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Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
The end of Our Flag Means Death Season 1 is upon us, and it is a fantastic ending that is very fitting for the spectacular show. Emotions are high, and this pirate parody/ rom-com has drawn us in and hit us hard for the season finale. David Jenkins’s HBO Max Episodes 109 and 110 stars Rhys Darby, Taika Waititi, Con O’Neill, Claudia O’Doherty, and Rory Kinnear.
What Makes You Happy
Episode 8 of Our Flag Means Death left us on quite a cliffhanger, and Episode 9 – “Act of Grace” (written by David Jenkins & Yvonne Zima, directed by Bert & Bertie) is an emotional rollercoaster that takes us one step closer to the end of the season.
There are a few words that can fully describe the emotional journey that Episode 9 takes us on. From the beginning of the series, it felt like a delightful comedy show to keep us entertained, but recent episodes have shown us how heartfelt and moving the show truly is. The combination of a fantastic cast and a beautiful story really makes this show something special.
The series has a talent for building relationships so naturally, and the perfect example of this is with Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). Their relationship has been growing throughout the entire series, and we finally get to see them reach the pinnacle of their love for each other. Both Darby and Waititi are experts at comedy, but here they show their talent with a more serious and poignant role. They are genuine, touching, and we are rooting for them throughout everything that happens. They really bring everything to this episode, and even though the comedy is still there, the sentiment shines through.
Even though this is the episode where Stede and Blackbeard finally find their happiness, the rest of the cast is also spectacular. Izzy ‘Hands’ (Con O’Neill) is a truly unlikeable character, and O’Neill is stunning in this role. He really finds a way to take that dislike to a new level, and his performance is incredible and intense.
The rest of the crew from The Revenge are also fully playing with our emotions. Their devotion to their Captain has been growing from Episode 1, and we see how far they have all come together. This is a fantastic example of what great scriptwriting, dedicated direction, and a brilliant cast can do. Everyone works so well together, and there are many touching moments throughout.
Episode 9 also leaves us with a cliffhanger — albeit a frustratingly excellent one. Emotions are running high, and there is no way to tell how this show will play out.
Finding True Love
The final episode of Our Flag Means Death is an excellent end to what has been a fantastic series. Episode 10 – “Wherever You Go, There You Are” (written by David Jenkins, directed by Andrew DeYoung) shows us the full growth of the characters, but also leaves us wanting more.
With our hearts well and truly broken after Episode 9, Episode 10 gives us a greater insight into how these characters come to terms with the changes in their lives.
Waititi’s portrayal of Blackbeard has been something special throughout, but now we really get to see the depths of this character. He is mourning, but he is also trying to regain a part of himself. The internal struggle he is feeling is more present than ever, and it is a pure and emotional performance that is broken up by his perfect comedic timing.
Darby’s Stede Bonnet seems to take a more humorous role in this episode, but he is also sensitive in his performance. Although he seems playfully oblivious at times, he is also facing his own struggle. The way that both Darby and Waititi complement and contradict each other is incredibly smart, and it really shows the full extent of both actors’ talent.
While we don’t get to see much of the rest of the crew in this episode, we do have some great moments that show how these characters have fully grown over the course of this series. One of the most beautiful parts of this series is how every character, no matter how small, is given their own moments to shine.
While we don’t get the happy ending that we want, there is a sense of hope and longing that takes us to the end of the season and keeps us wanting more in the future.
Batten Down the Hatches
Our Flag Means Death has been a real journey from start to finish. What started as an amusing and refreshing take on the genre has now grown into something so much more. It is an incredibly well-made show that really takes you through all the emotions you could possibly imagine.
While the comedy is not completely missing from the last two episodes, it takes a more subtle role that comes through in the moments it is most needed. The honest and profound moments are balanced so well with the humour, and every member of the cast really gives it their all.
Did I ever imagine I would be so emotionally attached to a pirate crew? No. Am I upset I didn’t get the full resolution that I needed wanted? Yes. Will there be a special place in hell for Izzy ‘Hands’? Absolutely.
This is a show that is everything we could want. It is humorous, heartbreaking, inclusive, and it speaks to everyone on some level. No matter how heartbroken you may be at the end, it has been a beautiful journey to take, and we just have to hope we will get to see what’s next for our favourite buccaneering bunch.
All episodes of Our Flag Means Death Season 1 is now streaming on HBO Max!
Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
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