Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor
Content warning: this article contains spoilers
The Max original, “Our Flag Means Death,” has won hearts and captured the attention of many. The relatable characters, charming relationships and lots of piracy, offer something for everyone. Though many scenes deal with the typical pirate activities, such as stealing and murdering, the newest season of the show dives into the murky depths of the characters’ emotions.
The first season of the show ended with a heartbreaking split of the main characters, Ed, also known as Blackbeard, and Stede, played by Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby. What some fans may not know is that these two characters are real-life historical figures, and while they may not have had a romance as the show depicts, they definitely met. A new historical character introduced in season two is Zheng Yi Sao, a pirate queen.
Zheng, played by Ruibo Qian, brings a whole new level of comedy to the show, such as the iconic line: “Girl, how are you?” This question forces Stede to reflect on his past mistakes, and he even offers relationship advice to another character.
On the other hand, Ed is struggling with negative feelings of self-worth and learning to accept the fact that he is lovable. Who would have thought that Blackbeard, the world’s most infamous and feared pirate, secretly had these emotions deep down?
Lili Minato, a Western sophomore and an avid watcher of “Our Flag Means Death,” shared what she liked about the show in comparison to others that try to tackle the topic of mental health. “This show is showing you pirates in the 18th century and allowing hard subjects to be shared without bumming you out too much because it’s a comedy,” Minato said. “There’s a level of fun to it that allows these harsher, more draining subjects, to be shared to a wider audience without it being too depressing.”
Both the cast and crew work hard behind the scenes to ensure everything is smooth sailing. Taika Waititi, the New Zealand director and star of “Our Flag Means Death,” has taken similar approaches in his past work. His shows, such as “What We Do in the Shadows,” tend to be representative of many communities, so it’s no wonder they have reached a broad audience.
“Our Flag Means Death” offers a new perspective to historical, comedy and drama television fans. It will make viewers laugh, cry and gasp. The show will inspire its audience to create their own “safe space,” as the pirates aim to do on their ship and with each other. It’s a heartfelt comedy that reinvents the stereotypical perception of pirates and will make its audience reflect on the way they love themselves and others.
Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu
