.png){kind=logo}
Bass X Machina reimagines the Wild West with futuristic technology, supernatural elements and an alternate-history setting.
Brian Tyree Henry delivers a compelling voice performance, bringing depth and vulnerability to bounty hunter Bass Reeves.
Striking animation and meaningful themes make the series engaging, although some character arcs and developments feel rushed.
What happens when you mix the Wild West with futuristic machines, gunslingers and a touch of the supernatural? Netflix's Bass X Machina offers an interesting answer.
The animated series takes viewers to an alternate version of post-Civil War America, where technology and old-fashioned frontier violence exist side by side.
Beneath all the action and striking visuals is a story about family, racism, survival and doing what is right when the world is against you.
The movie revolves around Bass Reeves, a bounty hunter, who is a character voiced by Brian Tyree Henry. He is summoned to Fort Hope by the United States Army for his last mission.
He is supposed to locate the missing scientist and ensure there isn’t another civil war. It seems like an easy mission, but complications arise. Bass leaves his pregnant wife and kids to embark on this mission. While on this journey, he meets Dana Starr, the niece of the missing scientist.
Their journey takes them through a dangerous frontier filled with outlaws, strange machines and supernatural forces. What begins as a search mission soon turns into something much bigger, forcing Bass to confront the past and the choices that have shaped his life.
Also Read: ‘The One About Matthew Perry’ Review: Three Episodes, a Lifetime of Laughter and Heartbreak
Despite all the mechanisms involved and the shoot-outs, the Bass X Machina series is essentially the story of identity, injustice, and survival. In the very center of the plot is Bass who has to cope with life in a world that sees him as inferior.
The series is based on the real history of Bass Reeves, one of the first black deputy US marshals to work west of the Mississippi River. The series employs the alternate history concept to illustrate racial discrimination, exploitation, and abuse of power.
Moreover, the story of the relationship between Bass and Dana gives another perspective for consideration.
Created by LeSean Thomas, Bass X Machina features animation by Studio Mir, with Studio IAM also involved. Chad Handley serves as the writer, while Kim Dong-wook, Han Seung-woo and Park So-young direct the episodes.
Brian Tyree Henry voices Bass Reeves, Tati Gabrielle lends her voice to Dana Starr, and Janelle Monáe plays Glory. The supporting voice cast includes Cree Summer, Chaske Spencer, Currie Graham and Starletta DuPois. Monáe also performs the opening theme.
Also Read: ‘Paralyzed by Hope’ Review: Maria Bamford’s Heartbreaking Battle with Mental Health and Comedy
The first feature that attracts you is the animation. The setting of the Wild West receives an intriguing twist, thanks to mechanical designs, atmospheric scenery and scenes of action, which make the series unique. This blend of classic Western and futuristic technology appears quite unusual, but at the same time very effective.
Brian Tyree Henry manages to provide the perfect balance of strength and fragility for Bass. This character does not appear to be an invincible hero. He has a lot of duties, his troubled past and many reasons to doubt the world around him.
The participation of Tati Gabrielle provides the needed dynamics for the plot, and the interactions of these two characters give the adventure some emotional weight.
Still, there are some flaws in the series. Due to the limited number of episodes (six in total), some of the characters and plot lines could receive more development. Some developments feel rushed, particularly towards the final stretch. The shift in animation style may also take some viewers by surprise.
Bass X Machina has enough going for it to hold your attention. It may not get everything right, but it's refreshing take on the Western genre, engaging characters and underlying themes make it a worthwhile watch. More than anything, it is a reminder that even in a world full of machines and monsters, human struggles remain at the centre of every good story.
What is Bass X Machina about?
Bass X Machina follows bounty hunter Bass Reeves on a dangerous mission to find a missing scientist while navigating an alternate-history American frontier filled with machines and supernatural threats.
Who voices Bass Reeves in Bass X Machina?
Brian Tyree Henry voices Bass Reeves, bringing strength and vulnerability to the central character. Tati Gabrielle and Janelle Monáe also feature prominently in the voice cast.
Who created Bass X Machina?
Bass X Machina was created by LeSean Thomas, with animation by Studio Mir. Chad Handley serves as the writer, alongside a team of episode directors.
How many episodes does Bass X Machina have?
Bass X Machina consists of six episodes. The limited episode count keeps the story moving quickly, although some characters and plot developments could have benefited from more attention.
Is Bass X Machina worth watching?
Yes. The series is worth watching for its distinctive animation, unusual Western setting, engaging performances and deeper themes, despite occasional pacing issues and underdeveloped storylines.