Our Flag Means Death (TV Series) The Innkeeper (2023) User Reviews

My heart is warm, amazing season so far

[rayintheshadows · 10/10 · 5 October 2023]

I just finished watching this episode and I still have tears in my eyes. What a BEAUTIFUL use of 'this woman's work' by Kate Bush. Ed choosing life after all. Both Stede and Ed working through their own problems of thinking they're not worth it to be loved.

I was shocked for one moment, because I thought sorcery would become a thing after hornigold suddenly didn't die, but luckily it was just a kind of vision.

I'm glad the series hasn't suddenly only become a drama though, because there's still so much humour in it. I love Ed playing an innkeeper (please let S3 be about Ed's struggles to set up a bar and grill) And even during the emotional moment of Blackbeard drowning and Stede pulling him out of it ("I'll never leave") Stede coming to him in MERMAID FORM, this is some fanfiction type of shi and I am so here for it. Thank you all the crew that made this wonderful show. I love you all and so far the series not only not disappointed, but it went above and beyond my already high expectations.

Finally!!

[clararicossa · 10/10 · 5 October 2023]

The episode of them reuniting!!! After all of that turmoil, they finally get back all together as a crew! The jail break scene is absolutely one of the most hilarious scenes I've ever seen. I was crying laughing. Kind of sad how they abandoned their alliance with the Chinese pirate crew, I hope nothing bad happens in the future because of it... (wink wink, I'm sure something will bite them in the ass soon).

The purgatory sequence was incredible. Seing Ed this way again made me feel better. Also I think I relate a bit too much (that "you can't be me, I hate you" part? Ugh, hit me right in the feels seen feels) and let's not forget mermaid Stede?! Oooooh my god. His love brought him back to life!!

Magic realism is the best

[Freyakarstein · 10/10 · 6 October 2023]

The last scene was amazing, only a show like this can pull a romantic reunion between a pirate and a triton that way. Also kudos to Rhys and Taika acting faces. Happy to see Fang didn't cry on this ep. After the violence of the previous episodes (because that pirate's life for us) this one felt like coming back to the characters and their motivations beyond sadness, vengeance, gold and heartbreak Can't get over the incredible work they made for that mermaid tail, have you seen it? It's insane!! So pretty and realistic, and oh! The music! Mozart in the main action scene was *chef kiss* delightful.

Best episode yet, superb.

[saurioffagotta-35908 · 10/10 · 5 October 2023]

The third episode of Our Flag Means Death Season 2 is nothing short of a masterpiece. Stede's character has truly come into his own, establishing himself as a remarkable protagonist. Zheng, the antagonist, is a standout character in every sense, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline. While the show is gradually shedding some of its comedic elements, this shift doesn't hinder its excellence in the slightest. The episode shines with its perfectly balanced stakes and flawless writing, creating a gripping narrative that keeps you enthralled. Our Flag Means Death undoubtedly deserves more attention for the exceptional storytelling it's delivering this season. It's a perfect 10/10.

*BREATHTAKING* Final Scene

[ForceMonument · 10/10 · 7 October 2023]

While this whole episode was a fabulous conclusion to season 2's opening arc (setting up Zheng as an antagonist and the Stede & Izzy enemies to friends trope), it was the final few minutes that completely stole the show. If you haven't read Entertainment Weekly's behind-the-scenes article on how they achieved merman! Stede with minimal CGI, do yourself a favor and seek it out! With details on how the mermaid tail was made, photos of Rhys getting more glitter added (as if the *5 kgs* already on the tail wasn't enough!), and even how music supervisor Maggie Phillips got word back from Kate Bush's team that the songstress herself was THRILLED at the idea.

But nothing could have prepared me for how emotional it would be to watch the scene itself. In 48 hours since the premiere, I've watched this ep four times and the final scene at least a dozen. Absolutely everything about it is perfect: the cinematography, the lighting, the costume, the editing, the build of the music, the ACTING, and above all the writing and directing that imagined this beautiful moment to begin with. Wouldn't we all love to see something amazing and fantastical in our darkest moment, to bring us light and hope? David Jenkins, Taika Waititi, Rhys Darby, and the entire crew involved in filming that scene have given us something precious, by reminding us that we are never truly as alone as our demons tell us we are.

pure TV magic

[mauramanninen · 10/10 · 6 October 2023]

The balancing-act between the comedy and the drama remains pitch-perfect, and this episode might be its best culmination yet.

The reunion of the crew members despite Ed's overhanging absence is wonderful, especially Jim and Olu talking about their new romantic interests. The tension between Stede and Izzy is wonderfully sharp, filled with guilt and anger and regret.

Ed's scenes on the island are a wonderful fake-out, and the manifestation of Hornigold as his worst self is perfect. The truth of Ed's fate is revealed with the show's brand of mix of comedy and drama, with the cutaway from the slapstick murder attempts to the shot of Ed's body lying motionless on the ship being a masterpiece reveal.

Like Ed, the audience are momentarily left in limbo of how on earth can we come back from this. We are happy to see Stede prove himself accountable, and taking charge of rescuing his crew even as his heart lies in pieces. The Mozart sequence as they take back the Revenge is a much needed moment of triumph among so much heartbreak.

And what can be said about the last six minutes of the episode. They are pure TV magic, some of the most beautifully shot television. It is the perfect reunion for Stede and Ed, everything I could have wanted and never would have dared to hope. Dramatic, heart-wrenching, silly and filled with so much hope. Even though there are still rifts that need to be mended, the ending proves that despite everything, these characters' love for each other is the thing that will save them, time and time again. And also that Kate Bush will never not slap.

An artpiece.

[leyla7s · 10/10 · 9 October 2023]

It was a long wait, but it was worth it. The first three episodes of Our Flag Means Death have been a rollercoaster of laugh, adventure, conflict and romance, all in one go, and who would have it any other way!

In The Innkeeper, amidst comedic chaos and unresolved truths, we watch our favorite pirates ultimately reunite and reclaiming their ship. Everyone's performance is amazing, from the big confrontantions to the simplest (but best) one liners, all culminating in the finale, one of the most beautiful scenes ever: a struggle between life and death, a cry of devotion, and hands holding for dear love. This episode is a testament to the great talent and work that has made the show possible and so lovable for the fans, and we're sure to see more of that.

SOBBING

[everfq · 10/10 · 5 October 2023]

If I had a nickel for every time a tv character was brought back from the brink of death while being held by their boyfriend and Kate Bush was playing I would have two nickels which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice.

We've been waiting for this reunion for a year and a half and it did not disappoint. Hundreds of fanfics and still no one could come up with something as sweet and emotional as this. The reunion was more than I ever dreamed of. Completely, utterly perfect. TV doesn't often make me cry but i've been sobbing since 4:30 am.

Merman Stede was something none of us saw coming but didn't know we needed.

Amazing; heartbreaking.

[genanetherwood · 10/10 · 8 October 2023]

Again, supporting cast is incredible this season. This episode is moving, gorgeous, beautiful, with still moments that manage to make me laugh. But, at the heart of it, Rhys Darby is heartbreaking in his quiet way of expressing shock and heartbreak as Stede. Taika really digs deep into his character. There is so much in this episode. There is so much symbolism. The romance and love between the two characters is felt heavily in this episode and it was almost overwhelming. Our Flag Means Death isn't just a comedy, and this season is showing the depths it will go. It somehow manages to make all of these elements work together so well. I do not want to describe too much from this episode in particular, as it is truly an emotional joy to watch unfold.

Absolutely incredible!

[c-15384 · 10/10 · 11 October 2023]

Episode three is a masterpiece of writing and acting. The story has strong emotional beats while weaving in charming comedic elements. Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby give fantastic performances throughout this highly emotional episode for their characters. The final scene is so beautiful and romantic. The underwater acting is phenomenal and Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby successfully portray a highly affecting moment of love and relief. The music chosen for the scene perfectly complements the emotion. This much anticipated scene makes me emotional on every rewatch. This episode is absolutely incredible and showcases the excellence of the series.

Magical, emotional and heartwarming

[newshanasri · 10/10 · 6 October 2023]

Just a perfect way to get back all the crew together. The last sequence of the episode where Stede calls out to Ed to come back to him was incredibly beautiful, heart warming and emotional and yet kept it light and funny with Ed imagining Stede as a merman. Rhys Darby's performance is at its peak. With perfect comedic timing and delivery throughout the whole three episodes. Taika waititi might be known foe his comedy but tye drama he's delivered so far in this series is very impressive. It's been a long time since I've felt so strongly for a TV series. We still have more episodes left to go but this was an incredibly strong start and it makes me very excited to see the rest.

They're Back :')

[noordinaryskeleton · 10/10 · 14 October 2023]

Maybe I read one too many shoujo Mangas as a kid but I will ALWAYS be there for the power of love, and that's exactly what this episode was about. There's a very clever use of misdirect in the episode that - no spoilers - works to raise the tension for a big, and heartbreaking, reveal.

Our Flag Means Death has always centered on outcasts and queerness, two groups that tend to face undue loneliness and the fear of being unlovable, and this episode takes that idea and explores it. Maybe you feel unlovable, but maybe you are loved, so much so that it could change the entire trajectory of your life. I will be listening to Kate Bush nonstop from now on, and finally I super appreciate the use of practical effects over CGI.

Heartbreakingly shattered and always beautiful

[marciocolomb · 10/10 · 10 October 2023]

I don't even know where to start, I have watched our flag means death since it has come out, and I know this time around they lost a lot of money to be able to make the show so a lot of things they wanted to do was cut off. Some people may say this show is too much like a fanfic but won't take a second to see that season 2 is a work of art without a lot of material that came from ya know who.

This episode really had shown emotion, depth, and pure rage of a man who lost someone he loved and going through a process of death and having no reason to live, yet is saved by a merman version of Stede. Which yes, it was funny cause the show is a comedy but when you really think about it, Stede is everything to Ed enough that he had been enough of a reason to keep living. This is how this show is, and the water scenes are absolutely beautiful. I can't give this show a bad review and those who did have no taste in what actual art is these days. Their so used to cringey gay films and shows surrounded by very hot younger men who don't even take a time to appreciate the beauty of being a gay individual, but this show DOES. Taika and Rhys have been friends for years and have always been so beautiful in a sense that they can make a romance story about two old men who find happiness within each other. David and the writers team put so much work and I can never get the lines out of my head of this god damn show it's just so beautiful, to the writing, to the acting, to the WHOLE vibe. It's incredible.

"I know the possibility of this reaching you is slim, but so was the chance of us meeting in the first place."

Jeff the InnKeeper

[penniellington · 10/10 · 19 October 2023]

Oh wow, the twist of the gravy basket being in Ed's head! I thought he really was captured by Hornigold! Great twist! Love that he keeps using the name Jeff.

While some people want to laugh at Stede the Goldfish Merman, I honestly thought it was beautiful and the music was perfect. Taika and Rhys blew it out of the park. Interesting that even in anger and supposed hatred, Ed still leaned towards Stede in the water.

Our boys are back in the same room together! It can only go up from here!!! I cannot WAIT to see the reunite and work it through.

The cinematography, costumes, makeup, etc. Are just top tier. Filming in NZ has added SUCH a gorgeous layer to the show.

Girls, how ARE we?!

[blueruvy · 10/10 · 5 November 2023]

I'm going to leave THAT scene to be discussed at the end.

The inclusion of Zheng Yi Sao as a character is already paying amazing dividends. The opening scene reassures us that not only is she a badass, but also this show is still taking a selective approach to WHICH violence and death it cares about - i.e.: it hasn't forgotten its comedic roots. And the commentary on gender and masculinity in Zheng's scenes continues the good work of the first season. But also her awkward seduction techniques and charisma have me captivated. She's only been here for three eps and she's already complex, formidable, and endearing.

The humour is still strong in this one, strong writing and strong delivery. Stede vaulting off the side of the ship with no second thought was a particular highlight. And Auntie being able to tell intimate crime scene details from like, zero information, was sooo funny to me.

Character time is precious and great in this ep. We see the crew reunited and it's delightful. Fang continues to be an absolute gem, I feel about that character the way I would feel about literally any puppy. Jim and Oluwande's conversation is so sweet, I really appreciated that. Black Pete had some cracker lines this ep and Matthew Maher nailed them. More Archie! She's funny and dorky and I love her.

The gravy basket arc was so interesting, and I didn't clock what was going on until much later, though in hindsight there were clues. Ed's interactions gave us so much insight to the missing pieces of his life. Here we understand more of the brutality that shaped him into Blackbeard, and Ed voices the real depths of his issues.

Once again the music choices are BANGIN. I was so excited to hear that little piano number Gnosienne no.5 used again, after it underscored the most emotionally intimate moments between the main pairing. That continuity established through music is precious.

Similarly, we're clued in that this season is going to work heavily with parallels and and contrasts to season one. The eating a seagull, Jeff's return, 'doggy heaven,' and of course all the flashabcks. It all speaks to the writing team being like 'Trust us, we have a plan.'

Okay, now, Stede's journey of emotional devastation in this ep left me tender for the whole week in between this episode's release and the next. The man lost his entire reason for persisting and trying in one day, his hope was completely dashed. He's stronger than me, delaying a breakdown til after he saved his crew. It shows his growth.

As to THAT scene. Major endless props to the production for going with real effects not CGI. And incredible kudos to the actors for filming underwater - I saw some bts footage and that looks terrifying.

I wish I could watch this end scene for the first time, again. In fact I watched it several times while the feeling of newness persisted. Then I went online and listened to THAT song several times while I tried to remind myself that I had a modern day job to go to the next day. I was overwhelmed with the beauty of it. And yes, I laughed at the reveal of merman Stede, but I also totally understood it through Ed's eyes. (Taika invented having eyes, apparently, did you SEE that hearteyes nonsense? Underwater? Incredible). It was an absolutely madcap decision to go that hard emotionally but I adored every second of it. In my eyes that scene was a love letter to everyone who has ever hit rock bottom.

give me these moments back

[adgarcia-95438 · 10/10 · 11 November 2023]

Lifechanging final 5 minutes of television, i'll tell ya! Wooo this episode was sooo perfect i was fooled just like ed, i did not think he was dead and found out along with him. This so called comedy loves to pull off a dramatic moment by executing them smashingly. (the actors and writers) ed pretending to be an innkeeper was him playing again and he needs a redo with stede so they can play like little kids! Please!! Bringing back the pivotal gnossienne no. 5 while stede walks through the revenge nearly killed me, yet again unparalleled music choices in this show that culminates in the momentous mermaid stede with this woman's work!!!!! It's truly so so so special to me i'll treasure it forever!

a little life in you left

[larakelland · 10/10 · 19 November 2023]

This episode has it all: some wonderful new character Zheng development (including some fun moments that advance the global vision for intra-pirate solidarity), original revenge crew collaboration, and lovely integration of the other newly introduced characters. All in all, this is really where season two get to see legs, so to speak. This episode also serves as the real turning point in the arc for ed. It provides both back story, and a kind of moral reckoning that had to happen. And, the ending offers the very best needle drop of the series, so if you watch it for nothing else, give it a go for that. Well, and the accompanying mermaid scene ain't too shabby either.

BEST EP OF THE SEASON

[ablackstar · 10/10 · 8 November 2023]

Wow. What can I say about this one? This might be one of the best episodes of any show, period. The pacing is perfect, the performances are absolutely incredible. Con O'Neill in particular, is an absolute master in this episode. The music is off the chain, and there's not a weak performance in this episode. The last scene in particular is so powerful and so beautiful that it gives me chills just thinking about it. CHILLS.

The writing is beautiful, suspenseful, and explores identity, self-concept, and mortality beautifully. I could watch this one over and over again. This is not just good queer tv this is just good art. Stunning.

I know you have a lot of life in you yet

[juliench-98642 · 10/10 · 3 January 2024]

Absolutely lovely episode. Incredible balance of humor, and earnestness, and the cinematography and music, especially at the end are unparalleled! The episode largely focuses on Stede and ed, but it's wonderful to see the entire crew together for the first time this season.

This is a really stand out episode for Rhys Darby in terms of range of acting. He is part of the reason that the tone is soundly balanced. Though much much credit to taika waititi and his incredible non verbals especially at the end. Both are able to convey such powerful emotion without saying a word. The chemistry is off the charts.

worth waiting for

[madra_rua_ · 10/10 · 6 December 2023]

It's hard to say much about this episode, which functions as a triumphant culmination of everything the show set up back in season one, without spoilers, but I'm going to do my best here. The two unwillingly separated crews finally reunite here, and couples like Jim and Oluwande and Lucius and Black Pete have to work through what's happened to them while they've been apart. (The Lucius and Pete stuff was well done, but Jim and Oluwande's scenes left their current relationship status oddly unclear; I'm left wondering if there was some cut material that would have clarified things.) Ed, separated from the rest of the group, confronts a figure from his past and reveals some of the deep-seated emotional issues that have been driving him all along. Stede shows the core of emotional strength that's been in him all along, establishes that he understands Ed far better than anyone gave him credit for, and it all leads up to a shatteringly romantic reunion for the two of them that against all odds manages to be worthy of the cliffhanger that ended season one. I'm not sure what else to say about this, except that it might be my single favorite episode of a show I love deeply.

Practical Effects!!

[sassafrass-57098 · 10/10 · 20 November 2023]

I can't get over the mermaid (merman? Merperaon?) scene that took place in this episode between Ed and Stede. The practical effects they utilized to do this bit are amazing, and I love that they didn't just use CGI. Thought, I imagine they're still finding glitter everywhere. I thought it was such a lovely moment, and I really think you can see the time and care that all of the production team put into it.

And all of that is before I mention the two main actors handling acting underwater!! Facial expressions and needing to swim with a big costume piece on couldn't have been easy. I'm so impressed by the earnestness of the entire episode too.

Come back to me Ed

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

Every single minute of this episode is perfection leading up to a heart wrenching moment that simply takes your breath away. The parallels between Stede's search for answers about where Ed is with Ed's search for answers while in the Gravy Bowl keeps the viewer invested in every single moment. The writing is a masterpiece of linking beats and pieces together while keeping viewers on the edge. There is drama, comedy and many deep and reflective heartfelt moments. The final scene going back and forth between the drowning Ed with sparkly Mermaid Stede and Stede holding Ed's hand while begging him to come back is so powerful thanks to the acting of Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby. The romance, the drama, the love between them can be felt completely while the beautiful music wraps it all together. I will never forget watching it for the first time and my desire to watch it on repeat ever since. This episode is emotional and raw. When the last note plays, it feels like there can be a happy ending down the road. This show, this episode has everything a viewer could want in a show. It is truly perfection.

Gravy Basket

[mylifeiskindaok · 10/10 · 9 January 2024]

For a romantic comedy, this episode gets really dark. It touches on a lot of very sensitive topics, and shows some of the darker sides to mental health issues that most media don't want to get into. I think it adds more realness and depth to the plot by diving (quite literally) into the main character's psyche and having him confront himself. The visual effects in this episode were also phenomenal. The set being on actual beaches and land in Aotearoa New Zealand was a beautiful addition from last season. Rhys Darby absolutely nailed his performance as Stede Bonnet in this episode, pouring out all of his love and emotion to Blackbeard and never giving up even when they've told him there's no hope.

Stunning.

[CrazyMRFan · 10/10 · 11 January 2024]

2x03 of Our Flag Means Death is a stand out of the series. As the two disparate plotlines finally converge in this episode, we get to see old favourites reunite with varying degrees of ease given there is a mystery at the core of this episode that needs to be solved. Once it does, it gives way to some of the most phenomenal acting moments Rhys Darby has performed in the entire show. The end scene was so perfectly, poignantly fitting for this show, which excels at balancing whimsy with earnestness, I'm still awe. The music, the emotional meaning of the scene, the cinematography, everything combined to create a perfect moment that brought me to tears (and made some of my dreams come true). A scene and an episode to cherish, for sure.

Heartbreaking and Beautiful.

[zazzlestheth · 10/10 · 17 December 2023]

This may be one of the most heart breaking episodes of television I have seen in a long time. It is an emotional journey for both Ed and Stede as they grapple with the consequences of choices and actions they have made. Rhys Darby reaction to seeing a presumably dead Blackbeard in the hold and the desperation displayed in his performace as Stede is talking to the man he loves as he is trying to coax him back to the world of the living has me crying even after a few rewatches.

Gladly this episode is not entirely doom and gloom, there are many much needed comedy moments sprinkled in throughout, those moments manage to balance the heartbreak without lessening the impact of the overarching story being told.

I would be remiss to not also mention the wonderful camp end to the episode where Ed is in the gravy basket, about to let go of life when he hears Stede and sees him as a beautiful merperson coming in, not to save him but to remind him he does have someone waiting for him, who loves him. Is it a wee bit silly? Yes but it suits the character, he may be a bloodthirsty pirate but he is also a guy with a lively imagination.