Based on 1 season, 8 episodes · through December 17, 2023
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is an eight-episode television drama about the life of the legendary Black lawman Bass Reeves. The series follows his journey from slavery to becoming a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the post-Civil War West. The story focuses on his skills, his traditional family life, and his deep Christian faith. It portrays the harsh historical realities of slavery and racism in a straightforward way. These historical elements are highly visible but remain tied to the real-life setting and events.
Why 16%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
Woke representation / casting
The casting is historically accurate. The show is a true story about Bass Reeves, who was a real Black Deputy U.S. Marshal. The casting of David Oyelowo and other Black actors is justified by real history. While the show focuses on Black representation, this is done to show actual historical events.
0%
Woke political dialogue
The dialogue focuses on historical issues like slavery, racism, and the struggles of a Black lawman in the post-Civil War West. These conversations fit the old setting and the real-life struggles of the characters. The characters do not use modern activist words or give contemporary political lectures.
5%
Identity-driven story themes
The show centers on historical themes of slavery, freedom, and racial prejudice. Because these themes are directly tied to the real life of Bass Reeves, they serve the story rather than modern identity politics. The show focuses more on traditional Western themes like duty, justice, and family.
10%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The series does not criticize traditional social norms. Instead, it portrays Bass Reeves' Christian faith, his traditional marriage, and his love for his family in a very positive way. It shows the evils of historical slavery, but this is a portrayal of real facts rather than a modern critique of Western society.
0%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. The series is a dramatization of historical records and Sidney Thompson's novels. The changes made to the real-life timeline are normal choices for a television adaptation and do not represent ideological or identity-driven changes.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There was minor online concern before the show came out that it would push modern politics. After release, a few viewers on social media complained that too many white characters were shown as villains and that the women were too independent. This backlash remained very small and did not become a major public issue.
18%
Creator track record context
The creative team is a mix of traditional and representation-focused creators. Executive producer Taylor Sheridan is known for traditional Westerns. However, star and producer David Oyelowo and showrunner Chad Feehan have a history of advocating for historical representation. This balance keeps the show grounded in traditional storytelling.
30%
Production
