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genanetherwood
Reviews
Our Flag Means Death: The Curse of the Seafaring Life (2023)
More than I could have anticipated or wished for.
Going into this episode, I had a sense that Stede would be getting help from Izzy on how to be a pirate, but I wasn't quite expecting what I ended up actually receiving from this episode. Con O'Neill continues to doing a really outstanding performance. His acting has been so incredible. He took his character to new depths that I wasn't expecting this season and it's been beautiful. Rhys and Taika somehow keep getting better and better. I'm not sure I can write my feelings out accurately on just what beautiful angles on regaining people's trust and of everything else: from mental health, ADHD, saying sorry for hurt you have caused others, and other various traumas. I won't even discuss the end of the episode. It was perfect. I cannot write about it and do it justice.
Our Flag Means Death: Fun and Games (2023)
This episode was hilarious.
This episode was SO fun, so hilarious, and even magical! Taika and Rhys' acting and chemistry continue to absolutely blow me away. They're so natural together due to their long friendship, and it brings so much authenticity to these character's story and relationship with each other. I am not sure I have seen anything portrayed by two actors so well. Rachel House and Minnie Driver were so good. They were off the wall and just so funny. I cannot wait to watch this episode again. The crew also, have their own issues they are trying to work out and it's hilarious but I love that they are trying to approach it... as healthily as possible. Such a fun episode.
Our Flag Means Death: The Innkeeper (2023)
Amazing; heartbreaking.
Again, supporting cast is incredible this season. This episode is moving, gorgeous, beautiful, with still moments that manage to make me laugh. But, at the heart of it, Rhys Darby is heartbreaking in his quiet way of expressing shock and heartbreak as Stede. Taika really digs deep into his character. There is so much in this episode. There is so much symbolism. The romance and love between the two characters is felt heavily in this episode and it was almost overwhelming. Our Flag Means Death isn't just a comedy, and this season is showing the depths it will go. It somehow manages to make all of these elements work together so well. I do not want to describe too much from this episode in particular, as it is truly an emotional joy to watch unfold.
Our Flag Means Death: Red Flags (2023)
Getting deeper into the dark.
As episode 2 starts, we are quickly revealed to that Lucius lives, and the reunion is so sweet and delightful... until we learn the absolute hell he has been through. His character is processing a lot and dealing with immense trauma. Rhys Darby's acting has just been blowing me away this season. Taika Waititi is also absolutely incredible this season. This episode really steers hard into the darker parts of what everyone has experienced and the result of that. The build up to the Revenge moving into the storm, with Timber Timbre's song "Run from Me" building as things rage is chilling. I don't think any previous episodes from season 1 up to this point have felt this harrowing before.
Our Flag Means Death: Impossible Birds (2023)
Stede has returned to what's left of his crew; Edward navigates loss and hatred
This first episode was perfect to start. You definitely get some of the humor, but the darkness and sadness of what the characters were left with are starting to bleed into view as it progresses. The new characters that are introduced are a joy and felt like they all fit right in. Special shout out to the amazing Leslie Jones as her character Spanish Jackie is given even more time to shine. She's hilarious. Prince Ricky is that naive sort of guy that wants glory and adventure, but is too ill-equipped. Seeing Stede's reaction to this character reveals just how much growth he has done from season 1.
Our Flag Means Death: Wherever You Go, There You Are (2022)
Leaves you both heartbroken and hopeful
This was such an emotional final episode. Watching Blackheard's descent through heartache, exploring expression, and then masking his brokenheartedness and becoming what he was running from is emotional, and watching Stede coming through to realization of what love is, understanding himself, accepting himself, and closure is emotional... such a swing of storylines, beautifully connected to each other. I hope they find their way back to each other. Mary showing true acceptance of Stede and finding compassion for the person who frustrated her beyond anything else was also beautiful. Taika and Rhys once again are very moving in their character's portrayals.
Our Flag Means Death (2022)
I haven't been so invested in a show in ages.
This show is an absolute gem in the world of television; "Our Flag Means Death" stands far ahead of the rest. I am not sure if HBO/Max were prepared for the response that this show would create, nor am I sure they truly appreciated what they had initially, but hopefully with the upcoming second season... they have seen the importance and the meaning this show has brought to countless people. I'm an ally, and I could feel the importance and impact this show has and would bring deeply, especially for my own friends and family that are part of the LGBTQIA+.
Its strength lies not only in its captivating storyline but also in its commitment to inclusion and representation. It beautifully weaves together drama, romance, and comedy... creating a harmonious blend of emotions that keeps me invested in the storylines.
Its portrayal of all kinds of diversity within the spectrum of human beings is wonderful. Each of these characters have their own unique ways of existing in this Pirate space and they're allowed to simply be as they are. There isn't questioning of who they are, they just are. It's wonderful to see!
It's more than just a lighthearted "pirate workplace comedy show", but a gentle exploration of found family, love, and care - mental wellbeing, mental health, self-love, and self-care. It manages to hit all of those notes.
I've always thought that those who tend to stay within the realm of comedy acting and/or comedians are the ones who do the best at exploring or portraying heartache, grief, darkness, sorrow, and sadness. Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi do this with ease. Their long time friendship in real life also adds to the depth of their character's story and connection to each other; I cannot imagine this show would have worked as well with anyone else in these roles. True familiarity with someone has brought that much more depth in the tenderness of the portrayed relationship and love on the show.
David Jenkins as creator has really struck gold with this show and he should be very proud of what he has created.