Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023) User Reviews

Really Enjoyed It

[Rob1331 · 8/10 · 9 December 2023]

Being a big fan of both westerns and Taylor Sheridan I can say I've been looking forward to this ever since I first heard about it. It did not disappoint. It's shows how this hero, Bass Reeves, will do anything to take care of his family and bring justice to this who deservee it, even if that means working along side racists and other people he didn't like. There have been a few portrayals of this character over the years but David Oyelowo is by far the best yet. He makes what would still be a good show a great one. It's action packed and intelligent at the same time. Can't wait to see what Sheridan does next.

Not Sheridan's best but still pretty good

[Supermanfan-13 · 8/10 · 19 December 2023]

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is another in a long line of hits for Taylor Sheridan. Anything this guy touches is pure gold. Obviously, this series is about the life of Bass Reeves, one of the legends of the West and one of the first U. S. Deputy Marshall's who was black. David Oyelowo does a terrific job playing the title character, he was just nominated for an Emmy for his job in this. This series also has a bunch of supporting characters played by great actors like Dennis Quaid, Barry Pepper, Shea Whigham, Donald Sutherland, Lauren E Banks, Garrett Hedlund, Forrest Goodluck, etc. If you're a fan of this genre or Taylor Sheridan then this is a must watch.

Enjoyable!

[camdlm · 7/10 · 19 December 2023]

I enjoyed the first 5 or 6 episodes, but the last ones were a little out there and short. The last episode left me with questions unanswered, perhaps that was the intent. Over all a 7 at best. I enjoy most of Taylor Sheridan's stories/shows/endeavors, but I am glad this one is not setup for another season - or don't think it is. The shows with multiple seasons take far too long between them - so much so that I loose interest and let alone remember what was in the prior season. I truly believe it would be better to conclude some of his other shows like Yellowstone (if it is ending); or 1923 before coming out with more new ones.

Great. It too short

[BrentCowey · 8/10 · 25 December 2023]

Turns out this is well made, well filmed. Great show. So what is it with these paltry little 8 episode seasons we keep getting nowadays. ??

Epic fail by the makers.

Apparently based on a True story (no, I hadn't heard about this either !). Ina h episode was good. An underlying story running along through the series but just not enough details and episodes so what could have been a sprawling epic was left as too short, too time lapsed over periods of time and therefor just slightly unsatisfying. Hope it that this is successful so they some item can be made with better continuity and detail. (Oh and more than 8 episodes please!!!)

Navigating the Legend: A Review of Lawmen: Bass Reeves

[mselby-01342 · 8/10 · 18 December 2023]

"Lawmen: Bass Reeves," a recent addition to Taylor Sheridan's repertoire, begins its narrative journey at a slower pace than his renowned works like "Yellowstone" or "1883." Initially, this slower tempo might feel less captivating, especially for those accustomed to the gripping beginnings typical of Sheridan's series. The show employs numerous time jumps, a storytelling technique that, while effective in progressing the narrative, contributes to a somewhat disjointed initial rhythm.

A striking aspect of the series is how swiftly we see Bass Reeves and his family age. This rapid progression, while necessary for the story, can at times feel abrupt, leaving viewers longing for a more gradual depiction of their growth and evolution.

However, the series finds its footing with the introduction of a clear antagonist. This pivotal moment seems to steer the narrative with a newfound sense of purpose and direction, transforming it into a more traditional hero-versus-villain tale. The gunfights, a staple in such stories, do fall into the familiar trope where villains inexplicably miss their shots, even against a hero in plain sight. This element, albeit clichéd, doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the series.

The show concludes with a finale that feels like a fitting conclusion to the legend of Bass Reeves. It encapsulates his journey sufficiently, giving viewers a sense of completion. While the ending is well-executed, the pacing of the series as a whole suggests that a few additional episodes could have provided a more balanced narrative flow. The initial slowness and the somewhat rushed conclusion leave one contemplating what could have been with a more evenly paced storyline.

In summary, "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" is another commendable effort by Sheridan, showcasing his storytelling prowess. Despite not reaching the heights of popularity seen in "Yellowstone" or "1883," it stands as a solid portrayal of a legendary figure. The show navigates through its pacing challenges to deliver a story that is engaging and, ultimately, satisfying. It's a testament to Sheridan's ability to craft compelling narratives, even when they tread a more conventional path.

OK

[kingofcritics · 6/10 · 29 December 2023]

This show starts off great, the cinematography is amazing throughout.

Solid acting from everyone.

Only thing is the main character makes some weird decisions and they keep coming to the point where one starts identifying less and less with him.

The main bad guy is great and there are parallels to the main character that make you ponder. How much bad is in the good guy, how similar are they really.

The main guy bullies his sidekick for no good reason and yet the kid saved him and feels like the real protagonist at times.

Then there is the main characters' family storyline, which is very weak and can be skipped all together for a better outcome. All around not bad, but it could have been great with some minor adjustments.

"I need a man with a good gun and a straight spine." - Episode #3, Judge Isaac Parker to Bass Reeves

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 17 December 2023]

As a lifelong TV and movie Western fan, I'm still amazed at the fact that I never heard of Bass Reeves until the Bill O'Reilly series 'Legends and Lies' offered an entry on the frontier lawman. That episode took a questionable tack, suggesting that Reeves might have been the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. Though there may have been similarities between the fictional character and the historical one, I can't buy the premise that one followed the other. This series does present elements of Bass Reeves' career as a Deputy U. S. Marshal, sworn to the post by the legendary Judge Isaac Parker for the western district of Arkansas, which had jurisdiction over the Indian Territory. Of the events portrayed in this series, Reeves' shooting of his camp cook in Episode #7 for letting a prisoner escape was made to look intentional, while the O'Reilly program stated it was an accident. Either way, Reeves was found not guilty of murder by Judge Parker, allowing him to resume his livelihood. One in fact that was legendary, and in no way touched upon in this series. Over the course of his career, it's estimated that Bass Reeves arrested over three thousand criminals, and killed a total of fourteen men. Given the scope of his career as a lawman, I thought more could have been done with this production, a fact that may offer hope for a second season, although it looked by the way this one ended that Reeves was ready to hang up his guns and become a family man full time.

Silliness

[frmrfran · 6/10 · 27 February 2024]

The show is beautifully shot, well directed and with some fantastic performances. Unfortunately, as the series progressed, the stories drifted farther into pure HBO level cartoonish fiction.

Bass Reeves was a great and legendary lawman, and it is sad that his story couldnt be told simply and truthfully. I guess his 14 kills in 32 years of being a lawman werent considered dramatic enough for us 2020's folks who need explosions and green screens. It detracts from the man's greatness when his long service to law enforcement is reduced to some magic-tinged fight between good and evil, mysticism and wild conjecture. By the time I reached episode VIII I grew disappointed that the heroics I saw in the early episodes--which I had thought must be accurate--were most likely complete fiction.

This show was perhaps the biggest chunk of all my reasons to sign up for Paramount + and I will not watch any of the upcoming Lawmen seasons supposedly portraying famous lawmen. It's a shame.

This is worth the watch, at only 8 episodes, and as I said it is very well done.

lost interest midway

[kimhansen-42280 · 6/10 · 22 December 2023]

It's a solid show, but just not much immersion and I honestly don't relate or care about a single character. I expected I would like it - and I don't dislike it - it just does'nt motivate me to watch. A typical episode is that Reeves gets a job, is teleported to his destination, shoots a bunch of bad guys, struggle to get his captive home (and shoots a lot of bad guys) and then is back home. While he's away we follow his family's life, which really is not all that interesting. The show lacks something and I don't have clue what? It has talented actors, so not that. Maybe it's because it's suppossed to be the wild west, the open and endless planes, but instead everything feels small and contained not grandiose, adventurous with beautiful scenery. Anyways, was'nt for me. Too bad.

Really good.

[gethinnadin · 9/10 · 30 December 2023]

If you liked 'The Good Lord Bird' this is very similar. Well filmed, good acting. Seems higher budget than you might expect. I'm only a few episodes in, but enjoying it. You can always tell when a tv series is based on a book because the storytelling tends to be better as does the character development.

If you're into Westerns, civil war style stories and the challenges of the mid 1800's, you'll no doubt like this. Also great to see Barry Pepper and Shea Whitman in the cast. David Oyelowo is a great leading man and brings so much to this series. Looking forward to finishing it and hopefully more series to follow.

Enthralling Story

[jspotproductions · 7/10 · 18 November 2023]

I have know of the story of Bass Reeves for years. The man was truly one of histories biggest badasses, he was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger after all. It is crazy that it has taken this long for Hollywood to tell the true story of him. I have not watched any of Tyler Sheridan's other shows but after watching this I can understand how the Yellowstone universe has become so popular. My only real issue with the show is David Oyelowo's size. The real Bass Reeves was somewhere between 6'2"-6'4" in the late 1800's and would dwarf nearly all men of the time. It is hard for me to get past David's lack of imposing size. Other than that, he does give a good performance.

Disappointing

[DrGonzo703 · 5/10 · 16 November 2023]

I really wanted to love this show, about a vastly underrated historical figure. And the casting of Oyewolo in the title role is so good. But so many little things just turn me off. For one, it's just too darn clean for it's time period. The streets of the towns, the buildings in the towns, even Bass's little farm, all are way too neat and pristine. And the saloons we've seen are so spotless. I realize that it's a TV program in the 21st century, but how can you have a clean, well lit saloon in 1875, without ANYONE smoking? This thing will wind up on CBS in the near future, and you cannot depict the consumption of tobacco on network TV these days, I get all that. But it detracts from the reality of an important story of its own time. And, most critically, the racial aspect hasn't been sufficiently addressed in the first few episodes. A black man riding into a Texas town and walking into a saloon there in 1875 would have gotten called every name you can think of and a few you can't, if not beaten and kicked out, not invited to sit down and enjoy a friendly card game. It's been fairly enjoyable so far, but it's been way too shallow in my view.

Fantastic and so well written and acted

[mfrostbusiness · 9/10 · 5 November 2023]

I've only watch the first episode, and I'll come back and adjust my review after I finish the series, but I can tell already I'm going to like it. I do like it.

First of all, the writing in this is outstanding. Most productions would make everything black-and-white, good and evil, without any intrigue whatsoever. Bass himself is not perfect, in fact he fights for the confederacy willingly. Even as a slave, he has a sense of honor, of right and wrong, but he serves his master until his master no longer deserves his allegiance.

I know quite a bit of the history of this character, and so far they've been faithful to trying to replicate the authenticity of Bass Reeves.

As sets, locations, costumes, and related are outstanding. The casting is outstanding. No caricatures, and everyone plays the role right on the money neither under nor over playing it. This is smart writing that doesn't insult the intelligence of the viewer.

If the first episode is any litmus test, this is one of the smarter shows on television right now. I've been a critic of Taylor Sheridan lately because I want him to FINALLY finish Yellowstone, but if this is what he's been working on instead, I'm gonna give him a bit of a pass because the show really is outstanding.

Great new western series

[ellydraper · 9/10 · 27 December 2023]

I love this new western series and grateful it's creators saw fit to leave the "f" bombs at the door. Please make more westerns like Bass Reeves! The actors are talented and believeable, the story line is easy to follow after the first episode, which has to give you background so you'll understand Bass and his motivations. It's good to see Donald Sutherland and Dennis Quaid. From what I've read, I understand this is an anthology and next season we will follow a new character, but I'm sad to lose the thread of Reeves. Maybe we can get a spin-off? More clean westerns would be a real treat Hollywood.

Ignore the annoying flaws and watch

[Jazguyz6 · 7/10 · 5 December 2023]

I really, really wanted to like this series. Finally, an acknowledgment of a legendary Western lawman who was arguably far more successful than the better known Wyatt Earp or Bat Masterson, plus he was a former slave, with a terrific actor (Daniel Oyelowo) cast as the lead. While somewhat disappointed, I would nevertheless still recommend the series to anyone who knows little or nothing about Bass Reeves. It's worth watching even with its flaws.

Since not much is known about Reeves' life as a slave, the writers were free to let their imaginations roam. Why they chose to portray Reeves as a slave who shot and killed Union soldiers during the Civil War is beyond comprehension. Was it an attempt to show Reeves as a man of honor who felt he had a moral obligation to serve his master? That would require us to believe Reeves thought his own slavery was morally correct. Was it an attempt to appeal to White Southern viewers who still believe in the Lost Cause of the fallaciously named War of Northern Aggression? Or viewers who believe that slaves willingly fought on behalf of the Confederacy? To be clear, the latter view is nonsensical. While there are written eyewitness accounts of Black men seen among Confederate soldiers during battle, the simpler explanation is that many Confederate officers were slaveowners who brought along a slave to perform as their man-servants. The notion that a slave would willingly kill a man fighting to defeat slavery is ludicrous.

There are other nonsensical minor details that are noted by other reviewers (Reeves runs away from his owner, taking a horse but not any shoes, leading to later agony? While still barefoot, he kills two probable slave catchers but he doesn't take their shoes? His cap-and-ball revolver works perfectly after being submerged in a river?). Meh, while annoying, these are mere nits. So suspend your disbelief because in the larger context, it's worth watching to learn more about a man who should be known as a Western legend.

Another great show from Taylor Sheridan!

[npvarley · 9/10 · 1 January 2024]

Well, I was looking forward to seeing Bass Reeves and it didn't disappoint! A top-notch cast did a great job bringing the characters to life. The locations and cinematography were fantastic and it had a sense of grit that many western series don't.

David Olewayo, as Bass, was exceptional. The supporting cast were also great: Forrest Goodluck, Dennis Quaid, Barry Pepper and Donald Sutherland all played their parts superbly. It's the best role I've seen Sutherland play in a long time.

There were three books written, so I hope we'll get to see at least one more series of Bass Reeves. With 1883 and, now, Bass Reeves, Taylor Sheridan has struck gold, not pyrite! (Watch it all the way through and you'll recognise the reference!).

The poor relative of Taylor's shows

[wchalmers-97280 · 6/10 · 14 December 2023]

The opening episode was thrilling as it picks up during the American civil war with a black man fighting for the confederates although it soon becomes clear that he's still considered a lesser person even though he's risking his own life. They should've concentrated on this premise as it initially evolved into the two best episodes of the serious. Following this it becomes pretty boring to be honest and the episodes are criminally short, falling into streaming shows, 101, 'let's make this movie into 8 episodes'. The acting is competent and the production, as you'd expect from Taylor Sheridan is first class, just a shame the final product falls way below.

Thought I was going to hate it...

[e_newman · 8/10 · 14 November 2023]

All my life I've heard the stories of Bass Reeves, and it automatically makes for a Hollywood drama. The man was a legend. But every account I've ever seen about his life, always did a disservice. The movie that came out a few years ago is no exception. The cartoonish mustache, the cliched shootouts, and the unrealistic dialogue made me want my 90 minutes back. I went into this expecting more of the same.

The first thing that caught my attention, however, was the cast. David Oyelowo has never played a bad character. But then I see Dennis Quaid, Donald Sutherland, Shea Whigham, and Barry Pepper, my first thought was sheesh. You almost CAN'T mess this movie up. Turned out I was right. The acting is subtle, even if the old school southern dialect is a little strained. The character development doesn't seem rushed. The cinematography is beautiful. It's a great show all around, and the end of each episode so far, makes you want to stay up past your bed time to watch the next. Hats off to a fantastic cast, and finally a storyline that does justice to this forgotten hero.

should be a movie

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 19 December 2023]

Bass Reeves (David Oyelowo) was a slave who followed his master to fight for the Confederates in the Civil War. After the war, he gets recruited by Deputy U. S. Marshal Sherrill Lynn (Dennis Quaid) to hunt down criminals in the lawless territories with assistant Billy Crow (Forrest Goodluck). Fellow Confederate soldier Esau Pierce (Barry Pepper) killed his loved one. He does find his love Jennie (Lauren E. Banks) with their child Sally.

This limited series should have been a movie instead. It sets up the villain. It sets up the hero. It sets up a reason for revenge. As it stands, it does expand on his world weariness during his deputy days. It also gives Jennie's story more space. The historical subject is great. There are a few slower spots. Oyelowo does keep it moving and the show is solid.

Awesome Season One

[markdr3 · 10/10 · 18 December 2023]

Great acting all around especially from the lead actor, David Oyelowo; always a joy to see Dennis Quaid and Donald Sutherland. Intense and dramatic story. Thoroughly enjoyed all eight episodes.

I wonder how many more characters I need to reach six hundred. Guess I'll just have to keep on writing until I reach the minimum required length.

Great acting all around especially from the lead actor, David Oyelowo; always a joy to see Dennis Quaid and Donald Sutherland. Intense and dramatic story. Thoroughly enjoyed all eight episodes.

I wonder how many more characters I need to reach six hundred. Guess I'll just have to keep on writing until I reach the minimum required length.

Decent so far

[hafaball-1 · 6/10 · 9 November 2023]

Pretty good show so far, haven't seen anything all that new for this genre, but David Oyelowo has been incredible, almost like this role was made for him. I'm also always a fan of grumpy Dennis Quaid. I did like the show enough to write this little ditty though:

Weeellll, this is a story about a man named Bass He's got a pretty wife and really great abs He was a slave, but he ran awaaaaay Now he's a U. S. Marshall, well ain't that greeeat?

He used to fight for the Confederacy, But I'll tell you it wasn't willingly He beat up his master and he ran awaaaaay Now that master is still looking for him to this daaay

He met a Deputy by the name of Sherill He's a hard livin' man with a flask of swill Bass saw through his life of scooorn Bass excepted the job cause he can't grow no coooorn.

Well needs work...

Boring and lazy

[ronn214 · 5/10 · 24 November 2023]

Just because the subject of a TV series or movie is a hero or fascinating, that doesn't mean the actual program is going to be good. I see people giving reviews that seemed to be based on the subject & not the program itself.

The writing and direction is lazy. By that, I mean they take shortcuts and do things for effect that aren't based in reality. I knew from the first episode this was essentially using the reputation of a remakable man to make a series specifically to make money and not put out a good product. Let me explain when I say the writing & direction is lazy. They're trying to show the hardships Bass Reeves endured. He was a man born into slavery who became a famous Deputy U. S. Marshall. So, the film makers felt the need to show some of his hardships. SPOILER ALERT: Bass having a disagreement with his slave owning master, beats the living daylights out of him. Then he goes to the stables, gets a horse and rides off. He comes across three men who I suspect are slave catchers. They question him why he is riding out there so he shoots and kills all three. Then there is a commercial break. Upon returning from the commercial, our hero is struggling, walking in the wilderness and his feet are bloody because he has no boots on. This is the lazy part. They needed a bit of action so they have him shoot 3 men and now we need to feel bad for his hardships so they show him with bloody feet. Where's his horse? Are you suggesting he left the house with no boots? Why? Well, let's say he did, he just shot 3 guys who were wearling boots. They also had 3 horses, so how does he wind up with no horse and no boots? Lazy writing and direction. They needed to have some drama & this is what they came up with. Then there is a gun fight in episode 2 where you can't see a damn thing because it happens at night so you just sit there while bullets are flying.

There are many instances of just stupid dialogue, stupid scenes. This is not a good series, it's just based on a remarkable man.

Bass Reevs was the real lone ranger

[Paul_Cowan · 9/10 · 11 December 2023]

Forget the old tv show that everyone knows. That was a mishmash that never showed a black person in any way I can remember. There was a faithful Indian companion named Tonto. Lenny Bruce said that the Lone Ranger was gay and the mask hid mascara. Thats how he got censored back then. As I understand Reeves had the whole state of Oklahoma to patrol. He did well doing the "Respectful" act with whites till they let him get close. Then he could outdraw and outshoot any of them. Wanted dead or alive was a real thing back then. As for this show, I liked the Civil War reenactment that opened the first episode.

Need more seasons !!

[rustyman82 · 10/10 · 5 December 2023]

I've been telling my kids about bad reeves for years . Whenever people talk about the Wild West I always say " well did you know about bas reeves ?" It's a great show great cast . Everyone is doing a great job . It's really good . I really want more seasons of this because there is a lot of story to tell . This man's story is important to tell and there's more lawmen that Wyatt erp and doc holiday . Which by the title of this show they will probably expand into their stories as well which I will also watch . Very good show , no complaints only compliments and looking forward to seeing this and more like this !

Great Piece of American History

[elijahowens-25573 · 10/10 · 18 December 2023]

I am very excited about the Bass Reeves movie each week. I look forward each week to the next episode . It is very well made series with great actors and powerful scenes. They serious shows the ups and downs of being a servant of the law . It shows how the man of the law has to balance the power he wields with the badge and his judgment in each and every interaction with criminal elements. Is Bass Reeves is steadily being challenged in his role as a US Deputy Marshal and a man of color. I can only hope that season 2 is just as great. Thank you for making this great peace of American history a visually appealing masterpiece.