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Reviews
Our Flag Means Death (2022)
Funny, Poignant, an Instant Classic
I first discovered Our Flag Means Death in 2022, shortly after its season 1 release. Since then I have lost count of how many times I've watched the show again; from then to now I've never once grown tired of it, and rather, I've found more things I've missed on previous viewings, as well as analysed elements of the script in a different way. When season 2 came out in October 2023, my fervour for the show only increased.
Our Flag Means Death has been promoted as a comedy, but it's much more than that. I like to describe it as a "romantic dramedy". First and foremost is the love story between Stede and Ed. Then there are other love stories, such as that of Lucius and Black Pete, who in so many ways are like a mirror to the leads. There's also the love story of Oluwande and Jim, in season 1, expanded in season 2 to include Zheng and Archie. The two couples are actually bonded into a polycule, and it's a beautiful sight to behold. Then there's Spanish Jackie and The Swede: we don't see much of their relationship but they have a positive and softening effect on each other that's really lovely.
Beyond the romance is the drama. There's a battle of good versus evil, and thankfully, good prevails. There's action aplenty, as to be expected in a show about pirates, with a little bit of violence (again, to be expected). If none of that is enough to attract you, then perhaps the humour will. It's certainly not your standard US in your face humour. With a cast made up of primarily British, Aotearoa, and Samoan actors, it's definitely a lot more wry and subtle than many audiences would be used to, but I challenge you to give it a go, and guarantee you'll soon b sucked in.
I can't finish without mentioning that Our Flag Means Death lifts the bar very high when it comes to positive representation. Gender, sexuality, race, colour, size, ability and disability - everyone is treated as the person they are, and nobody's distinct characteristic is called out as unusual or treated differently. It's a breath of fresh air and very welcome in this crazy mixed up world.
Our Flag Means Death: Mermen (2023)
Absolutely stunning season 2 finale
I loved this episode on first viewing, and have loved it only more on the 9 more times (and counting) I've watched it. It loses nothing on repeat viewings - in fact that's something that could be said about the show altogether - I watch from season 1 episode 1 right through to season 2 episode 8 and I immediately want to go back and start again. If any show deserves a third season, it's Our Flag Means Death - it's the perfect, instant classic tv show. Give ALL the awards to everyone involved, in the cast, in the crew, and everyone in between. They've managed to make all these characters live and bresthe.