Unveiling Yellowstone's Game-Changing 2023 Prequel: A Bold Step Towards Revolutionizing the Franchise's Future

Summary

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a new Yellowstone prequel that breaks tradition by focusing on the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshal, Bass Reeves.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves breaks away from previous spinoffs by taking place in Arkansas, completely detached from the 1883 events. This independent show aims to assess the reception of a Western drama that diverges from the involvement of the Duttons, thus paving the way for potential growth within the Yellowstone franchise.

The upcoming Yellowstone prequel Lawmen: Bass Reeves will break the tradition of previous spinoffs by testing the franchise's long-term viability. Taking place during the same era as 1883, the series will revolve around the life of Bass Reeves, the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshal. With David Oyelowo portraying the legendary lawman and a talented supporting cast, Lawmen: Bass Reeves will introduce a new location within the Yellowstone universe, with the majority of the story unfolding in Arkansas.

Despite being set in the same time period as 1883, Lawmen: Bass Reeves appears to be disconnected from the events of its predecessor based on the cast and setting. Although there is a possibility for some crossover due to the similar time frame and geographic proximity to the American West, it is evident that Lawmen: Bass Reeves will stand as its own independent show rather than a direct continuation or spinoff. This poses a challenge for Taylor Sheridan's latest project: will audiences maintain the same level of interest in a Western drama that does not involve the Duttons?

Lawmen: Bass Reeves Is The First Yellowstone Show That's Not About The Duttons

Lawmen: Bass Reeves takes place in Fort Smith, Arkansas, which is a significant distance from James and Margaret Dutton. While specific details about the plot are not yet known, the show is likely to center around an experienced law enforcement officer, Bass Reeves. According to History.com, Reeves was responsible for arresting over 3,000 criminals in his career, which promises to add excitement to the television series.

However, this premise also comes with a considerable amount of risk. Lawmen: Bass Reeves marks Taylor Sheridan's first venture into the larger Yellowstone universe without any connection to the Dutton family. Unlike 1883 and the ongoing 1923, which directly focus on different generations of the Duttons and their ownership of the Yellowstone Ranch in Montana, this offshoot lacks that central link. As a result, it remains uncertain how audiences will respond to this new addition.

Moving On From The Duttons Is Key To Yellowstone's Future (But Will It Work?)

To ensure the continued success of the Yellowstone franchise and its spin-off series, it is crucial to extend the storyline beyond the Dutton family. The limited number of Dutton characters and the existence of three ongoing or completed shows centered around this family necessitate the need for something fresh to captivate the audience. Franchise creator Taylor Sheridan understands this and is taking a calculated risk with projects like 6666 and Lawmen: Bass Reeves, betting on the fact that viewers are more interested in the quality Western drama rather than a specific family's narrative.

The title of Lawmen: Bass Reeves exemplifies this gamble and offers a glimpse into the potential future of Yellowstone without the Duttons. Initially named 1883: The Bass Reeves Story to highlight its connection to the well-known franchise, the addition of "Lawmen" suggests the possibility of future limited series exploring the adventures of other legendary lawmen from the American West. With Yellowstone and its prequels gaining popularity through well-developed characters, Western action, and compelling storylines, if Lawmen: Bass Reeves can maintain these elements, the possibilities for the Yellowstone franchise are boundless.

Source: History.com