Our Flag Means Death is a Masterpiece of Storytelling & Character Development | Review & Discussion 

It really is a masterpiece. So funny and lighthearted yet with well-developed characters who have real depth.

Seeing a romance between a flamboyant middle aged man (Stede) + a leather daddy (visually, Ed) just makes me so happy like my god a man w a full beard falling for a man in a frilly little outfit makes me realise how little our fashion culture is ever shown in gay rep, especially in romance. + I'm obsessed w Pete and Lucius as well. It's the only time I've seen rep that feels like ppl you'd find in a gay social space, rather than being people isolated from their community.

Your review was great! This show has easily became my favorite so quickly, I first watched it back in april and binged it in one night I couldn't stop. I agree wholeheartedly that it's the characters that hook you while the story keeps you watching. While I do love Stede with my entire being, Blackbeard/Edward is my favorite character because I identify with him the most and speaking of Edward, the show takes a tonal shift as soon as he shows up because before him it was like Stede was in a play and it became real very quickly with what happened at the end of episode 3. There's a lot of symbolism but I think my favorite so far is something David Jenkins has said in a recent interview, how purple is a symbolism of Ed's love for Stede and it was immediate because purple shows up in episode 4 when Stede shows Ed his auxiliary closet where it shows Ed looking up at a purple shelf. And then of course purple is throughout the rest of the show and it's so good! I hope you're excited for season 2!

Yeah, they didn't make homophobia the inevitable reaction of all people, but it's still there. It exists in the underlying metaphor of the show which also encompasses toxic masculinity. Stede is the sissy stereotype who's been emotionally abused his whole life for not conforming to standard masculine behavior. Ed is the stoic manly stereotype hiding his emotions to protect himself from more emotional trauma. Izzy is the embodiment of homophobia/toxic masculinity (Calico Jack too). Izzy specifically hates Stede and Lucius, the two fem guys. He hates that they encourage Blackbeard to embrace emotion and vulnerability as Ed, ruining his ideal of Blackbeard being the epitome of manliness. I'm in love with the way they incorporate concepts of prejudice about gender expression and sexuality while also making them fleshed out characters who are more than just a queer tragedy trope. Hey, entertainment industry, take notes.

I watched the show as it was coming out and have been obsessed with it for months now, I cannot express in words how much I love it! I went into it expecting to like it and it's now easily one of my favourite pieces of media, ever! I care so much about the crew, they're just so delightfully wacky each in their own way. My favourite part has to be the build up of the relationship between Ed and Stede, though, it was all just so genuine and precious, they own my soul at this point. The other two relationships are also very cute to watch, I didn't expect to get so invested in them. Overall I just want to gush so much about this show, I absolutely adore it.💖 Something I want to point out, that I find amusing, is that despite the casting choice, Stede is actually 29. One of the few things that is historically accurate is that he was born in 1688 and the show takes place in 1717. What is even more amusing, though, is that Izzy was supposedly 16 in 1717, but, as Spanish Jackie says: Anger, it ages you. 🤣 💜🏳️‍🌈🏴‍☠️

one thing i love about this show is that its clear the writers/costumers/set dressers/etc. DID THEIR RESEARCH, but they actively choose to put anachronistic things in the show for thematic/comedic reasons. one of my favorite examples is the piano in ep. 10: pianos were indeed around in 1717, but the first UPRIGHT piano wasn't even invented for another hundred years! not only that, but the one shown was VERY modern. however, it was much funnier to use an upright piano for the scene rather than a historically-accurate one (and likely much cheaper!). everything is very deliberate, so any anachronism comes across as clever rather than lazy/ignorant.

I love, love, love your analysis of this narrative! I have been mulling it over since I saw it and trying to clarify what specifically, made it such a great story. You have done a great job here of breaking down why it was so compelling to me. It has my heart forever as well! I look forward to more of your narrative analyses.

The more times I rewatch it the more I love all the characters on different levels. First time watching I didn´t like Izzy and now I love him. He is an ass, but his character and Con O`Neils acting are sp brilliant. I had to laugh so many times with him on screen. My favourite is Stede. I just love Rhys Darby and his voice will always make me laugh and adore him. There are people who specifically hate his voice which is bonkers to me. Also, his Stand Up is extremly funny. His FX Sounds are impressive. And the character of Stede is flawed but so fucking sweet and he grows so much. I hate what he did in the end of episode 9 but I can understand the why.....but seeing Edward in pain ist just not bearable. The idea to change Blackbeards original flag...so that at the beginning part of the design is missing and the pierced heart comes later and now really is impactful. The idea that it is not the gruesome spear piercing a literal heart but sign of his heartache and wanting to kill that part of him is just sooo good. And I love Blackbeard because he is a cute, unhinged and wild Character ( and hot, damn) with so much longing for acceptance and love. Him turning away from the more toxic masculine version of himself that OÍzzy has such a boner for is cute to watch. Also, I like Taika Waititi´s work in general. His storytelling and directing are just authentic (Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople and his short film, which now seems just like a longer version of a scene in Boy) or just wonderfully out there (Thor Ragnarok and WWDITS....also credit to Jemaine) and Jojo Rabbit being somewhere both of those things. Fuck, I´m rambling. Also love Lucius....his background acting is just hilarious to watch and him telling of Blackbeard not to be a dick was brilliant...in general....which is why I have high hopes that no actual harm has befallen him. Also like Buttons, Karl and Olivia.....he is weird but competend. Frenchie pulling of the pyramid scam was a joy to watch, I also love his little tunes and superstitions. Absolutely adore Jim, which is propably the character I identify most with (minus being badass) and Oluwande is so wholesome. First Jim´s answer that their favourite colour is teal was supposed to be a lie but now they are glad about the choice because they noticed later that Olu´s earring is teal and they want it to stay in as the truth as faer as I know. Izzy.....I know he is horrible but I really wish he gets redeemed at least in the end. I mean Stede forgave two people for attempted murder and his crew for wanting to mutiny.....so I think the chances are good....although Izzy hurt his man, so thinking of the party he torched, he can be pretty vicious if it concerning someone he likes or loves. But he will have too much guilt himself that I think forgiveness is possible. I just want Izzy to get a chance to overcome his supression of emotions and unhealthy obsession with his version of Blackbeard. He actually has good chemistry with Lucius, so I kinda ship them....not now of course but there is potential. To see how Black Pete, aka Blackbeard Fanboy reacts and evolves considering what his idol has done could be interesting. And all the others are just great and cute as well....Fang is adorable, the Swedes suprising good singing voice was nice, Roach is hilariously unhinged....Ivan is sweet as well, when he has the chance and I even liked the horrible twins....the actor is just great. Spanish Jackie was a surprise for me....I saw her only in Ghostbusters and....yeah, I cringed a lot....not only because I am a fan of the original, but I just thought it wasn´t funny. But I loved Leslie (i am sure I mispelled that) Jones was fucking amazing as Spanish Jackie....the mixture of deadpan humour and her way of talking and carrying herself was awesome. I don´t know Fred Armisen apart from I think, seeing his name as a writer or director somewhere....usually good stuff....I have no greater knowledge of Saturday Night Live, which I guess is kinda a crime for some....but sketches are very hit and miss for me. I like some random ones I have seen but never followed....love Bill Hader though, through other movies and the occasional sketch. In general, the subversion of expectations and the choices for historical inaccuracy, representation and the insane ability to teleport where they need to be was actually funny for me. Some called it the gay radar......they find each other on the high seas no matter where or in what time. They are so shameless about it that it seems delibirately. So...fuck, I usually don´t comment and now I see why. Sorry for the essay. I just needed to vent somewhere how amazing I think the show is. And sorry for grammar and spelling, not my first language.

"You're weirdly and freakishly secretive." "No, I'm not. I'm normal secretive!" LOL That line alone and what you've said so far got me hooked! I'm pretty hit and miss when it comes to comedies (more miss, sadly). But, the first three minutes of your discussion so far has me interested! I think it's neat how the characters have depth! If they didn't, I don't think I'd be interested. But, I'm intrigued by how they do. That's cool that it gets you invested in the characters. I love when a show, regardless of genre, can do that. The characters sound awesome as do their bonds! Glad to hear that the show is diverse also :). You're right that we don't see coming of age stories for older characters, so I think it's cool that we do here. Like you, I'm in my 30s, so I'm looking forward to this too. I'm glad to hear that the various storylines, even the funnier ones, were tied in. Cool that it balanced out light and heavier subjects. :) "Know what it is that you're writing and the tone that you're trying to strike." - That's great advice :). I'm going to apply that to my superhero story. I think I really need to watch this show - not just because it is good, but also because of how so much is happening right now. I could use a fun show to watch. :). Great video, Tanni! I'm going to try to watch the first episode tonight! :). I'll let you know my thoughts by social media or email :)

I haven't seen it yet, but you've convinced me :) Comedies are great, but comedies with real characters are even better. Great video. Thanks for all the work you put into it. Choosing which scenes to put where must be so hard.

I have literally watched the show start to finish dozens of times and innumberable clips/fan edits and HOWWWWW did I not notice the fingerless-to-full gloves thing?!?! Serious kudos to Christine Wada and the costuming folks. Ugh, the attention to detail on this show is incredible. I'm so obsessed 😅

I love your shelves.x

According to history Izzy would be sixteen or seventeen during the time the show plays in and it would be so funny if he still was this age canonly in the show (aka he is perfect the way he is portrayed but like Jacky sad „hatred ages you“ if you understand what I mean XD)

That pirate show sounds fun