Unveiling the Enigmatic Old Moss: Unraveling Billy the Kid's Enigmatic First Mentor

Summary

Old Moss returns in a mystical scene reacquainting with Billy the Kid, marking the impact that Moss had on a young Billy before he became an outlaw.

Moss, along with Billy's mother Kathleen, has a significant impact on Billy's life by teaching him how to shoot a gun. In episode 1 of season 2, Moss makes a comeback to warn Billy about the unpredictability of life.

Old Moss is a fictional character specifically developed for the MGM+ show. His purpose is to add depth to the storyline and incorporate creative elements that enrich the narrative of Billy the Kid.

In the opening scene of Billy the Kid season 2, episode 1, a mystical and intriguing moment occurs with the return of Old Moss (played by Timothy Webber). As night falls, Billy finds himself alone by the fire at his campsite. Out of the darkness emerges Old Moss, surprising Billy with his reappearance. The genuine joy and appreciation on Billy's face showcase the significance of their reunion. Since their last encounter during Billy's childhood, Old Moss has had a profound impact on him, and viewers who remember their previous interactions understand the weight of this moment.

Old Moss is just one of the many characters from Billy the Kid season 1 who make a comeback in season 2. He holds a special place in Billy's life, significantly shaping his journey from a young boy to a notorious outlaw in the Old West. Towards the end of episode 1, Moss delivers a cautionary message to Billy, reminding him that life doesn't always go according to plan. This advice holds particular significance for Billy, who has experienced numerous hardships since losing his parents at the age of 15. Although Billy may have already grasped the essence of Moss's words, he hadn't been living by this sentiment prior to Moss's unexpected visit.

Old Moss Taught Billy How To Shoot A Gun & Brought His Family To Kansas

In Billy the Kid, only Moss and his mother Kathleen were able to sway Billy's opinion. Moss was introduced in the early scenes of Billy the Kid season 1, residing in New York City and offering a cost-effective travel service to transport people out West. Through sympathy, Billy, whose real name is Henry McCarty, convinced Moss to provide his family with a discounted rate for their journey to Kansas. Despite the risk, Moss agreed to transport Henry, his parents, and his younger brother without armed protection.

During their trip, Moss observed that Henry's father, Patrick, was not a positive influence. As a result, Moss took it upon himself to teach Henry how to shoot a gun. Moss allowed the young boy to practice with his pistol, ensuring his ability to protect his loved ones. In Billy the Kid season 2, episode 1, Moss's final message echoes their initial conversation. When Henry inquired about his father, Moss replied, "Things don't always turn out as we hope." This served as one of the first valuable life lessons for young Billy.

Is Old Moss Based On A Real Person? Mysterious Mentor Explained

Billy the Kid is not known to have ever been acquainted with a man named Moss. This is not surprising, considering the scarce knowledge available regarding Henry McCarty's early years. Detailed information about Henry prior to his transformation into the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid is extremely limited. However, it is known that Henry was born in New York City and later journeyed with his mother and brother to Indiana and ultimately Kansas following the mysterious death of his father. The character of Old Moss seems to have been introduced exclusively for the MGM+ series, presumably to add some imaginative elements and background to the story of Billy the Kid.