Netflix Steampunk Western ‘Bass x Machina’ Is a Crackling Mix of Fantasy and Reality: TV Review
The U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves was a real person; an escaped slave turned groundbreaking lawman, Reeves’ remarkable biography has inspired a Taylor Sheridan show and HBO’s “Watchmen,” among other pieces of pop culture. The Netflix animated series “Bass x Machina,” created by LeSean
The new Netflix series "Bass x Machina" is a significant cultural phenomenon, blending the true story of U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves with steampunk and western elements. This unique blend of fantasy and reality highlights the ongoing fascination with Reeves' remarkable biography, which has already inspired several other pieces of pop culture, including a Taylor Sheridan show and HBO's "Watchmen". By reimagining Reeves' story in an animated series, "Bass x Machina" offers a fresh take on a historical figure who has captivated audiences with his courageous and trailblazing life.
The fact that "Bass x Machina" is an animated series also speaks to the growing importance of animation in contemporary storytelling, particularly in the realm of streaming services. With the rise of adult animation and the increasing popularity of genre-bending series, "Bass x Machina" is well-positioned to appeal to a diverse range of viewers who are looking for something new and exciting. Furthermore, the show's focus on a historical figure like Bass Reeves underscores the enduring power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and challenge our assumptions about the past and its relevance to the present.
As "Bass x Machina" continues to generate buzz and attract new viewers, it will be interesting to see how the series navigates the complexities of blending history and fantasy, and how it balances action, adventure, and social commentary. With its unique blend of steampunk and western elements, "Bass x Machina" has the potential to resonate with a wide range of audiences, from fans of science fiction and fantasy to those interested in history, culture, and social justice. As the series unfolds, it will be worth watching to see how it explores themes of identity, power, and resistance, and how it uses the story of Bass Reeves to reflect on the contemporary cultural landscape.
Originally reported by variety.com. CultureNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.