Netflix Unveils Janelle Monáe’s ‘HONOR KiLLING’ Music Video for ‘BASS X MACHINA’ | HMU Review
Netflix Releases Janelle Monáe’s ‘HONOR KiLLING’ Animated Music Video for ‘BASS X MACHINA,’ a Steampunk Reimagining of Bass Reeves
Netflix has released a new animated music video for “HONOR KiLLING,” the theme song performed by Janelle Monáe for BASS X MACHINA, its six-episode animated limited series inspired by legendary Black lawman Bass Reeves. Produced by Studio Mir, the series reimagines the historical figure in a supernatural steampunk Western populated by mechanical weapons, ruthless outlaws and dangerous forces beyond the natural world.
Executive produced by Brian Tyree Henry, LeSean Thomas, Jennifer Wiley-Moxley and Chad Handley, BASS X MACHINA features Henry as the voice of Bass, with Monáe portraying Glory. The ensemble also includes Tati Gabrielle as Dana, Cree Summer as Ahni, Chaske Spencer as Lighthorse, Currie Graham as Rivenbark and Starletta DuPois as Etta.
The story follows Bass as he navigates a lawless frontier where machines and supernatural threats have transformed the American West. Faced with protecting his family while confronting increasingly dangerous adversaries, he must reconcile his responsibilities as a father with the violence required to maintain justice.
Rather than presenting another conventional historical drama, BASS X MACHINA incorporates elements of science fiction, Western action and supernatural horror into its interpretation of Reeves, whose real-life career as one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River has inspired numerous film and television productions.
The series distinguishes itself through its mechanical interpretation of the frontier, including Bass's powerful prosthetic arm and the elaborate technology incorporated into its action sequences. The visual approach combines traditional Western imagery with industrial machinery and futuristic weaponry, creating an alternate-history setting that allows the story to explore familiar historical subjects through genre storytelling.
Despite its fantastical premise, the series maintains connections to the cultural and historical circumstances surrounding Reeves. Its treatment of relationships between Black Americans and Native American communities is particularly significant, reflecting the complicated alliances, shared experiences and conflicts that shaped the frontier.
Reeves' historical familiarity with Native American languages and communities provides an important foundation for this interpretation. The series also addresses questions of identity and belonging, including the experiences of biracial children navigating a society shaped by racial divisions.
These elements give the story a stronger historical foundation than its steampunk presentation might initially suggest. Rather than allowing the mechanical inventions and supernatural threats to overshadow its characters, the series incorporates cultural identity and family relationships into its larger conflict.
Henry delivers a compelling vocal performance as Bass, balancing the character's authority and physical presence with the emotional responsibilities that drive his decisions. The supporting voice cast further develops the series' relationships and conflicts, with Monáe contributing both as a performer and through the show's musical identity.
Studio Mir's animation is another major strength. The studio brings considerable energy to the action sequences, particularly when the series combines mechanical combat with its more traditional Western confrontations. The visual presentation gives BASS X MACHINA a distinctive identity while maintaining the character-driven storytelling necessary to sustain its six-episode narrative.
The soundtrack also becomes increasingly effective as the story progresses. Although some of the musical choices during the opening episodes may initially feel disconnected from the setting, the score gradually establishes a stronger relationship with the action and emotional developments.
Monáe's “HONOR KiLLING” is a particular standout, providing the series with a memorable musical centerpiece. The newly released animated video gives the song its own visual presentation while extending the show's combination of music, animation and genre storytelling.
BASS X MACHINA ultimately succeeds because its unusual premise does not come at the expense of the historical figure at its center. Its combination of Black American history, Native American cultural connections, family drama and supernatural action creates an animated Western that feels distinct from more conventional interpretations of Bass Reeves.
The six-episode format provides a concentrated introduction to this alternate version of the character, although the world established throughout the series offers considerable potential for further storytelling.
Whether Netflix chooses to revisit BASS X MACHINA remains uncertain. As a limited series, no continuation has been announced, but its approach demonstrates the creative possibilities of reimagining historical figures through different genres without abandoning the cultural circumstances that shaped their lives.
For viewers interested in animation, Black history and unconventional Western storytelling, BASS X MACHINA is one of the year's more memorable genre releases. Its strong voice performances, imaginative mechanical designs and willingness to engage with historical identity make it a worthwhile addition to Netflix's animated catalog.
HMU Rating: 4.5/5
BASS X MACHINA is available on Netflix. The animated music video for Janelle Monáe's “HONOR KiLLING” is also available to watch and listen to.
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