Netflix has released a new animated series that merges the aesthetics of a classic Western with science fiction elements. Bass X Machina is created by LeSean Thomas and produced by Studio Mir, the animation studio known for its work on The Legend of Korra. The series reimagines the life of Bass Reeves, a real-life escaped slave who became a deputy U.S. Marshal in Indian Territory. While Reeves is often cited as the inspiration for the Lone Ranger, this fictionalized version adds cybernetic enhancements and supernatural combat to his story.
Plot and Character Dynamics
The narrative begins with Bass Reeves, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry, working as a bounty hunter. He seeks one final job before accepting a position as a lawman. His new role requires him to locate Eugene Starr, a missing engineer capable of building advanced technology. Eugene’s niece, Dana Starr, voiced by Tati Gabrielle, insists on joining the mission. Dana provides comic relief and serves as an audience surrogate, explaining the show’s complex world to viewers. Her fighting style relies on gadgets and a strict code of nonviolence, which contrasts sharply with the brutal environment she navigates.
The antagonists in the series are equally enhanced. Criminals face off against Bass using massive war machines and magical abilities. One notable sequence involves an outlaw piloting a rampaging bull mech, requiring complex teamwork to defeat. Henry’s performance captures the exasperation of a hero constantly facing absurdly powerful foes. The show draws comparisons to The Mandalorian for its structure, featuring a lone lawman navigating a dangerous landscape filled with remnants of the Confederate army.
Animation and Historical Themes
Studio Mir brings the series to life with a blend of steampunk and fantasy elements. The animation style shifts between traditional 2D aesthetics and 3D computer graphics. The first four episodes showcase sharp, dynamic choreography, particularly in battles involving the Holy People. This group of Choctaw Nation women can channel elements like cyclones and ice, creating visually striking conflicts that mix gunfire with magic. However, the final two episodes rely more heavily on 3D animation, which some viewers may find less stylistically cohesive than the rest of the season.
The series does not shy away from the harsh realities of its historical setting. It addresses racism and the violence inflicted upon the Five Tribes by U.S. troops. The story explores the psychological toll of violence and the difficulty of breaking cycles of revenge. Bass Reeves struggles with his desire for vengeance against General Rivenbark, a Confederate veteran leading a twisted resistance. The narrative suggests that building a better future is the only way to end the bloodshed, even when forgiveness feels impossible.
Music and Production Details
Music plays a central role in the atmosphere of the show. Janelle Monáe voices Bass’s wife, Glory, and wrote the original theme song. The intro animation is designed to be engaging, encouraging viewers to watch it in full. Composers Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder created a score that mixes traditional Western rhythms with faster, action-oriented tempos. This musical approach complements the anime-inspired action sequences and helps ground the fantastical elements in a recognizable genre.
The series consists of six episodes. Some critics note that the short run limits character development and reduces the number of episodic bounty hunting missions. The story is set in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, focusing on the tension between lawmen and Confederate loyalists. While the premise feels familiar to fans of space westerns, the specific historical context and magical elements give it a distinct identity. The show leaves the door open for future seasons, suggesting that Bass Reeves’ career as a lawman could sustain more adventures.
Source: Polygon
