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Reviews
Our Flag Means Death: The Art of F**kery (2022)
Softest episode
This episode blew me away. Queer representation is so far and few between, but this episode is the perfect example of casual representation. I will never get over how precious Stede and Ed are in the bathroom. Ed is even holding stedes yellow robe to comfort himself. He surrounds himself with all the fine things in Stedes ship, like the elegant bathroom and the soft cloths. But he finds himself even more lonely, until stede comes in. Stede gives him a safe space to fully process his emotions, and it leaves him feeling better than before. Izzy has been his only comfort thus far, but has always pushed Ed out to make room for Blackbeard, who he admires to a fault. Stede provides what Izzy could never give, and it's beautiful.
Our Flag Means Death: A Gentleman Pirate (2022)
Nose jars and man for sale
This episode has to have the best running bit in the entire show. I ADORE the portrayal of Spanish Jackie and all the shenanigans the crew gets into with her. She brings the attitude of the actual pirates on the rest of the sea, and it's hilarious. Not to mention Jim finally getting some good content in this episode. No spoilers, but Jim really gets to shine in this episode. This episode has a good balance of plot and humor and tension, and the ending is one to die for. Long story short, this is the episode that finally kicks off the action and it is definitely worth the wait of the last two episodes.
Our Flag Means Death: A Damned Man (2022)
Honestly pretty good
This episode is one that can sometimes feel a bit out of place, but it really does give you a good laugh. The dynamic we get to see between Black Pete, Oluwande, and Stede is very humorous and interesting to watch. They create a chaotic energy that you can really feel through the screen. Then there's the added bonus of the indigenous people being portrayed in a very different and refreshing light. It's nice to see every person on this show being depicted as just a bunch of people going through the motions or pirating. This episode definitely isn't the best out of them all (that one goes to best revenge is dressing well) but it's a nice episode to get a feel of the crews dynamic.
Our Flag Means Death: Pilot (2022)
Not bad for a pilot
For a show that's just making its debut, the pilot did a really good job of introducing its characters and conflicts. I know other people wish the plot had been sped along, but that just means we wouldn't have had key character development for stede. We get to see his life, and culture shock to pirating. His details are explored, like his love for books, and his relationship with the crew. As for said crew, it's a great display of guys being dudes and bros being bros. I honestly love the genuine humanity that each character is written with. This show was clearly deeply loved and cared for during the writing process, and no idea was ignored or tossed aside. The ability to do that is rare, and in this episode, its successes are beautiful.
Our Flag Means Death: The Best Revenge Is Dressing Well (2022)
Definitely my favorite episode
(Possible spoilers)
This episode is a beautiful example of Ed and Stede's relationship. They both begin to understand the reality of the others world, and each other. This is the episode where they truly grow closer, and possibly where romantic feelings start. Ed truly wants to be part of Stede's posh world, and stede welcomes him into it fully. The beauty in this comes in when Stede, despite knowing Blackbeard might have a hard time, supports him fully and helps him get ready. He even makes a few sacrifices just to make him feel better.
On another note, I adore the odd portrayal of rich French society. Often times, white people are portrayed as perfect and posh and fancy, while PoC are portrayed as following odd rules and rituals, and behaving ignorantly to what other people need. This is completely flipped on its side when the French are shown to be rude to whoever they please, and shown in a violent nature when their way of partying is disrupted.
Last thing: the humor in this episode wins.