Bass Reeves Episode 4 Review: A Remarkable Performance

Lawmen: Bass Reeves, now halfway through its series, has grappled with the dilemma of striking the right balance between educational and entertaining storytelling. However, Episode 4 successfully manages to achieve both objectives.

In the previous three episodes, Bass (played by David Oyelowo) struggled to find his place on the screen. What initially seemed like a daring risk to secure his own survival, gradually transformed into forgettable fictional drama. Eventually, the quality of the show began to dwindle. Recognizing this issue, the creators took action and propelled Bass' journey forward by two years.

Without any explanation, the content jumps ahead in time and leaves out what happened while Bass was building his legacy. However, viewers receive all necessary details through The Lone Ranger taking control of the law and the ensuing drama. The stakes have been raised and it is long overdue.

Having gained two years of experience as a U.S. Deputy Marshal, the law of the land has surpassed Bass on a larger scale. By gathering a small team of loyal followers, including Billy Crow (played by Forrest Goodluck), Bass delves deeper into the reasons behind the lawlessness of the Wild West and explores why the gun-wielding lawman occasionally made mistakes. While the outcome does not revolutionize television, it represents a significant and much-needed improvement.

New environments, new perspectives

Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 4 takes a leap forward in time, introducing new settings and perspectives for further exploration. With the historical foundation now established, the story of Bass Reeves can embrace elements of fiction while remaining true to the revered figure he was in real life.

The core essence of Bass's story is enhanced through visits to brothels, churches, and strangers' homes, presenting a refreshing departure from the usual scenes of horseback rides and discussions about the future. In this episode, Bass is firmly rooted in the present, unburdened by his past or preoccupied with his future. This shift not only endears Bass as a fictional character but also allows the spotlight to shine on supporting characters, who can fully embody the prestigious role of a Marshal.

Episode 3 marked the arrival of Billy Crow, but it was not until Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 4 that he truly captivated viewers. Initially flagged by Bass for armed robbery, Billy undergoes a remarkable transformation offscreen and emerges as Bass' unofficial companion. Along the way, he discovers the harsh realities of law enforcement, which are often far from glamorous. While navigating the delicate balance between his burgeoning romance and the perils he faces, Billy injects a heartfelt element into a series that occasionally veers into strictly serious territory.

The stakes are finally raised

Paramount+

While the stakes in Bass' life may not reach the same heights as in Episode 1, there is much more material to explore in Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 4. Viewers will witness a more intricate portrayal of Bass' daily life, complete with the familiar elements of perilous gunfights and passionate love affairs, which have become iconic of the era.

Bass' fictional legacy, rather than his real-life persona, is now up for interpretation. He could be seen casually conversing on a Sunday morning, attending church with his family, and helping his neighbors in times of need. Although these actions are not explicitly shown, Bass now exists beyond the boundaries of the law. With a newfound stability in his identity and the absence of fear, he can truly experience life for the first time, which the TV series desperately needs.

By the end of Episode 4, viewers discover that Bass now has a bounty on his head. Despite his efforts, armed men are closing in on him, seeking to exploit his achievements for their own gain. Bass' legend may indicate how this situation will unfold, but it introduces the possibility of life or death into the narrative. However, the dynamics have shifted, as Bass now holds the advantage. Instead of setting him up for failure, future episodes are likely to showcase unapologetic revenge – and that prospect alone is enough to keep audiences engaged.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 4 review score: 4/5

Will Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 4 become one of the most memorable TV moments in 2023? No. However, it unquestionably establishes Bass as a character embarking on a heroic path.

Despite the loss of hope, there is not only a significant motivation for Bass to prevail, but also a compelling reason to remain dedicated. Tune into Paramount Plus to stream "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" today. Explore our additional coverage below.

Editor's P/S

In Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 4, we witness a remarkable transformation in the storytelling approach. After three episodes that struggled to balance education and entertainment, this episode strikes the perfect chord, delivering a thrilling ride that stays true to the spirit of Bass Reeves while also introducing new environments and perspectives. The result is a highly engaging and unforgettable TV experience that deserves a solid 4/5 review score.

One of the most striking aspects of this episode is the way it propels Bass' journey forward by two years, leaving out what happened while he was building his legacy. While this may seem like a risky move, it proves to be a wise choice, as it allows the show to focus on the most exciting and dramatic aspects of Bass' story. The time jump also gives the writers more freedom to explore fictional elements while still remaining true to the historical figure of Bass Reeves.