As a newly minted Deputy U.S. Marshal, Bass Reeves is off on his first case in Episode 3 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Bass finds himself a Posseman to ride next to him to hunt down a wanted man. However, things don’t go quite as planned, leading to a massive shootout and several men ending up dead.
Thanks to David Oyelowo’s performance and convincing delivery of the quick-draw dialogue, this is another strong episode of the Western, which is finding its feet as it moves ahead with its titular character’s actual law enforcement career.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 3 Recap
It’s 1875, and we are at the Fort Smith Courthouse where Bass Reeves is set to go before Judge Parker to get deputized as the newest Deputy U.S. Marshal.
Who does Bass Reeves take as his Posseman?
Bass gets his first job to hunt down Billy Crow. As he walks outside, a man approaches him and introduces himself as Garrett Montgomery, a Posseman. He offers a helping hand to find Crow, and Bass takes him up on the offer.
Bass and Garrett set off on their hunt to find Billy when they head into the town to ask if anyone has seen him. As the pair walk into a bar, we find out that Garrett has a bit of a gambling problem and isn’t allowed in several establishments in town. As a result, Bass makes him sit outside so he can talk to the men inside and get information.
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After Bass plays cards with the men inside the bar, he gets some information about Billy’s whereabouts. As he steps outside, he sees a kid who looks just like Billy Crow and confronts him. The kid runs away, but Bass quickly chases him down and sets to bring him back to Fort Smith.
Once Billy starts spewing things about how he can help them with some gold, Posseman Montgomery likes what he hears and tries to convince Bass to take him up on the deal. Bass says they made an agreement to bring him back and starts to draw his gun.
Who dies in “Part III?”
Garrett stands up and says to Bass that nobody will work with him and he can’t believe he would shoot him. Bass says, simply, “No, but they will,” and we hear a gunshot. It goes right through Posseman Montgomery’s head, killing him.
This leads to a shootout between Bass and these two men. Being the expert marksman, Bass gets the best of the duo and is able to shoot and kill both of them, while saving Billy Crow’s life. Billy thanks Bass for saving his life, and Bass uses it as a lesson, explaining that if he isn’t careful, he will end up just like those two men.
How does Lawmen: Bass Reeves Episode 3 end?
Bass Reeves headed in to talk to Judge Parker about Billy Crow and how he was confused and didn’t think he was a bad soul. Judge Parker explained that confusion isn’t a good defense.
Upon returning home, Bass sees that his wife has given birth to their fifth child. He asks if she is okay, and she says she is now. Bass takes the baby and holds it for the first time as the credits roll.
What did you think of Lawmen: Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 3? Comment below.
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