David Oyelowo brings Bass Reeves to life, in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, which he helped produce alongside series creator Chad Feehan and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. Based on the true story of one of the first Black U.S. Marshals, we follow Bass from slave to one of the most respected lawmen to serve.

Throughout eight episodes, the series works to adapt the first two volumes of the Bass Reeves trilogy, Follow the Angels, Follow the Doves, and Hell on the Border. Oyelowo is backed with a fantastic cast including Donald Sutherland, Demi Singleton, Barry Pepper, Dennis Quaid, Lauren E. Banks, and Forrest Goodluck.

Gritty, authentic, and deftly written the series follows the characters through the late 1800s, the story balances Reeves’ work and his home-life with his wife, Jennie (Banks) and his growing family. The series gives glimpses into Reeves’ cases bringing them to life, while also working to serve as commentary on being Black in America after the Emancipation Proclamation.

With layered characters and arcs taken from historical events, Oyelowo is nothing short of phenomenal giving viewers insight into a little-known, yet fascinating, corner of history that follows Reeves through his work as a U.S. Deputy Marhsal and the cases that made him famous, as well as adding in a character, that of Esau Pierce (Pepper) and narrative arc to push the character of Reeves to his limits of faith and justice.

The three-disc set comes kitted out with extras, there’s a Behind the Story for each episode, a look at the production design with the designer Wynn Thomas, a look at the real man behind the story, and a look at the Native American Nations that play a huge part in the story.

There is also a behind-the-scenes look at how the Battle of Pea Ridge was shot, as well as how the series was brought to life onscreen. There are also fascinating insights into the characters and historical personages provided by the actors who brought them to life.

This was a corner of history that I had no idea about, one that I find incredibly fascinating. Reeves was a devout man, a law-abiding man, a hard-working one, and he saw in America something better than those who would want to keep slaves and treat their fellow humans so badly. He believed in justice and executed his office with those guidelines.

And Oyelowo brings Reeves to life in a completely believable and fascinating way. He’s a fantastic actor, and I love what he brings to the role. Halfway through the series I hit up the library for the books on which the series was based. The series brought Reeves to life wondefully, and now I just have to know more about him.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is available on Blu-ray and DVD now from Paramount Canada!