Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 7 review: Stylistically Underwhelming
Bass Reeves faces a gripping turning point as the law closes in, while his family adds a compelling layer of drama in Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 7 A missed opportunity for stylistic excellence Review score: 3/5
The penultimate stage of a hero's journey often involves a crisis of conscience, which Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 7 portrays with great impact. However, in the context of the series as a whole, its bold and unique style may come across as too little too late.
In the first three episodes of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, the focus was on the true story behind the legend of Bass Reeves. While the educational authenticity was exceptional, the level of entertainment value required for a fictional adaptation was lacking. As a result, the initial third of the show struggled to present something that could combine style with its evident substance.
After the fourth episode, there was a noticeable shift in tone for the better. Episodes 4, 5, and 6 brought plenty of drama to expand on the original story, making it more compelling and better suited for an 8-part series. Episode 6, and now 7, took things even further by delving into internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and mounting fear in a way that hadn't been explored in Lawmen: Bass Reeves before.
However, this new approach presents both advantages and challenges. While Episode 7 works hard to make Bass' crisis of conscience easier to understand, the new, personality-driven style is quite jarring compared to previous episodes. In essence, this type of creative freedom should have been introduced much earlier. Note: Spoilers ahead!
The law turns on Bass
Picking up seamlessly from the conclusion of Episode 6, Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 7 delves even deeper into Bass' internal struggle. Initially caught in his own thoughts, Bass finds himself on the other side of the law, standing trial for murder. The episode examines the repercussions of a prisoner retrieval gone wrong, ultimately leading Bass to take a life in the process. While it seems like Episode 7 is building towards a cliffhanger regarding Bass' fate, we ultimately learn that he is acquitted after a lengthy discussion with Judge Parker (Donald Sutherland).
The penultimate episode of Lawmen: Bass Reeves excels in presenting a thought-provoking challenge. It prompts a reconsideration of forgotten Black history and introduces moral dilemmas surrounding pride, justice, and the very essence of the law. The narrative blurs the lines between right and wrong, leaving characters to confront the consequences of their choices. Bass, previously seen as a hero, now exists in a morally ambiguous space, adding a humanizing depth to his character.
Bass' fall from grace endears him to the audience, who are more curious than supportive as they observe his struggle to break free from the constraints of his mindset. His external influences have overwhelmed his sense of identity, alienating even his own family, as noted by Jennie. This turn of events adds an intriguing complexity to the storyline and the character development.
Bass’ family hold the drama
Paramount+
In Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 7, the Reeves family faces a more compelling struggle than Bass does on his own. While trapped by his duties as a lawman, Bass's family deals with challenges from the town's White families. They face scrutiny over who is at home and find a burning straw scarecrow by their garden, indicating a potential threat.
Sally, the most headstrong and morally sound of the Reeves, remains unfazed. Jennie, though more concerned for her children's safety, is also strong. The subplot in Episode 7 reveals that the show's focus is misplaced, as it emphasizes Bass' actions while his family faces the real-life threats of being Black in a White world, with Bass absent. Jennie and Sally express the gut-wrenching emotions, heartache, and pain of their experiences, which deserve more attention.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 7 review score: 3/5
On the flip side, Bass being the central figure in his own show has some positive aspects. The episode once again sheds light on a different aspect of his character, slowly revealing and exploring it in full. However, with the knowledge of his not guilty verdict, the immediate tension has dissipated, casting uncertainty over the final episode of the series. With Bass having risen from rock bottom, the question remains: where does he go from here, and will it have the same impact?
The visual portrayals of Bass' inner struggles in Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 7 are captivating, but they should have been shown in earlier episodes. It raises the question of Bass' importance in his own story, despite the fact that his individual journey is taking viewers into uncharted and rewarding territory.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is streaming on Paramount Plus now. Check out our other coverage below:
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the effort to bring the story of Bass Reeves to life and shed light on an important figure in Black history. However, I can't help but feel that the execution of the series has been lacking in terms of style and entertainment value. The initial episodes focused too heavily on educational authenticity, which made it difficult to connect with the characters and the story. While the shift in tone in later episodes is commendable, it feels like a missed opportunity to establish a consistent and engaging style from the beginning.
The penultimate episode, in particular, highlights the challenges of introducing a new, personality-driven style so late in the series. While the exploration of Bass' internal struggles and moral dilemmas is compelling, it feels jarring compared to the previous episodes. It would have been more effective if this creative freedom had been introduced earlier, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
