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Our Flag Means Death: Wherever You Go, There You Are (2022)
A dramatic finale!
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!
Our Flag Means Death: Act of Grace (2022)
Romantic, Dramatic, Adventurous
Thanks to the scheme organized by Izzy, Jack, and Spanish Jackie, the Royal Navy has caught up to the Revenge. The crew are interrogated by Admiral Chauncey Badminton, and Ed tries to take the blame for Nigel Badminton's death. The admiral doesn't fall for it, and arranges for Stede to be executed by firing squad.
Ed invokes the Act of Grace, which would pardon pirates who agree to become privateers for the Crown. At last the crew rallies around Stede, proving to the Navy that he's a real pirate and should be saved. And so our heroes are shipped off to... pirate rehab military school. In this new environment, they can admit their true desires, but nothing can ever be that simple.
Our Flag Means Death: We Gull Way Back (2022)
Coming to a climax!
Will Arnett features in an unforgettable full-episode cameo as Calico Jack, one of Ed's old friends who shows up to hang out and cause havoc. Ed goes right along with it, slipping into a frat boy persona we haven't seen before -- and Stede does NOT like it. It's a testament to the writing and acting that I actually found this one difficult to watch the first time, because Jack is so cringey!
The final sequence of the episode is a slow motion action scene expertly lined up with The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. The action is exciting, funny, and romantic. No wonder this song has become like a second theme song for the show.
Our Flag Means Death: This Is Happening (2022)
My favorite episode of S1
This is my favorite episode of season 1, and my favorite character isn't even in it. That's how good it is!
The ship runs out of oranges (because Stede insisted on using most of them in a cake) and a crew member gets scurvy. While the crew band together to help hunt for oranges, Stede purchases a treasure map and drags Ed and Lucius along with him. Both of these plots are equally engaging. The hunt for oranges leads the crew directly to an important figure from Jim's past, and we finally learn a little more of their backstory. Meanwhile, Stede and Ed bond on their treasure hunt, with some hysterical improv from both leads. It's really a pleasure to see them riffing together.
Our Flag Means Death: The Best Revenge Is Dressing Well (2022)
Another great episode
In this episode, Ed and his crew begin training Stede and the Revenge crew in how to be "real pirates in the real world". After a successful raid, they find an invitation to a fancy party. Ed wants to attend, so he, Stede, Frenchie, and Oluwande dress up and use the invitation to get into the party.
The party boat establishes some of our characters' motivations. Ed wants to be accepted by high society, while Stede wants to escape from it. There are phenomenally over-the-top cameos from Nick Kroll and Kristen Schall, and it's fun to watch Frenchie and Oluwande pull a scam on the unsuspecting party guests.
The rest of the crew have a great B-plot back on the Revenge involving a sketchbook and the phrase "ooh, Daddy."
Our Flag Means Death: Discomfort in a Married State (2022)
Relationships bring heart to this comedy
This episode is all about the dynamics in some of the key relationships in the show. Even though it's a comedy, the way the characters relate to one another gives the show a lot of heart.
Up until now we've had only a few brief glimpses into Stede's marriage and the family he fled to become a pirate. This episode shows flashbacks to Stede and Mary's wedding and family life.
Stede and Blackbeard finally get some face time. Blackbeard is fascinated by Stede's ship and its fancy trappings, and wonders if Stede has it all figured out.
Finally, Blackbeard and Izzy are in contrast -- the jaded genius who wants to leave it all behind, and the exhausted second-in-command who needs him to focus or they'll all get killed by the approaching Navy.
Our Flag Means Death: A Gentleman Pirate (2022)
Keeps getting better
A lot of people are of the opinion that this is when the show hits its stride. Personally, I thought it was hilarious from the very first scene, but it only gets better!
This is the episode where our two main characters finally meet. We get our first peek at Blackbeard, who is fascinated by Stede Bonnet and wants to meet him. At his request, long-suffering first mate Izzy Hands tracks Stede down in the Republic of Pirates, where Stede is attempting to sell a Navy hostage. Needless to say, Stede sticks out like a sore thumb. This episode features great cameos from comedians you'll definitely recognize.
Our Flag Means Death: A Damned Man (2022)
Episode 2
In episode 2, Stede Bonnet's inept captaincy continues. When the Revenge runs aground on an island, Stede offers his crew a vacation. They've never heard of such a thing, and Stede is quickly captured by the island's natives, who aren't sure whether he constitutes a threat or not. He continues to be haunted by guilty visions about his past actions and his own inadequacy.
This episode also introduces the first "real" pirates of the series, Blackbeard's crew. Con O'Neill, Guz Khan, and David Fane are leather-clad and foreboding, and Blackbeard's ship is festooned with spikes and skulls. Badass!
Our Flag Means Death: Pilot (2022)
A strong pilot!
Fans of Kiwi humor will jump right in with all the enthusiasm of Stede Bonnet deciding to be a pirate captain.
In this episode we meet our protagonist Stede as he leaves his family behind and begins his journey at sea. He pays his crew a salary to alleviate the "mental pressure" of needing to steal. His newly commissioned ship, the Revenge, features a library and other amenities, but some of the crew would rather be raiding ships.
As the pilot continues, we get to know some of the crew members and meet a cruel figure from Stede's past (guest star Rory Kinnear in a delightfully unhinged performance).
Our Flag Means Death (2022)
Hilarious and emotional
Our Flag Means Death is my favorite show to come out in the last couple of years. I came for the humor but stayed for the endearing characters. It's a farcical take on famous historical pirates that ends up having a lot of heart.
Rhys Darby brings charm to the obliviously privileged character of Stede Bonnet. Taika Waititi's take on Blackbeard is full of goofy swagger. Con O'Neill plays first mate Izzy Hands with the energy of an exhausted wife, and Vico Ortiz brings mystery to silent crew member Jim. The ensemble cast are all delightful, and beloved comedians including Leslie Jones and Will Arnett have short but important appearances in the series.
I would recommend this show for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean, What We Do in the Shadows, Flight of the Conchords, and Good Omens.