From Polygon · Sam Nelson · · 1m 30s
Bass X Machina: Netflix's Sci-Fi Western
Netflix's animated Western Bass X Machina blends real U.S. history with mechs and magic, tackling cycles of violence from the Trail of Tears to the Civil War.
In brief
Netflix's animated Western Bass X Machina blends real U.S. history with mechs and magic, tackling cycles of violence from the Trail of Tears to the Civil War. Netflix's animated Western Bass X Machina reimagines Bass Reeves, an escaped slave turned U.S. Marshal, in a sci-fi western that explores America's violent…
Bass X Machina Overview
Netflix's animated Western Bass X Machina reimagines Bass Reeves, an escaped slave who worked as a U.S. Marshal in Indian Territory.
“bass x machina is a reimagining of the story of bass reeves an escaped slave who worked in indian territory as a deputy u.s. marshal”
Bass Reeves' Background
Bass Reeves, inspired by the Lone Ranger, has a cybernetic arm that shoots magic bullets and faces brutal foes like bull mechs.
“bass x machina gives him a cybernetic arm that shoots magic bullets”
Eugene Starr's Role
Eugene Starr, a missing engineer, is sought by Bass to build technology, with his niece Dana tagging along for comic relief and combat.
“eugene starr a missing engineer capable of building incredible technology”
Dana Starr's Impact
Dana Starr provides comic relief and combat skills with nonviolent principles, proving her character depth through action.
“dana serves as comic relief and an audience surrogate bass can explain things to”
Cultural Themes
The show addresses U.S. history from the Trail of Tears to the Civil War, exploring cycles of violence and racism.
“bass x machina tackles the darkest parts of u.s. history”
Visual Style
Studio Mir's animation combines steampunk, fantasy, and action with gorier fights than Avatar Korra, though later episodes lack sharp style.
“the legend of korra combined steampunk with fantasy bass x machina does the same”
Musical Highlights
Janelle Monáe plays Bass' wife Glory and composed an original theme with rich animation, while composers created dynamic scores.
“janelle monae plays bass x machina wife glory and penned an original theme”
Story Consequence
Bass X Machina ends with a satisfying six-episode story, leaving room for more seasons as Bass Reeves spent 30 years as a lawman.
“bass reeves spent 30 years as a lawman netflixs blend of real history fantasy science fiction and dramatic action feels like it could easily sustain a few more seasons”
The short version
Netflix's animated Western Bass X Machina reimagines Bass Reeves, an escaped slave turned U.S. Marshal, in a sci-fi western that explores America's violent history through mechs and magic.
