NASHVILLE, TN — Most baby boomers have fond memories of the TV series “The Lone Ranger.” It featured a masked man and a Native American who were lawmen chasing and catching criminals in the Wild West.
The only thing most folks did not know at the time was the series was based on a real person, and he was a Black man. Bass Reeves utilized disguises, wielded six-guns, had a Native American sidekick and arrested many bad guys during his lifetime.
Now prolific television producer Taylor Sheridan is planning a Bass Reeves series. Sheridan has enjoyed lots of success with “Yellowstone” and “1923.” This is the first in a projected line of shows devoted to legendary lawmen.
The lead role will be played by talented actor David Oyelowo, who will also be among the executive producers. It is tentatively titled “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.”
It chronicles the years Reeves served as a federal peace officer and was the first marshal assigned west of the Mississippi River in the post-Reconstruction era.
According to records, Reeves captured over 3,000 criminals without ever being wounded. He also established undercover techniques that are now part of procedure. Today he is regarded among the greatest marshals in history.
Others in the cast include Lauren E. Banks, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, Donald Sutherland, and Dennis Quaid. Additional cast members are Demi Singleton, Joaquina Kalukango, Lonnie Chavis, and Mo Brings Plenty.
The show will stream on Paramount+. Additional executive producers will be Chad Freeman, David C. Glasser, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, Christina Alexandra Voros, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari and David Hutkin.
No starting date has yet been announced for the series.
