The cat-and-mouse game between Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett reaches its explosive climax in the fifth episode of season three. After being captured and sentenced to death, Billy executes a daring prison break. However, his newfound freedom is short-lived as Garrett’s relentless pursuit leads to a fatal showdown at a friend’s home, leaving Billy shot and critically injured.
Billy’s Daring Escape from Custody
Following his arrest in the previous episode, Billy found himself under the watch of two deputies: the openly hostile Bob Olinger and the more sympathetic James Bell. With Sheriff Garrett away in Santa Fe to collect the death warrant, Billy saw his window of opportunity. He carefully assessed his guards, noticing that Bell was more trusting, even sharing meals and playing cards with him.
After winning Bell’s trust, Billy asked to use the bathroom. This simple request was the first step in his plan. He pushed Bell, seized the deputy’s gun, and threatened him. Billy made it clear he did not want to kill Bell, acknowledging him as a good man. However, when Bell did not comply with his demands, Billy was forced to shoot him. The commotion drew Deputy Olinger, who also arrived and was killed. With the help of local allies, Billy successfully fled the prison, once again a free man.
The Media War and a Surprising Defender
While Billy was making his escape, a different battle was being waged in the court of public opinion. The media sensationalized his story, painting him as a dangerous monster and a cold-blooded killer. This narrative stood in stark contrast to the loyalty he inspired in those who knew him personally.
Among the key characters, Billy found a surprising defender in Emily. She directly confronted the powerful Catron about Billy’s death sentence. Catron defended the punishment, stating Billy was a criminal who deserved it and highlighting his Irish heritage as a reason he did not belong. Emily argued that Americans come from diverse backgrounds, and Billy deserved his place among them. Her defense positioned Billy not just as an outlaw, but as a product of a system that had failed him.
Garrett’s Relentless Hunt
Driven by an obsession that bordered on madness, Sheriff Pat Garrett began a savage search for Billy across the New Mexico Territory. He aggressively interrogated everyone known to be associated with the outlaw, including Dulcinea, whom Billy visited after his escape. Despite the pressure, Billy’s allies refused to give up his location. Garrett’s frustration boiled over, leading him to slap Dulcinea during the interrogation.
His investigation eventually led him to the home of Pete Maxwell, a known friend of Billy. During his first visit, Garrett was unable to get any information from Pete. However, he later returned to the property. This decision proved fateful. Inside the house, Garrett finally came face-to-face with Billy. Without hesitation, Garrett fired his gun, hitting Billy in the chest. The episode concludes with Billy lying fatally wounded on the floor, his fate hanging in the balance.
The End of the Road for the Regulators
With Billy’s capture and subsequent injury, the fight seemed to go out of his gang. Jesse Evans and his crew were released from custody in New Mexico. While most of the gang headed back to Lincoln, Jesse himself made a different choice. He decided to go to Silver City, believing that Billy’s death was now inevitable and there was nothing more they could do to save him. This fracture marked a definitive end to the Regulators’ coordinated resistance.
Also Read: Billy the Kid Season 3: Final Chapter Release Schedule and Cast Details
Tags:
