The Rattler – 1871 Santa Fe Trail – The show begins with Kathleen McCarty (Eileen O’Higgins), Young Billy (Jonah Collier), and Will Hurley (Roger LeBlanc) travel across the plains. Billy asks what that is ahead of them. Will identifies it as a “dust storm.” Kathleen asks Billy to sit in the back with Young Joe McCarty (Leif Nystrom). Will is surprised when she utilizes his shoulder as leverage when making the transition. After apologizing for the loss of her husband, Will stresses the dangers of a woman raising two children alone. He suggests she needs a husband. She assures him that all she needs is a home and job. Billy reaches out to grab ahold of his mother’s hand. As they buckle down inside the wagon until the dust storm passes, Billy realizes Will is drinking alcohol. Will looks over laughing at Billy.

Kathleen is sitting by the campfire when Will joins her. When she tells him goodnight, he grabs her arm, forcing her down on his lap. She continues to fight against him while Billy gradually crawls out of the tent and across the ground until he gets Will’s pistol. Will is straddling Kathleen when Billy approaches, with the gun pointed directly at him. He orders him to get off his mother. Refusing to heed his orders, Billy cocks the gun. Will tries to convince Billy to not shoot him by saying it isn’t important. Billy assures him that it is important to him.

Santa Fe, New Mexico – Will drops Billy, Kathleen, and Joe off at the rooming house, where they meet with Emily Townshend (Valerie Planche). Kathleen asks her if there are any job openings. Emily suggests she wear her wedding band for protection. She agrees to hire Kathleen temporarily. Kathleen isn’t happy with the low pay but reluctantly accepts the job.

Kathleen is accosted by a group of men on her way to perform an errand. Henry Antrim (Jamie Beamish) steps up to offer her a ride. He identifies himself as a former Union Army officer. They discuss Ireland before he assists her into the wagon. She asks about his work. He says construction before saying her first name. When he asks if it is okay to utilize her first name, she doesn’t respond.

Kathleen serves meals while Billy and Carlos (Esteban Fabrizio Perez) wash dishes.

Kathleen approaches Hattie (E.J. Katz) to alert her of the restaurant closing. Asking if her work is done, Hattie offers her a glass of champagne. Kathleen accepts the offer. Hattie comments on how hard she works before asking about her pay. Kathleen tells her that she gets paid $3 for each 12-hour shift. Laughing, Hattie asks if she would like to know how much she gets paid, holding out a wad of cash. When Kathleen discovers where her money comes from, she asks Hattie if she should do it. Hattie tells her there are two options for women – wh**e or marriage.

A group of men on horseback pulls a man through the streets. Billy is awakened by the noise. He goes downstairs to get a closer look. Two men drop three nooses down from the balcony of the boarding house. Three chairs are lined up below. A noose is placed around a struggling man’s neck as Henry assures him that he is going to hell. The Sheriff (Declan O’Reilly) refuses to intervene. All three men are left hanging from their nooses as Billy stares in horror.

Kathleen takes Joe and Billy to meet Henry. Billy is confused when he sees Henry kiss his mother’s hand. When he gives them each a hat, Joe thanks him, not Billy. At supper, Henry tells Kathleen that he is thrilled to meet her sons. He notices Billy is not happy with him. Billy accuses him of assisting with the execution of the three Mexican men. Kathleen tries to intervene, but Henry assures her that it is okay. He goes on a rant about bringing “God-fearing justice” and the “rule of law” to the west. He says Mexicans and Americans do not see eye-to-eye. Americans are working to change it by punishing those who refuse to obey the laws. Billy asks who appointed him the judge.

When they return to their rooms, Kathleen asks Billy about his behavior. She tells him that Henry is a good man. He warns her that Henry is telling her nothing but lies. She promises him that Henry will take his father’s place. He assures her that it is about Henry, not his father. She says Henry can financially support them, with his wealth.

Henry shows Kathleen a ranch. He tells her about his past dreams of owning a ranch. She tells him about her husband, Patrick “Paddy” McCarty (Joey Batey) dying of disappointment. He says his marriage was cut short after his wife contracted typhus. He assures her that his wife is with Jesus in heaven. He admits enjoying the time they have spent together since they met before asking her to be his wife.

Carlos asks Billy why he is down. He explains how his mother has agreed to marry an “a**hole” and “liar.” Laughing, Carlos says Henry sounds like his father.

5 Years Later – William H. Bonney (Tom Blyth) and Older Carlos (Andrew Alvarez) plan to fill their pockets full of cash playing monte. A Crazy American Gambler (Marty Antonini) refuses to accept losing to a Mexican. Jumping up, he shoots Carlos in the chest. William promises he will pay for killing Carlos. The man suggests he not do anything to screw up his life for someone who doesn’t matter. William assures him that Carlos matters to him. After assessing Carlos, he orders someone to alert the sheriff. Setting back down, the Gambler orders the Monte Dealer (Chona Salamera) to deal the cards.

Kathleen introduces Billy to Ash Upson (Ryan Kennedy). Ash apologizes about Carlos. Billy refuses to talk about the incident. He informs Billy that the sheriff has opted not to charge the Gambler for killing Carlos. He claims the sheriff gathered enough information to support self-defense. Billy tells him that he was a witness to the shooting. When the Gambler enters the room, Billy charges toward him to only be stopped by Ash. He assures him that he will die as well if he refuses to heed his advice. Ash explains how he is unfamiliar with the man who killed Carlos, but he can identify the other man as Mr. Hennessey (Tim Johnson).

Ash tells him that Hennessey is a circuit judge who belongs to the Santa Fe secret society. Ash explains the purpose of his visit is to investigate the Santa Fe crime. He says wealthy secret society members buy politicians. William asks if he thinks the Gambler is a secret society member. He admits to being unsure but realizes they are protecting him. William questions why someone doesn’t bring them down. He says they involve some of the top politicians. William assures him that he only wants Carlos to have justice. Ash suggests justice is exposing the culprits. William admits he may not have years to wait for that to happen.

William sits on the roof looking up at the stars. After climbing through the window back into his bedroom, he draws his gun while looking in a mirror.

Kathleen is cleaning up when a battered and bruised Hattie arrives. She refuses to confide in her. When Kathleen asks her what happened, she accuses her of being judgmental. She assures her that isn’t the case. Relenting, Hattie gives her the man’s name who beat her. Kathleen is stunned to discover it was Henry. She sobs as Hattie claims Henry has always been her client, even before they were married. Hattie apologizes before leaving. William asks Kathleen what is wrong.

William visits the brothel in search of Henry. A Prostitute (Amanda Sprague-Cole) tells him that Henry isn’t there. He opens a door to find Henry in the bed with two prostitutes. He asks the women to leave him and Henry alone. Henry asks if Kathleen sent him to the brothel. He assures him that she should be grateful for everything he has done for her. He threatens to give him a whipping if he doesn’t go home. When William starts to pull his gun, Henry stops him, warning him that he doesn’t want to dangle from a rope. William pretends to walk away but smashes Henry in the stomach. He continues to beat him.

After grabbing a cup of coffee, William stares quietly at Kathleen. When a battered Henry returns home, he lays his hat on the dining table. He looks over at William without speaking. Kathleen stares at William. Henry informs them of a failed property deal that he was trying to secure. He claims to be racked up in debt. She suggests a loan. He tells her that the bank will not approve him for a loan. She asks about their options. He suggests they leave Santa Fe. She questions what they would do if they left. He starts to raise his voice but looks over at William. He says they need to go somewhere, so he can get a job. William sarcastically asks, “Exactly what kind of job can you do, Antrim.”

William tells Kathleen that she is under no obligation to go with Henry. She assures him that it is her Christian duty to stand by her husband. She tells him that he doesn’t have to come with them. He says, “Yes, I do.”

William meets with Ash to inform him of Henry’s financial dilemma. Ash asks where they will go. He tells him that Henry needs to find a job. Ash admits he is leaving Santa Fe due to death threats. William asks if he is going to drop the investigation. Ash says the death threats only boost his motivation to expose the “stinking dogs.” He asks where he is planning to go. Ash tells him about a job offer in Silver City. He suggests it would be a good place for Henry to get a job. He says Silver City is a mining town, with all kinds of possibilities.

William continues practicing his gun skills in front of a mirror.

They pack up their belongings and head to Silver City. Williams jumps off the wagon to better monitor their surroundings.

As they settle down for the night, Henry warns William to not cross him again or he will suffer. He assures him that he owns Kathleen. Henry freaks out when he spots a large snake lying on the bed. Pulling his gun at lightning speeds, William kills it. He gradually looks over at a terrified Henry. He twirls the gun around his finger before returning it to his holster as the episode comes to an end.

 

Billy The Kid Review

The first half of the episode was a bit shaky. The second half was much improved. Onscreen relationships are progressing quite nicely. I appreciate the relationship between Billy and his mother. According to the History Channel, Billy and his mother’s relationship was cut short after she contracted tuberculosis.

The cinematography needs improvement in the worst way. Poor lighting is becoming so common in today’s TV series. It is sad when they can’t take the time to ensure the lighting is perfect. Viewers are left staring at dark shadows, which makes for a poor viewing experience.

The props and costumes are excellent. The characteristics are similar to an indie project. While I would have never thought I would say this about the show, I am looking forward to episode 3. The episode deserves a 6. Get more Billy the Kid recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking on the link to learn more.