Kevin Costner’s The West saddles up for a new episode this Monday, June 9 at 9 PM ET on the History Channel. The Robin Hood of El Dorado (Season 1, Episode 5) introduces audiences to Joaquin Murrieta, a figure whose name may not be as familiar as Billy the Kid or Jesse James, but whose impact on the American West was no less outsized.
Murrieta, a Mexican immigrant who becomes a legendary outlaw in Gold Rush California, is the focus of this week’s installment. He quickly establishes himself as a fearsome presence across the newly formed state, leading a gang that terrorizes locals and challenges the shifting power dynamics of the era.
The series, as its title suggests, takes a sprawling view of the American frontier. It interweaves historical archive footage with expert commentary to paint a vivid portrait of how the West was won—and lost—by settlers, Native American tribes, and everyone caught in between. Expect Costner’s ongoing fascination with the frontier to shape the show’s style and sensibilities.
From battles to backroom deals, Kevin Costner’s The West aims for a more nuanced portrait of the period than the usual Hollywood fare. It’s a long road, but with a century’s worth of material to draw on, the series has plenty of territory left to explore.
“Kevin Costner’s The West” airs Monday, June 9 at 9:00 PM ET on History.
