Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a new show from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, that tells the story of Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. The show, which stars Idris Elba as Bass Reeves, is set in 1877, and follows his exploits as he hunts down some of the most dangerous outlaws in the American frontier. The show is based on the true story of Bass Reeves, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest lawmen in U.S. history, and who is believed to have inspired the fictional character of the Lone Ranger. However, the show also leaves out the most shocking and tragic part of his life, which happened after 1877, and which showed his unwavering commitment to the law.
Bass Reeves’ Son: A Murderer And A Fugitive
The part of Bass Reeves’ life that the show won’t cover is the story of his son, Bennie Reeves, who eventually killed his wife in a fit of jealousy, and became a fugitive from the law. Bennie Reeves was one of the five children that Bass Reeves had with his wife, Nellie Jennie, whom he married after he escaped from slavery during the Civil War. Bennie Reeves followed his father’s footsteps and became a deputy marshal, working under Judge Isaac Parker, who was known as the “Hanging Judge” for his harsh sentences.
However, in 1884, Bennie Reeves shot and killed his wife, Adeline, after he suspected her of having an affair with another man. He then fled the scene, and became a wanted man, with a $3,000 bounty on his head. The murder of his wife shocked and saddened Bass Reeves, who loved his son dearly, but who also had a strong sense of duty and justice. Bass Reeves, despite not wanting to arrest his own son, decided to pursue him with the full extent of the law, and vowed to bring him to justice.
Bass Reeves’ Pursuit: A Test Of His Loyalty And Honor
The pursuit of his son was one of the most difficult and painful tasks that Bass Reeves ever faced, as he had to balance his love for his son, and his loyalty to his oath. Bass Reeves spent two years tracking down his son, using his skills and instincts as a lawman, and his knowledge of his son’s habits and personality. He finally caught up with him in 1886, in the Chickasaw Nation, where he arrested him and brought him back to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where Judge Parker presided.
Bass Reeves delivered his son to the court, where he faced trial for murder. Bass Reeves testified against his son, and told the judge that he had done his duty as a marshal, and that he expected the judge to do his duty as well. Judge Parker, who respected Bass Reeves and his work, sentenced Bennie Reeves to life imprisonment, instead of hanging, which was the usual punishment for murder. Bass Reeves then visited his son in prison, and told him that he loved him, and that he hoped he would find peace and forgiveness.
Conclusion
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a show that celebrates the life and legacy of Bass Reeves, one of the most remarkable and heroic figures in American history. The show depicts his courage, skill, and charisma, as he faces some of the most notorious outlaws in the Wild West. However, the show also skips the most dramatic and heartbreaking part of his life, which happened after 1877, and which showed his dedication to upholding the law, even at the cost of his own family. The story of Bass Reeves and his son is a story of love, honor, and tragedy, that deserves to be told and remembered.