The HBO Max original, Our Flag Means Death, has become a rising star. The show features pirates, debauchery, and the distinct humor of Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok’s Taika Waititi. Our Flag Means Death straddles the line between a workplace comedy and swashbuckling-epic in an unusual combination that has proven to be a crowd favorite. Where it bears a resemblance to Black Sails or Vikings with the inclusion of real historical figures, Our Flag Means Death took the real-world events of “golden age” piracy and comedically interpreted them for a modern audience.
The show struck a chord with many fans because of its ability to show diverse, rich, relatable moments. For example, both of the leading men dared to question their true dreams and destiny later in life, realizing that the life they had wasn’t the one they truly wanted. For another example, Jim, a non-binary pirate on the run, finds their place on a crew of people who genuinely accept them. Additionally, Stede and Blackbeard both come to terms with their romantic feelings for one another, which significantly alters their lives and identities. These stories and themes show a pattern of acceptance, expression, and courage throughout season one of Our Flag Means Death. The ability to tell such dimensional stories while still remaining a quirky, light-hearted comedy is part of what propelled Our Flag Means Death to success.
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The dynamic ensemble cast is returning for the upcoming season with a likely premiere in 2023. What storylines from the pilot season can we expect to see in season two?
Where Season 1 Left Off
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Season one concluded on a bittersweet note. Both Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) and Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) were arrested and, while incarcerated, forced to labor for the British Empire. There, Blackbeard, now Ed, came to terms with giving up his piracy in favor of a new life. This new life was one that Stede helped him create – one with gentlemanly manners, extravagant indulgences, and less of the piracy of which Ed had grown tired. They planned an escape from jail and finally conveyed their romantic feelings for each other. However, after agreeing on a meeting time to depart in a boat, the twin of Captain Nigel Badminton (Rory Kinnear) attempts a vengeful assassination on Stede, the man who unintentionally murdered his brother.
Chauncey’s last words to Stede provoked unfettered guilt over the events of the series thus far. “Stede Bonnet… is not a human. You’re a monster. A plague. You defile beautiful things. My dear brother. Your own family. You’ve even managed to bring history’s greatest pirate to ruin. And here you are… unscathed.” In a guilt-ridden panic over seemingly ruining Blackbeard’s life, Stede fled home without a word to Blackbeard. There, Stede and his family finally received closure after his initial rushed departure. His wife is happy and romantically moved on, his son is accepting of his new life, and Stede is conceding that he can’t go on without Ed and the love he shared with him.
However, with no notice from Stede, Ed begrudgingly took to the seas, becoming a pirate once again. He wallowed in a depressed, heartbroken state until former first-mate Izzy (Con O’Neil) convinced Ed to return to the mantle of “Blackbeard.” Ed transformed back into the brooding pirate from the beginning of the series. He threw Lucius (Nathan Foad) overboard, seemingly killing him, and later threw everything reminiscent of Stede overboard. One of his last scenes shows him abandoning the crew on an island, and, once alone in Stede’s former captain’s quarters, he breaks down and cries.
Is Lucius Really Dead?
Lucius was Stede’s scribe during his reign as captain of the Revenge. He also entered into a romance with fellow shipmate Black Pete (Matthew Maher). As a character, he bore a striking contrast to his crew members; he was pacifistic, tight-lipped, and compassionate to the feelings and relationships of other crew members.
When Blackbeard shoved Lucius off of the ship, potentially killing him, it ultimately marked the return of the dark, vengeful, villainous pirate. Lucius had become close with Blackbeard throughout their ventures, and when Blackbeard mourned his relationship with Stede, Lucius was an empathetic beacon of support. By picking Lucius to eliminate, Blackbeard eradicated the face of the emotional depth and sensitivity that the crew worked to cultivate. Lucius symbolized the unity they all created, and what’s more, he was a glaring reminder of Stede.
However, there was never confirmation that Lucius died – just a whoosh over the rail, a splash, and some yelling. Since he played such a significant role in season one, coupled with how Our Flag Means Death writers talk about season two, there is a chance that Lucius will return in some form. There is even a growing fan theory that Lucius might return as an antagonist in season two now that Blackbeard has given him sizable motivation.
Stede Returning to Piracy… And Edward
When Stede ventured back out to sea, it was clear that it was not just for piracy. He is returning to find Edward–now Blackbeard–and the rest of his crew. In an Indiewire interview, Rhys Darby explained how his character ultimately returned to piracy after a short respite in his former hometown:
It is obvious that Stede is returning to sea for the adventure that he found with his crew on the Revenge. His return to piracy will be a storyline in season two, but his return to Ed remains uncertain. It took a full season of arduous, life-threatening bonding to convince Blackbeard to “come out of his shell.” He finally acquiesced and showed unprecedented vulnerability only to be brutally betrayed. Given how jarring the return was of the “Blackbeard” pirate facade, it is unlikely that Stede will be able to easily coax him into living as “Ed.” Will Stede be able to apologize for abandoning Blackbeard? Is Blackbeard capable of forgiveness at this point? Will the crew forgive Stede for abandoning them?
“So he started to feel, obviously, physically — by being very severely wounded — and then emotionally, by finding someone that he felt love from and love toward. So I think he’s heading back out to sea just because he’d never felt so alive in his life when he was practically dead. So I think he’s obviously going to look for Ed, but really the other thing he’s going to look for is getting the gang back together, getting the ship, and feeling love in whatever capacity that means to him. There’s that scene where he waves out at the end and he can see some of the crew, and that is really what he’s after. Anything beyond that, I still think he’s got no idea.”
The Fate of Jim and Frenchie
Almost every member of Stede’s crew was abandoned on an island. Frenchie (Joel Fry) and Jim (Vico Ortiz) were spared and brought on to Blackbeard’s new crew. In Frenchie’s case, he was brought on for his sewing skills, having created the flag for Stede’s crew. Frenchie later created a new flag for Blackbeard’s new era of piracy, solidifying his usefulness as a crew member. In Jim’s case, Blackbeard’s reasoning for keeping them aboard remains unclear.
Jim showed fierce sword-fighting, knife-throwing, and piracy skills throughout season one, ultimately making them a formidable pirate. While they were an active member of the crew (participating in group activities, forging friendships, entering into a romantic relationship, etc.), Jim did not have many opportunities to bond with Blackbeard one-on-one. Therefore, Blackbeard’s motivation for keeping Jim on board could be solely based on their skills. However, because of Jim’s former relationship with Spanish Jackie (Leslie Jones), the mastermind behind the capture of the Revenge, Jim is likely on the crew for more ominous reasons.
When Will Season 2 Premiere?
Samba Schutte, otherwise known as “Roach,” has confirmed that filming for season two is underway. This came a month after show creator David Jenkins released a teaser photo of a script from season two’s premiere episode.
While season two does not yet have a premiere date, HBO Max has confirmed that Our Flag Means Death will return in 2023.
