“Lawmen: Bass Reeves” marks the latest entry in executive producer Taylor Sheridan’s increasingly expansive fiefdom at Paramount+, populated by various “Yellowstone” spin-offs and unaffiliated entries such as “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Tulsa King.” Like those shows, “Lawmen” gives Sheridan the opportunity to anchor a charismatic movie star to a compelling premise, all sprinkled with a high class polish paid for by the Paramount piggy bank.
Created by Chad Feehan, “Bass Reeves” stars David Oyelowo in the title role, a real life figure who went from slavery to serving as one of the country’s first Black deputy U.S. Marshals. He’s a fascinating figure who is more than worthy of a showcase all his own.