The Untold Twist in Bass Reeves’ True Story: The Missing Piece in Yellowstone Creator's New Show

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Lawmen: Bass Reeves won't cover the shocking true story of Bass's son Bennie, who eventually killed his wife, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the law.

The series' limited timeline prevents it from showcasing the numerous arrests Bass Reeves made after 1877, which included capturing infamous outlaws Belle Starr and Tom Story.

Despite his reluctance to arrest his own son, Bass Reeves diligently pursued him, fully committed to upholding justice and fulfilling his societal duty.

One of the most shocking chapters of the real-life Bass Reeves saga will not be featured in Taylor Sheridan's latest series, Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Starring David Oyelowo as the renowned Old West lawman, the Paramount+ series showcases his unwavering ethics and remarkable arrest record in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Reeves, recognized as one of the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshalls in American history, achieved much more than this prestigious title. Notably, he patrolled the territories of contemporary Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas without sustaining any injuries.

In episode 2 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, there is a brief mention of Jennie and Bass Reeves' new child, Bennie. During the episode, Jennie, who is pregnant, proposes the name "Bennie" to Bass as a way to pay homage to her grandfather, whom she affectionately describes as a daring and uncontrollable individual. She informs Bass that due to the restlessness experienced by their unborn child, they may consider naming him Bennie if he is a boy, in honor of Jennie's grandfather. Little did they know at the time that their son's heightened activity would foreshadow his eventual involvement in violent acts.

Lawmen's Timeline Means Bass Reeves Won't Be Seen Arresting His Son Bennie For Killing His Wife

Bass Reeves Arrested One Of His Sons In June 1902

The anticipated timeline of Bass Reeves, the real-life lawman, is set to cover the period from 1862 to 1877. In its eight episodes, the series will primarily focus on the birth of Bass and Jennie's son Bennie. Remarkably, Bennie would later gain notoriety as he tragically took the life of his own wife. Despite being one of his own children, Reeves was resolute in pursuing Bennie with the utmost commitment to the law. This true account of Bass Reeves's law enforcement career showcases the unwavering allegiance he had to his steadfast moral code and the laws of the United States.

Jennie Reeves, who passed away in 1896, was unable to witness her husband Bass's tragic pursuit of Bennie, who was charged with federal murder. Bennie allegedly murdered his wife Castella Brown on June 7, 1902, after discovering her alleged infidelity. Castella, a full member of the Creek Nation, was known for her beauty. She had shown no remorse for her infidelity, which provoked Bennie's violent outburst, leading to her fatal shooting. After his arrest, Bennie provided an official statement confessing to shooting and killing his wife.

Bennie Reeves Served Eleven Years In Prison & Was Released in 1914

Bass Reeves Died 4 Years Before His Son's Release

Reeves successfully prosecuted his son, Bennie, demonstrating the United States' unwavering commitment to equal treatment under the law, even for family members of esteemed lawmen. While some may perceive Bass Reeves' pursuit of his own son as excessive and unnecessary in upholding law and order, his actions can also be seen as selfless and noble, refusing to compromise the law for his or his son's personal desires. Lawmen: Bass Reeves portrays Reeves as reluctantly apprehending his son, driven by his dedication to maintaining his reputation and fulfilling his duty to society.

Although Bass lived to witness Bennie's imprisonment on February 13th, 1903, he passed away four years before Bennie's release. Interestingly, the creators of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Sheridan, Oyelowo, and Chad Feehan, chose not to include this particular chapter of the story, despite the potential for gripping drama. There is a possibility that Bennie and Bass Reeves' story may be depicted in a future season if Lawmen: Bass Reeves is renewed. However, as the current timeline only extends until 1877, Ben Reeves' arrest will not be featured in the initial eight episodes.

Bass Reeves' Timeline Means The Show Won’t Include Thousands Of His Real-Life Arrests

Bass Reeves Arrested An Estimated 2500+ People After 1877

Due to its current limited timeline, Lawmen: Bass Reeves is unlikely to cover the vast number of arrests made by the real-life Bass Reeves throughout his illustrious career. While the arrest and conviction of Ben Reeves will be featured, many of Bass's famous arrests, such as those of the notorious outlaws Belle Starr and Tom Story, took place in the 1880s and beyond. Considering that Lawmen: Bass Reeves is reportedly the first season of an anthology series showcasing various real-life historical lawmen in American history, it remains uncertain whether the tragic story of Bennie Reeves will be depicted in the Paramount+ series.

Source: National Archives

Editor's P/S

As a fan of the show "Lawmen: Bass Reeves," I am intrigued by the untold twist in Bass Reeves' true story. The fact that his son, Bennie, eventually killed his wife is a shocking revelation that adds a new layer of complexity to the character of Bass Reeves. It will be interesting to see how the showrunners handle this storyline in future seasons.

I also appreciate the show's commitment to historical accuracy. The fact that the timeline of the show only extends until 1877 means that some of Bass Reeves' most famous arrests, including the capture of Belle Starr and Tom Story, will not be featured in the initial eight episodes. While this may be disappointing to some fans, I believe it is important for the show to stay true to the historical record. Overall, I am excited to see how the show continues to develop and explore the life and legacy of Bass Reeves.