On ‘Timeless’ episode 12, Lone Ranger inspiration Bass Reeves, and recent DVR ratings

There’s a new episode of “Timeless” arriving on NBC Monday night, and we’re going to continue to make our stance clear to everyone to WATCH LIVE. If you love the show and want to ensure that it comes back, it’s gotta happen! Live+same day viewers are the best way to monetize the show, and convince NBC in the process to give it a season 2.

As you prepare to watch this episode (entitled “The Murder of Jesse James”), here are a couple of things that you should know.

1. Bass Reeves! – In history, Reeves was one of the first black Deputy U.S. Marshals to be located in the American West, and he was well known for being one of the most successful at his job. Stories tell that he was responsible for bringing 3,000 felons in justice and for killing more than a dozen outlaws in self-defense. He was born into slavery, but eventually managed to escape that and become an American hero for everyone. It is believed by many that he was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger; through most accounts, his life holds more similarities to the famed fictional character than any other lawman of the time.

On the show, “Fear the Walking Dead” actor Colman Domingo is going to be taking on the part. Judging from the promo, Rufus in particular is going to be impressed by him.

2. DVR Ratings – While watching live is the best way to support the show, these viewing figures do still matter as a further sign of the show’s total audience. This past episode drew a 0.9 rating in the 18-49 demographic, but once the live+3 figures are attached to it, that grows to a 1.7 rating. That is an increase of around 90%, which is the biggest percentage increase of the season. It also grew from around 3.5 million to 6 million viewers. Even if half of the viewers who were watching via their DVRs chose to check out the show live, “Timeless” wouldn’t be on the bubble in our eyes. Keep that in mind as you consider your viewing options for the night.

Another reason to be optimistic for tonight is that we’re coming off of an aggressive internet push to save the show, one that included a live shout-out from Leslie Jones on “Saturday Night Live.” Any increase in ratings is great, since you want to build that momentum going into the finale.

What do you want to see on tonight’s new episode of “Timeless”? Be sure to share now in the comments! (Photo: NBC.)