Lawmen: Bass Reevesis poised to immerse viewers in a chapter of the American West that’s been shrouded in shadows, yet brims with drama. This Paramount+ drama series reimagines the enduring allure of Westerns, blending the stark beauty of untamed landscapes with stories of resilience, rooted in historical truth and personal grit.
The series has been born from the creative wellspring of Chad Feehan, who pulls double duty as creator and showrunner. Alongside him,David Oyelowo, a two-time Emmy nominee, dons the star and producer’s hats, portraying the titular Bass Reeves, a figure of monumental significance as the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi.
A source of initial confusion, the show was once whispered in industry circles to be a spinoff from the popularYellowstoneseries, particularly as a prequel to1883. However, Feehan has recently cleared the air regarding this speculation. In an interview withTVLine, Feehan firmly detachesLawmen: Bass ReevesfromtheYellowstonenarrative, despite its executive production link through Taylor Sheridan. The show’s historical placement, according to Feehan, sits well before the events of1883, unfolding in a period spanning from 1862 to 1877, thus severing any direct ties to Sheridan’s acclaimed universe.
“[It was] an idea that we briefly talked about. But for me, once I learned some of the things I didn’t know about Bass’ life, and decided where we wanted to start the story and where we wanted to end the story, it preceded1883. [The show] takes place from, roughly, 1862 to 1877.”
Lawmen: Bass Reevesis set to make its debut on November 5, and it carries the expectation of a series that can stand solidly on the shoulders of its real-life protagonist’s legacy. In the era following the Reconstruction, the American West serves as a backdrop to the story of a man whose claim to fame was the capture of innumerable felons, all while keeping himself unscathed.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves Trailer Unveils Taylor Sheridan’s New Western Series with David Oyelowo
Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan executive produces the new Western series, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, out Nov. 5 on Paramount+.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves Assembles a Cast Worthy of a Legend
Filmed against the Texas backdrop, the show is not just a one-man showcase. The ensemble cast includes the likes of Lauren E. Banks, Shea Whigham, Barry Pepper, Demi Singleton, Forrest Goodluck, and Dennis Quaid. Each actor embodies a pivotal figure in the life and times of Bass Reeves. Notably, the inclusion of Mo Brings Plenty, a face familiar toYellowstoneaficionados, in a distinct role, lends a nod to the show’s caliber without relying on its predecessor’s success.
This series aims toelevate Bass Reeves from a historical footnoteto a household name. Past portrayals of Reeves have been scattered through film and television, with actors such as Colman Domingo and Delroy Lindo stepping into the storied boots of the marshal. ButLawmen: Bass Reevesseeks to give this historical giant his due, untethered from the legacy ofYellowstone, which might just be the key to its potential triumph.
The narrative ofLawmen: Bass Reevesis set to unfold on the small screen, weaving a tale of law, justice, and survival against the harsh tapestry of the American frontier. With a storied figure at its heart and a cast that promises powerful performances,Lawmen: Bass Reevesstands on the precipice of captivating audiences who crave the thrill of the Wild West with the depth of historical reverence. The series has the potential to resonate as a standalone narrative, offering a compelling look at a man whose badge shone not just with authority, but with a trailblazing legacy.
