Our Flag Means Death (TV Series) Discomfort in a Married State (2022) User Reviews

Quite a turnaround

[Joshumms · 9/10 · 10 March 2022]

This show has gotten so much better, the characters and story in this show is so unique and I absolutely love it. Blackbeard and Stede's roles being switched is hilarious to watch and it's very heartfelt.

It's a tough life being Blackbeard.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 26 January 2023]

Wounded and bed ridden, Stede dreams and imagines all sorts, an unexpected visitor tends to him.

An out and out joy fest, this great show is just getting better and better, with each episode I just seem to enjoy it more and more, this one was particularly good, funny, somewhat moving in equal measures.

This is the episode where Stede finally gets to meet Blackbeard, and where we finally get to learn why Stede upped and left home.

I just loved Blackbeard, what a twist on the great character, Taika Waititi was phenomenal I thought. His scenes with Stede truly were hilarious, The Vampire Viking, I spat my coffee out, too funny.

An outrageous fun fest.

9/10.

Backstory, but make it nightmare fuel

[magicalmrmistofelees · 9/10 · 4 October 2023]

How do you deal with an episode where you have to move the plot forward, but your main character is literally unconscious from a potentially grave injury? Take a look into his fever-driven nightmares, of course! Bonnet's scenes in the beginning of this episode brilliantly capture not only more incredibly interesting details of his pre-pirate life, but also exactly how he feels about them. Recounting his stabbing, but the person who stabbed him has the voice of his daughter? Literally brilliant.

There's also some interesting dynamics we're introduced to with Izzy, Blackbeard, and the rest of both crews. Juxtaposing the sweet sunrise marmalade moment with a surprise plan to kill Bonnet and steal his identity adds a much-needed conflict through-line for our characters to follow as they embark on their rom-com hijinks.

This episode is when I knew this series was something special

[erinsdodge · 10/10 · 17 September 2023]

"Discomfort in a Married State" is when when I realized that this show had something really SPECIAL and unique about it.

The episode combines the show's signature absurd and witty comedy with real dread and suspense, as enemies close in around our heroes, and we aren't sure WHO is an enemy and who is a friend.

The action and adventure in this episode are absolutely THRILLING, and everything from the costumes, to the acting, to the set design, to the music, is gorgeous.

Screenwriter Eliza Jiménez Cossio absolutely knocked this episode out of the park... out of the atmosphere!

Before this episode, I loved Our Flag Means Death for its humor, its characters, and the breezy adventure... after this episode I was absolutely HOOKED.

this episode is where it all clicks

[givemebaretrees · 10/10 · 16 September 2023]

This is the episode that made me sit up and go "OH WOW! This show is going to be GOOD."

First of all, the writing in this episode is really stellar. The parallels are drawn between Ed's current life and Stede's former life, and Taika Waititi plays Ed really Going Through It with a very wry humor--Ed is both the genius who thinks up the plans and the engine driving the crew forward, but his exhaustion with that role comes through, and where he says it directly to Stede there's a clear difficulty in explaining how he's feeling to his own crew. Izzy just isn't getting it (though Izzy, as we can also see in this episode, is struggling as well--his anxiety about the oncoming attack drives much of the plot as much as Edward's paralyzing depression).

The outfit switcheroo scene is hilarious, adorable, and a little bit romantic--we learn so much about Stede from all the things he's excited to tell Edward about. And of course, all the hints we've gotten about Stede's backstory come together in his flashbacks to his life before. His sense of being out of place really comes through, and the show does a great job of making you sympathetic for him at the same time as understanding, frankly, why Mary might be annoyed with him. (At first I was concerned about the portrayal of Mary, since she is... really mean, but on rewatch, and with episode 10 in mind, it's clear that the show took care to present her as nuanced.)

There is such a sweet tone to this show, and even through all of it the background characters and ensemble comedy really works (Lucius watching Pete talk about Blackbeard is particularly funny in relation to the upcoming episodes, among other moments). Overall, this is just a really excellent episode--hilarious and heartwarming.

A beautiful pivotal episode

[liliansenna · 10/10 · 16 September 2023]

Discomfort in a Married State is such a gem of an episode! It introduces us to the backstory of Stede Bonnet and the guilt he carries with him for abandoning his family.

It's also the beginning of the beautiful relationship between Stede and Blackbeard, the central dynamic of the show. Until now Stede Bonnet, the gentleman pirate, has been treated as a joke but here is the dreaded pirate Blackbeard professing his admiration for Stede Bonnet.

If you thought Our Flag Means Death was just a goofy slapstick comedy, this episode will prove you wrong. It's such a thougthful series with so much depth.

We need to be a lighthouse!

[jamienamine · 10/10 · 4 October 2023]

Edward Teach completely turns Stede Bonnet's world upside down. The lighthouse, which has been an albatross around Stede's neck, is turned into something freeing rather than something weighing down on him. Though it's clear that Stede still has much to deal with, the back and forth with Ed brightens his countenance greatly, even while he's in a state of recovery from injury. The chemistry between Darby and Waititi is a sight to behold, and it only becomes more magnetic from this point on in the show. Thoughts about "doggie heaven" and the dichotomy between Blackbeard and Ed as personas add an additional layer of intrigue to the show as well.

Discomfort in a Married State

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 23 June 2023]

While he is wounded and Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) watches over him. A delirious Stede recalls his life with his wife and family. How he got to be married and gis tale of pirate adventures with his children.

All the time Blackbeard observes and Stede's crew are treated well much to Izzy Hands disgust. Stede's crew are more interested in Jim masquerading as a man than their own safety.

However with the Spaniards after them. Blackbeard seems to be playing games with Stede, they switch roles but it is Blackbeard who shows his cunning and seamanship.

Waititi is a worthwhile addition, playful and fearsome. He gets Stede to admit he has no idea how to deal with the advancing Spanish ship. The other members of the crew realise that Blackbeard has saved them as they enter the fog.

There is more going on when Blackbeard confides to Izzy Hands at the end. Stede might be inside the lion's mouth.

The comedy is still erratic but the characters are growing on me.

Blackbeard meets Stede

[jenniluna-26807 · 10/10 · 16 September 2023]

This episode sets up much of the rest of the show.

Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet meet as Stede recovers from being stabbed. They find a simpatico, understanding each other, and seeing what they have in common, while coming from very different backgrounds.

They work together, overcome hurdles and then come to a special agreement for their future.

Other characters, like Izzy, are fleshed out as well.

Still funny, but deeper stuff is happening, people examining their lives, realizing that they want something more than what they've been doing, (well, that's the impetus for Stede from episode 1, but it is underlined here as well as he bonds with Blackbeard.) A truly great episode.... and I am still amazed how much they do in 1/2 hour!

Episode 4

[bobcobb301 · 6/10 · 26 March 2022]

The backstory was good and I kind of wish we got more of that. But a lot of the remainder of the episode did not quite work. Having Blackbeard turn so quickly also felt unrealistic.

Why can't a pirate fancy fine fabrics?

[curiousjennie · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

How can this episode not be a favourite for any viewer? Finally, Blackbeard is revealed... and his name is Ed. I've watched this series with my ADHD teen and they so immediately identified with Ed's chaotic exploration of all Stede's "great s***". It's such a frequent experience for neurodivergent viewers to either latch onto Stede or Ed as who they relate to most. The tension between Ed and Izzy Hands, as Ed has to switch between playful enjoyment with Stede to being Blackbeard with Izzy, sets the course for the rest of the season. Why can't one be a gentleman and a pirate? And why can't they be a pirate and enjoy fine things?

The chemistry is off the charts

[penniellington · 10/10 · 15 September 2023]

THIS is the episode that really shoots us into the rest of the season. Stede and Blackbeard finally have a conversation! They swap clothes! They share marmalade! They giggle! Edward "MF'ing Blackbeard" Teach giggles! We see what an absolute dork he actually is, and how he's been drifting along on his reputation alone. He's bored, he's lonely, he's sad, and he meets this sack of sunshine in the form of the foppish, clueless, delighted and delightful Stede Bonnet. What's not to instantly love? Plus, did I mention the damn good marmalade?

The show really gels here and everyone comes together to shine.

Instant connection

[feuerkindjana · 10/10 · 4 October 2023]

Following the events of the previous episode, Stede is having fever dreams during which we get a glimpse into his past, his fears and his regrets. Under the watchful eye of the utterly transfixed Blackbeard, he slowly recovers until he finally regains consciousness. A beautiful moment right of the bat, his first and foremost concern is for his crew. Blackbeard and Stede are instantly ready to trust each other which is a beautiful thing to witness. Their energy is well matched, even in his sorry state, Stede holds his own and shenanigans ensue.

The acting is absolutely brilliant, especially with both leads. They oscillate between cute, hilarious and dead serious and never miss a beat. Visually some scenes are absolutely stunning!

Brilliant emotion and pacing

[denizb33 · 10/10 · 2 October 2023]

Another episode that knocks it out of the park, in terms of pacing, relationship development, and adventure. The pacing is spot on, shifting between flashbacks (for Stede), one-on-one interactions (Blackbeard and Izzy), and full crew moments (when Jim has to deal with curious shipmates). Relationships are developed so gradually that some can only be appreciated on multiple rewatches; not only between Stede and Blackbeard and other couples, but also among the crew, and of course with Izzy. The date of 1 September is now celebrated by fans, and rightly so! This show is wonderful at teasing metaphors out of various images and objects, and ensuring their continuity. "We need to be a lighthouse!"

Top-notch character development

[tannihernandez · 10/10 · 18 September 2023]

One thing this show does really, really well is balancing its whacky humor and ridiculous shenanigan's with thoughtful character development. This episode is a perfect example of that. We get a deeper look into Stede's backstory here, but we also get properly introduced to Blackbeard. In no time, we see what these two have in commo: a deep dissatisfaction with their lot in life and the very opposite roles they each fell into. We also can see what they have to offer each other, what they can learn from each other. And then of course there's the immediate chemistry between them and what promises to be a beautiful friendship. Of course, there are still ridiculous shenanigans and laughs aplenty, but at the heart of it all is the relationship between these two characters, and we really get to see that begin to shine in this episode.

A gem of an episode

[c-15384 · 10/10 · 21 September 2023]

This episode is an absolute gem and so close to my heart. If I only have time for one episode or if I have had a particularly tough day, I watch this episode.

This story really introduces the character of Edward Teach and allows exploration of his character through the story. Taika Waititi is absolutely incredible in this role. Visually this is such a beautiful episode. The cinematography and costumes are both excellent. This episode feels to me like coming home and acceptance. This is where this rom-com begins to develop its beautiful love story.

This is a wonderful episode which is very character-driven and incredibly funny.

Can You Keep a Secret?

[shaugen-35205 · 10/10 · 12 January 2024]

This episode has it all. There is adventure, comedy, character development, flashbacks, exceptional dialogue, and crew relationships. After having seen the entire series, I can say that some of the brilliant writing, metaphors, and symbols are appreciated even more with each re-watch. This episode really shows Blackbeard's state of mind with regards to his piracy life, while Stede is trying to start the life that he perceives Blackbeard has. Their differences seem profound, yet they are both genuinely intrigued by the other. Their chemistry is sincere and obvious by watching them interact in their chatty conversations. The scene in the hidden closet when Stede finally learns who Ed really is, is perfection. Both Taika and Rhys are perfectly cast as a couple to really get behind. I can already feel how badly I want them to work out.

absolutely incredible!!!

[razzapple_ · 10/10 · 13 January 2024]

This episode is phenomenal in every possible way and i loved it so much. The pacing is perfect, and the way it develops characters and dynamics is incredible. After the first three episodes depicting Blackbeard as a mysterious, world-famous murderous pirate it was amazing seeing the switch-up of him getting all excited about every little detail of the ship, the crew and Stede, being completely enamored by the "soft and weak" things that Stede has been consistently harassed for. Furthermore, I love the way this episode begins to cover Ed's complex feelings regarding his life, showing that he isn't actually interested in the brutal killing of piracy and feels bored and trapped. I think the way he introduced himself to Stede as Ed rather than Blackbeard and even said he works for Blackbeard was genius foreshadowing and gives a really fascinating insight to the character. However, his plans for Stede are also important, as they contrast with the personality and opinions we've been given otherwise. This idea builds complexity in Ed's character and sets the scene for future character development. Genuinely amazing writing and execution.

Blackbeard???

[fpwoper · 10/10 · 14 January 2024]

We finally meet the elusive Blackbeard without his shroud of smoke, and it's... just Ed, actually. A man who is trying to find what else he can do, someone very much fed up with piracy. I enjoyed this spin on Blackbeard. At some point, someone might just be fed up with the fact that he's almost too successful, and they've nailed that idea here! Stede's fever dreams are clearly traumas revisited, and it's beautiful to learn so much about a character through fever dreams.

Izzy Hands is fantastic as someone fed up with trying to keep Blackbeard going, too - although we're not shown much of the past between Izzy and Ed, it's clear that they've been through a lot together.

The swapping of clothes (and the auxiliary wardrobe, and the reveal that Ed is Blackbeard) are so well done that something that could have been just funny also has a layer of seriousness beneath it. I very much enjoy this episode!

So much happens!!

[millerekg · 10/10 · 13 November 2023]

Every episode of this show is so packed with action and character moments that it's kind of hard to believe that each one is only about half an hour long. This time, we get to learn more about Stede's backstory. We only see tiny glimpses of his life pre-piracy, but you get such a sense of how weighed down he was before he left, as well as a sense of the guilt he still feels for leaving and the way he left. We also get his first real meeting with Blackbeard, and Taika Waititi is such a joy to watch. Blackbeard is just unhinged enough to be consistently hilarious, but also believable as the terrifying scourge of the seas. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable and the end of the episode is just so joyful.

So nice fabric

[catrinlok · 10/10 · 7 October 2023]

Here ends the exposition and begins the golden era of the whole show! Taika and Rhys are both charismatic and, what's more, they're are old friends working together for a long time, so their interplay has this spark and taste of deep mutual symphaty and understanding. Oh, by the way, notice thatnot only Stede has some forced-marriage discomfort here, Ed does also =D. This episode is one of the most fulfilled with geniusly made symbolic things, from the lighthouse metaphors to the gravestone-like windows behind the family dinner table. Symbols play a huge role there the whole time, still they are so little and unobtrasive.

Being a Lighthouse

[vthompsett · 10/10 · 2 October 2023]

This episode is simpler than the previous few, which have worked to establish the world we're in, but it's so good in this simplicity. An unwell Stede, recovering from his near-death experience, gets to know Blackbeard and what it's like to be a captain whose crew actually respect him. The third act of the episode is especially brilliant, with the crew rallying together under the instructions of Blackbeard to fool a Spanish ship into thinking they're a lightship, thus evading capture. The deal struck between Stede and Ed, at the end of the episode, is also lovely, and sets up the next few episodes as they exchange skills and knowledge. Set up, too, is Izzy Hands' increasing annoyance and frustration with the developing relationship between the two captains. It's all hands on deck for developing the overall plot...!

A slightly slower one

[yaheliangel · 9/10 · 4 October 2023]

On the one hand, I think the way they show Stede's past with Mary is brilliant and amazing - you can feel his hurt so much. The interaction with Ed is so soft and there's an immediate bond, you can definitely feel they're already friends. Kind of a meant-to-be situation. The lighthouse trick they pulled was beautiful and seeing the crew working and cheering together is heartwarming. However, I felt the progression of this episode was too slow for me, and then way too fast in the end. The brief conversation acknowledging Jim's gender is brilliant and spot-on. That's the way to do it, folks! Genius.

From discomfort to a delightful closet in which to roam

[mplsrn-82413 · 10/10 · 12 January 2024]

This episode produced two distinct dispositions in me. When reviewing the vapid, desolate experience Stede and his wife Mary have had while navigating their "monotonous" married life, I couldn't help but start feeling suffocated. However, when we transformed to the arc of Stede and Blackbeard developing their friendship, the birds began to sing, and the colors were bright, akin to when the house landed in Oz. It's interesting how Stede and Blackbeard went "into the closet" to further explore fine fabrics, which encourages both of them to emerge as something of which they could only dream....incremental development of their authentic selves.

you're a lunatic and I like it

[rayintheshadows · 10/10 · 4 October 2023]

Episode three of 'Our Flag Means Death' is an absolute whopper, filled with standout moments that leave you wanting more. Taika Waititi's entrance as Blackbeard is amazing. He acts with charisma and intrigue, instantly captivating the audience.

The dynamic between Rhys Darby's Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi's Blackbeard is the heart of the episode. Their comedic chemistry is off the charts, making every scene they share a pure delight to watch. The mentorship that is evolving between these two characters adds depth and emotion to the series, elevating it beyond mere slapstick humor.

One of the episode's highlights for me is the clothes swap between Blackbeard and Stede. The absurdity of the situation, combined with the impeccable comedic improvisation between the two, results in uproarious laughter. It's moments like these that make 'Our Flag Means Death' a standout in the comedy genre.