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Reviews
Our Flag Means Death: Impossible Birds (2023)
expertly mixing tragedy with comedy
This deals so well with Ed's devastated mental state, even going so far as to let Izzy, his First Mate for as long as we know, ask "what am I to you?" That exchange is so devastating, both for an audience and for Izzy, who professes his love and is then dismissed by an Edward who is clearly lost to his grief over the failed relationship with Stede Bonnet.
And on the other hand, we get Swede being added to the list of Jackie's husbands, a turn of events that seems to be wonderful for both of them! We get Jim retelling Pinocchio to Fang COMPLETE WITH THE VOICES, which is just delightful and a necessary levity for the crew of Ed's new ship. There is even a fantasy fight between Stede and Izzy that ends with Stede and Ed running towards each other like the ending of a movie, falling into each others arms.
An episode that really lives up to the name OFMD has given itself!
Our Flag Means Death: This Is Happening (2022)
Jim has hidden depths!
I was in love with the character of Jim from the start. Having a character who happens to be nonbinary but it not be the focus is just AMAZING to see; it's really the representation I want in the world.
But on top of that, on top of the romance vibes with Oluwande, we get Jim backstory!! And what a fascinating story it is too. Nana is just a BRILLIANT character, and really brings to life the feeling of telling a family member your new name and them trying, but not getting it, but not in a malicious way, just in a she's trying kind of way?
Jim's backstory makes so much sense with how they are ruthless with a knife and also sort of secretive. It really brings the comedy to a story that could have ended up dark and brooding, but given the way Jim is forced to open up, it really just brings out the humor in things.
Also, we get a fantastic conversation from Stede and Ed about Ed opening a hypothetical restaurant while Lucius looks on and fulfills the necessary audience-viewpoint of "oh my god this is actually happening" at their flirting.
Our Flag Means Death: Wherever You Go, There You Are (2022)
some hope (and tragedy) to go with your romcom
This is, hands down, my favorite episode of Our Flag Means Death Season One. The parallels between the journeys taken here is absolutely brilliant; there's something about watching two people's lives fall apart at once that really brings a show together.
This episode definitely has a bleak separation of stories, both hopeful and tragic, but makes sure to have you laughing and groaning along the way with Stede and Edward. Even better, there is a shift in character that acts as a prelude to the version of Edward we see in the teasers for Season Two, even setting up Izzy Hands for some interesting character development.
Overall, this is a fascinating build on the characterization that's been growing through the season, and I will probably go watch this one more time again before the next season comes out.