Billy The Kid Season 2 Episode 3: Top 7 Key Moments Recap

Summary

"The Agony" sees the start of the Lincoln County War, with tensions escalating between Murphy, Tunstall, and their enforcer cowboys.

After Tunstall is murdered by the Jesse Evans Gang, Billy is motivated to seek vengeance by promising to eliminate all those responsible. Consequently, he establishes the Regulators, a dedicated group led by Dick Brewer, with the sole purpose of avenging Tunstall's untimely demise.

In "The Agony," the third episode of season 2 of Billy the Kid, the true beginning of the Lincoln County War is depicted. This war involved the notorious Old West outlaw Billy the Kid. Leading up to this episode, the second season established the mounting tension between Lawrence Murphy, John Tunstall, and their respective cowboy enforcers, setting the stage for the inevitable conflict. The competition between Murphy and Tunstall's businesses in Lincoln County had become unbearable, prompting the intoxicated Murphy and the powerful Sante Fe Ring, led by the influential landowner Thomas Catron, to take matters into their own hands, disregarding the law.

While episode 2 of season 2 of Billy the Kid introduces some creative decisions that deviate from historical facts, it still presents a largely accurate account of the Lincoln County War. The most important aspects of the war, including the confrontation between Billy and the Regulators against Jesse Evans and his gang of outlaws, remain mostly faithful to history. "The Agony" focuses primarily on Billy's growing frustration, which culminates in a shocking conclusion. With only one episode left before the mid-season break, Billy will face his greatest test yet in the upcoming finale of Billy the Kid season 2.

7. Dick Brewer's Deputy Status Gets Revoked By Catron & Sheriff Brady

In Billy the Kid season 2, episode 3, the story begins much like the previous episode, as Sheriff William Brady enters John Tunstall's popular general store and bank in Lincoln, New Mexico. Dick Brewer, who would later become the leader of the Regulators and the manager of Tunstall's store, once again questions Brady's intentions. Brewer suggests that Brady is using his position to benefit the wealthy and influential Murphy House and does not have the authority to shut down Tunstall's operation.

However, Brady's actions in episode 3 go beyond just targeting Tunstall's store. He also demands Brewer to surrender his deputy badge, claiming that Thomas Catron has invalidated Brewer's status as a lawman. McSween, Tunstall's lawyer, arrives and declares his intent to address this matter in court. Unfortunately, Brady is well aware that this would be a futile attempt, as Murphy's House controls the courts as well. In a public confrontation, McSween accuses Brady of accepting bribes. In response, Brady unveils his stern side, warning both McSween and Brewer to keep their mouths shut.

6. Billy The Kid Encourages Tunstall To Fight Murphy's House Straight On

After successfully conquering the smallpox disease and facing the threat from Catron's messenger, Edgar Walz, while lying on his hospital bed in Las Vegas, Tunstall returned to Lincoln County with a sense of fear for his life. His attempt to establish peace with the Murphy House backfired greatly when he sent Billy and his other hired hands to free the Jesse Evans Gang from jail, causing him to accept that a war was inevitable. In the early stages of episode 3, Tunstall and Billy have a heartfelt conversation about their fathers, which leads Billy to see Tunstall as a father figure. Tunstall expresses his concern about the potential loss of life in his name, but Billy encourages him to see war as the only path to victory.

5. The Jesse Evans Gang Ambushes & Murders Tunstall In Cold Blood

In an attempt to exploit the law against Tunstall, Murphy and Brady task Jesse Evans and his gang with repossessing Tunstall's cattle and horses. Arriving at Tunstall's ranch only to find it empty, Jesse resolves that their mission cannot end there. Determined to bring an end to the feud, Jesse motivates his gang to track down Tunstall. Initially hesitant, Jesse's "Boys" eventually agree and, while Billy and his group search for lunch, they lay in wait and launch a surprise attack on Tunstall outside his ranch. To Billy's horror, he witnesses Jesse and his gang riding towards the defenseless Tunstall, mercilessly shooting him without uttering a word.

4. Billy The Kid Vows To Kill Everyone Responsible For Tunstall's Death

After witnessing the murder of Tunstall by his former friend Jesse Evans, Billy makes a solemn vow to seek justice for his mentor's wrongful death. The real-life Billy the Kid takes a sworn oath to exact vengeance on all those responsible, with a particular focus on Tunstall's murderers. This commitment stems from the fact that Tunstall was the only influential individual who treated Billy as an equal. While the timing of the MGM series may seem rushed in portraying Billy's deep admiration for Tunstall, the true Billy the Kid was profoundly loyal and grateful to Tunstall for offering him a second chance at life. Billy's relentless pursuit of justice commences midway through episode 3, forever altering the course of his existence following Tunstall's demise.

3. The Regulators Are Officially Formed By Billy The Kid & Dick Brewer

Following Tunstall's untimely demise, a devoted group of his supporters, led by Alex McSween, united with a strong resolve to seek justice for his death and the corrupt practices of the Murphy House under the guidance of the esteemed Judge Wilson. Leading this contingent of Tunstall's enforcers were Billy the Kid and his fellow fighters, who went by the name of the Regulators. Among the ranks of the Regulators, highlighted in Billy the Kid, were individuals such as Dick Brewer, Charlie Bowdre, and Tom O'Folliard, comprising a group of approximately 20 men. Their primary objective was to avenge Tunstall's wrongful murder by all means necessary, whether complying with the law or operating outside its boundaries.

2. Dulcinea Kicks Billy Out After He Tells Her About The Upcoming War

Billy's relationship with Dulcinea Del Tobosco in the series takes a turn for the worse when he reveals his intention to seek revenge against Murphy's House and the Jesse Evans Gang by eliminating those responsible. Dulcinea strongly opposes this idea, expressing her belief that Billy had already turned away from his violent past. However, her perception of him quickly changes as she realizes that he is not the morally reformed individual she had hoped he would become. Billy confronts Dulcinea with the harsh reality that war is on the horizon in Lincoln County. In response, she kicks him out of her house, effectively bringing their short-lived relationship to an end.

1. Billy The Kid Kills 2 Members Of Jesse Evans' Gang

Billy and the Regulators successfully locate two renowned individuals from the Jesse Evans Gang, namely Billy Morton and Frank Baker. Following a fierce confrontation, the Regulators effectively surround Baker and Morton, leaving them with no choice but to surrender. Despite having his deputy status revoked, Dick Brewer assures them of a secure return to Lincoln County, aiming to handle Tunstall's death through the legal system. Foreseeing the future, Billy realizes that bringing Baker and Morton into town would ultimately lead to their release by the corrupt Brady. Without any hesitation, Billy the Kid ends the lives of the defenseless Morton and Baker, resulting in what is historically known as the Blackwater Massacre.