I’m so glad I waited to hear that Our Flag Means Death got renewed for a second season before watching it! There were so many cliffhangers! But besides all of that, this show was quite a delight to watch.
We meet Captain Stede, who later dubs himself the Gentleman Pirate, who’s recently left his aristocratic life for the pirate’s life at sea. He’s got himself a gangly and odd crew who don’t really like him that much or take him seriously at all, but Stede is living his best life. Eventually, his crew is won over by his kindness and his quirks, but the strange situations these people get themselves into were kind of a hoot. Stede both prides and loathes himself on two kills, both of which were accidental. Then he also makes friends with the infamous Blackbeard (also known as Edward).
In reading just a tiny bit about this show, it turns out Stede Bonnet was an actual aristocrat turned pirate. What was a little less clear to me was that if he actually ever met Blackbeard. I just kind of assumed that Blackbeard killed everyone he met at sea. Regardless, this is ultimately a work of fiction so why not have Stede and Ed become best friends and ultimately lovers. I was here for it. There relationship was pretty adorable and they were able to introduce each other to so many different things! Ultimately though, Stede is kind of a goof and accidentally breaks Ed’s heart. Thus we end the season with Stede’s crew abandoned on a tiny island, Jim and Frenchie forced to be a part of Blackbeard’s new crew, and Stede coming back to this hot mess on a tiny little boat.
I am itching for a new season already, although I know it’ll still be awhile yet. This show ran the full gambit of emotions, and I found myself both tearing up and bellowing with laughter. Aside from Stede and Ed being terrific leads, they were supported by some incredible characters. Just when I think I’ve nailed down a favorite or two, I remember about all the funny and awesome things others did! At a first pass though, I’d say Buttons and Jim were my favorites. Everyone shines though, and that includes the amazing guest stars, as well! Who doesn’t want to see Will Arnett as a washed up old pirate pal of Blackbeard?! This show was so fun and you should most certainly go watch it!