1717 Golden Age of Piracy – Captain Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) is a wealthy landowner who opted to take a high seas adventure. Unfortunately, Stede’s adventure didn’t turn out as expected.

Frenchie (Joe Fry) sings a sound at the life of a pirate. Black Pete (Matthew Maher) is being prompted by his opponents to make a quick wager. Oluwande (Samson Kayo) argues that Pete is always slow at wagering. Angrily folding, he strews the cards on the table. He complains their adventure has been for not, with no kills. Frenchie suggests Stede is trying something new like “slow pirating.” Buttons (Ewen Bremner) orders the pirates to stand for the captain.

Stede alerts his crew they are about to embark on a perilous adventure. He assures them some will return injured while others will not make it back. The ones who survive might be mentally messed up. He asks for their opinion of what they should do. When no one answers, he reminds them of what he always says. Frenchie says, “Bottle it up.” Stede refutes his comment, saying it isn’t an option.  Wee John Feeney (Kristian Nairn) says they could discuss it. Stede says he is right.

Stede reads a rhyme aloud, “If someone returns from the raid mentally devastated, we talk it through as a crew.” Everyone stoically says “crew” in unison. He says this is what the Revenge crew does. Buttons alerts the captain and crew of an approaching vessel. Stede excitedly orders his crew to take their places and look scary.

Stede orders the occupants on the approaching boat to surrender because there is no escape route. A warning shot is fired, followed by the ladder rope and Stede, with a little help from Buttons. He struggles to control the rope, ordering the men in the opposing boat to hold it steady. Once he safely lands inside the boat, he thanks the gentlemen for assisting his feat. He identifies himself as a “robber.” Opening the floor hatch, he discovers nothing more than fish. From here, he searches the sleeping quarters, where he discovers a flowerpot mug.

The elderly fishermen (Ted Heyck and Pedro Lopez) hold the rope while Stede returns to The Revenge. He orders the fishermen to tell others of their experience. As they pull out, one of the fishermen tells Stede to take care of the plant.

Stede proudly sets his loot, dead plant in a mug, on his desk. Standing back, he tells his scribe, Lucius (Nathan Ford) the plant fills the space. Lucius agrees. Stede starts where he previously left off, saying every captain pirates their crew differently. He describes piracy as a “culture of abuse,” with floggings and other criminal activities. He explains how pirate captains are under a lot of pressure to feed their crews, which is why they commit a lot of crime. He claims to pay a salary, with some hesitation from some of the crewmembers.

Stede gives Lucius a tour of The Revenge. In the ballroom, a pirate is peeling coconuts. In the jam room, Wee John and others are jamming on their instruments. He shows them the library, which is open to every member of the pirate crew. Lucius reminds him of his crew’s illiteracy. He claims to know nothing of their inability to read.

Stede sets the plant on a wooden platform, calling it the “spoils of battle”. He congratulates them on their success. When he says they are “swashbuckling,” Disagreeing, Pete says stealing a potted plant is far from being swashbuckling. Roach (Samba Schutte) laughs while Wee John calls it a disgrace. Stede demands to know if Wee John is responsible for the disgrace comment. He sarcastically asks so what. Stede suggests he reframe from being a critic. Wee John reminds him of The Revenge being flagless.

Stede and Lucius pour buckets of material on the deck. He orders the pirates to create a flag. Pete refuses to sew, calling it “women’s work.” Stede tells him it just isn’t true, and he knows it. He asks his crew who has sewn in the past. Roach admits to sewing up his shoulder. The men get to work creating flags for The Revenge. Stede approaches Oluwande to compliment his flag. Oluwande demonstrates how it blows in the wind. Wee John has a piece of material draped over his head. Stede describes him as looking “Holy.” Wee John explains how he made his mother dresses.

When Stede says pirates are sweethearts inside, The Swede (Nat Faxon) and Roach get into a physical altercation. Breaking them up, Stede suggests Roach should have asked. As The Swede snuggles a large piece of material in his arms, Stede questions what he could do with it. He reluctantly says talk about it. Stede says he could have shared it with the others. He says the pirates can work through it while doing creative projects. Pete alerts the others it is time. Stede asks time for what. Stabbing a knife through Frenchie’s flag and table, Pete says to kill Captain Stede. Disappointed, Frenchie reminds him the hole will need to be sewn up.

Stede believes he will be a successful pirate captain if his crew learns to sew. Buttons interrupts to alert him of potential mutiny. Stede laughs it off until he realizes Buttons is serious. He tells Lucius to stop recording, but he doesn’t listen. Raising his voice, he orders him to stop. Lucious says he is confused. Frantic, Stede jerks the page out of the log and wades it up.

Pete asks the pirates if they believe Black Beard’s pirates sewed. He assures them they never sewed, instead, they looted, drunk, plotted, and schemed. Wee John tells him he never worked on Black Beard’s crew. Roach tells Frenchie his black cat isn’t scary. Frenchie disagrees, saying they are “terrifying.” Roach says witches have knives protruding from their feet. Pete suggests they focus on mutiny instead of a flag. Frenchie reminds them every pirate ship needs a scary flag, mutiny or not. Pete tries to get the others to agree that Stede needs to go. Wee John says he’s on board if they can set him afire. Roach reluctantly raises his hand as Lucius approaches to inform them Buttons told Stede. He admits to still being in.

Stede and Buttons discuss the possibility of mutiny. Stede asks why. Buttons suggests he not take it personally. He says it is more about how he operates. Stede names a list of things he does for his crew. Buttons says the crew thinks Stede is full of fluff. Stede says maybe they need more structure from an iron fist. Buttons recommends making them earn their keep and giving them something to sink their teeth in.

Wee John asks who will take Stede’s place if he is killed. Pete says he will be the new captain of The Revenge because he is a more experienced pirate. The pirates mumble among themselves. Roach asks them to consider Jim (Vico Ortiz) as he looks to be an experienced pirate. Pete reminds them of Jim’s muteness, calling it problematic. He apologizes to Oluwande if he offended his best friend. Agreeing with Pete, Oluwande tells them Jim isn’t fond of politics. Jim sharpens his knife.

Spotting a ship in the distance, Stede asks Buttons if it is big enough. He isn’t for sure but thinks it is a beauty. Stede agrees to target the ship. Pete questions Oluwande if he will join them in killing the captain. He denies having an issue with Stede, pointing out he reads them stories at night. He tells them if the captain is killed, they will never find out what happened to the wooden doll that wanted to be a real boy. The Swede points out that Lucious is literate. Wee John points out that Stede does the voices, Lucious may not be able to. Roach asks Lucious to speak like a wooden boy. When he refuses, they all demand he does it. Lucious alters the tone of his voice. They all agree his wooden boy voice is horrible.

Stede approaches to speak to the crew about his plans to kick a large ship’s ass. Roach asks if it is really a large ship this time. Stede assures him it is when Roach interrupts to say the question is directed at Buttons. Buttons describes the ship as “quite impressive. Wee John questions if the ship can be set afire. Stede says he would be disappointed if they didn’t. Frenchie sings a song while the pirates gather their weapons. Stede believes his speech went well. Buttons agrees, saying the pirates seem a little less inclined to kill him.

When Stede sees the pirates practicing their knife-throwing skills, he worriedly asks Buttons if it will get bloody. Buttons says raids are not for snowflakes and almost always end in bloodshed. Stede asks him what he pulled out of his pocket. He calls it his “fangs” for chewing a foe’s throat. Repulsed, Stede exclaims, “God!” He places the fangs in his mouth and smiles. Stede is shocked by the pirates’ display of violence in preparation for the raid.

In a flashback – young Stede watches Father Bonnet (Boris McGiver) chop off a duck’s head. One whack with a cleaver and duck’s head is severed. When the blood splatters on young Stede’s face, he hurriedly turns his head and covers his face. Father Bonnet orders him to watch, as it is just man’s work. Grabbing his hand, he drags him outside. He explains how the estate will be his one day, even though he has done nothing to earn it. He asks Stede what that makes him. He says, “Fortunate.” Getting in his face, Father Bonnet calls him a weak-hearted, soft-handed little rich boy. He assures him he will be nothing more.

Back in the present – Captain Stede says, “That’s all I will ever be.” He is started by a knock at the door. Oluwande and Jim came to check on him, per Buttons’ orders. Oluwande asks if he is in his pajamas. Stede describes his silk outfit as a “battle jacket.” When they prepare to leave, he insists they enter. He informs them it has been a long time since he has been involved in hand-to-hand combat. He asks them to give him a refresher. Oluwande says Jim has seen more combat than him. Holding up his hands in front of him, Stede suggests he show him the basics. Jim swings his knife at his head, neck, private parts, and finally the heart.

When Stede questions if there is something less harmful, Jim forces his head down to the ground and pretends to hit him in the back of the head. He asks what type of weapon is needed for the move. Oluwande assures him any weapon will work. He orders them to sit down beside him. They reluctantly heed his order. Oluwande explains how pirating is dangerous and not for everyone. Stede says pirates thrive on danger. Oluwande denies liking what they do, but there is no other option. Stede has another flashback of the duck’s blood spattering over his face while talking about killing. Looking at Oluwande and Jim, Stede calls himself an idiot, not a pirate. He breaks down crying when a loud boom can be heard in the background.

Buttons alerts him it is a warning shot. He questions why the foe’s ship is so large. Buttons says it is an English naval warship. He explains how it has 10 times the men and guns before asking Stede if he has been crying. Stede denies crying. Another shot hits The Revenge’s mast or spar.

Officer Wellington (Michael Crane) asks for permission to blow The Revenge to hell. Captain Nigel Badminton (Rory Kinnear) is struggling to make up his mind. He questions if the boat is carrying pirates. Wellington isn’t for sure because one of the men is wearing a silk gown. Badminton spots Stede in his telescope hiding behind a wooden structure. He describes the man as “cowering” until he recognizes him. Frenchie alerts the captain a tender is being sent over by the other boat. Stede orders everyone to hide as he hits the deck.

As the tender approaches, Wellington asks if any of the men are Stede. Jim and Oluwande entice him to stand up. Wellington tells him Badminton sends his regards and apologies for the attack. Stede assures him it isn’t necessary while Pete and the others encourage him to refuse his offer. He eventually relents, asking for a bit to clean up first.  As they get dressed, Stede explains how he and Badminton attended the same boarding school. Someone complains about there being too many buttons on his outfit. He gives the men fake identities.

At dinner, Badminton apologies for attacking The Revenge. He asks for more information on his crew. Stede describes them as “upper-crust lads” testing their skills at sea. Underneath the table, Pete has a gun pointed directly at Badminton. Oluwande offers Wellington more tea. Refusing the offer, he describes the taste as being similar to dishwater. Oluwande rolls his eyes. Badminton reminds Stede of the rowboat prank. He claims to not remember.

In a flashback – Young Stede is picking flowers when someone issues an order to get him. The flowers go up in the air and Stede flees, running directly into a tree. He is in a rowboat, with his hands tied to the oars. The other children are pelting him with rocks.

Back to the present – Stede looks distressed while Badminton calls it all in the name of fun, an initiation. Stede says he can’t recall anyone else being initiated. Badminton reminds him of French-kissing a horse, raising a laugh among his men. Stede suggests they are busy doing the King’s bidding. Badminton describes their job as “boring.” As he talks about annihilating pirates, The Swede stares at him as if he could run through him. Badminton hints around he would like to see the rest of Stede’s tiny boat. Exhaling, Stede reluctantly offers him a tour of The Revenge. He blows off Wellington’s suggestion they should return to the ship. As they walk away, Buttons daintily picks up his teacup.

Stede escorts Badminton to his chambers. Looking around, he describes it as “ridiculous” and “impractical.” Badminton says only Baby Bonnet would bring a full library to see. When he asks what would happen in a storm, Stede imagines himself trying to keep the books from falling to the floor. Badminton tells him about a rumor circulating that he left his family.

In a flashback – Stede, Louis Bonnet (William Barber-Holler), Alma Bonnet (Eden Grace Redfield), and Mary Bonnet (Claudia O’Doherty). In another scene, he is sitting alone at one end of the dining table and the three of them on the other end. They are discussing their favorite horse. When Stede says Arthur, Mary stares at him before asking the children their favorite pig.

Back to the present – Finishing his previous statement, Badminton says a pirate. Stede admits it’s true. Badminton turns around, stares, and cracks up laughing. Stede picks up a brass whale paperweight and stares at the back of Badminton’s head.

Pete cocks his gun underneath the table. Officer Shaw (David Jenkins) holds up what he believes is a pillowcase. Pete explains how they took it from pirates who are now dead. They question why the larger skull appears to be eating the smaller skull. Shaw asks if they are cannibals. Pete suggests not messing with them. As he picks up another flag, The Swede says, “Those guys were even tougher.” Lucious is seriously stressed out as Shaw continues to show off the pirate flags.

Badminton continues to laugh at the thought of Stede becoming a pirate. He reminds him how he was a soft, weak, and plumper. Disagreeing, Stede describes his young figure as “slender.”

Shaw picks up a flag bearing a black cat. Frenchie interrupts to explain how cats are evil because they stead the breath of children. Raising his voice, Wellington says enough disruptions. Jim throws a knife that splits Wellington’s cup in half. The knife is sticking through his hand into the table.  Lucius passes out. The pirates laugh. Pete fires his weapon.

A loud noise encourages Badminton to draw his sword. Stede suggests it may blow over. Badminton tells him he is still a coward. Stede has a flashback of duck blood splattering in his face and Mary staring at him like he is repulsive. Irate, Stede hits him in the back of the head with the brass whale paperweight. He yelps when Badminton’s body smashes to the floor.

Chaos disrupts in the dining room. Stede yells for someone to come to his chamber. He tells them about utilizing the stun method. Lucious stares into space while Stede trips out, claiming it was only an accident. Grabbing his shirt, Oluwande demands to know if he wants to live and have the respect of his crew. He says it would be nice. Oluwande suggests he tell them it was done on purpose. Badminton’s body is thrown on the deck floor, with a knife in his eye. Stede admits to doing it on purpose. Frenchie covers Wellington’s face with a piece of fabric when he threatens Stede’s life.

He asks Stede how he wants to toss Wellington overboard. He orders them to get some rope.

An English officer reports The Revenge is leaving. He asks the whereabouts of Badminton. An English Seaman (Luke Marinkovich) points out at an approaching tender. Badminton’s mouth is gagged, and hands tied to the oars. Screaming, he rows faster.

Frenchie is impressed with Stede. Pete assures him it was nothing. Wee John suggests they let him live another day. Oluwande says they aren’t the best crew. He reminds them of Stede feeding them and paying their wages. He suggests they enjoy it as long as they’re alive. While staring out at sea, Stede has a brief flashback of his family.

Stede reads his crew a book at the wooden puppet. Jim removes his hat to show he is actually a girl. Oluwande brings her a plate of food. Stede continues to read to the crew. Their handmade flags blow in the wind as the episode comes to end.

 

Our Flag Means Death Review

Initially, I said geez, I don’t think this is worth finishing. About 10 minutes in, I familiarized myself with the characters and fell in love with them all. This TV series is one of the best I’ve watched since “A Wolf Like Me.” The characters are charismatic, adventurous, brave, charming, and compassionate, even ole’ Black Pete.

If you give this show a chance, you will love it as well. The directing is great for working with such a large group of characters in a small area. This is the perfect binge for someone who is feeling down in the dumps, looking for a pick-me-up.

While I highly recommend it, I hope nothing changes from this point forward.

The episode deserves a 7.5. Get more Our Flag Means Death recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link to learn more.