The second season of “Our Flag Means Death” has come to an end with its eighth episode, “Mermen.” The series, created by David Jenkins and Taika Waititi, follows the adventures of Stede Bonnet, a wealthy landowner who becomes a pirate, and his crew. The show is a comedic take on the pirate genre, with Waititi also serving as an executive producer and director.
In the season finale, Stede and his crew find themselves in a dire situation as they try to escape from the British Navy and Spanish Jackie. The episode is a culmination of the season’s storyline, with several plot threads coming together in a satisfying way. The humor that has defined the show is still present, but the episode also has moments of genuine emotion and tension. In the end, the episode sets up an intriguing possibility for the show’s future.
Episode Recap
The season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death, titled “Mermen,” opens with Edward “Blackbeard” Teach peacefully fishing on a tranquil lake. The whole motley crew is reunited as they battle the evil Prince Ricky Banes, who has plans of ending piracy for good.
Key Plot Points
The episode is filled with action and suspense as the crew fights against Prince Ricky Banes and his army. Stede, Zheng, and Ed arrive to aid their crew, but at that exact moment, the British start dropping to the ground dead around them, having been poisoned by Spanish Jackie. The Swede is concerned because he consumed the poisoned alcohol as well, but Jackie reveals that everyone in her household is poison trained.
The episode also features a wedding, a funeral, and a major character death. Izzy Hands sacrifices himself while standing up to the season’s villain, which is an emotional moment for the audience.
Character Developments
Throughout the season, the characters have faced challenges and developed in various ways. Edward “Blackbeard” Teach has become more introspective and has started to question his own motivations. Stede Bonnet has become more confident and has embraced his role as a pirate. The Swede has become more compassionate and has formed a close bond with his crewmates.
Overall, the season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death is a satisfying and surprising conclusion to the season. The episode provides payoffs and new developments for the characters, while also delivering on the action and suspense that fans have come to expect from the show.
Review and Analysis
Performance Highlights
The finale of Our Flag Means Death Season 2, “Mermen,” was a dramatic and emotional ending to the series. The standout performance in this episode was undoubtedly that of Taika Waititi, who played the infamous pirate Edward “Blackbeard” Teach. Waititi’s portrayal of Teach was nuanced and complex, showing the character’s inner conflict as he grapples with his past as a pirate and his newfound love of nature. The scene where Teach mourns the loss of his friend Izzy was particularly moving and showcased Waititi’s range as an actor.
Another standout performance in this episode was from Rhys Darby, who played the bumbling pirate Stede Bonnet. Darby’s comedic timing was impeccable, providing much-needed levity in an otherwise intense episode. The chemistry between Darby and Waititi was also a highlight of the season, with their banter and interactions adding depth to their characters.
Narrative Strengths and Weaknesses
The narrative of Our Flag Means Death Season 2 was a mixed bag, with some strengths and weaknesses. One of the strengths of the season was the exploration of the theme of redemption, particularly through the character of Teach. The season showed how Teach was able to find a new purpose in life after leaving his life of piracy behind, and how he was able to make amends for his past mistakes.
However, the season also had some weaknesses in terms of pacing and plot development. The season felt rushed at times, with certain plot points and character arcs not being given enough time to fully develop. For example, the character of Zheng Yi Sao, played by Kristian Nairn, felt underutilized and her storyline was not fully explored.
Overall, Our Flag Means Death Season 2 was a strong season with standout performances and a compelling theme of redemption. While the season had some weaknesses in terms of pacing and plot development, it was still an enjoyable and engaging watch.
