Quite the cliffhanger ending! It is tragic how Stede and Ed don't end up together but there is hope that it will happen and there is hope for a season 2 and I really really really hope there is a season 2. Blackbeard has reverted to his old ways but it's clearly not what he truly wants. Everything is in shambles with the crew and Stede finally resolved the conflict of his family he left behind. It's a great ending for many things and is a perfect set up for a season 2 at the same time.
Our Flag Means Death (TV Series)
Wherever You Go, There You Are (2022)
User Reviews
Review this title39 Reviews
Wasn't expecting to be Devastated!
michellesharpe-1694324 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
What the hell David Jenkins? This entire show has been so wholesome and lighthearted. It ended on such a dark yet hopeful note.
This is an incredible show and I think if it gets renewed, it could be big. The chemistry between the actors is very rare and fun to watch onscreen.
Definitely give this show a try. The rewatchability is crazy and the final episodes will rip your heart out.
This is an incredible show and I think if it gets renewed, it could be big. The chemistry between the actors is very rare and fun to watch onscreen.
Definitely give this show a try. The rewatchability is crazy and the final episodes will rip your heart out.
I loved this series
caroline-burns25 March 2022
Bloody brilliant. Definitely left me Wanting more. Can't wait for the follow up series. I really was routing for Stede and Ed at the end...got me in the feels. The cast and writing was great, and was great to just sit down, watch, and relax after a long day at work.
The finale broke my heart but in a good way
agatelikestone27 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
From like storytelling standpoint it made so much sense
SPOILERS!!!!
I loved everything about this finale and I can't wait for season 2 to pick up from where this episode ended (praying for season 2). Everything was so heartbreaking in this finale, from the feeling of hope at the very beginning that slowly went down, to Ed going back to begin heartless, crazy, brutal, but then we see and the very end that he's crying???? That was the ultimate stab in the heart and I hated it but I LOVED IT. Taika Waititi you're a fricking genius and I'm just I can't express how much I love this show.
SPOILERS!!!!
I loved everything about this finale and I can't wait for season 2 to pick up from where this episode ended (praying for season 2). Everything was so heartbreaking in this finale, from the feeling of hope at the very beginning that slowly went down, to Ed going back to begin heartless, crazy, brutal, but then we see and the very end that he's crying???? That was the ultimate stab in the heart and I hated it but I LOVED IT. Taika Waititi you're a fricking genius and I'm just I can't express how much I love this show.
even at the sad parts I was laughing
lpsangeldaschund16 June 2022
This episode emotionally destroyed me but in the best way. I love Ed wandering about sadly in Stede's clothes and even though it was meant to be a sad episode, we of course had sprinklings of comedy throughout to help keep the mood light. I have to say my favorite moments are Ed's song and Ed's Robert Pattinson-esque Batman-like makeup. I was furiously yelling no at my screen but bursting into laughter at how silly he looked as well. As usual, this show balances real emotional moments so well with comedy.
Will get you clamouring for season 2!
vampyresmiley12 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I wasn't expecting to be emotionally devastated by fun and silly pirate show David! ( mean this is the best way possible) seeing Stede realise he loves Ed and his family is crew is beautiful but seeing Ed return to being blackbeard after being abandoned and the that ending where he is crying alone!!! How could you do this! Need season 2 ASAP! Its so well written and cinematography absolutely beautiful. HBO needs to renew this!
Our marriage means death.
Sleepin_Dragon9 April 2023
Stede, having decided to return home, struggles to adapt to a landlocked life, his wife and children are unhappy with his return, Blackbeard slips into a depression, and takes up songwriting, much to the annoyance of Izzy Hands.
It's been a definite rollercoaster of a ride from start to finish, own question I've had since the beginning, how on Earth would Stede survive if he returned home, we learn that here, we get his wife's point of view.
Maybe not a barrell of laughs, although there are a few amusing scenes, however it is more about the love and heartbreak of Stede and Blackbeard, the impossible romance.
Favourite scene, had to be Blackbeard's transformation, that was a wow moment.
I must admit I did look ahead to see if there was a second series, and happily there is, it'll be interesting to see where they go, ans where Stede will be at.
Glorious, 9/10.
It's been a definite rollercoaster of a ride from start to finish, own question I've had since the beginning, how on Earth would Stede survive if he returned home, we learn that here, we get his wife's point of view.
Maybe not a barrell of laughs, although there are a few amusing scenes, however it is more about the love and heartbreak of Stede and Blackbeard, the impossible romance.
Favourite scene, had to be Blackbeard's transformation, that was a wow moment.
I must admit I did look ahead to see if there was a second series, and happily there is, it'll be interesting to see where they go, ans where Stede will be at.
Glorious, 9/10.
music choices in this episode were perfect
givemebaretrees16 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As this episode went on I kept watching the timestamp and going "oh no oh no how are they going to fix this? How are they going to end the season?"
This is a FANTASTIC ending to the season. It follows the historical moment of Blackbeard running off with Bonnet's ship. We get to see Stede having changed from who he was in the beginning of the season to an entirely different man, and making use of all of the knowledge he gained from Ed. Mary was also a wonderful surprise in this episode, as she'd previously just appeared as a cruel voice in Stede's own head--but how and why that came about becomes very clear this episode. Her character was nuanced and well-written, and I'm glad she got her happy ending.
Meanwhile, Ed's in despair over the events of episode 9 (understandably!) and trying to figure out who he wants to be now, and retreating to the Kraken persona to protect himself, swinging between the two extremes. When he finally decides to be the Kraken, you can't help but sympathize with him, even as he takes his anger out on the crew and himself.
It's excellently done, and I can't wait for season 2!!!!
This is a FANTASTIC ending to the season. It follows the historical moment of Blackbeard running off with Bonnet's ship. We get to see Stede having changed from who he was in the beginning of the season to an entirely different man, and making use of all of the knowledge he gained from Ed. Mary was also a wonderful surprise in this episode, as she'd previously just appeared as a cruel voice in Stede's own head--but how and why that came about becomes very clear this episode. Her character was nuanced and well-written, and I'm glad she got her happy ending.
Meanwhile, Ed's in despair over the events of episode 9 (understandably!) and trying to figure out who he wants to be now, and retreating to the Kraken persona to protect himself, swinging between the two extremes. When he finally decides to be the Kraken, you can't help but sympathize with him, even as he takes his anger out on the crew and himself.
It's excellently done, and I can't wait for season 2!!!!
Season One Review
southdavid10 March 2023
Long delayed on this side of the Atlantic, for some reason, "Our Flag Means Death" finally landed on the BBC in January of 2023. I enjoyed the shows amiable charm, but I can't help but wish it had been slightly funnier.
Bored of his life of privilege and dreaming of adventure, Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) hires a crew and becomes "The Gentleman Pirate". Despite being pretty useless, Bonnet gains notoriety when his former schoolmate, and now Navy Officer Captain Nigel Badminton (Rory Kinnear) dies accidentally in his presence, though Bonnet is happy to take the credit. His infamy brings him into the orbit of genuine notorious pirate Edward 'Blackbeard" Teach, who, bored with his life, sees Stede as new opportunity.
It's hard for me not to immediately compare the show with its stablemate "What We Do in The Shadows". That too had an opening season that I liked, though didn't find particularly funny until the last couple of episodes. So, I'm not overly concerned here that "Our Flag Means Death" has followed a similar pattern. This show has a bigger cast than "Shadows" and a few of them are a little underserved by the storylines so far. That said the series also have a number of cameos who add immeasurably to their episodes, be it Nick Kroll and Kristen Schaal, Will Arnett or Fred Armisen. The peerless Rory Kinnear though makes the most impression though with limited time.
As I say, though there's a heart-warming progressive message to the show and the performances are great as is the overall premise, I just wish that it was that bit funnier. I watched with a smile but can't really ever remember laughing at it. I'll certainly watch season two though, and hope that the hit rate increases.
Bored of his life of privilege and dreaming of adventure, Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) hires a crew and becomes "The Gentleman Pirate". Despite being pretty useless, Bonnet gains notoriety when his former schoolmate, and now Navy Officer Captain Nigel Badminton (Rory Kinnear) dies accidentally in his presence, though Bonnet is happy to take the credit. His infamy brings him into the orbit of genuine notorious pirate Edward 'Blackbeard" Teach, who, bored with his life, sees Stede as new opportunity.
It's hard for me not to immediately compare the show with its stablemate "What We Do in The Shadows". That too had an opening season that I liked, though didn't find particularly funny until the last couple of episodes. So, I'm not overly concerned here that "Our Flag Means Death" has followed a similar pattern. This show has a bigger cast than "Shadows" and a few of them are a little underserved by the storylines so far. That said the series also have a number of cameos who add immeasurably to their episodes, be it Nick Kroll and Kristen Schaal, Will Arnett or Fred Armisen. The peerless Rory Kinnear though makes the most impression though with limited time.
As I say, though there's a heart-warming progressive message to the show and the performances are great as is the overall premise, I just wish that it was that bit funnier. I watched with a smile but can't really ever remember laughing at it. I'll certainly watch season two though, and hope that the hit rate increases.
Good Choices in Characterization and Earned... Endings?
indulgentwords9 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In a fantasy like this, even a historical fantasy, it would be easy to fall into well-worn tropes: the shrewish wife, the lovers falling into one another's arms. We did not get that and it was the right decision. People are allowed to be complicated and messy, and we love (and cringe at them) for it.
Even after a season of mostly following Stede's point of view, we as the audience are rooting for Mary as she hovers with a skewer. And while we absolutely want Blackbeard to have the opportunity to be Ed, we sympathize with Izzy in the background looking worried and distressed that Ed is clearly not coping. No one here is blameless and the ending leaves more questions than answers.
Even after a season of mostly following Stede's point of view, we as the audience are rooting for Mary as she hovers with a skewer. And while we absolutely want Blackbeard to have the opportunity to be Ed, we sympathize with Izzy in the background looking worried and distressed that Ed is clearly not coping. No one here is blameless and the ending leaves more questions than answers.
Episode 10
bobcobb3019 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The show was good overall this season, but the finale was a little underwhelming. Just felt poorly written and mapped out.
Also, should we address where exactly they are in the world? A lot of people are successfully traveling thousands of miles in tiny boats. Doesn't seem realistic.
Also, should we address where exactly they are in the world? A lot of people are successfully traveling thousands of miles in tiny boats. Doesn't seem realistic.
the babygirl episode
rayintheshadows19 September 2023
Thank you to this episode for giving us babygirl blackbeard, truly the man who babygirled so hard he outbabygirled everyone. This episode left me screaming and watching our flag means death again and again (I have watched it..... 14 times now... ahem).
I am so excited about season 2. Not nervous at all, because I know all the actors, writers and producers have so much love and care for this queer love story. I know it's in good hands.
Also after seeing the trailer for s2 I am SCREAMING I didn't know that Blackbeard could babygirl even harder but here we are. I'm not gonna survive this truly.
I am so excited about season 2. Not nervous at all, because I know all the actors, writers and producers have so much love and care for this queer love story. I know it's in good hands.
Also after seeing the trailer for s2 I am SCREAMING I didn't know that Blackbeard could babygirl even harder but here we are. I'm not gonna survive this truly.
Leaves you both heartbroken and hopeful
genanetherwood16 September 2023
This was such an emotional final episode. Watching Blackheard's descent through heartache, exploring expression, and then masking his brokenheartedness and becoming what he was running from is emotional, and watching Stede coming through to realization of what love is, understanding himself, accepting himself, and closure is emotional... such a swing of storylines, beautifully connected to each other. I hope they find their way back to each other. Mary showing true acceptance of Stede and finding compassion for the person who frustrated her beyond anything else was also beautiful. Taika and Rhys once again are very moving in their character's portrayals.
His name... is Ed
jamienamine4 October 2023
Mary Bonnet deserves all of the kudos for managing to put up with her husband. Stede is such a fun character to watch, but I can only imagine how he would be if anyone had to truly interact with him in real life. Dealing with his whimsy as his wife practically makes Mary a saint, and I don't think anyone can truly blame her for any of her actions in this episode. Stede gets the kick to the pants that he really needs to see that it's time to grow up and recognize that he CAN hurt other people, but he's also capable of making them happy if he can just stop running away. Now he has a whole second season to work on that lesson.
Phenomenal, stirring, beautiful
erinsdodge17 September 2023
"Wherever You Go, There You Are" is a beautiful, beautiful end to the first season of this gorgeous and unique story.
The title alone says so much about Stede's arc: he is running away from his life; from himself, to pursue adventure and glory... all the while desperately wanting love and belonging. In this episode he has to grow up, and to face the cold truth that... well... "Wherever you go, there you are."
He can't run from himself, and he comes to grips with this bitter truth and completes an astonishing transformation in which he... well, you've got to watch it!! But it's SUCH a satisfying and exciting conclusion to his season 1 arc: this man grew and changed so much, and the show sets up a tantalizing cliffhanger leading into Season 2.
I cannot express how much I love this show, and how beautiful it is: funny, compassionate, warm-hearted, hilarious, thrilling, and queer.
The title alone says so much about Stede's arc: he is running away from his life; from himself, to pursue adventure and glory... all the while desperately wanting love and belonging. In this episode he has to grow up, and to face the cold truth that... well... "Wherever you go, there you are."
He can't run from himself, and he comes to grips with this bitter truth and completes an astonishing transformation in which he... well, you've got to watch it!! But it's SUCH a satisfying and exciting conclusion to his season 1 arc: this man grew and changed so much, and the show sets up a tantalizing cliffhanger leading into Season 2.
I cannot express how much I love this show, and how beautiful it is: funny, compassionate, warm-hearted, hilarious, thrilling, and queer.
Murder's a Natural Cause
curiousjennie28 September 2023
I love episode ten for finally giving Mary the chance to breathe, when until this point the narrative has solely focussed on their stories of Jim and men. Claudia O'Doherty brings Mary to life as someone just as complex and unhinged as her devastatingly selfish "deceased" husband.
Kristen Johnston does as much as humanly possible in a single episode to deliver the spectacular Widow Evelyn Higgins, another larger-than-life character who seems to inhabit the entire series despite only appearing at the end.
In a show that is essentially about toxic masculinity, delivering these two rich female characters right at the end helps round out the perfect, devastating conclusion to season one.
Kristen Johnston does as much as humanly possible in a single episode to deliver the spectacular Widow Evelyn Higgins, another larger-than-life character who seems to inhabit the entire series despite only appearing at the end.
In a show that is essentially about toxic masculinity, delivering these two rich female characters right at the end helps round out the perfect, devastating conclusion to season one.
Gripping
lydiaeve15 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This episode changed me on a molecular level. Love, love, love. The brilliance of this episode is that it was set up from the very beginning. This show told you who Blackbeard was again and again, but you didn't believe it. Ed was just some fun guy. Misunderstood. Then suddenly: Blackbeard. I couldn't look away as he descended into the whole intensity of this final episode. I am not exaggerating when I say I am losing my mind waiting for season 2 to see how this plays out. I am so hooked. Fantastic writing, acting, storytelling.
I hope Stede remembers he likes pirates, because he's going to meet history's greatest.
I hope Stede remembers he likes pirates, because he's going to meet history's greatest.
Phenomenal
c-1538421 September 2023
The finale of season one is a beautifully cinematic episode that effectively sets up the series for the upcoming second season. The story is highly emotional and the actors do really great work portraying their characters through this. The music is perfectly chosen to accompany the emotional beats of the story. The episode is extremely well-written and effectively combines with the visuals in editing to tell a phenomenal story.
This finale episode will deliver such a huge emotional impact that you'll be thinking about this series for a long time and desperate to find out what happens next for these characters.
This finale episode will deliver such a huge emotional impact that you'll be thinking about this series for a long time and desperate to find out what happens next for these characters.
A dramatic finale!
Encaitare17 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
One of my favorite things about this episode is how it reframes characters in a new way.
First, we finally get to meet Stede's wife Mary on her own terms. No longer tied down by her unhappy marriage, Mary is thriving artistically and romantically. Stede's return represents an obstacle to that.
Meanwhile, back on the Revenge, Ed is not well. He's hiding out in a blanket fort, eating marmalade directly from the jar. Izzy tries to cover for him and keep the crew from seeing him like this, but Ed comes out singing sad songs of his own composition and talking about giving up his career as a pirate. Izzy can't stand this, and when he gives Ed a piece of his mind, both characters' reactions reframe the relationship in a way that colored my entire perception of Izzy's character on subsequent rewatches.
Brilliant acting all around. Some truly dark moments mixed in with physical comedy, and an ending that will leave you clamoring for more!
First, we finally get to meet Stede's wife Mary on her own terms. No longer tied down by her unhappy marriage, Mary is thriving artistically and romantically. Stede's return represents an obstacle to that.
Meanwhile, back on the Revenge, Ed is not well. He's hiding out in a blanket fort, eating marmalade directly from the jar. Izzy tries to cover for him and keep the crew from seeing him like this, but Ed comes out singing sad songs of his own composition and talking about giving up his career as a pirate. Izzy can't stand this, and when he gives Ed a piece of his mind, both characters' reactions reframe the relationship in a way that colored my entire perception of Izzy's character on subsequent rewatches.
Brilliant acting all around. Some truly dark moments mixed in with physical comedy, and an ending that will leave you clamoring for more!
A Note of Hope
denizb334 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There is so much packed into such a short episode here. From Mary's life, to Stede's relationship with his children; from the nuances of Izzy threatening mutiny, to the return of Jim -- some of these moments are hopeful, and some raise the viewer's hopes only to sash them later (mostly at the separation of Jim and Olu, Pete and Lucius). The ending is on a very hopeful note; Stede, the lighthouse, come to guide his crew and again.
Compare that with the last shot we have of Ed -- alone in the bed nook in the cabin. He's been there since the episode first aired, and our main hope now lies in the romance of it all -- when will they kiss again?!
Compare that with the last shot we have of Ed -- alone in the bed nook in the cabin. He's been there since the episode first aired, and our main hope now lies in the romance of it all -- when will they kiss again?!
Heartbreaking Finale
traceyseier2 October 2023
This finale is heartbreaking, violent, frightening, and brilliant. It's not for the faint of heart. Every promise that the earlier episodes have made about what these characters are capable of is delivered upon, and it HURTS. But it hurts so good.
Strong performances by Claudia O'Doherty, Con O'Neill, Taika Waititi, and Rhys Darby bring Season 1 to a thrilling close. The season lands strongly, with this episode offering an exploration of the opposition between toxic masculinity and being open to love. But either choice puts everything at risk for our main characters.
Fans screamed for the next installment in the story, but, if you are reading this, you won't have to wait long to find out what happens next, because you can just go on to Season 2.
Strong performances by Claudia O'Doherty, Con O'Neill, Taika Waititi, and Rhys Darby bring Season 1 to a thrilling close. The season lands strongly, with this episode offering an exploration of the opposition between toxic masculinity and being open to love. But either choice puts everything at risk for our main characters.
Fans screamed for the next installment in the story, but, if you are reading this, you won't have to wait long to find out what happens next, because you can just go on to Season 2.
Hanging on...
annabaldwin-7284417 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
What a finale!!
Hilarious, heartwrenching, shocking, all of the above!
A wonderfully written and great performance as Stede's wife Mary, make her such a sympathetic character I find myself rooting for her despite my love of Stede. A great take on the whole 'ex wife' trope.
Ed's story is heartbreaking. The guy just wants to be himself but the pressure put upon him to continue to be Blackbeard are immense.
By the end of this episode I had really fallen for all the crew, and desperately miss them in the between seasons stage. I cannot wait to see them again soon and see what season 2 has in store for us!
Hilarious, heartwrenching, shocking, all of the above!
A wonderfully written and great performance as Stede's wife Mary, make her such a sympathetic character I find myself rooting for her despite my love of Stede. A great take on the whole 'ex wife' trope.
Ed's story is heartbreaking. The guy just wants to be himself but the pressure put upon him to continue to be Blackbeard are immense.
By the end of this episode I had really fallen for all the crew, and desperately miss them in the between seasons stage. I cannot wait to see them again soon and see what season 2 has in store for us!
The end
ajrusemckay-645334 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The episode before this was a banger and this really just ties it all together. Stede learns about his feelings and pieces together his past and present. The conversation with Mary is one of the best laid out scenes on this show.
Louis and Alma? Priceless. Too and in this world Stede will probably not see them again. The orange scene with Alma was so sweet.
The transition from Ed to Blackbeard hurts but story wise makes sense in this romantic comedy trope laden show. I love how dark this can be and the genre defying stories and characters.
The next season is coming and we are prepared to laugh, cry, and have our hearts broken all over again.
Louis and Alma? Priceless. Too and in this world Stede will probably not see them again. The orange scene with Alma was so sweet.
The transition from Ed to Blackbeard hurts but story wise makes sense in this romantic comedy trope laden show. I love how dark this can be and the genre defying stories and characters.
The next season is coming and we are prepared to laugh, cry, and have our hearts broken all over again.
Joy and sorrow go hand in hand
magicalmrmistofelees4 October 2023
Another immaculate episode for character growth, and what a way to end a season! Seeing Stede come into his own, juxtaposed with Ed pretty much losing himself, really was something special and emotionally tumultuous.
In the end, there is hope here, but there is also loss, and sadness, and the kind of cliffhanger that does not feel like a betrayal yet does have you hungering endlessly for what comes next.
I'm beyond grateful that the fans of this show gave it the attention it deserves and got a renewal, because I don't think I would ever recover if things really were just left here. Even so, it is a remarkable finale to a remarkable first season.
In the end, there is hope here, but there is also loss, and sadness, and the kind of cliffhanger that does not feel like a betrayal yet does have you hungering endlessly for what comes next.
I'm beyond grateful that the fans of this show gave it the attention it deserves and got a renewal, because I don't think I would ever recover if things really were just left here. Even so, it is a remarkable finale to a remarkable first season.
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