Lawmen: Bass Reeves

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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!!!)