This article of the Paramount+ series Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 6, “Part VI,” contains spoilers.
The Lawmen Bass Reeves episode titled “Part VI” has the titular character creating inner turmoil within his moral compass. Not only does he meet his former nemesis, but his own family is dealing with where their duty lies.
For instance, in Lawmen Bass Reeves, his daughter Sally can not understand why her boyfriend, Arthur, is afraid of those “white” kids around town. He’s so scared of what happened with that confrontation that he wants to leave for Paris and take Sally. She refuses, and Arthur goes on his own.
Meanwhile, while watching over her siblings, Sally sees the white teenage boy who punches her standing in the forest. He stares at her as a form of intimidation. Sally yells that she’s not scared of him but walks away with eyes in the back of her head.
Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 6 Recap: Why does Bass not arrest Esau?
Bass Reeves (David Oyelowo) does not arrest Esau when he hands over his prisoner Cole because he is an official lawman. Since Bass first saw Esau, he has become a Texas Ranger. The previous time Bass Reeves saw Esau (Barry Pepper), he shot Curtis Jumper, an adolescent, in the stomach.
Esau is more relaxed and professional than before. He is weathered, with gray in his long hair. Esau asks about Bass’s life as he assesses his demeanor. He correctly says that it looks like Bass wants to kill him. This is a moral gray area for Bass, but he follows the law and lets Esau leave with Cole.
When they leave, they head over to what was once Seminole territory. Bass thinks of Curtis’s mother, Sara, and wants to check on her. It’s been years since he has seen her. When he arrives, the house is abandoned. Before Bass leaves, he pays his respects to Curtis at his grave.
Also Read: Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 3 Recap and Review: Who Kills Garrett Montgomery?
Who ambushes Bass Reeves?
After drinking too much with a Texas ranger in Checotah, Bass is mugged by a group looking to cash in on the bounty on his head. Meanwhile, Billy (Forrest Goodluck) is seeing his crush, Calista, a “lady of the night,” who turns down his proposal because he “can’t afford her.”
Billy hears the fight outside: Bass is fighting off four armed bandits. They play a game of Russian roulette with him. Billy shoots one of them in the head. Bass and Billy chase after the remaining two in a crowded street amid a celebration.
Billy captures two bandits dressed in women’s clothing who try to escape. Bass catches two, killing one with an incredible hidden gun trick, and they leave.
When Bass gets home, Esma and Edwin are visiting for dinner. It becomes apparent immediately that Edwin’s plan with Esma is to convince Bass to go with them to the Indian Territory as a marketing ploy. Wouldn’t it be more interesting if the face of the most famous lawman was on their pamphlets?
They leave, but Jennie (Lauren E Banks) is upset with Bass, wondering where her husband went. Specifically, she points out that the light in his eyes is gone, and she begins to cry as if wondering how she can rekindle his lust for life.
Also Read: Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 4 Recap and Review: Does Billy Crow Kill Ramsey?
Episode 6 Ending Explained: Who is Mr. Sundown?
Before Ramsey is hanged for his crimes, he tells Bass that Mr. Sundown is “Cinco Peso.” Before this, Bass was shorted his fee for delivering Cole because the courthouse was sent a telegram saying that only the boots were given to Esau. This causes Bass to look for Ramsey. (We assumed Ramsey was referring to Bass when Ramsey sang about Mr. Sundown prior.)
Bass thinks about Esau’s words: “You honor the badge” and “the power they give.” He then asks Lynn (Dennis Quaid) if Judge Parker (Donald Sutherland) would issue a “write” for a Texas Ranger. Sherill replies with a laugh that he would not.
Lawmen Bass Reeves ends with Esau’s words reverberating through Bass’s head throughout the night. They even continue the following day. He imagines Esau in the room, talking about God and judgment. My interpretation is that Bass thinks Esau is playing God and bringing judgment day to black citizens across the South.
What did you think of Lawmen Bass Reeves Season 1 Episode 6? Comment below.
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