An Invitation – The finale begins with John Riley (Shaun Benson) telling Sheriff Pat Garrett (Alex Roe) about Governor Axtell being removed from office on charges of corruption thanks to Warren Angel’s (Alexis Sides) investigation.  Much to Riley’s surprise, Garrett has not only heard the news but he’s already spoken with the new Governor, Lew Wallace (Anthony Lemke) about his amnesty for the men that were charged with murder because of the war. In addition, Garrett was asked to head up the task force, designed to track down and persecute the men that were charged with murder before the war. Riley loses his joking, carefree demeanor the moment he learns that it isn’t just William H. Bonney/Billy The Kid (Tom Blyth) on his list, but Jesse Evans (Daniel Webber) and several other members of the Seven Rivers Gang.

When Billy and The Regulators learn of the news of the amnesty, it is George Coe (Brendan Fletcher) who advocates that it sounds like a good deal. Billy agrees but cautions against trusting the new Governor without knowing anything about it. Billy says goodbye to Dulcinea Del Tobosco (Nuria Vega) as he and his men prepare for the day’s ride to Las Tablas.

The Regulators receive a VIP welcome upon arriving in Las Tablas. The Mayor (Jose Vargas) opens his house to them and a night of festivities ensues. Things immediately change the following morning when Billy is abruptly woken with the news that the Sheriff and his posse are on the way. When Garrett does arrive, the Mayor does a good job of buying them some extra time. Garrett even attempts one of the local teenagers (Adrian Hernandez Hoz) with a wad of cash but fails.

Despite the head start, Billy fears it’s only a matter of time before Garrett catches up to them, so he decides for his men to return to Charlie Bowdre’s (Horatio James) Farm while he lures the posse away. Sue McSween (Lisa Chandler) returns to Lincoln with Huston Chapman (Jason Cermak). There they are greeted by Juan Patron (Javier Lacroix), who opens his home to them.

Billy rides into the evening and decides to bunk down for the night when he discovers an abandoned military post. After securing his horse inside one of the buildings, he kills and skins a rabbit. Garrett manages to track Billy to the military base but fails to take him by surprise. He escapes without a scratch and wounds or possibly kills two deputies (Tayden Marks) in the process.

Thomas Catron (David Cubitt) meets with Edgar Walz (Matthijs Van De Sande Bakhuyzn) to lay out his plan to keep Governor Wallace out of Lincoln. Edgar practically plays the role of a ‘yes man’ throughout the meeting and agrees to arrange for someone to get word to Billy about a meeting. The meeting ends with Catron asking Edgar why his daughter isn’t pregnant yet. Edgar says they are trying but doesn’t have an answer once Catron asks who is to blame for the impotency.

Billy receives the request to meet with the House in a letter from Jesse when he returns to the Bowdre Farm. As expected, the Regulators are hesitant about the terms but take the offer seriously when Billy points out that they might be afraid of Governor Wallace. Jesse later meets with Riley and Edgar to tell them that Billy accepted the offer to meet. Riley is smug about the how deal and suggests letting Billy stew in the wind until Edgar points out how big of a mistake this would be. Edgar tells Jesse to write back to Billy, guaranteeing his safety for the meeting.

Edgar facilitates the meeting and requests Billy and the Regulators remove their weapons before hearing the terms of the treaty. Once again, the Regulators are hesitant but agree under Billy’s leadership. They are then escorted to the center of town where Edgar reads the terms of the treaty. The terms are fairly simple:

No Regulator can kill a House Member or vice versa without withdrawing from the treaty.

Neither party can give evidence in a civil prosecution against the other.

Anyone failing to meet the terms will be executed.

Both sides agree, shake hands, and immediately begin celebrations at the nearest bar. There is a close call during the celebration that nearly leads to a fight and Billy refuses to shake Riley’s hand. Riley doesn’t appear to take it personally and later invites everyone to join him at Callum’s for a feast of oysters. Bob Olinger (Sean Owen Roberts) nearly breaks the treaty when they encounter Chapman in town on the way to the restaurant. Although Billy settles him down, Riley shoots Chapman in cold blood.

The following evening, Governor Wallace arrives in Lincoln. After checking into Wortley’s (Jason Burkart) hotel, his first order of business is to meet with Colonel Nathan Dudley (Ty Olsson). When Dudley arrives, Wallace immediately relieves him of duties, on the claim that he chose sides during the Lincoln stand-off. The Colonel is obviously upset by the news but holds his tongue and even wishes Wallace a good day.

Even later that evening, Wallace receives an interesting letter from Billy with the tale of Riley’s shooting. Billy mentions seeing the murder firsthand and even offers to testify. Even more interesting, Billy signs the letter as Kid Antrim. Wallace immediately responds with the offer of amnesty for Billy’s prosecution. A meeting is arranged.

When the meeting actually takes place, Wallace surprises Billy by not only offering him amnesty but by mentioning making him an active, productive member of society. Billy is hesitant but Wallace’s claims appear to convince him. As soon as Billy leaves the meeting, he is arrested by Garrett. Billy surrenders without a fight. Merely minutes later, Wallace is shown celebrating the win with Garrett.

Heavy precautions are taken to keep Billy under close watch on Billy, including a special cell. Billy ironically tells Garrett at one point that for all his crimes, no one could ever say that he betrayed a friend. At some point, Dulcinea shows up at the jail, with the request to see Billy. Garrett agrees to the visit but makes Dulcinea submit to a degrading search. Much to Billy’s surprise, the Jailer (Scott Pocha) lets Dulcinea into Billy’s cell where she slips him a weapon and tells him to be ready.

As soon as Dulcinea hears a ruckus outside, she shoots the Jailer and frees Billy.  Outside, there appears to be a horse and open bed carriage with several burning barrels headed toward the prison. Hysteria ensues and several deputies end up killed while Billy ultimately escapes the Regulators and Dulcinea.

 

Billy The Kid Review

Not a horrible finale, although it certainly wasn’t explosive. Then again, there is nothing about the entire series that could be referred to as explosive. It is suspenseful enough at times to keep me tuned in and I have learned some interesting historical facts. I think the ending scene would have been better if it was played in slow motion with the song that played over the credits. I don’t know if Dulcinea’s part in Billy’s life is true or not but it appears she played a pretty significant role. Above all, it’s clear that another season is expected which I am all for. I’d give the final a 5 out of 10.

Get more Billy the Kid recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Learn how advertising with us can help build brand awareness. Join our newly established forum to discuss the latest TV shows and movies.

A Memorandum

It is worth mentioning that the episode is dedicated to Doug Steeden. For those inquiring minds, Doug was a production manager and producer. It appears that his main task was keeping everyone organized and on schedule. As imagined, this would have likely been a gargantuan task on a series like this. Doug has worked on several Western-based series, including Wyonna Earp. Although his death is unknown, it appears that some of his family has requested donations to cancer research.