The Enigmatic Last Words That Unveil the Untold Truth of Billy the Kid's Mother
Billy the Kid's mother's final words reveal her unwavering belief in her son's inherent goodness, shedding light on the moral code that guided this notorious outlaw's actions
Summary
Kathleen's final words to Billy on her deathbed reveal her belief in the underlying goodness of his soul, despite his future crimes and reputation as an outlaw.
Billy decided to join John Tunstall and leave behind Lawrence Murphy and Jesse Evans due to his mother's message, as he believed in Tunstall's positive values.
Although Billy the Kid is not inherently wicked, his difficult circumstances and struggle for survival ultimately led him into a life of criminality. However, his mother's faith in his inherent goodness continues to echo, showcased by his gesture of friendship towards Tom O'Folliard in the season 2 premiere.
In season 2, episode 1 of Billy the Kid, there is a brief reference to Kathleen McCarty's last message to her son before her demise in season 1. Kathleen, who is based on the real-life mother of Henry McCarty (popularly known as Billy the Kid), played a significant role in their lives. The show accurately portrays Catherine McCarty's journey with Henry and their youngest son Joseph from Indiana to Kansas, where she eventually married William Henry Harrison Antrim after her husband, Patrick McCarty, passed away. Sadly, Catherine succumbed to tuberculosis or "consumption" in 1874, leaving Henry and his brother orphaned.
Kathleen is just one of the returning characters from season 1 in Billy the Kid who makes an appearance in the season 2 premiere. In a short flashback triggered by Billy's mystic encounter with his mentor, Old Moss, Kathleen is shown telling Billy that she can see into his soul, suggesting that she understands him better than anyone else in the world. As Billy ponders his life as a dangerous and wanted outlaw, he recalls his mother's last words and questions if she would be proud of him today.
Kathleen McCarty’s Final Words Prove She Believed There Was Good In Billy
On her deathbed, Kathleen McCarty reassured Billy that he had the strength to endure anything. She claimed to have peered into his soul and acknowledged his innate goodness. This genuine exchange stands as the most sincere interaction Billy has with any character in the first season of Billy the Kid. However, questions arise regarding whether Kathleen's deep love for her son clouded her perception of his darker tendencies. At the time of Kathleen's passing, Billy was just 15 years old, and his future as a notorious criminal, known for his ruthless acts and menacing reputation, had not yet been solidified.
Kathleen's final message resonated with Billy's rationale behind abandoning Lawrence Murphy's House and his longtime friend Jesse Evans to join John Tunstall, who appeared to embody more honor, in the Lincoln County feud. When justifying his choice to Jesse, Billy explained that he had more faith in Tunstall's noble vision for Lincoln County than in Murphy's, as he had lost trust in Murphy's actions after having Jesse and his gang mercilessly slaughter innocent native landowners. Consequently, Kathleen's parting words to her son directly influenced Billy's decision to fight for a righteous cause, even though it meant betraying Jesse.
Was Billy The Kid A Good Person? Outlaw’s Moral Code Explained
Billy the Kid's notorious reputation as an outlaw is often attributed to the unfortunate circumstances he found himself in and his constant struggle for survival. In the first season of Billy the Kid, he takes on various jobs, sometimes on the wrong side of the law, simply to earn a living. His first experience of ending someone's life was an accidental outcome during a physical altercation, where his act was perceived as an act of self-defense. One of Billy's fundamental principles, instilled in him, was to never draw a firearm on another person unless he had every intention of using it. This principle serves as his strictest code when contemplating whether or not to commit a murder.
Despite having sympathetic reasons for his crimes, Billy the Kid is undeniably guilty of his actions. However, his character still embodies the goodness that his mother recognized in him. This is evident in the season 2 premiere of Billy the Kid, where he extends friendship to newcomer Tom O'Folliard. If Billy had been born into more favorable circumstances, he may not have resorted to a life of crime and violence, and instead could have chosen a different path. Furthermore, Billy's skills as a skilled gunslinger and sharpshooter greatly influenced the trajectory of his life, both positively and negatively.
