Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 3 review: No Improvement in Sight

What occurred in Episode 3 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves remains unclear and easily forgotten. Bass Reeves, portrayed by David Oyelowo, has experienced a series of events, some memorable and others easily overlooked. At the conclusion of Episode 2, an opportunity of a lifetime presents itself when Sherrill Lynn, played by Dennis Quaid, visits Bass with an offer to become a Deputy US Marshal.

The transformation is incredible - considering the previous encounter where Bass physically assaulted Sherrill. Nonetheless, this appears to be the reality for our protagonist, who frequently finds himself oscillating between remarkably determined and surprisingly fortunate.

While Episode 2 lacked appeal, Episode 3 is even more lackluster. Lawmen: Bass Reeves doesn't provide entertainment or serve as an educational break, but rather feels like a means to pass time and vaguely hint at an impending narrative. Minor spoilers ahead - beware!

As filler as filler gets

Paramount+

Episode 3 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves is primarily filler content. It showcases Bass's initial days on the job, his interactions with colleagues, and his efforts in enforcing the law. However, it lacks any significant excitement or merit. Additionally, a potential key character, Billy Crow, is introduced. Billy, a grifter from the 1800s, quickly involves himself in the ongoing action. However, his background, intentions, and future in the series remain largely unknown. The focus on Billy raises questions about his significance and what sets him apart, but the show has yet to provide answers or generate intrigue in exploring his character further.

A group of fresh faces, including an assertive Irish woman, also cross paths with Bass. As the regular patrolling police officer, this routine has become an ordinary aspect of our wandering hero's life, and it is apparent. Even his wife Jennie (Lauren E. Banks) and their children have become accustomed to Bass' newfound fame, seeking new avenues for satisfaction and connection elsewhere.

Does Bass still show some promise?

Paramount+ offers a platform where Bass is portrayed as a remarkable character, defying social obstacles and having connections to real-life legends. However, it is challenging to comprehend why the fictional version of him is considered extraordinary. Despite references to his formidable skills by various individuals in Bass' life, his gun-shooting abilities are rarely showcased. When it does happen, it fails to instill fear in his enemies but rather portrays them as foolish. Interestingly, in Episode 3, Bass's closest encounter with a shocking demise is due to the actions of someone else, leaving him merely as an observer.

Considering that Lawmen: Bass Reeves is already halfway through by Episode 3, there is now little indication that there will be a sudden improvement. As we saw in Episode 1, there is still a significant gap between the truth that must be made public and the level of fulfillment required for an 8-part drama series. Our best guess is that Bass will continue to be portrayed as a respected figure, but his story will lack the necessary depth to fully engage the audience.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 3 review score: 2/5

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is turning out to be a historical drag, with Episode 3 merely progressing viewers from point A to point B. However, the question remains: is point B truly worth reaching? With each passing episode, the hope for the show to truly captivate is slowly diminishing.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves streams on Paramount Plus from November 5. Check out our other coverage below:

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the show, I am deeply disappointed with the lack of improvement in Episode 3 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves. The episode feels like a lackluster filler, with no significant excitement or merit. The focus on the new character, Billy Crow, raises questions about his significance, but the show fails to provide answers or generate intrigue.

It's frustrating to see that the show continues to sideline Bass Reeves, a character with so much potential. Despite references to his formidable skills, we rarely see him demonstrate them. Instead, the show focuses on his interactions with colleagues and his efforts in enforcing the law, which are not particularly entertaining or educational.

Overall, Episode 3 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a letdown. With only five episodes left, I'm concerned that the show will not be able to turn things around and deliver a satisfying conclusion.