Previously, Billy the Kid headed to Mexico to lay low and evade authorities. While there, he met a new friend, Segura, and together they got into all kinds of mischief. During the course of their exploits, they angered the wrong person and our protagonist takes his first life in cold blood.
“Fate” begins with Mr. Bonney entering a saloon in the evening. It captures the paranoia he is feeling living as an outlaw and being wanted on both sides of the border. Things become especially tense when a gentleman keeps eyeing him from afar. Luckily, the man is friendly and turns out to be Pat Garrett, the newest member of Jesse Evans’ gang. Garrett offers him sanctuary where the rest of the crew are hiding out.
Historically, we know that Garrett would eventually be the man to hunt down Billy the Kid, but his introduction provides an appealing contrast to Evans. Actor, Alex Roe, creates someone who doesn’t have the same toxic masculinity as the other members of the bunch. He’s as capable with his steel as he is with a horse, but is more reserved and lower key when not on the job.
More noticeable, is how Billy interacts with him. There is a genuine effort to connect on a personal level and Garrett shows a moment of vulnerability revealing his tragic past. It’s as if these two outsiders of the Seven Rivers Gang are finding alike souls.
While Billy grows closer to Garrett, more friction develops with Jesse. First of all, the more time he spends with the group, the more he loses his morality. There is a Robin Hood aspect to the cattle rustling even if the only beneficiaries are Seven Rivers.
But when things go awry, Billy finds himself callously killing more people. The acting of his nameless victim is melodramatic and preachy, but Tom Blyth sells the remorse and guilt after the fact. For those asking for more, we receive another scene of his singing in a sorrow filled melody.
Although it’s Billy the Kid’s notoriety that causes Jesse to quietly fume. The legend continues to grow even though he considers himself the better marksman and outlaw. Plus, he’s the leader and is responsible for everything.
A significant turning point is when Frank Baker approaches the crew with a proposition, but mainly due to the Kid’s reputation. Jealousy ensues and Jesse becomes disgruntled when he loses a grip on his top status. The events also help set the stage for the upcoming Lincoln County War since their benefactor is Lawrence Murphy, the main instigator.
However, Billy has one last loose end to tie up before rendezvousing with Murphy. He receives word that Segura is to hang for the murder of Don Ortiz. The subplot serves as a nice conclusion to the Mexico mini arc that began last episode. It demonstrates the great loyalty and care he has for those close to him similar to what he displayed for his family in the early episodes.
In addition, as much as he’s becoming a cold criminal, there is still good in him as he tries to right one of his wrongs. Yet it is telling when Segura vows to lead a better life when given a second chance and William isn’t as optimistic that change can happen.
“Fate” marches it’s main character closer to the edge between good and bad in gripping ways. Pat Garrett’s introduction gives Billy another interesting historical figure to interact with that can serve as a contrast to the relationship with Jesse Evans as well.
New episodes of Billy the Kid are released Sundays on EPIX.
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