Westbound (tv show)

Westbound is a crime thriller show that has been running for three seasons. It is considered to be one of the highest rated and most popular shows on the network - with many of the characters in the Fosterverse working on it.

A spinoff of Westbound called Inferno moved into production.

## Synopsis

Westbound follows Detective Frank Arden, a gritty cop that spent his entire career in downtown LA dealing with a wave of violent crimes and drug use. Now close to retirement, he is transferred to spend his final days in the LAPD in West LA, where the richer neighborhoods bring a whole different echelon of crime.

Frank can't decide whether his new placement is a blessing or a curse. But when a violent serial killer rips through the quiet community and his own son goes missing, he is the right man for the job to take control of the investigation.

## Characters

### Frank Arden

Frank Arden (played by Chris) is a homicide detective that's hardened by his past experiences in the east side of LA. The many killings have made him bitter and cynical - causing his marriage to hang on by a thread. The move to the West LA station creates a breath of fresh air in Frank's life, and for a while - everything seems fine. That all comes crumbling down when his son goes missing - in all likelihood by the hands of a serial killer.

### Alex Monroe

Alex Monroe (played by Foster Devries) is the youngest homicide detective in the precinct. A dark and stormy character, with a traumatic past that leaves her hungry for both justice and validation, but also gives her a seemingly expendable edge - often rushing into danger to help others with a disregard for her own wellbeing. Frank recognizes a lot of her drive and spirit in his own early career, and takes Alex under his wing as a protegé.

### Audrey Benjamin

Dr. Audrey Benjamin (played by Sophia McIvor) is a trauma surgeon at Evergreen Medical Center. She is introduced in the first season when a shootout leads to Alex Monroe being injured. The two have an instant connection, and later reconnect after work for drinks. Audrey is a steadfast, intelligent and rational voice, and is an anchor for the often chaotic and temperamental Alex.

### Linda Arden

Linda Arden (played by Heather) is the wife of Frank Arden. Despite their marriage hanging on by a thread, Linda promised Frank her devotion, and stands by him in the face of danger. When their son goes missing, Linda will stop at nothing to find the truth. And in doing so - rediscovers the strong bond she and Frank used to share.

### Jo-Anne Watson

Chief Jo-Anne Watson (played by Helen) is the Chief of Police overseeing the precinct. She's been settled in her position, and knows the ins and outs of the community like no other. Unfortunately, rubbing shoulders with the upper classes has given Watson a certain air of invincibility. Her friends in higher places will scratch her back if she'll scratch theirs. When Watson seems personally connected to the missing victims, she starts a dangerous balancing act.

### Madison Green

Special Agent Madison Green (played by Jane) is a guest role for season 3 - an FBI agent that takes over a part of the investigation. She clashes instantly with Chief Watson, implying that she knows the secrets Watson intends to keep.

### Vince Serley

Commissioner Vince Serley (played by Willie) is the highest ranking member of the LAPD - often pushing his own ideas about how the precinct should handle the disappearances - and making them feel the huge amount of pressure the politicians are putting on him to get results.

## Production

As of late 2023, production was underway for the third season. It is shot at a studio lot in Los Angeles, with occasional location shoots.

Because of the popularity of the AlDrey (Alex/Audrey) ship, there were talks of a spinoff that would focus on the two characters. This was eventually cemented in a production called Inferno.

## Known crew members

The showrunner for Westbound is Derek.

One of the network executives overseeing the show is called Rodriguez.

Two known directors are Mary and Stephen.

One of the writers is called Jeremy.

The 1AD is called Lauren.

One of the producers is called Jerry.

A member of the costume department is named Dave.

One of the camera operators is called Jason.

One of the make-up artists is called Donna.

Foster's stunt double is called Daisy.

One of the PA's is called Joey.

The new writer's assistant is Lena, Listener's ex.

## Known plot points/scenes

* In one of the first episodes of the S1, Alex Monroe gets into a shootout to save Frank's life and gets shot. At the hospital, she meets Dr. Audrey Benjamin. The two hit it off. Alex offers to buy Audrey a drink to thank her, and the two spend the night together - having a relationship for the entirety of the show.
* In S2, Alex is bleeding and being resuscitated by a trauma surgeon - Foster states the extra playing the surgeon was very rough on her and bruised her ribs during shooting.
* In S2, there is a scene where Alex has a talk with Commissioner Serley - when the man discovers she has a personal connection to the case. Foster states she hates this scene because the actor kept forgetting his lines and they have zero chemistry.
* In S3, there is a scene where Alex, after having pulled an all-nighter, meets up with Audrey at a coffee shop. Audrey is worried because Alex hasn't picked up the phone, being too preoccupied with work, and she looks horrible. Pictures of this scene were leaked online before the episode, causing fans to meme Alex' disheveled look. It was later dubbed the 'raccoon scene'.
* In S3, there is an explosion in the precinct, caused by a bomb car, injuring Frank. In the original version of the script, Alex was supposed to run after him and get caught in the blast, followed by a scene at the hospital where Audrey shockingly discovers Alex is being brought into the emergency room unannounced. The sequence was rewritten due to stunt safety. This disappointed Foster - who ships AlDrey and claimed she was looking forward to the dramatic developments - and getting to lay down in a bed all day at work. The rewritten sequence showed Alex being traumatized after seeing Frank injured. Audrey, having helped save Frank, understood that Alex needed to be taken care of. Later, over a glass of wine at their apartment, Alex opened up to Audrey about her fear and trauma.
* In S3, there is a scene where Alex finds Audrey unconscious in their apartment.
* In S3, Alex Monroe is revealed to have studied in Paris for two years, and speaks French to a suspect during his interrogation.