Episode 8

**Episode 8** is the eighth and final episode of the first season of the Paramount+ American Western *Lawmen: Bass Reeves*.

## Synopsis

After a waltz with the devil, Bass, Billy Crow, and Sherrill have a dangerous reckoning with Mister Sundown. Meanwhile, trouble ensues for Jennie, Sally, and Esme back at the Reeves' farm.

## Plot

Bass, Billy, and Sherrill monitor a bustling city street until one of Esau Pierce's associates emerges from a saloon. Following the inebriated man into an alley, they throw a bag over his head, but a rash move by Sherrill leaves the man unconscious. Bass insists on extracting information from him, and they load the man into a wagon.

They reach a remote house where Sherrill attempts to extract information through violence. Only when Bass brandishes his pistol at point-blank range does the man divulge Pierce's location. Despite Sherrill's desire to scalp him, Reeves orders him to take the man's boots. Sherrill mocks the idea that the man won't survive, but Bass dismisses it. However, Sherrill shoots the prisoner against orders.

Bass arrives at Esau's compound, confronted by Texas Rangers demanding he surrender his weapons. Face-to-face with Pierce, Reeves demands $50 for the difference between capturing a live or dead outlaw. Pierce pays double, and Bass questions him about Mr. Sundown. Pierce invites him for dinner, revealing Jackson Cole alive and restrained. Bass demands to know Pierce's scheme.

Pierce discloses his operation of capturing expendable outlaws, predominantly Black. As Bass is forced to join as a slave, a prearranged signal prompts a surprise attack by Billy and Sherrill. Bass overpowers Pierce's guard with Cole's help.

Engaged in a gunfight, Sherrill steps into a bear trap and chooses to end his life. Bass learns Pierce escaped on Pistol and tracks him down, ultimately killing him. Returning to Pierce's house, he discovers Sherrill's death and takes money from Pierce's coffers.

The following morning, Pierce's mansion burns as Bass leads Cole and other prisoners to freedom. At a river, he hands Cole money and a gun, urging him to find safety. Esme's call for Black influence in Fort Smith excites the community, though Jennie is uneasy. Rachel, their former mistress, visits Jennie, proposing a return to the plantation amid rumors of reinstating slavery. Jennie rebuffs her with a slap, resolving to fight against it.

Jennie later informs Esme of the urgent need to resist, stating they'll lose everything if they don't. Bass returns home, reuniting with Jennie. The season concludes with Bass joining Jennie and the kids in the yard.

## Cast

### Starring

* David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves
* Dennis Quaid as Sherrill Lynn
* Forrest Goodluck as Billy Crow
* Lauren E. Banks as Jennie Reeves
* Barry Pepper as Esau Pierce
* Grantham Coleman as Edwin Jones
* Demi Singleton as Sally Reeves
* Donald Sutherland as Judge Isaac Parker

### Supporting

* Joaquina Kalukango as Esme
* Rob Morgan as Ramsey
* Shea Whigham as George Reeves
* Jessica Oyelowo as Rachel Reeves
* Justin Hurtt-Dunkley as Ike Rogers
* Riley Looc as Curtis Jumper
* Tosin Morohunfola as Jackson 'Jackrabbit' Cole
* Margot Bingham as Sara Jumper
* Sekou Goodson as Newland Reeves
* Saveah Goodson as Alice Reeves