First the good: Young Henry McCarty and his posse of outlaws will be returning for a third round of hold-ups and shootouts.

But the bad news is, this will be Billy’s last stand.

Yes, it was announced today that Billy the Kid has been renewed for a third and final season at MGM+.

“MGM+ announced the renewal of Billy the Kid, starring Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) for an eight-episode third, and final, season,” reads a press release issued moments ago.

“The epic romantic adventure inspired by the life of America’s most infamous outlaw continues in Season Three.”

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The statement continued with this summary of what lies ahead for Billy and the other survivors of the Lincoln County War:

“The Lincoln County War may be officially over, but both Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett have important issues to resolve — there is a reckoning to come. Billy is still at large, and Garrett is out to capture him, dead or alive.

“And with a bounty on his head, Billy has the opportunity to quit New Mexico altogether and pursue a future with Dulcinea, the love of his life. But he has unfinished business with Garrett, who has betrayed him, and decides to stay.

“Meanwhile Jesse Evans, Billy’s longtime friend, rival, and enemy, also remains in Lincoln, searching for a newfound purpose and perhaps atonement for his sins.

“As the final chapter in the saga comes to a close, Billy will fight like hell to try to finally find the justice that has long eluded him, even if it means he’ll die trying.

“In Season Two, Michael Hirst, Donald De Line, along with Tom Blyth and the rest of our talented cast, captivated audiences with the dramatic events leading to the infamous Lincoln County War, during which Billy is struggling to hang on to both his soul and the love of his life,” added Michael Wright, head of MGM+.

“In Season Three, we are excited to bring the naturally cinematic story of one of American history’s most fascinating, and often misunderstood, characters to its conclusion, as only MGM+ can.”

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to write the third and final season of Billy the Kid and bring this compelling saga to a close,” Hirst continued.

“Billy was famous for many things, not least his ability to escape from seemingly impossible situations. But now, as the Most Wanted Man in America, the odds are truly stacked against him.”

We suppose no one was expecting a show about Billy the Kid (who was gunned down at the age of 21) to go on for a dozen seasons.

But cancelation news is always a bit sad, and this was not a series that seemed to be running out of story ideas.

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Here’s hoping Billy the Kid Season 3 can deliver a satisfying ending.

What do you think, TV fanatics? Is it too soon for Billy the Kid to ride off into the sunset?

Hit the comments section below to share your thoughts.

Watch Billy the Kid Online

The post Billy the Kid Renewed For Third and Final Season at MGM+ appeared first on TV Fanatic.

That's because Billy was alive and relatively well following Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 8.

This is more than many characters could say, especially those who confronted the fugitive Regulators.

Yes, there were quite a few nameless, scruffy, bearded men shot dead in this episode, which is ironic since negotiating a peace treaty was at the heart of it.

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The Regulators started as fugitives and ended up in pretty much the same situation. That's what happens when a clear-cut victory over evil is your ultimate goal.

That's especially true when corrupt politicians and businessmen are involved, as was the case here.

It appeared things were improving, as Warren Angel's investigation forced corrupt Governor Axtell out of office.

Billy had been pinning his hopes on Angel's federal investigation since Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 5. Finally, it seemed events were going in a positive direction.

On a side note, why are The Regulators staying at the home of one of their members?

Shouldn't that be the first place Pat and his posse would look? Aren't there enough abandoned farms and buildings in the area to use as hideouts?

But I digress. New Governor Lew Wallace offered amnesty to anyone who had been criminally charged in the war if they would give up their guns, renounce violence, and become upstanding citizens.

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It's a concept much more rooted in dreams than reality. It's the Wild West, after all.

If they aren't shooting at each other, they're shooting at Indians or wild animals. A gun is a tool.

That's why Billy was, at best, cautiously optimistic. He hasn't stayed alive in his short, outlaw life without being realistic about his situation.

Unfortunately, being fugitives while the bad guys of The House largely have had what passes for the law on their side is starting to wear on The Regulators, as George bemoaned to Billy.

After all, they aren't regular outlaws like Billy. Instead, they're simply farmers and ranchers fed up with being ripped off by greedy businessmen and politicians such as Murphy and Catron, who control the power in New Mexico.

So, Wallace's offer gives them a light at the end of the tunnel that might not be a train. For the first time in many months, they have hope.

The Regulators did discover that they had earned the admiration of people who didn't even know them, thanks to the positive popular word of mouth they had received.

The citizens of Las Tablas celebrated them and even covered for them when Pat's posse showed up, turning down a fistful of dollars to protect The Regulators.

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But government wheels turn slowly. This left an opening for Catron, the most prominent member of The Ring, who was still on the board.

Catron decided that if peace was to be made in the war, he would control it.

Luckily for Catron, he could keep his hands clean, thanks to Edgar Walz, his son-in-law, lieutenant, and personal whipping boy.

Walz is the brains behind the thuggish Catron, who finds ways to make his father-in-law's vague ideas work.

He knew that Jesse was the person who should put the idea of peace talks before Billy, the only one that Billy would take seriously.

Walz skillfully shot down Riley, who was self-important and couldn't understand why Billy's involvement in the negotiations was important.

Walz's "treaty" document was an early example of mutually assured destruction, as soldiers on each side couldn't do anything to damage those on the other.

Billy and Riley resignedly agreed to the treaty since they didn't trust politicians enough to put their futures' in their hands.

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It was great to see Billy and Jesse being friendly again and reminiscing about their good times together before their career paths took them in different directions.

While Jesse was optimistic about the treaty, Billy sensed it was a stopgap measure. He didn't trust those on the House's side to change their normal behavior.

Sure enough, Riley killed the lawyer that Susan had brought back to prosecute her husband's murderer, then left him lying in the street before strolling on for a meal of oysters.

That kind of person didn't deserve to be protected for their actions. So, Billy decided to take his chances with the new governor, Lew Wallace.

Wallace appeared to be on the up-and-up when he arranged for Col. Dudley to lose his command for taking sides in the Lincoln war.

But after Billy agrees to meet with him, he arranges a trap so Pat and his posse can capture Billy. So, is he just another politician?

If a third season comes to pass, Wallace will likely be an important character. So, Billy needs to figure him out.

Finally, Dulcinea has evolved into the kind of partner that Billy will need, refusing to go to Mexico and instead staying by his side.

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Initially, she was a spoiled rich girl, riding horses with Billy on her family's estate.

But now she's hardened, shooting whoever she has to break Billy out of jail. That makes her much more intriguing.

Even knowing that Billy will eventually die, do you want another season?

Besides Billy, who was your favorite character from this season?

What did you think of Lew Wallace?

Comment below.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 8 Review: An Invitation appeared first on TV Fanatic.

New Governor Lew Wallace has announced a general amnesty for all those charged with crimes during the Lincoln County War, as long as they turn in their guns and renounce violence.

Still, Pat Garrett had been charged with forming a posse to hunt down the most violent offenders on both sides of the conflict.

Billy is cautious about the amnesty offer.

Billy suggests that Dulcinea go to Mexico to be with her family but she rejects the idea.

He gives her a small pistol to protect herself.

The Regulators leave Charlie's ranch to hide in Las Tablas on Juan Patron's recommendation.

The town welcomes them and throws a celebration.

But Billy can't enjoy it because he's remembering all the death during the war.

He's awakeed the next day with word that a sheriff's posse is approaching.

Despite Pat's attempts at bribery, the mayor and the citizens refuse to help him.

Billy has the other Regulators return to Lincoln while he serves as bait to distract the posse.

Susan McSween has brought back lawyer Houston Chapman from Las Vegas, to prepare a case against those responsible for Alexander's murder.

Billy arrives at an old military base where he hopes to hole up.

The posse catches up to Billy while he's dining on rabbit.

Billy hears them and rides away, taking down a couple of the posse at the same time.

Catron is worried that he might be the next member of The Ring whom Angel goes after.

Catron wants to stage peace talks between the two sides.

Billy successfully rejoins The Regulators at Charlie's house.

There's a letter from Jesse awaiting him, spelling out the plans for peace talks.

Against Riley's wishes, Walz guarantees Billy's safety.

Walz makes everyone surrender their guns.

The terms of the treaty include that no one on one side can kill anyone on the other side, neither will testify in civil prosecutions and will actvely resists arrests, and those violating the agreement will be executed.

The two sides shake hands and celebrate at The House.

But afterward, Riley and the House forces stop Chapman and Riley kills him in front of Billy.

Gov. Wallace arrives in Lincoln and has an aide fetch Col. Dudley.

Wallace has Dudley removed from command of Fort Stanton for taking sides in the dispute.

Billy sends a letter to Wallace informing him about witnessing the murder of Chapman. He says that if the indicments against him are dismissed, he will tell all.

Billy and Wallace meet in secret. 

Wallace offers Billy a pardon in exchange for his testimony against the killers of Tunstall and Chapman. They shake on their deal.

But Pat and his posse catch Billy on his way out. Wallace had set up Billy.

Dulcinia asks Pat for permission to visit Billy in jail.

She shows her gun to Billy while they're kissing then leaves.

As a wagon stuffed with explosives hits the gate, she shoots the jailor.

Billy, Dulcinea, and The Regulators mow down Pat's deputies and escape.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 8 Recap: An Invitation appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The Army failed miserably at their peacekeeping mission on Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 7.

That's because the two feuding sides were not interested in any truce.

The Regulators and The House wanted their opponents to pay for past actions.

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Unfortunately, while Billy's team sought justice, the House had what passes for the law in crooked New Mexico on its side.

Pat Garrett, Billy's old riding buddy, is attempting to enforce that law. He is discovering that too much is happening behind his back, done by those who think they own him.

Pat tipped the balance of power in Lincoln when he convinced Col. Dudley, the Army Commander, to intercede in the town's ongoing skirmish.

Billy's forces had the advantage before the Army put Lincoln in lockdown.

They had a numbers edge and were also a guerilla force, able to strike without warning.

Now they were trapped fortifying Lawyer McSween's house, and everyone in town knew exactly where they were holed up.

This situation first fell on Pat. Indeed, he's taken the measure of those he allied with.

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He must have found Riley, Murphy, and Jesse's 7 Rivers Gang lacking.

So, why did Pat take the post in the first place? And if he's unable to improve things, why is he even hanging around?

As Billy noted, that badge gives him the power to change things. Then again, if he tries to fix things, how much longer would Catron allow him to keep that badge?

Pat has to decide which side he's on, then play the game and use his office to make subtle changes. He must let everyone believe he's working with them.

Garrett's biggest misstep was recruiting Col. Dudley to lock down Lincoln on Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 6.

Dudley came in with the nebulous mission of "restoring the peace."

It's hard to do that when he doesn't know the players. Instead of taking the temperature of the townfolk, the Army was using the playbook that had been successful in dealing with Indian uprisings or banana-republic revolts.

But indeed, Dudley has dealt with profiteering scoundrels such as Murphy and Riley before. (Didn't you like how "Major" Murphy dusted off his old uniform during Dudley's stay?)

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And, for the most part, he shot them down, something they weren't accustomed to. Pat, with his hat-in-hand routine, had better luck.

But in a case of good versus evil, just proclaiming neutrality isn't good enough. Sometimes, refusing to choose is taking a side.

Dudley's mealy-mouthed approach ultimately caused the good people of Lincoln and their champions to suffer.

He allowed Jesse and his 7 Rivers Gang to deliver the new warrants to the McSween home.

Why could Pat just knock and deliver those himself instead of Jesse's more provocative approach, which only heightened tensions?

And where was the harm in allowing the women to see their loved ones instead of getting a beatdown by the Army? A little common sense would go a long way.

Dulcinea, who organized that gathering, seemed to be bouncing back from having her whole family killed on Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 5. She figures to play a bigger role in the season finale next week.

Unfortunately, a weak link for The Regulators made a wrong move, putting the team in Dudley's crosshairs.

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George never should have given that jumpy runner a gun.

His frightened killing of a soldier led to his being gunned down with three other soldiers. And that should have been the end of it.

But no. Dudley chose to look the other way when Riley suggested that the House forces burn the McSween house to force out The Regulators. How was that not taking sides?

Again, Pat found out about this plan when he saw the smoke and had to eventually investigate. He certainly took his sweet time getting there.

That bucket brigade didn't work worth a damn in the middle of a gunfight, did it?

Let's credit Susan McSween, who showed much more grit than her husband, who whined to Billy earlier.

She walked out through a truce in that firefight and demanded that the ranking officer take her to talk with Dudley.

First, she lambasted Pat for allowing the House thugs to set her home on fire. At least he had the courtesy to look abashed.

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Dudley didn't even manage that much emotion, sticking to his dubious claim of neutrality despite her plea to save her husband.

Then, she bravely walked back into that burning building to support her husband and their house guests.

That final firefight was, indeed, as Pat described it, "a turkey shoot."

Billy's strategy of "a strong offense is a good defense" worked as well as it could, with a handful of Regulators escaping into the woods.

It was intriguing that, once again, Jesse couldn't bring himself to fire on Billy. Jesse has more respect for Billy than any of the mercenaries he works with.

The fugitive Regulators' best hope may be Susan, who will go to Las Vegas to find a good prosecutor. (It's hard to imagine Vegas once was a place known for integrity.)

Did that firefight go better or worse for the regulators than you expected?

Any of those killed that you'll miss?

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How do The Regulators mount a comeback?

Comment below.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 7 Review: The Blood-Soaked Bible appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Billy is having to deal with his team's doubts during the Army's lockdown of Lincoln.

Hearing there might be trouble, Dr. Clay and his wife/nurse Alice visit, offering their services to The Regulators.

Garrett has obtained fresh warrants for McSween and all The Regulators for the murder of Sheriff Brady.

Jesse and Riley hope that Col. Dudley's sympathies lie with their side.

Dudley grants Pat's request to allow House forces to break curfew in order to serve the warrants.

Hel'll even send some of his soldiers as escorts.

But Dudley stresses he isn't taking sides. George observes their conversation from a distance.

Jesse and the 7 Rivers Gang ride up to McSween's house waving a white flag.

Jesse throws the warrants in through a window broken by Beckwith.

Billy and McSween discuss where Dudley and Garrett's loyalties lie.

Billy burns the warrants as Mrs. McSween plays a hymn on the piano.

Riley unsuccessfully leans on Dudley to force out The Regulators.

Patron's son Diego breaks curfew to update Manuela and Dulcinea.

Dulcinea convinces Manuela that the women should try to help.

George knows Riley is planning something and sends a runner to tell Billy

The runner gets stopped by a soldier and shoots him. Three soldiers kill him.

Riley suggests to Dudley that he lets them burn the McSween house to force out the fugitives and he gives permission.

Jesse's gang and Riley bring the fire.

Pat finds out when he sees the smoke.

The House gunmen soon surround the home.

The women and Mexicans get into a brawl with the soldiers.

The Army arrives at McSween's.

Susan insists on talking with Dudley and goes out waving a white flag.

Susan addresses the commanding officer at the scene asking to speak to Dudley.

First, she confronts Pat for allowing her house to set on fire.

Susan gets down on her knees to plead with Dudley but he won't interfere.

The woman are getting patched up after their encounter with the Army.

By the time Susan returns, her house is fully engulfed. She goes back in anyway, staring down Riley and Jesse.

Alexander embraces her.

Pat arrives way too late hoping The Regulators will surrender.

Pat has everyone line up near the back door.

Billy sends out Susan and the Clays under a white flag.

Billy sends out a few of The Regulators at a time while the rest provide cover fire.

But most get cut down.

McSween leaves armed only with a Bible and gets killed.

Billy, Charlie, and Tom are the last three and they go out with guns blazing.

Jesse chases after Billy into the woods.

They end up facing off but Jesse lets him go.

Billy and Charlie make it to Charlie's ranch.

They prepare to go on the run

Riley gloats at Susan and Juan.

Her plan is to find a lawyer in Las Vegas to prosecute Riley.

There's a massive burial outside of town.

The Army is leaving Lincoln.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 7 Recap: The Blood-Soaked Bible appeared first on TV Fanatic.

It's a shame he didn't expect outside interference on Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 6.

Otherwise, he and the Regulators would likely control the town.

Not that they'd had any actual plans about how to run Lincoln.

The fact that Billy's forces have been growing was proof enough that Lincoln's citizens have had enough of being bullied by Murphy's House and its thugs.

However, Murphy, Riley, and Jesse, and his 7 River Gang are brutal in their tactics.

That's why they needed Billy and his gunmen, most of whom were protecting their families and their land.

This episode proved that Pat Garrett, appointed Lincoln sheriff on Billy the Kid Season 1 Episode 5, is the wild card in this standoff.

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He's been involved with all the key players: Billy, Jesse, Murphy. Now Pat has to decide on whose side he will stand.

Pat figures to become even more conflicted as the Lincoln County War continues.

He's stuck in a very gray situation.

Pat is a rehabilitated gunslinger who has to prove that he's been reborn.

Unfortunately, the law in New Mexico is on the side of the corrupt, from the governor and attorney general on down.

So, Pat is in a difficult position to support the law, which, as Billy pointed out, is quite different from justice, for which Billy is fighting, often violently.

Pat is doing his best with the hand that he's been dealt. An example of this would be how he's using Jesse's gang, some of whom are being investigated for John Tunstall's murder, as a search party trying to locate Billy and the Regulators.

This mission should have been a slam dunk for Billy's forces. They had the numbers, and they had the element of surprise.

They rode into town and got set up for the upcoming conflict, totally unmolested.

Where were The House's troops?

Jesse and his gang, along with a couple of deputies, were out hunting for Billy.

Murphy's garden-variety thugs were hanging out protecting his store. 

When Billy offered them a chance to leave town, one thug essentially said he had to ask Riley for permission.

Riley had to yell at them to start shooting. Not a quick-thinking bunch, were they?

So, it was little wonder when Billy's men got an early edge in the skirmish.

Why they didn't press their advantage then wasn't clear.

Why hadn't Pat restocked his deputies as soon as he got there?

Instead, he handed out badges and rifles to volunteers he knew nothing about in the middle of Billy's invasion.

Billy had the edge in strategy over Pat, so it wasn't surprising that his sharpshooters quickly dispatched Pat's new deputies.

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Yet again, with Jesse's gang still chasing the Regulators' ghosts, Billy didn't invade The House, despite its best gunsels being out of town.

Pat deserves credit for thinking outside the box when it became evident The House was outnumbered and outgunned.

The Army was at Fort Stanton for one reason: to protect the settlers from Indian attacks. Col. Dudley explained that the military shouldn't interfere with local political or legal disagreements.

Pat's specious trump card was some proclamation from the governor requesting the involvement of the Army in the Lincoln dispute.

Indeed, a post commander such as Dudley knows the politics of the territory where he was stationed.

He must have been aware of the corruption in New Mexico.

That being the case, why did Dudley give any credence to Pat's request?

The Army's interceding stole a sure victory away from Billy and the Regulators.

At least Dudley's forces did the least damage they could.

Essentially, they were a neutral party separating the two hostile armies with the power to make everybody stand down.

Also, the Army isn't there to arrest anybody, not Billy or the Regulators, not Jesse and the 7 Rivers Gang.

Instead, they're just imposing martial law to allow life as usual during the day and to keep a lid on things with a curfew at night.

Based on past performance, it won't be long until someone on The House's side drunkenly squeezes off a round near the Army, and all hell breaks loose.

Also, after Murphy got on Riley for his lack of performance during the crisis, how long before Riley starts a hamhanded effort to go after Billy and his followers?

It also appeared that Jesse was being set up, following a pretty Mexican face out of the party.

Or was that Jesse just thinking with his little pistol yet again?

Billy shouldn't have blamed himself for the Army giving The House an unlikely reprieve.

The Army wasn't supposed to get involved in such civilian disputes so that he couldn't have anticipated that.

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Also, with all those guns and all that animosity around the military, how long before Lincoln blows up?

Billy laid everything out for Pat. Pat conceivably has the power to make changes in Lincoln.

But what's that badge from a corrupt attorney general worth?

It was telling that Pat contemplated using his handgun as Billy walked away.

Did Billy have a winning strategy before the Army showed up?

Will the Army be able to remain neutral?

What will be the next phase of the Lincoln County War?

Comment below.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 6 Review: The Plea appeared first on TV Fanatic.

At the Regulators camp, Billy goes over the plan for the attack on The House with his troops.

McSween tells Billy that Angel's investigation is moving slowly.

Billy gives Murphy's men the chance to leave town.

But Riley insists they engage with Billy's forces.

Jesse's gang is still off searching for Billy and the Regulators.

From their strategically chosen locations, Billy's men make quick work on Riley's soldiers.

Billy puts a quick end to any celebration.

The late-arriving Pat informs Riley he plans to send his deputies against Billy's men at Tunstall's store.

Billy's forces are sending citizens out of harm's way.

At Tunstall's, Billy cautions his content troops about the hard road ahead of them.

Manuela attempts to console the heartbroken Dulcinea.

Jesse and his gang are told Billy has taken over the town.

Billy's highly placed sharpshooters carry the day against Pat's new deputies.

Jesse and company return to Lincoln. 

Billy makes plans to go on the offensive the next day.

Pat goes to Fort Stanton to recruit reinforcements but Col. Dudley, its commander, refuses his request.

Then he takes a second look at the governor's proclamation and changes his mind.

The military goes there to restore the peace only and to establish martial law.

Col. Dudley sets up a curfew and orders everyone to go home.

At the party afterward, Murphy calls out Riley for his ineffectiveness.

Billy blames himself for not seeing the Army's involvement coming.

Billy goes to visit Pat. He appeals to Pat to use his power to fight the corruption of The House.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 6 Recap: The Plea appeared first on TV Fanatic.

That continued to be made abundantly clear on Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 5.

It's Billy and a handful of good-hearted ranchers and farmers who are up against the greedy and corrupt in Lincoln and New Mexico in general.

It doesn't seem fair, does it?

Billy's supporters can't catch a break.

For example, take the Regulators' encounter with "Buckshot" Roberts.

Granted, Buckspot is a sharpshooter, but he's not the sharpest tool in the shed, as he proved in his demise.

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Yet somehow, he doggedly, if drunkenly, tracked Billy through the wilderness and rode right into the Regulators' camp, with no one stopping this apparent threat.

There was Buckshot against eight to ten Regulators, and still, he shot four of them (killing two). How was his opening fire unexpected?

Equally stupid was Buckshot's decision to ease up just because Billy set down his rifle. Billy could roll out of bed and outdraw most people, so Buckshot didn't have a chance.

Billy's self-defense killing of Buckshot illustrates part of the image problem from which he suffers.

Buckshot was pinned on the ground by Billy after being shot twice when an incensed Billy shot him in the throat. That just wasn't a good look.

It's likely that not all the citizens approved of Billy and the Regulators shooting the sheriff and three deputies in Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 4.

Sure, they were planning to use an illegitimate warrant from Catron to hang Lawyer McSween. But there had to be a less fatal option to get the same result.

With his face plastered on all those wanted posters, Billy had an optics problem centuries before that concept even existed. Billy had his good reasons, but most settlers didn't have any truck with nuance.

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The doctor treating the Regulators' wounded passed along the message that Pat Garrett, who Billy used to run with as part of the 7 Rivers Gang back around Billy the Kid Season 1 Episode 6, had become the Lincoln County Sheriff.

Billy definitely relied too much on their prior friendship when he wisely wrote to Pat to ask him to use his authority to clean up Lincoln.

But Catron installed Pat in Lincoln, and Murphy quickly reminded him that Pat owed him as well.

So, what side will Pat come down on? (History or Wild West buffs already know that answer.)

But after he met with mean drunk Murphy, Pat had to be inspired to bring down The House regardless of who his benefactors are.

In any event, Pat promises to be one conflicted individual for the remainder of the series.

Jesse, Billy's brother from another mother, also figures to remain conflicted as well. However, as the series has proven, that won't stop him from doing evil deeds.

But Jesse is the only one who truly understands that Billy is more than a murderous gunslinger. He's the leader that the disenfranchised of Lincoln need.

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Still, the arrogant businessmen and politicians ignore the cautions of this hired gun, the only person who truly knows Billy.

Billy strongly encouraged Jesse to leave town to avoid the coming violence at their most recent showdown in this season's fourth episode. As always, Jesse didn't listen.

Jesse's 7 Rivers Gang ended up being the hammer in Catron's latest scheme: Extorting Antonio Del Tobosco, Dulcinea's father.

Antonio is a respected Spanish landowner.

Unfortunately, he used that land as collateral when he borrowed $100,000 from Catron's bank over the years.

Catron: You’re making a very big mistake.

Antonio: Forgive me, but it is you who is making the mistake. You have no idea who I am but I know exactly what you are.

_{🔗 permalink: Forgive me, but it is you who is making the mistake. You have no idea who I am but I know…}

Catron and his lieutenant, Edgar Walz, show up unannounced to squeeze Antonio.

They want him to agree to repay his loans in 28 days or sacrifice his properties.

Antonio is too proud to sign the document. Unfortunately, pride comes before the fall.

That's when Jesse and his gang came in. Walz went to Murphy, wanting to borrow his muscle to intimidate Antonio into submission.

Jesse knew something that others at The House didn't. Billy was sweet on Dulcinea, and threatening her family might be just the thing to bring him out of hiding. Surprisingly, that plan drew admiration from the scheming Walz.

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Jesse even used Billy to get inside the Del Tobosco estate, putting on a hat similar to Billy's to fool the guards into opening the gates.

That situation went downhill quickly because he overplayed his hand. Antonio was ready to let everything go outside their home. Instead, Jesse and his gunmen began shooting everyone in sight.

Dulcinea was soon the last member of her family alive. Luckily, she didn't fall for Jesse's explanation that he was Billy's brother and shot him in the shoulder with her lady gun rather than handing it over to him.

Jesse's actions drove Dulcinea back into Billy's arms in his camp, where she discovered that his Regulators squad had now grown into an army, including other Mexicans bullied by Muprhy and The House.

Billy snuck into town to receive some good news. The federal government had sent a special agent to look into Tunstall's murder and corruption at all levels in the territory.

Billy was heartened to hear from Judge John Wilson that he had people in power on his side. Let's see how things develop from here.

What do you feel Billy is doing right and wrong?

Whose side will Pat Garrett come down on?

Is having right on his side enough to help Billy to win the war?

Comment below.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 5 Review: A Debt Collected appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The overconfident Buckshot has chastised Jesse for letting Billy escape. Jesse knows many on his side are underestimating Billy.

Buckshot rides right into Billy's camp.

George Coe chooses to see what Buckshot wants. He tells George he's there to capture Billy and claim the reward.

Buckshot opens fire and kills or wounds several of the Regulators.

Billy offers to surrender, putting his rifle down.

Buckshot draws a bead on him, but Billy shoots him twice before he can go for his handgun, killing him by shooting him in the throat.

The doctor reports that Littleton and Brewer are dead but Charlie Bowdre will live.

He also informs Billy that Pat Garrett is the new sheriff.

Heeding the doctor's warning, Billy decides to write to Pat.

He urges Pat to beware of The House and to clean up Lincoln.

A deputy brings Buckshot's body into town.

Thomas Catron and Edgar Walz pay a visit on Dulcinea's father, Antonio. Catron brusquely ignores her mother, Isabella.

They're calling because Del Tobosco owes $100,000 to Catron's bank.

They want him to sign a document which gives him 28 days to repay the bank or he forfeits his property. He refuses.

Walz interrupts Major Murphy's situation report from his henchmen.

Catron wants Murphy's men to seize valuable items from Del Tobosco's property.

Jesse suggests that harassing Dulcinea's family might help to flush out Billy.

Billy sneaks into town to meet with McSween and Judge John Wilson, who are attempting to build a case against Tunstall's murderers.

The federal government has sent Frank Warren Angel to look into Tunstall's death and corruption among New Miexco officials.

Jesse puts on a hat like Billy's and fools the Del Tobosco guards into opening the gates.

After several deaths on each side, Antonio goes out to talk with Jesse. He offers to sign over all his belongings as long as they leave his home and family alone.

When Antonio refuses to move, they shoot him, Dulcinea's brothe, and then her mother.

Jesse finds an armed Dulcinea and sets down his weapons. He tries to get her gun but she shoots him in the shoulder.

A guard puts her on a horse and she escapes.

She finds a family friend's home and collapses. She's taken to Billy's camp.

Dulcinea tells Billy and his Regulators than the raiders were sent by Catron.

Pat pays a visit to The House, meeting with Murphy.

Murphy informs Pat that he wants to see Billy hang.

Billy explains to Dulcinea that his army plans to take over Lincoln.

He takes her to hide out with Charlie's family.

Dulcinea tells Billy that now she understands why he had to go to war.

She adds that she wants them to be together after the war.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 5 Recap: A Debt Collected appeared first on TV Fanatic.

But becoming wanted men didn't slow down Billy and the Regulators on Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 4.

It's helpful to have an experienced outlaw in your ranks.

All the ranchers and farmers that make up the Regulators wanted to lay low until the heat died down.

But there's a problem with that logic. They're up against the corrupt forces of the justice system in New Mexico in the form of the Santa Fe Ring. The heat was never going to die down.

It soon became evident how true that was as Alexander McSween, the lawyer who switched sides from Major Murphy to Tunstall, became a target of The House.

McSween informed Billy and the Regulators they were all now wanted men thanks to Billy's execution of Baker and Morton, two of the posse members who had killed Tunstall.

That wasn't surprising since Thomas Catron, the district attorney, pulled the strings behind what was happening in Lincoln to protect his investment in The House.

Sadly, McSween was naive. He still believed in the law and felt safe going to court to fight the trumped-up financial charges against him.

That would depend on him landing in front of one of the few judges who weren't under the Ring's influence.

But Murphy and Riley didn't want to take that chance. Instead, Catron was able to fabricate a warrant charging McSween as an accessory to murder.

The plan was to have Sheriff Brady arrest him, take him in front of a corrupt judge, and then hang him. McSween knew too much and was too good at his job.

To further complicate things, Riley decided to throw a festival so the streets would be crammed with people to slow down Billy and the Regulators should they choose to intercede.

Charlie decided to tail McSween in case he got intercepted en route to town.

Also, a deputy whom Brewer had worked with tipped him off about the scheme. Somehow, the Regulators made it to Lincoln before the McSweens leisurely riding in their carriage.

Billy opted to fight guerrilla-style against The House's forces. They left their horses outside town and snuck in, with the noisy festival covering their approach.

Most importantly, Billy and company just opened fire on Brady and his deputies before they could serve the spurious warrant on McSween, whom Charlie stopped before he ever got to town.

Billy snatched up the warrant, getting grazed in the process, but Tom, whom Billy didn't want to be involved in the mission, got shot and badly injured.

This took Billy out of the fight as he had to get Tom to safety while the Regulators had to tie up Jesse's gang, who finally woke up to the surprise attack. Charlie showed up just in time to stem the tide.

Billy was clever to hide the injured Tom under the floorboards. Mrs. McSween showed steely nerves, convincing Jesse she had no idea where Tom was.

Tom may have survived this wound. But the way the inexperienced Regulator keeps throwing himself into battle, it's just a matter of time before he's killed.

After Billy returned to collect Tom, the McSweens drove away into the night. But history suggests that won't be the last we see of Alexander.

Infighting is already slowing down The House's response. It has to become more of a factor in this war.

Already, both Murphy and Riley are convinced they're in charge of The House. The truth is that neither of them are, even if they can't recognize that fact.

The House belongs to Catron, as his representative, Edgar Walz, continually reminds Riley. Gunfighting in the streets is bad for business.

It's little wonder that Catron has appointed a significant new sheriff for Lincoln County to replace Brady.

Finally, there's the fundamental difference between Riley and Jesse over how to handle Billy.

Riley thinks Billy (and, by extension, Jesse) is just another young punk with no battlefield skills.

Jesse has been with Billy too long not to understand that Billy has a unique quality that will help the Regulators in the ongoing war. That downtown showdown should have been enough to prove that to Riley.

The Regulators have another advantage. They're fighting for Tunstall's ideals. The House's forces are battling for a paycheck, nothing more.

Riley blamed Jesse for letting the Regulators get away. It was just as much his fault as his festival caused the chaos that made their escape easier.

There was dissent in the ranks of Jesse's gang, with Bob Olinger bragging that he could hunt down Billy, to Riley's delight.

Rather than taking the win, Billy wanted the Regulators to keep taking the fight to Jesse's gang, which was bound to be hunting for them anyway.

The first full-fledged battle in the war was a draw, although Billy succeeded in driving off half of Jesse's gang with his daring to take the high ground.

He also saved Charlie as he had a staredown with Jesse, again urging Jesse to leave Lincoln County.

Catron's choice for sheriff was Pat Garrett, which, as anyone aware of Billy's history knows, isn't a great development for Billy.

Unfortunately, we'll be waiting until 2024 to find out what happens, as MGM+ is rationing the final four episodes because of the ongoing actors' strike. It's yet another thing to blame on greedy entertainment studios.

New Characters Worth Their Weight in Gold

Open List

What did you think about Billy's strategies?

How can the Regulators battle back against the corrupt establishment?

Were you surprised more characters weren't killed off?

Comment below.

The post Billy the Kid Season 2 Episode 4 Review: The Day of the Dead appeared first on TV Fanatic.