Last thing we see, Billy is forced to agree that Sheriff Dix is faster than he with a gun. Then they make it back to the show. Somehow Billy got this done, but they never really say how. Is this an implication that Billy is just magically great, or can we figure out a more concrete reason? Love this movie!!!
shareIt's a scene worthy of discussion. It certainly implies that Billy stated what Dix wanted, and then paid him off. Simple as that.
The implication for the character, however, is a bit more significant. Does it make him a coward? I would think not, given what we see him do in the bank earlier. I tend to believe it shows us that Billy is rebelling against a certain societal structure or system, which the sheriff represents. And yes, although Billy has chosen to largely live outside of that corrupt world, he is powerless to control it and must make peace with that fact to a certain degree, as we've seen with other Eastwood characters (it's likely something Eastwood himself realizes). So, in order to accomplish something good (getting Sam Bottoms out of jail), he deals a bit with the devil.
I'm sure there's plenty more to read into it, but this is what jumped out at me.
He would have done anything to get his guy back. In this case it was just a matter of stroking the Sheriff's ego and letting him believe Billy backs down.
shareThat principle is even taught in the now-ancient (but still relevant) hit book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Authority figures -- and people in general -- want to feel important and respected; it's a basic human desire. When pulled over, too many people argue with the officer and treat him/her with disrespect, which inevitably lands them an expensive ticket or worse. A little bit of humility & respect saves a lot of unnecessary hassles. Sometimes it's wise to eat humble pie; the gains are worth it.
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