chandler, begins to investigate, but the situation is more complicated than it seems. The police claim to have caught the suspect, but Bosch isn’t convinced. As the episode unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Jimmy may have been targeted specifically for being a cop. This chilling realization raises the stakes for Bosch himself, who had left the same bar shortly before Jimmy was killed.
Jimmy’s murder is a turning point in Bosch: Legacy, both in terms of plot and emotional impact. His death signals that no one is truly safe, especially as the show builds toward its conclusion. Harry has already endured tremendous loss this season — first with Frank Sheehan (Jamie McShane) and then with the devastating outcome of the Gallagher family case. By Episode 6, he’s drinking more, weighed down by grief in a way that feels heavier than usual. Meanwhile, Chandler finds herself caught between justice and politics as Chief Hughes pressures her to swiftly charge the suspect in custody. However, much like Bosch, she isn’t convinced they have the right man.
The impact of Jimmy’s murder will have major repercussions throughout the season, affecting not just Bosch’s relentless pursuit of justice but also on the force that Jimmy was a part of. If he was targeted for being a cop, it raises unsettling questions about the dangers that lie ahead for those still seeking the truth. As Bosch edges closer to uncovering what really happened, the stakes will rise — not just for him, but for everyone around him. With the series nearing its end, it will be fascinating to see how Jimmy’s death alters Bosch’s trajectory and what deeper conspiracies will emerge in its wake.
All new episodes of Bosch: Legacy drop Thursday nights on Prime Video in the U.S.
