Lawmen: Bass Reeves tells the story of the first Black U.S. Marshal, Bass Reeves. In the third episode, titled “Part III,” Bass Reeves (David Oyelowo), alongside his posse man Garett Montgomery (Garrett Hedlund), goes on his first mission as a U.S. Deputy Marshal.
The episode begins as Bass leaves his wife, Jennie Reeves (Lauren E. Banks), who is near the birth of their fifth child. Bass goes to the courthouse and is sworn in by Judge Parker (Donald Sutherland), officially becoming a U.S. Deputy Marshal. Outside, Bass feels bad for Myson Davis, a black boy who was being charged with murder.
Bass receives his first mission and is approached by Garrett Montgomery, who offers to assist him in capturing Billy Crow (Forrest Goodluck), a Native American boy who has taken part in an armed theft. Bass agrees, and Garrett joins his posse. Bonding over having a family, Bass tells Garrett that he will offer him a full-time job if all goes well.
On the ride to the town, Garrett mentions encountering the woman described in the report. Bass and Garrett arrive at a hotel. Garrett isn’t allowed in because he as unsettled debt with the hotel. Bass finds the Underwood Gang playing cards at the bar and joins them. He takes all of their money. The Underwood Gang gets angry, but Bass offers to return the pot to them if they can give him information about Billy Crow.
Bass leaves the hotel and informs Garrett that Billy Crow is across the street. Bass and Garrett approach and arrest Billy after a short chase. The trio rides back to Fort Smith. On the ride, Billy reveals Judge Parker’s cruelty and claims he is a dead man.
The three of them make camp. Billy tells them he knows where the stolen cash is hidden. Garrett is tempted to go after the cash and lets Billy escape after they get it, but Bass stands strong on his morals and says no, saying he took an oath. Garrett says he didn’t take an oath. Tensions rise as both Garrett and Bass have their guns ready, but Bass is looking into the distance when- the Underwood Gang shoots and kills Garrett. Bass ultimately outguns and kills all of them, able to keep Billy alive.
Bass brings Billy back to Fort Smith, where he sees a beaten Myson Davis. Before being taken into custody, Billy asks Bass how to become a Lawman. Then he tells Bass where the money is, as he is taken away.
Bass walks into the courtroom, where Judge Parker finds Myson Davis guilty and sentences him to be hanged by the neck to death. Bass is deeply troubled by this, and as he goes to debrief Judge Parker. He attempts to save Billy Crow, seeing the parallel between Billy and Myson. Judge Parker ultimately tells him that Billy still committed a crime and deserves punishment. The episode ends as Bass returns home to his wife and newborn child and hugs them both, happy to see them.
In Lawmen: Bass Reeves episode 3, director Christina Alexandra Voros and showrunner Chad Feehan create a parallel between Myson Davis and Billy Crow, causing Bass to begin to question the very system he uses to bring people to justice. This episode is powerful, showing the battle between written law and the humanity of the individual.
Rating: 9/10