Gregory Cummins Reveals Bosch: Legacy's Secrets & Streaming's Impact

Summary

Gregory Scott Cummins talks about Bosch: Legacy’s abrupt cancelation and how it left fans, cast, and crew blindsided.
Cummins praises Eric Overmyer’s role in shaping Bosch and Bosch: Legacy.
Cummins supports the potential return of Bosch: Legacy with a movie adaptation, while hoping for the Ballard spin-off to succeed.

The third and final season of the series ‘Bosch: Legacy’ has concluded, leaving fans, along with the cast and crew, feeling a mix of sweetness and sadness due to Amazon’s decision to cancel it in September 2024. A petition to save ‘Bosch: Legacy’ has garnered over 34,000 signatures, offering some optimism that detective Harry Bosch may yet receive a fitting conclusion. Recently, Game Rant had the opportunity to interview Gregory Scott Cummins, who played Crate Moore in both ‘Bosch’ and ‘Bosch: Legacy’. The renowned character actor discussed his outstanding camaraderie with Troy Evans and the pleasure he derived from portraying real-life heroes within law enforcement. Furthermore, Cummins shared his candid thoughts on why he believes ‘Bosch: Legacy’ was terminated, while also expressing his backing for the upcoming spin-off ‘Ballard’.

Cummins, a versatile actor in Hollywood, has had an impressive career spanning over four decades. Initially, he made a name for himself by portraying numerous villainous characters on both TV and film. However, his performance as one-half of the beloved duo Crate and Barrel in Bosch and its spinoff, Bosch: Legacy, is widely considered his best work. The tales from his time on Amazon’s flagship series are legendary, and there’s a recurring joke involving Titus Welliver that will have avid Bosch fans in stitches until they cry.

Gregory Scott Cummins Had A Very Different Career Path Before He Established Himself As One Of The Most Versatile Actors In Hollywood.

I hear you had a promising football career before you got into acting.

To be honest, it’s not just about football for me. Baseball was the one that captured my heart first. As I was wrapping up high school, I found myself drafted by the Oakland A’s in the 10th round. My dream was to attend college and excel at baseball, hoping to boost my draft position further. I was fortunate enough to receive a baseball scholarship from both the University of Pacific in Northern California and San Jose State. However, I was also a part of the football team and managed to make it as a first-team All-East Bay punter.

California showed interest in my baseball abilities, but I had an off game when their recruiters were there to watch me. As a result, they offered me a spot as a punter instead. Surprisingly, as a freshman, I landed a scholarship and things seemed to be going smoothly for me.

Instead of pursuing baseball, I switched to football in order to attend Cal, which had a stronger academic reputation. However, I now wonder if I should have chosen UOP or San Jose State instead, where I could have played baseball and potentially boosted my chances of getting drafted into the NFL. Ultimately, one makes decisions and moves on with them. I spent my last two years at the University of Hawaii and had a fantastic experience there. By the time I was a redshirt junior and senior, I had built up 40 pounds of muscle. Green Bay contacted me following the draft, inviting me to attend their training camp. However, I signed with an agent who persuaded me not to go to Green Bay, as he already represented some punters bound for that team.

My head coach phoned me to ask why I hadn’t attended as scheduled. He reminded me that I was ranked as the top punter in the country back in 1979. He asked, “Why didn’t you take the opportunity?” Interestingly, three of the punters who were dropped from that same training camp went on to be picked up by other teams that year and had impressive NFL careers spanning 14 and 15 years. Modestly, I feel I was more skilled than they were. However, I decided to take a break first, then joined the Chargers. Unfortunately, during the next season, I sustained an injury while sprinting on the grass field – I fell into a gopher hole and stretched my right thigh muscle from knee to hip, tearing it. Consequently, I was let go.

What made you want to take up acting after the football injury?

From a young age, my dream has been to become an actor. I discovered my passion for it during my college years. An injury unexpectedly paved the way for me to pursue this career path a bit sooner. In 1983, at the age of 27, I was accepted into the graduate program at UCLA. After completing that program, I started working in theater professionally, beginning in the summer of 1985 at the PCPA Theater Fest in Solvang, Santa Maria – the very same venue where Troy Evans had been seven years prior.

Life offers numerous routes you can choose, and often, one door must shut for another to be opened. As early as seventh grade, when I played Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, there was a certain enchantment about acting that resonated with me. It stirred the same emotions I felt on the sports fields. That exhilaration remained constant.

How did you get established in the movies and television?

It became clear to me that many TV and movie actors were being given leading roles in the theater, which made me consider that even after 20 years, I might not secure the more significant parts. Consequently, I decided it was the right moment for a change. I returned to L.A., began working on low-budget productions, gradually climbing up the ladder. Initially, I took on either the heroic or villainous lead in these non-union projects, completing around seven or eight of them within the first two years before eventually landing a union film role. In this production, I portrayed a Colombian drug smuggler, darkened my hair and adopted a Spanish accent.

In a different turn of phrase, the individual began their acting career later in life, around 30 years old, rather than at 18. If given the opportunity to start earlier, more possibilities might have arisen. However, starting late in television and film has allowed me to live comfortably, paying my bills without needing an additional job. I’m not a globally recognized movie star or incredibly wealthy, but I’m content.

Reflecting on my mother’s life, she worked tirelessly as a real estate broker for 24 years, supporting our family while doing something she didn’t particularly enjoy. She was one of my biggest advocates, encouraging me to pursue a career that I loved and could support myself with, stating, “If you can find something that you love doing that you can make a living at. You’re blessed.”

Although the odds of making a living in this field were slim, I was determined to work hard and achieve my goals. While acting isn’t like being a lawyer, nurse, police officer, or teacher, I eventually realized that many people with regular jobs also lack job security.

Could you share some insights about your career journey, particularly how you became known for playing villainous roles in Hollywood?

Since my towering height often made me seem overshadowed and prevented me from securing lead or running roles in TV series, I shifted towards portraying villainous characters instead. This career choice had its challenges, such as the physical demands of fights and long working hours, sometimes stretching up to 16-18 hours per day. The schedule was grueling, with early days at the start of the week transitioning into night shifts towards the end, only to return to days again. Despite the exhaustion, it has been a rewarding journey. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my craft, aiming to play a diverse range of characters.

It appears that the original text is discussing how the actor’s training and education at UCLA helped shape their career by pushing them out of their comfort zone and encouraging them to take on roles beyond their initial expectations. The actor humorously mentions that they often joke about not having any actual acting ability, suggesting that they attribute their success primarily to their good looks.

“The training I received at UCLA, specifically my master’s in acting, has been really beneficial for me. Instead of letting me play roles that were easy for me, like just being myself or the leading man, they challenged me to expand my range. Over the years, I’ve had a running joke about my supposed lack of acting skills. Whenever I don’t get cast in a role, I simply laugh it off and say I have no acting ability at all. However, my career has been built almost exclusively on my striking good looks.

I’ve heard this is one of your routines.

Indeed, I recently attended an audition a week ago, but unfortunately, I wasn’t chosen for the part. However, it didn’t rattle me in the least. I guess they found me excessively appealing which must have been the deciding factor. It’s hard to be disappointed about not landing a role when one is considered overly attractive, isn’t it? In my own whimsical universe, I find this situation rather delightful.

What did Titus Welliver think of this routine when you worked together on Bosch and Bosch: Legacy?

It infuriated him greatly. He’s been envious for years because I’ve always been more attractive than him. However, aside from that minor flaw, Titus is simply extraordinary. His achievements couldn’t have befallen a more deserving individual. He possesses immense talent. Beyond his envy, he is exceptionally kind and warm towards everyone. He fosters an exceptional atmosphere.

He needs to get over the fact that he’s not better looking than you though, right?

Essentially, Titus has acknowledged this situation. While Titus is undeniably handsome, he falls short in comparison to me. You could include this anecdote in your article; it’s bound to amuse him. Each day on set, I would casually mention or remind everyone – and especially him – about my superior good looks. It must be quite challenging for him when I’m around, as he is no longer the most attractive person there. This is likely why he complained and grumbled every time I arrived on set, because he was overshadowed. Michael Connelly has confirmed that I was hired due to my appealing appearance, with the aim of attracting the female audience.

The camaraderie on the Bosch set sounds incredible. The casting on both shows was spot on.

Absolutely, their selection for both Bosch and Bosch: Legacy was exceptional. In the audition room sat Eric Overmyer and Michael Connelly, who had a clear vision. Somehow they managed to find that perfect fit, as the chemistry among all actors turned out remarkably well. The characters were also spot-on. It’s crucial to emphasize the significance of casting in bringing a story to life effectively.

The show wouldn’t be the same without Crate and Barrel.

I’m glad that sentiment has been expressed to me. There are several who’ve shared this viewpoint. The series is quite intense with lots of drama, mirroring the real-life excitement and pressure situations. Real-life cops, dealing with such cases, often have a wicked sense of humor to alleviate stress. Crate & Barrel, while serious at times, also has moments of laughter and playful pranks. Other shows featuring cop duos that solely focus on comedy don’t resonate as well. This isn’t a sitcom; it needs to stem from truth and reality. My character is inspired by one of my closest friends, a former LA County sheriff, who is incredibly funny but can be formidable when serious. Troy Evans and I aimed to incorporate this dynamic in our work. Many police officers and detectives have told me they use the term “Crate & Barrel” within their divisions.

I love the scene in the original Bosch series when Crate steals Jerry Edgar’s chair. Hilarious

Absolutely!

Yes, there was an instance when Jerry Edgar disappeared for some time after getting injured, and then reappeared. Crate took Jerry’s chair and he sat in it. While everyone was gone, Edgar went through the entire bullpen, gathering items that had been misplaced by others and returned them. In a humorous twist, when I pretended not to know where his chair was, he came looking for it. When he saw me sitting on a chair labeled ‘J. Edgar,’ he asked, “How did that happen?” It’s amusing. However, this is genuine humor. It’s just people playing harmless pranks and having fun with each other. This is the kind of thing that happens in real life.

Save Bosch: Legacy Key Points

Sign the petition to Save Bosch: Legacy HERE
Spread the word by visiting Bosch: Legacy’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts, and tell other fans about the cancelation, and link to the petition.

The Problems With Streaming And The Push Towards The Younger Demographic

Tell me about how streaming changed the industry for better and worse.

The streaming industry represents a new approach to doing business, contrasting with traditional network TV where most of their income was derived from advertising based on Nielsen ratings. Advertisers would pay for 30-second commercial spots, depending on the number of viewers per show. In the past, a successful show could draw up to 40 million viewers, but today, that figure is approximately 18 million viewers for network shows, which still holds significant value. This model remains viable as long as viewership numbers remain strong, ensuring that advertisers continue their financial support.

For decades, the model had been established without commercials, with a subscription-based system where funds were allocated to productions like Amazon’s breakout show “Bosch“. Although not their first series, “Bosch” significantly boosted Amazon’s membership. Data suggests that the average viewer of “Bosch: Legacy” is 50 years old and above. Once a sufficient number of older subscribers were acquired, additional revenue was sought through advertisements to attract younger viewers. This shift in strategy might have contributed to the cancellation of “Bosch: Legacy“, as it’s crucial for streaming platforms like Amazon to continuously gain new, younger subscribers. As for our characters Crate and Barrel, we noticed a gradual reduction in their screen time during “Bosch Legacy” Season 1, and this trend has continued since then.

The Move From The Original Bosch Series To Legacy, The Cancelation And The Transition To Ballard

Why did the original Bosch series turn into Bosch: Legacy?

Initially, I wasn’t convinced that we should switch from “Bosch” to “Bosch Legacy.” However, I understand their reasoning behind it. It was primarily a financial decision. They could rehire the actors at a new salary rate, and the same goes for the crew. But let me clarify, “Bosch Legacy” is not a completely different show from “Bosch.” It’s essentially the same story, but after Harry Bosch retired from the police department and became a private investigator instead. Despite the change in his professional status, the show remains centered around him. You can call it whatever you want, but technically speaking, it’s still the same series.

Indeed, Troy Evans shared a similar perspective regarding Bosch’s transition into Bosch Legacy. He stated, “Amazon essentially displaced everyone.” Many dedicated employees were let go. These individuals had invested years of their time and efforts, earning slightly higher wages only to be treated unfairly by Amazon. I wrote an article on this very topic.

I’ve gone through the material, and everything presented is accurate. They retained certain individuals, focusing on makeup and hairstyling. I’m unsure about their specific arrangements. The atmosphere was close-knit, with everyone showing care for one another and contributing to the whole. The motto was “Everyone Matters.” Each season of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy was adapted from a pair of novels. There were seven seasons of Bosch, 14 novels, but 16 novels in total were penned. However, they seemed to be running out of ideas. Bosch transitioned to private investigations, and the last five or six seasons followed Renee Ballard’s stories. Therefore, a change was imminent. But they managed to write four more seasons of two novels for Bosch Legacy, but they decided to advance the storyline featuring Renee Ballard a bit faster instead.

It wasn’t a shock when they decided to halt the production of Bosch Legacy. It seemed like they were attempting to blend the old with the new, as we had suspected. With Titus Welliver and Mimi Rogers being at a certain stage in their careers, they introduced Maddie and Vasquez, and Mo ‘Maurice’ Bassi, thus bringing in some fresh energy.

As the storyline started to drift away from Crate and Barrel, our appearances became less frequent, which is understandable. The creative team was exploring new dimensions with Maddie, and I found myself captivated by her character development. Vasquez’s portrayal, too, was compelling, and Denise Sanchez did an exceptional job.

Lastly, Mo’s character offers a unique twist that the original series might not have been able to accommodate. It’s always exciting to see fresh narratives unfold.

It was somewhat predictable, given Amazon’s aim for a younger demographic with their move to Ballard. I believe the new series isn’t resonating with younger audiences as much as Bosch: Legacy did. Nevertheless, I’m equally enthusiastic about the Ballard series as I was about Bosch: Legacy, despite the reduction in Crate and Barrel scenes because I admire the creators. Michael Connelly is an exceptional individual, incredibly talented. The team behind the show seems to be embarking on a new journey, which I believe will be successful. I sincerely hope it does well. We’re only featured in one scene. I expect Maggie Q will excel as Renee Ballard and John Carroll Lynch will do similarly well as her partner. While she may appear youthful, Renee has been in the industry for around 25-30 years. It seems they’re assembling a cast that might be slightly younger to attract more young viewers, which is just part of Amazon’s strategy to cater to a younger audience. I don’t view this as personal; it’s merely business.

Following the completion of season three of Bosch: Legacy, there were indications that Amazon may have decided to conclude the series, as it hadn’t been announced or aired yet. Unlike traditional television ratings, streaming platforms like Amazon, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Hulu, Disney do not publicly disclose viewership numbers. However, we do know that the show’s audience tends to be of a certain age group. What remains unknown is the exact number of viewers, the percentage of their members who viewed it, and how many times it was watched. These details are typically kept confidential by the streaming services. Despite this lack of transparency, the success of the show appears to have been significant.

Do you have any concerns about the Ballard spin-off?

Detective Mitzi Roberts, who served as a cold case investigator before retiring last year, serves as the basis for the character Ballard in the series. My main concern is that the show’s detectives followed Bosch because it was very authentic and true to life. They will likely have a team of younger assistants helping Ballard with the cold cases. Of course, Bosch will still be present at times. I don’t believe they’ll let him disappear completely since he’s essential. In reality, cold case investigations are often carried out by retired detectives in their 50s or 60s who receive pensions and work the cases for free with expenses paid, as the LAPD doesn’t have enough funding to maintain a large staff dedicated to cold cases.

Cummins Thinks Eric Overmyer’s Contribution As Showrunner Of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy Is Overlooked

Tell me about Eric Overmyer and his contribution to the Bosch-verse

Michael Connelly is the author of the novels, and he deserves recognition for his work. Titus Welliver, who plays the lead role, truly earns all the credit; he was perfect for the part and couldn’t have been better. Moreover, Eric Overmyer, the showrunner, is exceptional – almost like Shakespeare in his ability to write dialogues that require minimal changes. While Michael Connelly is a talented writer, his novels are heavily focused on the Harry Bosch character and his thoughts. Eric Overmyer excelled at developing the supporting characters, making them more than just two-dimensional figures. In the show, it’s essential to see more than just the main character; we need three-dimensional characters around them as well.

In my opinion, Eric Overmyer’s role in the creation of this show was undervalued. He was largely responsible for bringing it to life on television, and I believe his talents were not fully recognized by the public. Michael Connelly, in many ways, can be compared to a deity, as he conceived the entire concept. However, Overmyer masterfully adapted it for television, skillfully managing multiple plotlines, keeping them coherent and dynamic, and intricately developing each character. Truly, his ability to weave such complex narratives is a testament to his genius.

Bosch: Legacy Deserves A Proper Ending

What do you think about Bosch: Legacy’s abrupt ending?

When Amazon chose to terminate “Bosch: Legacy”, the cast anticipated more series. However, their hopes were dashed. It’s just part of the business, but this was particularly hard because a show like this, which has been on air for ten years, is unusual. You just have to look at shows like “Homeland”, “The Sopranos”, “Dexter”. Every series that has been a strong contender for several years typically concludes, whether it’s “M*A*S*H” or any other show that’s had a final episode or season. It doesn’t necessarily mean all characters must perish, but it does imply a resolution. Unfortunately, “Bosch: Legacy” didn’t offer one. The viewers crave closure. They desire a fitting end. I can easily name 100 shows that have been successful and had a final episode or season.

Top-tier TV series such as Bosch: Legacy should receive fitting conclusions, and it certainly belongs to the company of prestigious shows that have maintained quality even beyond when others ceased.

Almost all detectives enjoy watching Bosch, claiming it portrays their work more accurately than any other television series to date. I have many police officer friends who share this sentiment.

Cummins’ Experience Working On Bosch Was Important Because Real Life Law Enforcement Officers Appreciated His Portrayal

I am fortunate to have many friends in the law enforcement field, ranging from beat cops to homicide detectives. Being part of a series like Bosch, which authentically portrays their work, is a great privilege. These individuals, whom I’ve admired and respected for years, these protectors, guardians of society, risk their lives daily. They face immense hardships. Their safety is constantly at risk every day they’re on duty. They dedicate their lives to serving us.

Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous law enforcement officers across the country who appreciate my portrayal of them. I always tell them I cannot accept their gratitude, but instead express my appreciation for their service. Every officer in this nation is a hero from the moment they decide to join the academy, put on a badge, and step out into the public with their lives at risk.

This show was crafted around real cops, and we strived to make it as realistic as possible. While our roles are merely acting, we’re not curing diseases or saving lives; we’re simply providing entertainment. However, working alongside these true heroes makes my work significantly more significant.

Prior to her retirement last year, Mitzi Roberts served on the board of the annual conference for California Homicide Investigators, which spanned four days each year. This event drew around eight or nine hundred homicide investigators from across California, although not all attend. She reached out to me and invited me to be the keynote speaker at the opening night of this conference. I’m not well-known or famous in any way. I kept expressing my surprise, saying that I wasn’t a big name or star. However, she explained that due to their familiarity with my character from Bosch, people find me likable and humorous. Moreover, they appreciated my support for law enforcement. This is quite an honor as the conference takes place in August, and it will be my first time speaking at such an event. I’ve attended similar functions before, but this will be my first time delivering a speech. I’m unsure of what to say, as I’m not accustomed to public speaking.

Legacy has been noticed by those in law enforcement, doesn’t it?

Titus plays a crucial role in this show, like how Bosch is central to the books. His performance has become so natural that it seems almost second nature to him. Off-screen, he’s quite humorous and outgoing, which adds depth to his portrayal of the character. He’s making deliberate choices to bring humor and life to the role of Bosch.

So do you want to backtrack on what you said about his looks earlier?

He’s more attractive than many, but still falls short compared to my standards. Take it from me. He acknowledges and agrees with my perspective.

The Possibility Of Bosch: Legacy Coming Back And A Funny Story From The Bosch: Legacy Set

I really hope they get to do a movie or another series. I think it will happen. What do you think?

I believe the story will unfold similarly to “Breaking Bad”. They created “El Camino” since Jesse’s storylines didn’t conclude with Walter White, providing a satisfying two-hour wrap-up of Jesse’s post-Walter White life. “Better Call Saul” was fantastic as well. I feel fortunate to have contributed to “Bosch” and “Bosch: Legacy”. When we started the first season, I suggested to Troy that it would be great if it ran for seven seasons or more. I’d have been happy with five since I hadn’t done a recurring role before, but to have something regular, I had only experienced it on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. We indeed went seven seasons on “Bosch”, and if you count “Legacy”, we made it to ten. That’s truly remarkable.

The group responsible for creating Bosch consistently follows a well-planned route, unlike many other shows that seem to stumble blindly without a clear direction or plan.

As far as it mattered to them, Titus could have gone on for 20 seasons if needed. He’s been a remarkable character, and I believe he wasn’t prepared for the series to conclude. If it were a network show, they likely would have extended it to 25 seasons. They have a captivated audience with network TV. The viewership remains high. Advertisers are still attracted due to the large number of viewers. Therefore, the income continues to flow. Actors receive reasonable wages. The system works differently for streaming services. If Bosch: Legacy were network television instead of streaming, I’m certain it would still be airing today.

As a passionate cinephile, I eagerly anticipated the vast, extended Bosch universe in Bosch: Legacy, envisioning it running for 15 seasons or even more, maintaining its exceptional quality throughout. Alas, it feels like a significant opportunity squandered, as this captivating show seems to have ended too soon.

As a cinephile, I must admit, I’m intrigued by the prospect of what might lie ahead. Just as Dexter took a brief hiatus and eventually returned with a new story, I can only hope that Ballard will follow suit. The unpredictability of cinema is part of its charm; who knows if Ballard could erupt onto the scene and become a massive success? After all, we don’t possess Amazon’s crystal ball to foresee the future, but one thing is certain – I’m eagerly waiting to find out!

They are keeping those numbers away from people.

Well, you can bet they’re sharing their numbers with their advertisers.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m excited to spill some beans about the behind-the-scenes action from Bosch: Legacy Season 3! Alas, my non-disclosure agreement is as tight as a drum, so all I can reveal is this: The third season promises to be a rollercoaster ride of suspense and emotion that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait for you all to see it!

In the latest filming for season 3 of “Bosch: Legacy,” when the contract mentioned a ‘preferred name,’ I jokingly wrote mine as “Mr. Good Looking.” Additionally, I’ve made sure to note this preference in my medical records as well.

That is brilliant.

On that particular day, everyone present on set, including crew members from lighting and sound, as well as those who approached me, were addressed as “Mr. Good Looking” by me. Titus and others would often exclaim, “Wow, he’s interacting with the crew now.” In a legal sense, they were required to address me as Mr. Good-looking when referring to me. However, it’s debatable whether I was joking about this or not.

Any final thoughts on your experience working on Bosch and Bosch: Legacy?

Working on Bosch and Bosch: Legacy for the past decade has offered numerous pleasures beyond professional acclaim, but none more so than the remarkable camaraderie I’ve shared with a stellar team – from producers, writers, to actors, and crew members. Among these delightful experiences, my most treasured joy stems from the profound bond I’ve nurtured with Troy Evans, both on set and off it. This connection has proven to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, enriching me professionally as well as personally.

Sign The Petition To Save Bosch: Legacy HERE

2025-04-26 16:18

Gregory Cummins Reveals Bosch: Legacy’s Secrets & Streaming’s Impact