Introducing Lawmen: Bass Reeves, the Standalone Series Unfolding the Epic Story of the Historical Western Icon

Bass Reeves, a renowned figure in Western history and the inspiration behind beloved characters like The Lone Ranger, is finally receiving the recognition he deserves with his very own standalone series. It is a commendable decision to detach Bass Reeves’ narrative from the fictional world of Yellowstone, as it ensures that his real-life achievements take center stage, free from the overshadowing presence of fictional adventures.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves serves as the opening chapter of an anthology series that delves into the lives of other celebrated lawmen from history. This unique approach offers a fresh and exhilarating perspective on their invaluable contributions to law enforcement. In the vast landscape of American history, Bass Reeves represents a highly influential yet often overlooked figure, and it is truly gratifying to witness his story receiving the spotlight it deserves through Lawmen: Bass Reeves, now liberated from its ties to Yellowstone.

Undoubtedly, Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone cinematic universe has become a marvel in its own right. From its inception in 2018, the flagship series has captivated audiences, boasting a star-studded cast and revolving around the family conflicts of the Duttons. Paramount and Sheridan have crafted an unstoppable empire of television, featuring a slew of prequels like 1883 and 1923, with more prequels, sequels, and spin-offs on the horizon. Sheridan, despite dedicating considerable effort to building and expanding the Yellowstone universe, is also involved in numerous other projects, such as Tulsa King and Special Ops: Lioness.

In September 2021, MTV and ViacomCBS announced the development of a limited series about the legendary Western icon Bass Reeves, with the talented David Oyelowo taking on the lead role. This prospect alone is thrilling, considering the gripping nature of Reeves’ life story. However, in May 2022, MTV Entertainment revealed that the series would be restructured as a spin-off/continuation of Yellowstone’s 1883 prequel, a decision that many found unnecessary. Fortunately, Paramount and Sheridan have now made the wise choice to detach Bass Reeves’ narrative from the Yellowstone universe. The result is Lawmen: Bass Reeves, the inaugural installment of an anthology series that will explore the lives of other remarkable lawmen in subsequent seasons.

Needless to say, this new path is far superior, for influential figures like Bass Reeves need not have their stories diminished by the fictional escapades of the Dutton family. RELATED: First ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ Teaser Puts David Oyelowo in the Line of Duty

But who exactly is Bass Reeves? And why is it crucial for his story to be separated from the fictional family strife in the Yellowstone universe? Reflect for a moment on your favorite hero from a Western tale. Whether it’s The Lone Ranger, Shane, or even Arthur Morgan, it is likely that the real-life exploits of Bass Reeves have indirectly inspired these iconic characters and many others.

Bass Reeves was born in 1838, a time when millions of black individuals lived as slaves before the Civil War. Like many others, Bass found himself compelled to serve the Confederacy, the side he despised, during the war. Determined to avoid becoming another casualty, Reeves seized the opportunity to escape to the Native American territory of Oklahoma. He spent years there, assimilating into the culture and traditions of the Native population, until the war ended and the 13th Amendment was ratified.

With the conclusion of the Civil War came the rapid expansion of the Wild West, a lawless frontier rife with crime. Bass Reeves’ familiarity with the area, combat experience, and understanding of Native American practices made him an ideal candidate when Marshall James Fagan deputized him, making Reeves the first black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. The rest of his story reads like a script for a John Ford Western film. Over his esteemed 30-year career, Bass Reeves apprehended over 3,000 individuals, a record unmatched by any other U.S. Marshal. He even went so far as to personally capture his own son, Bennie Reeves, who stood accused of murdering his wife. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Reeves also adopted disguises to track down wanted criminals. Unfortunately, despite his unparalleled service, Bass Reeves faced the harsh reality of institutionalized racism prevalent in the tamed Wild West. Following Oklahoma’s statehood, he was unjustly stripped of his position as a U.S. Marshal solely due to the color of his skin. Nevertheless, Bass Reeves’ remarkable career continued to be chronicled and celebrated, even after his passing in 1910.

As the primary inspiration for The Lone Ranger, Bass Reeves already possesses a story rife with engaging material. His journey as a black man breaking free from slavery, immersing himself in the Native American way of life, and ultimately becoming an extraordinary law enforcement Marshal is a narrative that demands proper and accurate depiction. Thus far, there hasn’t been a movie or show that has succeeded in truly capturing the essence of this story. Lawmen: Bass Reeves has a unique opportunity to fill this void, showcasing Reeves’ extraordinary life in a captivating and authentic manner.

Moreover, connecting Bass Reeves’ story to Yellowstone would be counterproductive. There is an irony in associating a prominent black historical figure with a fictional white family. It is not a favorable approach to utilize the legacy and influence of a legendary non-fiction character like Bass Reeves to tell a story about fictional characters. While historical figures can be incorporated into fictional narratives, as demonstrated in HBO’s Watchmen series with its subtle allusions to Bass Reeves as an early progenitor of the superhero archetype, the inclusion must be handled with care.

Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, Bass Reeves’ story is already intriguing enough without the introduction of fictional elements. Naturally, some adjustments may be necessary for storytelling purposes, and a few additional characters may need to be created. Nevertheless, these changes should be minimal and respectful. With over 30 years of his life to explore, there is ample material to delve into that doesn’t revolve around the lineage of John Dutton (Kevin Costner).

Lawmen: Bass Reeves will premiere on Paramount+ in the fall of 2023, promising to transport viewers into an enthralling world where the real-life heroism of Bass Reeves takes center stage.

 

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