Having a little trouble understanding some of the negative reviews, because this is by any measure a well-crafted western series with terrific location scenes, authentic costuming and terrific acting from lead Tom Blyth and the entire supporting cast. Much of the first couple of episodes involved Billy's early life, which given the sketchy record remains somewhat speculative, but while the particulars can be questioned the overall circumstances of his upbringing it depicts are pretty close to what we know. This is not a documentary, and it doesn't pretend to be; it's a historical drama. But as a western history buff it seems to me that it's coming closer to the actual historical Billy than most prior films, much as "Tombstone" did with Wyatt Earp, despite some dramatic license. Billy was not the bloodthirsty killer depicted in dime novels. His first two killings are accurately depicted here as self-defense, and the Lincoln Co. War was a bloody mess all around, with the Kid getting the short-end of the stick from the crooked ring politicians running the state the second an armistice was declared. Much of the hyped legend of Billy comes from Pat Garrett's book, which was obviously intended to make Billy look bigger, badder and more vicious than he was in order to inflate Garrett's role in ending his career. Although that hasn't been treated yet by the series, there appear to be intimations of that in the early interactions between Garrett and the Kid in this movie. In any event, if you want pure history, go to a library and do research. But if you're looking for a good western with a gritty reflection of the times, top production values and terrific acting, this is a series you shouldn't miss.
Review of Billy the Kid
