This article of the Paramount+ series Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 3, “Part III,” contains spoilers.
The Lawmen: Bass Reeves episode titled “Part III” attempts to establish the legendary lawman and his stunning empathy. While waiting for a meeting with Judge Parker, he meets a young teenager who has been arrested.
The young man was hungry and searching for food. When he located some, the owner of the property he was trespassing on confronted him. In order to get away, the young man pushed the owner over, which caused his death.
This is an extraordinary scene of Oyelowo, who can showcase Reeves as a three-dimensional character. For one, Bass is a hard-nosed, strict lawman. On the other, he knows the young man’s plight once he is in his shoes.
Also Read: Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Review: Oyelowo Shines
Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 3 Recap: Who is Judge Parker?
Judge Parker (Donald Sutherland) is the presiding magistrate for Crawford County in Arkansas. Parker heard wind from Sherill Lynn (Dennis Quaid) of Reeves’s bravery and uncompromising earnestness. However, before Parker proceeds, Reeves has something to tell him.
Reeves (David Oyelowo) communicates what the teenager told him in the hallway while waiting on Judge Parker. He tells him he’s a good kid just searching for food. Also, the death was only an accident. Parker doesn’t dismiss Reeves, showing him respect, but doesn’t show mercy yet.
Parker moves on to interview Reeves about becoming a U.S. Marshall. After Parker is satisfied, he asks if Reeves brought his bible. Bass hands it to the judge, who admires it. Not for the quality, but for the story it will tell because of the single bullet hole in the pages. Reeves is then sworn in.
Also Read: Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 2 Recap: Why does Bass accept a job as a U.S. Marshall?
Who is Garrett Montgomery?
Garrett Montgomery (Garrett Hedlund) is a local who hangs around the court, acting as a posseman for hire. Montgomery offers support to the U.S. Marshals, who don’t have deputies. Montgomery has a silver tongue quality about him.
Montgomery has a family and talks himself into a job with Reeves, who needs him to arrest a man who works for the Underwood gang, Billy Crow. He’s described as a young Cherokee man known for his love of dime-store novels. Reeves later tells Judge Parker he is a good guy, just caught up in the wrong crowd.
Reeves arrests Crow (Montgomery lends little support). While transferring Crow back to Crawford County, Crow begins to sing about the loot the Underwood gang has hidden. Montgomery thinks they should take Crow to the treasure and take it for themselves. Reeves says no, to which his posseman tells Reeves he’s “not askin’.” They both draw their weapons.
Also Read: Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 1 Recap: Does Bass Reunite with Jenny?
Episode 3 Ending Explained: Who Kills Garrett Montgomery?
Returns Crow to Judge Parker. He relays how Crow is a good man, just led astray. Reeves is allowed to make him his posseman. Reeves relays the information about Underwood’s stash. However, Judge Parker dismisses it.
While leaving, Reeves sees the teenager arrested for murder; he has been beaten badly. It seems Reeves is questioning a world that allows this young man such an ominous fate, but Crow is given a second chance.
When Bass gets home, he sees that his wife has given birth to their child.
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