Lawmen: Bass Reeves
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a Western drama miniseries that chronicles the remarkable true story of Bass Reeves, one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals west of the Mississippi River. The series, set in the post-Civil War era, follows Reeves' journey from enslavement to becoming a legendary lawman, known for capturing over 3,000 dangerous criminals without ever being wounded. It delves into the challenges he faced, including prevalent racism and the moral complexities of his role, while also highlighting his deep Christian faith and dedication to his family. The narrative combines historical events with creative liberties to present a gripping portrayal of justice and perseverance in a harsh frontier. This show is intended for mature audiences, exploring themes of freedom, equality, and the human spirit against a backdrop of intense violence and a realistic depiction of the period's social issues.
Things to Consider
Violence
The series contains frequent and graphic depictions of violence, typical of the brutal historical setting. This includes intense combat, gunfights, and physical altercations with clear and disturbing injury details.
Examples include graphic deaths where characters are shot through the head, blown up by cannon fire, scalped, and burned alive. A scene depicts a man crawling without his legs, and another shows a man's leg being sawed off in a medical tent. Bass also beats a man bloody.
Profanity
Strong language is present throughout the series, reflecting the harsh realities of the historical period. This includes various expletives and racially charged slurs.
Scary & Intense Content
The series contains numerous scary and intense scenes, stemming from graphic violence, the brutal realities of slavery, and perilous situations faced by lawmen in the Old West. The psychological toll of injustice and violence is also depicted.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-MA. Recommended for mature audiences aged 17 and older due to frequent graphic violence, strong and pervasive language including racial slurs, implied sexual content, and intense thematic elements related to slavery and prejudice.
Good to Know
The series is a historical drama aiming for realism, which contributes to the intensity of its content. Parents should be aware that while Bass Reeves is portrayed heroically, the world he inhabits is harsh and unforgiving, and the show does not shy away from depicting the violence and prejudices of the era. The portrayal of strong family values and Christian faith by the lead character could be seen as positive elements for some viewers.
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