Billy the Kid finds himself all alone now that both his brother and mother have passed away. In addition, he’s a wanted outlaw after breaking out of jail. As the young man travels an unfamiliar path, he comes across several faces, new and old, that help guide him on his journey.
We see our protagonist lean more into a life of crime as well as finally adopting his well-known alias of William H. Bonney. He allies himself with unsavory characters such as the drifter known as Alias. This associate is a walking “crazy” cliché with his one liners, distinct laugh, and psychotic behavior. Alias serves as a means to an end with Billy finding a new stable life. Their partnership demonstrates Billy’s desperation and lack of good options by having to work with such a scoundrel.
The episode continues to give its lead complex layers. There is a softer side to him as we see “Interlude” focus on his Irish roots with Billy the Kid singing old folk songs. Tom Blyth’s talent surprises with his voice and ability to play guitar.
“Interlude” also does a good job maintaining Billy’s morality despite being a livestock thief. The rustling leads to a physical struggle where he kills a man in self-defense. The guilt weighs on him and feeling he did nothing wrong, he turns himself in. Even back then, the justice system was broken and he’s imprisoned once again. Ash Upson is the last link to Billy’s old life and the journalist reminds him how much good is still inside him.
The montage of Billy the Kid on the lamb a second time showcases the breathtaking backdrops of the Old West. The encounter with the Native Americans seems so generic and doesn’t add much to the story except creating more difficulties. In addition, it’s forced diversity having them appear for a short scene and bring up the white man’s injustices. Then, when Billy is about to die of thirst and exposure, he is conveniently rescued.
A young woman named Barbara Jones nurses him back to health. The environment is ripe for a fling with the pair in close proximity in a spacious home just the two of them. Plus, there’s no television and gadgets or even books to pass the time. They spend their days frolicking through the grassy fields and daydreaming while watching clouds pass them by. Their courtship is a pleasant distraction for Billy from outrunning the law.
All the relationship building only serves to up the drama following the reveal of Billy the Kid’s savior: Jesse Evans. Jones is a free spirit and has a romance with the gang leader as well. The love triangle itself doesn’t look to be anything exciting but the complicated link between Evans and Bonney looks to be hyped up even more. From what we’ve seen, they do share a kinship but considering how the former left the latter high and dry after the laundromat robbery, is saving a life enough to quell the hard feelings? It’s definitely an interesting way to end the episode and provides promise moving forward.
Despite being bogged down by some of the same formulaic plots the series has previously experienced, “Interlude” continues to develop the complexity of its main character while leaving on an intriguing reveal.
New episodes of Billy the Kid are released Sundays on Epix.
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