The Final Verdict: Bass Reeves Delivers Remarkably
Bass Reeves takes a triumphant turn in the Lawmen finale, as he rectifies past mistakes and prepares for a fresh start The Reeves family's powerful presence adds an emotional touch Final review score: 4/5
In the season finale of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, hero Bass Reeves (played by David Oyelowo) confronts his adversary Esau Pierce (portrayed by Barry Pepper), bringing the series full circle and setting the stage for a new beginning. Throughout its eight episodes, Lawmen: Bass Reeves has taken viewers on a tumultuous journey, at times struggling to find its narrative footing within the confines of its historical source material. While it has occasionally missed the mark, there have been standout moments that have made the overall experience worthwhile for both characters and audience alike.
The conclusion of Lawmen: Bass Reeves largely focuses on the latter. Episode 8, while not the strongest in the series, effectively resolves lingering plot points and propels Bass forward in his quest to redefine himself. After numerous challenges, Bass is finally able to break free from the constraints of the law and the badge that has defined him.
The majority of the episode revolves around a dramatic showdown between Bass and his recurring rival, Esau Pierce. As Bass travels hundreds of miles to collect payment for a previous job, he gains insight into Esau's interpretation of his own role as a Marshal, which in turn leads to greater self-discovery for Bass. Spoiler alert - spoilers ahead!
Bass rights his wrongs
In typical final episode fashion, Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 8 delves into the theme of rebirth. After facing a fiery climax in Episode 7, Bass is now on a path of resurrection to overcome a profound identity crisis. His journey leads him to confront Esau Pierce, the man who has been tormenting him internally. Through this encounter, Bass discovers that Esau is essentially playing the role of a god, using prisoners as indentured labor in his meat farming operation.
Bass' renowned gunslinging is noticeably absent in the episode, which instead focuses on the unwavering support he receives from those around him. Sherrill Lynn (Dennis Quaid) and Billy Crow (Forrest Goodluck) play a significant role in helping Bass overcome his challenges by sacrificing everything to protect him. In the presence of Esau, Bass appears naive and submissive, revealing the brutal impact of his internalized fear.
The Lawmen: Bass Reeves finale concludes on a positive note, with Bass freeing a group of slaves and returning home to his family, pledging to stay "forever." Although not the most original ending, it effectively serves Bass' storyline within the constraints of the limited series format, given the moral and spiritual conflicts he faced throughout the latest episodes.
The Reeves family has the final word
Paramount+
The Reeves family, much like Bass, refuses to give up without a fight, except for Sally (Demi Singleton) who is sidelined with a mysterious illness in the finale. Instead, Jennie (Lauren E. Banks) steps up, repairing her relationships and finding solace in her religion. She also delivers a powerful moment, confronting her former enslaver when she offers "refuge".
This moment serves as a stark reminder of the reality of the time in America, something the Reeves family begins to grapple with as the series comes to a close. The balance between personal peace, hope, and the harsh realities of the future provides a challenging yet satisfying conclusion for viewers. This journey shows the growth of the series, illustrating its own hero's journey.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves finale review score: 4/5
Despite this, the Lawmen: Bass Reeves finale falls short of hitting all the necessary notes. Billy’s budding romance is pushed aside in favor of addressing Sherrill’s unnecessary abuse. Sally also experiences a significant lack of agency, a sharp contrast to her assertive journey in previous episodes. It’s predictable that the focus returns to Bass, but it may not always be the most rewarding choice.
In conclusion, Bass Reeves excelled in Lawmen, and the final result proves it. Despite the challenges it faced in finding its own identity, Bass' fictional journey is both entertaining and insightful.
You can watch Lawmen: Bass Reeves on Paramount Plus. Also, don't miss our other related coverage below.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of the Lawmen: Bass Reeves series, I am thrilled with the way the finale wrapped up the story. The episode delivered on its promise of a satisfying conclusion, bringing Bass Reeves' journey full circle and setting the stage for a fresh start. David Oyelowo's portrayal of Bass Reeves was nothing short of remarkable, capturing the character's complexities and growth throughout the series. The Reeves family's unwavering support and presence added an emotional depth to the finale, making it a truly heartwarming experience.
However, I do have some reservations about certain aspects of the episode. While the showdown between Bass and Esau Pierce was intense and cathartic, it felt somewhat rushed, leaving me wanting more. Additionally, the sidelining of Sally's character due to illness and the lack of development in Billy's budding romance were disappointing. These aspects could have been explored further to provide a more well-rounded conclusion. Despite these minor criticisms, the Lawmen: Bass Reeves finale left me feeling uplifted and satisfied, eager to see what the future holds for Bass Reeves and his family.
