The genre of pirates is one that never really has managed to take off in the film industry for some odd reason, it seems the full extent in recent years pertains mostly to a single franchise and maybe the odd series that comes and goes without really ever gaining much traction -- and yes, I am referring to both Pirates of the Caribbean and Black Sails. These two creations sitting at the forefront of an otherwise very shallow genre that does not actually have much reason for being so shallow. While its brother genre, of which is medieval, certainly does get more entries despite also not being all that popular after the downfall of Game of Thrones, I can't help but question just why this pirate genre can't seem to really go anywhere.
What is more surprising is that such a deep genre capable of so many things is only ever really taken completely seriously, or with some humour in it. Very rarely is the concept of piracy taken into consideration with a comedic mindset; dissecting the many complex strategies and fearful individuals that can be found in the sea, lurking on boats of incredible engineering and design. Thankfully, we finally do have something that really does not wish to take itself all that seriously. A show that mixes the luxuries of piracy alongside the dim, displaying the many unique types of characters that very well could've been pirates, though not particularly living up to the name.
Though, part of me is sad knowing that this show has barely managed to get up on its feet, bound to HBO Max, an already relatively niche streaming service, and thus kept below the deck despite its creativity and willing to try something different, especially in an era where creativity is sparsely funded and supported.
Our Flag Means Death
Our Flag Means Death is a low budget series, but one that is done rather well. It features a series of faces both familiar and new to many of us, while each character manages to actually stand out, providing use to the episodes and stories told. That is to say that our wide range of pirates are actually rather diverse in character; this allows for some fun episodes where their traits come out more and feature a more meaningful contribution to the story at hand.
And this is what makes Our Flag Means Death stand out, though already quite easily in a genre that is mostly dead: it does not take itself seriously. Our group of pirates are led by an individual that knows nothing of piracy and evil, completely incapable of harming anyone and often a well-spoken man of his word. A more intellectual being that you would expect to find working in theatre or in a gallery -- gentle, kind, fragile, and caring. Quite literally the polar opposite of the stereotypical pirate captain, capable of managing a crew of bloodthirsty outcasts with nowhere left to go and no other skills other than theft and murder.
Our Flag Means Death still clings to many of these tropes you would expect to be found within the pirate genre, but it does so while creating a range of characters that are quite stupid. People that manage to breeze through life under sheer luck, narrowly escaping threats and dangers without quite noticing how close things were. This is a show that heavily focuses on dialogue and writing, where the sets and backgrounds can often be obvious in their cheap aesthetic, done with a low budget and not much care for it. I think it suits it quite well, honestly. It adds to the immaturity of the show, and its general carelessness.
This is most obvious in how our pirates speak and act. Our lines are delivered in a way that is quite modern, as if these characters were born today but into a world still roamed by pirates with ships purely carried across the oceans by wind. So I would certainly say that if you expected typical pirate dialogue and line delivery, you won't really find it here. Even in their makeup and costumes, they're tidy, and well-kept. Clean.
What propels the show forward, however, is how this group of pirates act. None of them are remotely equipped to be pirates, and are led by a captain that certainly isn't destined to be one. It results in their encounters with others much more interesting and funny given they attempt to act how they should, not quite pulling it off.
Unique and engaging
As mentioned above: Our Flag Means Death is not a show shot with a considerably large budget. It is one that has been done almost as cheap as possible. But it is done well enough to keep you engaged and wanting to follow this crew of idiots as they attempt to get rich and gain notoriety for their actions. It doesn't always make you laugh, but it can. And it doesn't even matter that much, because it is a show that does something well, with a genre that is mostly overlooked.
I was surprised to see that it got renewed for a second season, and I hope it does get a little boost in production quality and hopefully viewership as a result. It is a neat little show with a lot of potential, and with the right people behind it, many of which coming from huge backgrounds in Hollywood already. Both in crew and in cast! I won't spoil things though, you are best watching the show, giving it a chance, and discovering the minds behind it, and in it.
That said, this is a show that I can't see getting a third season if it doesn't manage to gain a stronger backing. Its second season will most likely be its last with an intentional ending to tie things up. Similar to the way of shows like What We Do In The Shadows, and Wellington Paranormal. Coming to a sudden end on a good note, not quite tying things up in a narrative sense, but giving you a little closure having spread around a few laughs and adventures.
