Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 2 Highlights: Unveiling the Biggest Story Reveals

Article Overview

The two-part premiere of Lawmen: Bass Reeves establishes the independent series, distinct from the Yellowstone universe.

In Episode 1, the backstory of Bass Reeves unfolds, portraying his transformation from a slave to a lawman. He manages to flee slavery and finds refuge within the Seminole Nation.

In Episode 2, Bass Reeves teams up with Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherill Lynn in search of the fugitive One Charlie. This episode showcases Bass's impressive detective skills.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves, a two-part series, made its debut on Paramount+ and set the stage for the exciting events to come in the highly-anticipated miniseries. Although initially believed to be connected to the Yellowstone universe, it has now become clear that Lawmen: Bass Reeves stands alone and separate from the John Dutton family saga. Under the leadership of showrunner Chad Feehan, formerly of Ray Donovan, and directed by Christina Alexandra Voros, who has worked on Yellowstone, 1883, and Big Sky, the series consists of eight episodes, with Voros directing the first three.

8. Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherill Lynn Recruits Bass Reeves To Join His Posse

Lawmen: Bass Reeves episode 1 portrayed the genesis of Bass Reeves, a former slave who became a lawman. Notably, he was forced to fight alongside the Confederate army against his will in the Battle of Pea Ridge. Born into slavery under William Reeves, he later belonged to Geroge Reeves, a real-life Colonel in the Confederate Army who participated in battles such as Chickamauga during the Civil War. The premiere of Lawmen: Bass Reeves depicted Bass confronting George Reeves and successfully escaping slavery. He sought refuge among the Seminole Nation in the Indigenous Territory until his liberation in 1865.

In episode 2 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, we find our protagonist and his wife residing on a farm in Van Buren, Arkansas, in 1875. It has been a decade since the events of the first episode, during which Bass, a real-life historical figure, retired from his law enforcement career and embraced a life of farming. After reuniting with his lover Jennie in 1865 and meeting his eldest daughter Sally for the first time, Bass's financial situation takes a hit due to a poor harvest season. Just when things seem bleak, Deputy U.S. Marshall Sherill Lynn pays an unexpected visit to Bass's farm. Initially suspicious of Sherill's motives, Bass is taken aback when Sherill proposes that Bass join him as a member of his posse.

7. Bass Reeves & Sherill Lynn Search For A Fugitive Named One Charlie

Sherill informs Bass that he requires the assistance of an individual who can communicate in the language of the Choctaw Nation to help locate a fugitive named One Charlie. Motivated by the prospect of financial gain and a desire to do what is right, Bass is compelled to aid Sherill in his quest. Together, they embark on a search throughout Arkansas in pursuit of One Charlie, whose heinous crime of murdering a lawman Sherill personally witnessed. Along their journey, Bass and Sherill become entangled in a violent confrontation with a gang of bandits, who not only committed the cruel act of killing but also likely stole from an elderly traveler. Through their collective efforts, Bass and Sherill successfully defend themselves against the outlaws and ensure the elderly traveler receives a dignified burial.

6. Sherill Lynn Reveals He Was Nearly Scalped During The U.S. Civil War

By the campfire, Bass develops a deeper connection with Sherill as they converse. Sherill recounts a harrowing war tale involving the Union Army Steamboat J.R. Williams, wherein he narrowly escaped death by drowning. This particular event marked the sole naval battle of the U.S. Civil War, with Sherill lamenting the tragic fate of his comrades who perished in the bloody waters. Adding to the horror, Sherill vividly describes a distressing encounter with a Confederate Indigenous individual attempting to scalp him. This traumatic incident has left Sherill harboring strong animosity towards Indigenous people.

5. Bass Reeves & Sherill Lynn Investigate One Charlie’s Suspected Wife

Bass and Sherill gather intel on a suspected accomplice of One Charlie, whom they believe to be his wife. Sherill forcefully gains entry by shooting open the lock, but Bass manages to defuse the tense situation and communicates with the woman in Choctaw. Bass soon discovers that she is not One Charlie's spouse, rather his cousin, who has constantly disputed his life choices over the years. With his remarkable detective skills, Bass impressively extracts enough information to continue his relentless pursuit of One Charlie, assisted by the trigger-happy Sherill.

4. Bass & Sherill Locate One Charlie & Face Him In A Shootout

Bass and Sherill successfully track down One Charlie, who shows no intention of surrendering or backing down. A ferocious close-quarters gunfight erupts as Bass, Sherill, and One Charlie engage in a deadly battle of wits, with One Charlie taking refuge inside a heavily fortified cabin. Seeking cover behind a nearby wagon, Bass seizes the opportunity to outmaneuver One Charlie by circling around the back of the cabin, effectively surrounding him. However, the tides turn when One Charlie manages to injure Sherill in the arm, further fueling Sherill's determination to intensify his counterattack. Demonstrating his exceptional skills as a lawman, Bass gradually gains control of the situation and starts to persuade One Charlie to surrender, a testament to his innate abilities.

3. Sherill Lures Out One Charlie With Molotov Cocktails & Bass Kills Him

2. Bass Punches Sherill In The Mouth For Nearly Burning One Charlie Alive

Sherill sets aflame two Molotov cocktails, hurling them into One Charlie's cabin, which immediately engulfs him. One Charlie, screeching in agony, flees from the cabin, frantically rolling on the ground in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames consuming his body. Horrified by Sherill's astonishing brutality, Bass returns to the cabin's entrance. Recognizing that there is no alternative, Bass points his rifle at One Charlie, aiming to end his suffering. Despite Sherill's plea to spare the bullet, Bass disregards him and shoots One Charlie, ending his life.

2. Bass Punches Sherill In The Mouth For Nearly Burning One Charlie Alive

Bass is thoroughly disgusted and infuriated with Sherill's handling of One Charlie's killing, deeming it an egregiously dishonorable method for apprehending and eliminating the fugitive. In a silent protest, Bass lets his clenched fists speak for his disapproval, delivering a forceful punch directly to Sherill's mouth. Instantly realizing his mistake, Bass swiftly mounts his horse, ready to depart. Unfazed by the prospect of forfeiting his payment, Sherill announces to Bass that he won't be receiving his due, but Bass remains unwavering, convinced that defending what is right is far more crucial than succumbing to the temptations of reward. With unwavering determination, Bass rides off, leaving the contemptible Sherill abandoned and alone.

1. Judge Parker Names Bass Reeves A Deputy U.S. Marshall

Upon returning to his Arkansas farm, Bass finds himself once again in the company of Sherill and two other posse members. Expecting to face punishment for assaulting a lawman, Bass is surprised when Sherill reveals that he is actually impressed with Bass's character and has recommended him to Judge Parker for a full-time Deputy U.S. Marshal position. Overwhelmed by the unexpected offer, Bass recognizes its worth and gladly accepts, thus becoming one of the pioneering Deputy U.S. Marshals at the conclusion of Lawmen: Bass Reeves episode 2.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Lawmen: Bass Reeves series. On the one hand, I appreciate the representation of a Black lawman in the 1800s, as it is important to highlight the contributions of African Americans to American history. Bass Reeves was a real-life figure who overcame slavery and became a successful lawman, and his story is an inspiring one. On the other hand, I am concerned about the show's portrayal of Native Americans. The character of Deputy US Marshall Sherill Lynn expresses strong animosity towards Indigenous people, and this perpetuates negative stereotypes about Native Americans.

Overall, I think Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a well-made and entertaining series, but I would like to see more positive representations of Native Americans in future episodes.