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Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
This week we get a two-episode treat for the penultimate drop of the Our Flag Means Death Season 1 finale, and what glorious bounty it is! Funny, sweet, and moving, these two episodes take us closer to the end, and closer to the characters. David Jenkins’s HBO Max series Season 1 Episodes 7 and 8 star Rhys Darby, Taika Waititi, Nathan Foad, Vico Ortiz, and Samson Kayo.
The Real Treasure is Friendship
Following the events of last week’s three episodes, Stede (Rhys Darby) and Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) are trying to figure out their friendship. Stede wants to make life more enjoyable for Blackbeard, who misses his life of adventure. The tone of Episode 7 — “This Is Happening” (directed by Fernando Frías and written by Zayre Ferrer) takes a more personal and soul-searching turn.
Whilst the comedy is still perfect and well-timed, there are moments that are sweet and give us a greater depth to the characters. One of the sweetest moments is between Oluwande (Samson Kayo) and Jim (Vico Ortiz). They have had such a strong relationship throughout, and it finally comes to a point where they realise what they mean to each other. The moment is short, and the understanding between the two characters is simple. Even though they both need different things, they accept and support them. It’s a beautiful change of pace for a few moments, but it feels so natural and works so well.
This episode is all about realising what relationships they have and what they mean. Stede and Blackbeard are slowly realising how they fit together, and just what they do for each other. This is done with the help of Lucius (Nathan Foad) as he takes up his role as Stede’s right-hand man. So far, Lucius has been coming into his own throughout Our Flag Means Death, and now he’s really shining. He is the friend that we all have who tells us exactly how it is as a voice of reason. His interactions with all the cast are fantastic, and he has slowly become one of my favourites.
While trouble is brewing for the crew of The Revenge, it’s nice to have this small moment to see our characters grow and feel comfortable as themselves.
Old Friends Mean New Problems
As has been done so expertly throughout HBO Max’s Our Flag Means Death, Stede and Blackbeard are each given their own moments to compliment each other and the issues they’re facing. Episode 7 gave us an insight into Blackbeard realising what his new life has to offer, but Episode 8 — “We Gull Way Back” (directed by Bert & Bertie, and written by Alex Sherman & Alyssa Lane) shows Stede trying to fit in with a new visitor aboard The Revenge.
When an old friend visits Blackbeard, Stede sees himself being pushed to the side. Their lives are very different, but they’re being forced to figure out how they fit together and come to terms with it. The relationship between everyone onboard The Revenge is so simply done that it feels natural and beautiful, and we can all relate to it in some sense.
Our new visitor is full of life, rum, and crazy ideas; all of which speak to the pirates, but not to Stede. As the tension mounts between our favourite captains, the humour becomes more subtle and nuanced. The comedy is still there, but the story is really starting to shift and become more dramatic.
Whilst this is all still happening, there is a sweet subplot between Oluwande (Kayo), Wee John Feeney (Kristian Nairn), and Frenchie (Joel Fry) while they try to sort out their newfound space on the ship. It’s bittersweet and lighthearted but also shows how these characters have come together. Having something they have never had before, and coming to terms with a change in situation, it’s a small story that reflects the main theme of the episode. All of the characters work so well together, and their moments are humorous but tender. The acting and the timing are fantastic, and it just shows how excellently cast this show is.
In the main storyline of Our Flag Means Death, both our captains experience their own sense of betrayal; from old friends and new ones. This is where the story takes a new turn; the humour becomes more understated, even though it’s still present, but the drama and emotion take control. There is an incredibly sweet moment between our captains that shows us how their relationship has progressed and gives us a sense of hope in what seems like an impossible situation.
The Pirate’s Life
With a slow and subtle change of tone for these episodes, it’s a great progression for the series. While there are moments of comedy throughout the whole thing, a more serious and heartwarming feeling ensures that the development of both characters and stories feels natural and real.
Our Flag Means Death is now streaming on HBO Max.
Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
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