Summary
Billy the Kid season 2 premiere continues the legend with Billy abandoning his old friend Jesse Evans and joining Englishman John Tunstall in the fight for Lincoln County.
Billy forms a romantic bond with Dulcinea Del Tobosco, a affluent Mexican woman, displaying his unwavering resolve to transform, even as an outlaw.
The episode unravels Thomas Catron as the formidable head of the Santa Fe Ring, an influential collective that becomes intrigued by Billy, assessing his potential value or danger to their elite establishment.
The season 2 premiere of Billy the Kid sets the stage for the continuation of the MGM+ series with a number of pivotal moments. Season 1 creatively depicted the early life of William H. Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid, from his birth as Henry McCarty to his notorious outlaw status in the Old West. Following the death of his mother Kathleen, Billy, now known as "Kid Antrim," is forced to fend for himself. Determined to survive, he takes matters into his own hands and finds work on both sides of the law, aided by a group of friendly and opportunistic bandits.
Billy the Kid presents a somewhat sympathetic portrayal of the infamous outlaw, who is rumored to have killed over 20 people during his short 21-year life. The season 2 premiere continues directly from the season 1 finale, with Billy making the decision to leave behind his old friend Jesse Evans and his association with Lawrence G. Murphy, a powerful Irishman. Murphy is engaged in a fierce conflict for control of Lincoln County, New Mexico against John Tunstall, a prominent Englishman. Jesse and his gang are employed by Murphy to ruthlessly murder innocent natives of Lincoln County.
8 Billy The Kid Becomes A Hired Hand For Englishman John Tunstall
Billy the Kid season 2 commences with a significant twist as Billy, motivated by a newfound moral compass, aligns himself with the morally superior Tunstall in his ambitious endeavor to acquire the majority of Lincoln County. Previously under the employ of Lawrence G. Murphy, renowned for his excessive alcohol consumption, unwavering ambition, and deceitful strategies, Billy undergoes a change of heart when confronted with the dishonorable and murderous methods employed by Murphy. This puts Jesse Evans in a precarious position, torn between his loyalty to Murphy and his unwillingness to engage in conflict with one of his closest friends, Billy the Kid.
7 Billy Makes Acquaintances With Future Love Interest Dulcinea Del Tobosco
In the concluding episodes of season 1 of Billy the Kid, a new character emerges as Billy's love interest: the captivating Dulcinea Del Tobosco. She hails from a well-to-do Mexican family residing in Lincoln County. After mustering up his courage, Billy finally decides to ask Dulcinea out on a date. To his surprise, she agrees, but not before demonstrating her extensive knowledge about everyone and everything in Lincoln County. Despite Billy's notoriety as an outlaw, Dulcinea takes a leap of faith in him, expressing her trust by inviting him to her parents' home. This gesture signifies the blossoming of a promising relationship between the two.
6 John Riley Murders Ally Jim Dolan To Tighten Alliance With Major Murphy's House
5 Tom O'Folliard Travels From Texas To Lincoln County To Meet Billy The Kid
In a surprising twist during the season 2 premiere of Billy the Kid, John Riley, one of Lawrence G. Murphy's enforcers, betrays his companion Jim Dolan and fatally shoots him. Riley and Dolan had previously worked together as intermediaries between Murphy and the Santa Fe Ring, an exclusive secretive society with a vested interest in Murphy's House and considerable influence in Lincoln County. Dolan was also Riley's accomplice in devising strategies with Jeese Evans and his gang until Riley's act of necessary violence, demonstrating his point. It is worth noting that the real Dolan lived until 1898, which suggests that his demise in Billy the Kid may mark a departure from historical accuracy in season 2.
In the season 2 premiere of the Billy the Kid series, a new character is introduced – Tom O'Folliard, who was known as one of Billy the Kid's closest friends in real life. When O'Folliard initially approaches Billy, expressing his admiration for the outlaw, Billy dismisses him as naive and advises him to return to his family for his own safety. However, O'Folliard eventually shares with Billy that, like him, he has no family to turn to. Recognizing this commonality, Billy takes O'Folliard under his wing, providing him with sustenance, employment, and most importantly, a new sense of purpose.
4 Tunstall's Lawyer McSween Forms Alliance With Honorable Judge Wilson
With the imminent tensions of the forthcoming Lincoln County War on the horizon in season 2 of Billy the Kid, Alex McSween, Tunstall's attorney, commenced delving into legal avenues to bring down Murphy and his influential group. McSween arranges a meeting with Judge Wilson, portrayed as one of the scarce upright judges in Lincoln County, who shares the same desire to rid the town of Murphy. Wilson's son fell victim to the mindless killings orchestrated by Jesse Evans and his gang under Murphy's authority, setting the stage for a formidable legal endeavor to tarnish Murphy's reputation and potentially secure his incarceration.
3 Billy Meets One-On-One With Old Friend Jesse Evans To Convince Him To Join Tunstall
In season 2, episode 1 of Billy the Kid, the climax occurs during a intense one-on-one confrontation between Billy and his ex-friend Jesse Evans. Despite their conflicting morals and ongoing rivalry, the mutual respect between the two remains intact. This allows Billy to approach Jesse on horseback and engage in a conversation. Billy attempts to persuade Jesse to change his loyalty from the shady Murphy to Tunstall, who represents honor and integrity. However, Jesse is unable to overlook the personal betrayal he feels from Billy's decision. This leads to a tense standoff, with both friends pointing their pistols at each other. Ultimately, they both decide to walk away without resorting to violence.
2 Santa Fe Ring Leader Thomas Catron Takes A Special Interest In Billy The Kid
Billy the Kid season 2, episode 1 unveils the prominent figure, Thomas Catron, who holds immense influence in New Mexico. As the leader of the Santa Fe Ring, Catron assumes a role similar to that of a territorial President, exerting genuine power in the Old Western realm of Billy the Kid. Murphy, Riley, and previously Dolan seem to be under Catron's sway, serving as members of the dreaded elite group known as the Rings. These individuals embody the highest echelons of authority and affluence during that era in the United States. Catron expresses curiosity in delving deeper into the enigmatic persona of Billy the Kid, contemplating whether he could prove advantageous to the Ring or pose a threatening impediment that requires elimination.
1 Old Moss Returns As A Ghost To Send A Word Of Caution To Billy The Kid
In the final scene of the season 2 premiere of Billy the Kid, Billy is paid a visit by his former mentor, Old Moss, in a haunting and enigmatic flashback. Although Moss is a fictional character created for the MGM+ series, he played a significant role in Billy's life by teaching him how to handle a gun and facilitating his family's relocation from New York City to the Midwest. Moss reminds Billy of his true essence as a survivor, conveying a grim message that also serves as a cautionary advice for his future. Echoing their earlier conversations in season 1, Moss reiterates the phrase, "Things don't always unfold as desired."