Bass Reeves The True Story That Inspired Paramount’s Lawmen

The Real-Life Story That Inspired Paramount's Lawmen Bass Reeves

Lawmen: Bass Reeves – Unleashing the Legend of the Real-Life Lone Ranger

Image Source: Paramount+

Ah, Bass Reeves—the real-life lawman with a story too extraordinary to be contained in a cookie-cutter television series. But guess what? Paramount gave it a shot anyway, and boy, are we glad they did! Introducing Lawmen: Bass Reeves, the new limited series that’s here to blow your cactus-bristled socks off! Starring David Oyelowo, Dennis Quaid, and Donald Sutherland, this dazzling show takes us on a wild ride through the late 1800s, shining a spotlight on Reeves like never before.

You might be thinking, “Hold your sequined cowboy hats, isn’t this just another Yellowstone spinoff?” Well, honey, initially it was, but then it transformed into its own standalone series! Thanks to the magical touch of Taylor Sheridan, who remains an executive producer, Lawmen: Bass Reeves now dances to its own outlaw rhythm. Hear that, Dutton? This is a whole new ballgame!

Now, let’s hop on our trusty steed and gallop through a quick recap of this extraordinary man’s life. Born into slavery way back in 1838, Bass Reeves and his family were owned by none other than Arkansas state legislator William Reeves. Talk about tangled family trees! Fast forward to the American Civil War, where Reeves found himself coerced into fighting alongside his owner’s son, Colonel George Reeves. Picture this: a Wild West card game gone wrong, bullets flying, and Reeves, as cool as a cactus in a heatwave, making his great escape to Indian Territory. Lawmen: Bass Reeves perfectly captures this thrilling moment, by the way. Talk about must-see TV!

After laying low in Indian Territory until the sweet scent of freedom wafted in, Reeves emerged from the shadows like a hero in the dusty sunset. Now armed with the power of the Thirteenth Amendment, he embarked on a journey to cleanse the land of outlaws—the very embodiment of justice itself! Reeves’s linguistic prowess proved to be his secret weapon, speaking languages like Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole with effortless charm. He swiftly became the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the mighty Mississippi River. Move over, Hercules—there’s a new legend in town.

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Bass Reeves, with his unrivaled grit, courage, and impeccable fashion sense, single-handedly apprehended a jaw-dropping 3,000 outlaws during his mighty 32-year reign as a deputy. And get this, folks—life threw him a real curveball when he had to slap handcuffs on his own son, Benjamin “Bennie” Reeves, for knocking off his own wife. Talk about keeping it in the family! Reeves faced the trials and tribulations of life head-on, even battling kidney disease until he bravely drew his last breath at the ripe age of 71. He left behind a legacy forged in iron and justice, having been married to Nellie Jennie and fathering 11 remarkable children. Talk about a man who knew how to multitask!

Now, before you saddle up to binge-watch this incredible series, remember that Bass Reeves isn’t just any old Western hero. This man inspired the likes of Delroy Lindo in The Harder They Fall and Colman Domingo in Timeless. And let’s not forget the cherry on top—Will Reeves in HBO’s critically acclaimed Watchmen was also inspired by our outlaw legend. Even Judge Paul L. Brady, the first-ever Black federal judge in the United States, claimed direct lineage to the heroic Reeves. Legends inspiring legends—now that’s what we call a ripple effect!

As the creator of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Chad Feehan, eloquently put it, telling this story is no simple feat. It’s a shared responsibility, a labor of love. And boy, do they do it justice! The dedication poured into this series is as mesmerizing as a sun setting over the prairie. So, my fellow fashionistas, get ready to be captivated, entertained, and educated. Tune in to Paramount+ every Sunday for six more action-packed episodes, and witness the full glory of one of America’s forgotten heroes.

Image Source: Paramount+

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Did you love this epic tale of Bass Reeves, the ultimate lawman? Are you as excited as a tumbleweed caught in a whirlwind to watch Lawmen: Bass Reeves unfold? Let us know your thoughts and join the conversation! Our deputies are waiting to hear from you!

Article by: Josh Rosenberg
Assistant Editor at HotSamples, expert in all things Wild West and fashion-forward
Check out my blog at Roseandblog.com!