An immediate cult classic, Our Flag Means Death is a satirical comedy that reimagines the unlikely friendship between the real-life aristocrat, Stede Bonnet, and the pirate Edward Teach, better known as the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. Described as a ‘workplace comedy, set on a pirate ship,’ to Koktail Magazine by Blackbeard actor Taika Waititi, who portrays the role with the whimsical nature of a grown-up Peter-Pan (that is, if Peter Pan were a murderous psychopath) and the menace fit for a roving pirate. Ryys Darby brings a boyish charm to Stede, and is played less as a pompous rich guy, and more as an overly enthusiastic, but always well-meaning, boss. The pair’s ensuing romance is an unexpected yet heartfelt one. The ensemble cast of crew members adds further layers as each character feels like a fleshed-out human being rather than a pawn serving the main plot.

Fans have praised the series for its brand of flamboyant wit and absurdity as well as the sincere portrayal of queer characters. Across two seasons, the series has delivered unforgettable moments that range from laugh-out-loud hilarity to gut-wrenching heartbreak. Here’s a look at Season 1 and the best episodes that define why the show has earned such a devoted following.

‘Meet The Crew of the Revenge’

The series kicks off with Stede having just abandoned his life as an aristocrat to try his hand at a bit of piracy. Ridiculous from the start, blissfully ignorant Stede is utterly oblivious to the fact that he is way out of his depth. While he’d rather sip tea than pillage, his crew is made up of a ragtag group of eccentrics, screw-ups, and the odd killer. The episode immediately establishes the tone of the show perfectly. From the very beginning, audiences get a clear sense of everyone’s character. 

Annoyed with Captain Stede’s lack of pillaging, Black Pete, the man who swears he used to be on Blackbeard’s crew, tries to rally the others in a half-baked mutiny. Some members consider taking part, including Small John, the gentle giant, Frenchie, the ship’s bard, the Chef named Roach, and even Lucious, Stede’s personal scribe tasked with recording all of Captain Stede’s glorious battles. The mutiny is short-lived, of course, as Buttons (the ship’s eccentric First Mate who is best friends with a seagull) immediately spills the beans.

Turns out to be all for the best as the crew knows that while he isn’t the best captain, they aren’t that great of a crew, and besides, if they killed Stede, who would read them bedtime stories? While it isn’t an eventful episode in terms of plot, it does serve to set up the characters and their relationships, even the crew’s begrudging affection for their captain. 

‘Discomfort In A Married State’ 

The episode kicks off with a bout of storytelling before bed, where Black Pete recounts his absolutely true and not at all made-up story about saving Blackbeard’s life, and they accidentally run aground. Chaos ensues as Stede decides to let his crew have a vacation day, which escalates in Roach losing their newly acquired hostages (Don’t worry, they are awful people). The situation only escalates when Stede, Black Pete, and Oluwande are captured and taken prisoner by the Island’s native tribe. Or rather, Stede and Black Pete are. In a hilarious turn of events, Oluwande is treated as a guest of esteem and is seen to be making himself at home amongst his new friends, while Stede, Black Pete, and the runaway hostages are left in uncomfortable cages due to the tribe’s history with white men, killing them. However, they are ultimately able to talk their way out of the situation. 

The episode is a standout, introducing Blackbeard’s first mate, Izzy Hands, a man who’s wound tighter than the ship’s rigging and absolutely hates Stede on sight. The episode sees Stede reeling with guilt over abandoning his wife and children, and reveals Jim the mute is secretly Bonifacia Jimenez, a woman living in disguise. Izzy’s disdain sets up an ongoing tension that carries through the series, as does Jim’s evolving identity. 

‘This Is Happening’ 

By now, Blackbeard and the remains of his crew, Feng, Ivan, and the ever-surly Izzy Hands, have taken residence on the Revenge, and the two pirate captains are growing closer. This episode may look like filler to the untrained eye, but it is integral to several key characters’ development.