#but Ed still compliments Stede so well that it makes us like Stede more because he's standing next to Ed

[batsarebetterthanpeople]

Izzy is only interesting because of his proximity to Ed. I'm just the only one brave enough to admit that fact.

[londonspirit]

Our Flag Means Death’s season-two finale has it all. There’s a declaration of true love between our favorite criminals, Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and Ed, a.k.a. Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). There’s also a heartbreaking death (RIP, Con O’Neill’s Izzy Hands), a pirate wedding that ends with the words “You are now officially mateys,” and some big-time fight scenes. “Mermen” packs a tight punch in only 30 minutes. The episode is both thrilling and satisfying, so even if Max makes the grave mistake of not renewing the series, fans will feel closure in a way that they didn’t with season one’s sendoff. And Our Flag Means Death creator David Jenkins already has some fun ideas brewing for a third season (and beyond!). The A.V. Club spoke to Jenkins about his plans to evolve Ed and Stede’s relationship, potential spin-offs, and how everyone on the show is handling its passionate fanbase.

The A.V. Club: First of all, how dare you kill Izzy Hands? Was that always the plan when you mapped out season two? 

David Jenkins: [Laughs] Yes. I felt that Izzy had reached a point where he broke through a lot of his major patterns. It was fun to give him a season where he got to do everything and where Con O’Neill got to do everything. Well, I won’t say everything, because Con can do light years beyond what I think he can do, and I do think he can do anything. We wanted to show the depth of that character. Izzy is one of my favorites. He’s like middle management who is in a sort of love triangle [in season one]. He got his wish at the end of the first season by breaking up his boss and his boss’ lover. He got punished as a result, and he had to come out on the other side, which felt like a good journey.

AVC: Despite everything that happens in season two, including Izzy’s death, the finale ends on a happy note with Ed and Stede living together. Why was it important for you to show that?

DJ: Season one ends on such a tough note for them. As you said, after what they’ve been through, they should get a moment of happiness. I won’t say however fleeting. They are going to have challenges ahead. They’re both not the most mature yet. I think that’s the fun of it, to leave them in a place where it’s a good kind of stasis. They’ve sent the kids off in the car, so to speak, and now they’re going to have to really grow if they’re going to start an inn. It won’t be easy, but I like that they’re going to try.

AVC: “Mermen” has all the elements necessary for a season finale. Did you partly add all that as a way to provide closure in case this is the end for OFMD?

JD: What’s important to understand is that you never even know if you’re going to get a second season. Maybe if you get picked up for two right away, and even then, but especially right now, who knows? I think with season one’s end, it was a gamble to leave it the way it was. Everybody stomached through it. Now if it turned out they didn’t want us to make more, I just didn’t want to have another story where the same-sex love story ends in tragedy, unrequited love, or if one or both of them are being punished.

AVC: I actually love that about Our Flag Means Death. It reminds me of Schitt’s Creek in a way because the love story just exists and is perfect; there’s no questioning it as right or wrong.

JD: That’s such a nice compliment because I also think Schitt’s Creekdoes that really well.

AVC: You’ve previously said you want Our Flag to have only three seasons. Is that still true or do you feel like the show has scope to continue beyond that?

JD: I feel like Stede and Blackbeard’s story is a three-season story, but the world of the show could go beyond that. It’s a really rich world with so many stories to tell and really good performers to tell it. I do want to see how Ed and Stede become a mature couple in the next season. They’re a couple who is like in their late twenties right now as opposed to being teens at the end of season one.

AVC: So if OFMD continues in some other form, are there characters you’d like to focus more on or other historical references you’d like to include?

JD: Yeah, a lot, because it’s such a rich ensemble. How do you not want to see more of Joel Fry, Samson Kayo, Ewen Bremner, Nathan Foad, or Vico Ortiz? Any one of them could carry their own show. It’s fun to think about that and the storylines we can do with them, mixing and matching all our characters. Vico is incredible, for example, and I especially love watching them in an action sequence. This is a weird comparison, but there’s a Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver vibe they put out. I’m such a fan of what they do.

AVC: You also really like parallels and coming full circle as a storyteller.

JD: Yeah, I do.I knew I wanted to start season two in the Republic of Pirates and end by coming back there. Stede goes on an amazing journey between the episodes. He’s thrown out of there initially, but then he comes back as a hero. I like the symmetry of that. And then the Republic of Pirates gets destroyed; it dies. It’s not just Izzy; it’s the place too. It was important to have a home, this stronghold for everyone, be destroyed. But the characters are not crushed. They’re going to try to move on.

AVC: One of season two’s new characters is Zheng Yi Sao, played by Ruibo Qian, who quickly becomes an integral part of the crew. What was the casting process like for her?

JD: Ruibo is an amazing find. One of our incredible casting directors, Cindy Tolan, she had Ruibo in mind immediately for that part by the time it got to her. And we had looked and looked before talking to Cindy. Ruibo has her own fascinating story because apparently, she had a couple of strong premonitions that she’s going to play Zheng Yi Sao. She had a modern take on the part without it being strained. She’s incredible. She’s a trained theater actor with a lot of chops. She has to go toe-to-toe with Taika and Rhys. She did it with such grace.

AVC: Season two takes Blackbeard on an interesting turn of denouncing being a pirate. But in the finale, it’s almost like he’s reborn as one, especially with that gorgeous shot of him coming out of the water. What was the thought process behind this arc?

JD: Thank you. Blackbeard is a guy in recovery when he comes back to the ship when he’s wearing the jumpsuit. He’s trying to hang on and find some kind of footing. Who is he if he’s not a pirate? Meanwhile, Stede is on his way up and wants to experience the rockstar life of a pirate, while Ed as Blackbeard is over it. It was an interesting tension of, which one gives up their dream? A lot of times in relationships questions can come up, like who is going to give up on their dream to take care of the kids? Obviously, no one wants to, but someone ends up giving up more than they want to at some point. What’s wonderful about a mature romance, and what I’d want to see more of in season three, is Ed and Stede making these tough decisions.

AVC: Stede and Ed’s relationship has led to a passionate, vocal fandom, which you didn’t have as you were writing season one. While working on season two, how did you avoid doing fan service and focus on meaningful storytelling?

JD: I never anticipated the strong reaction to season one. It’s incredible it happened. Everybody is buoyed by it in the cast, crew, and the writers’ room. To be perceived on that level with such enthusiasm makes us want to make more of it. A lot of the things the fans love are not different from things the writers love. We are fans of the show. We’re writing fanfic, but it’s called fic when we write it. The big thing for us is to make sure we’re writing beats for the characters that feel true and have moments where all of us go, “Ooooh, we have to do this.” If the beats stay true, it won’t feel like we’re simply pandering.

AVC: How do you break down those beats for Ed and Stede’s relationship as they go from wanting to take it slow to sleeping with each other this season? And where do they go next?

JD: It’s challenging with them because most rom-coms end with couples getting together. They don’t then stay with them and say, “We’re together now, but it’s turbulent; how is that going to work out?” We thought, “Okay, let’s look at our relationships in the room. What have we encountered? Who’s been dumped? Who has had to forgive somebody?” These questions were fun for the second season. I think for the third, it would [be], “Okay, who’s had a relationship for over 10 years? What things do you have to work on?” It’s fun to watch two people like Ed and Stede go through this experience.

[avastyetwats]

Stede Bonnet and Poetry.

It's known that Stede Bonnet has a way with words. He's eloquent, passionate, romantic, and expressive. We've seen that not only in the way he speaks to people, but the way he writes, especially made evident in his multiple letters to Ed. I'm going to start a rewatch and I can't remember if we've seen much else of his writing, but I'm going to have my Stede an avid writer, and reader, of poetry. I headcanon he did so much of it when he was a child, something his father once found and ridiculed him for, but it always brought him comfort to read and then to write. He especially writes poetry of the beautiful things in life. The animals that he encounters, the sunsets and sunrises on the horizon, the snow that falls from the sky painting the lands in shimmering white, his adventures as a pirate, people's met and, of course, love. Some of his favorite poetry he has hanging about his ship in different places, whether it's some he's read or written, but there are quite a few he keeps to himself in his notebook. For his eyes only, for his heart. Some that he even wrote years and years ago that speak about his life and what he went through, or his nightmares, etc. He uses poetry to express both positive and negative feelings and experiences. And because he's Stede, he has some silly poems as well about the crew. Lucius, Frenchie, Izzy etc. He's just a man that likes to speak, that likes to express himself, as we all know which he's far more comfortable doing now than he was as a child for obvious reasons. His father often made him feel trapped, but on the open seas, with his found family, he feels free and safe, though of course there are those that still make fun of him or roll their eyes at his antics and gentlemanly nature, but so long as he has his family, and his love, that's all that matters to him. Also when he is in a relationship with someone, he can and will write little love notes for them to find. Whether praising/complimenting something about his lover or simple little "I love you", "you are the sea to my sky", "it is not the sun that illuminates my world, but you", etc. Sentimental little notes like that, though sometimes they're silly because Stede is a dork. I just wanted to talk about this a little before I forget and I'm going to dive more into Stede's love for poetry and his writing.

[skimblyshanks]

For transparency's sake I binged all of OFMD on the 1st, then rewatched it in halves, on the 2nd and now the 3rd.

So, reaching the ending again, already knowing what would happen, I realized that I had missed Izzy's explicit threat that "Edward better watch his fucking back" after provoking him into an attack and saying that there was His Blackbeard

So yeah. The final shot of him sobbing makes. Even more sense to me now? From the moment after the Toe Scene Izzy is with him until he's in the Captain's Quarters, at which point he is sobbing. The Lucius Throwing was just before the Toe Scene.

So. In Ed's mind, he has been stood up by Stede, after giving up on the academy life that he liked because he could tell Stede was unhappy there. Calico Jack is dead. He's feeling a mess and completely betrayed but he's gonna try and keep his head up and continue making constructive steps.

Then Izzy is in his quarters, tells him he wished he'd let the Britush kill him than see him become Like This, pushes him once again to the point of physical violence, then threatens him that there will be trouble if he keeps being Edward. Aka, if he keeps being open and friendly and kind and considerate.

Well, shit, man. He's on a ship with all of Stede's crew who are all these big sweeties how can you be mean to them.

And he goes onto the deck and releases his pocket square; something that had been so important and something Stede had complimented not even knowing its emotional worth; something that became a bridge in and of itself between their worlds. And he lets it go. Because he can't keep Stede around. He can't keep his influence near him. It isn't safe for anyone.

And in comes Lucius, literally right after the square is released. I'm not saying I liked the Lucius Throwing, but. Ed has decided he has to keep up the Blackbeard mask. He cannot let anything of Stede's remain. And here comes his right hand. The one who has on multiple occasions been the one to pull him up and give him a slap on the cheek and drop the advice. This one has to be gotten rid of. Now.

Realistically speaking. Rationally speaking. It was a dumb shit move to leave everyone but Jim on the island. Buttons is a navigator who can talk to birds and was honestly p useful? In the first episodes? And Roach is a cook and the ship doctor.

But they all learned Stede's lessons. They all encourage Stede's methods. They are "Bonnet's playthings." Jim wasn't particularly close to Stede; if nothing else they didn't seem as keen on the emotion sharing as everyone else. That, and they're basically hypercompetent compared to everyone else. Frenchie. Well he can sew and play guitar. But also he's a small trace of Stede, and hopefully one person outnumbered by Ed's og crewmates will learn how to act p quick.

But this also means. Ed can literally only express his pain alone. And I can't imagine his crying in the finale wasn't also influenced by the fact that he just ditched these ppl he had come to be at least a little fond of. He has no outlet even though he wants and needs one. And I think he does fear Izzy. Izzy is pushing him into a backslide, and there's a non zero chance part of him wants to weaponize his hurt, but I think at this point he knows he's just lost what was actually helping him move on.

Silver lining, tho? Maybe?

Ivan and Fang.

We know they bonded with the others. Fang was even like. A lowkey third to Lucius and Pete. Both were willing to join the mutiny; neither like Izzy. Not only are they a potential way for Lucius to be alive and onboard, but one of them (probably Fang lbr) could also potentially get to Edward to some extent.

Also. Edward is still wearing Stede's neckerchief. It's still tight around his neck.

[coffeewithcalypso]

God help me I guess this is just what I'm posting about for awhile. Was pretty sure my fandom blogging days were long over.

I just rewatched ep 5 Well Dressed Is the Best Revenge and there's a lot in this episode. The expressions on Blackbeard's face when he hears about the invitation. He looks like a puppy who's seen a stick but at the same time is trying to act so cool and above it all. It's precious.

What I was really thinking about though is their interactions with each other at the party. Blackbeard is a social chameleon. He does well when the interaction is as simple as reading people which not uncommon in people raised in abusive households (obviously once there are intricate rules which there are here but not revealed until later, charisma will only get you so far). I don't think Stede has really witnessed this aspect of him yet. So Stede goes into the party ready, and probably even a little excited, to show Ed the ropes. After all, this big, bad, legendary pirate has been teaching him for awhile now. This is Stede's chance to show that he also knows things, is also competent. After all who doesn't want their crush to be impressed by them? Made even better by the fact that he's clearly impersonating a highly anticipated guest. This social interaction was basically handed to him on a platter. I think even then he's a little nervous. Ed is already so eager to please these people, and Stede is trying to downplay them, as if he already expects this will go badly for him but maybe if he can make sure Ed doesn't think too highly of these people it won't be too embarrassing. And so, so quickly Ed has charmed the room and the crowd has turned on Stede. They tease and belittle him, which Stede is probably somewhat use to but the humiliation of it happening in front of Ed... And then Ed joins in. In some ways this indicates how assured he is that he has Stede's approval already because he's not even vying for it, but it also shows how desperately he needs everyone's approval. Having just one person's isn't enough for him (yet). It's clear on Stede's face how hurt he is. Ed never sees it, doesn't even look at Stede, check in on Stede, as he says these hurtful things which is just heartbreaking in itself. Stede doesn't lash out though or talk to Ed about it (I would like to think he plans to but doesn't want to ruin Ed's fun for now), he simply excuses himself and goes off somewhere quiet.

Which makes what he does next all the more touching. When Ed is upset, when these people inevitably turn on him, unlike Ed not long before, Stede doesn't turn on him, doesn't join in or pile on. Stede does what he has always known he's capable of doing, just cruelty isn't his first instinct (probably part of why he doesn't thrive among or enjoy being among the upper crust), he massacres them socially. Though he's defending Ed, though I truly think he was hoping to impress Ed at this party, quite tellingly, Ed isn't around when he does it. Ed doesn't show up until the aftermath. This could have been a moment to show off but it isn't even about that. They hurt Ed and he's going to destroy them. He doesn't even need Ed to know he did it. That's just what you do, defend the people you love. Don't even get me started on brilliant parallels between the scene of the pirates attacking the ship and the scene of the aftermath of Stede's "game". Just brilliant.

Then! The thing that destroyed me the most, is even after all the ways Ed hurt Stede that night, this is the episode where we get the first truly tender moment between them. Stede compliments Ed for what I think is the first time, they almost hug, they give longing looks, just... God! No resentment from Stede, no withdrawing into himself (which I know I'd do and I think Ed would do if someone had turned on him like that to impress strangers). He's still kind and warm and vulnerable.

I'm so obsessed with these two idiot gay pirates.

[izzy-b-hands]

Dying at the idea of Stede's kids visiting the ship.

"It's fine, they'll be perfectly safe," Stede says as his son goes flying up with a rope he untied, while Buttons tries to catch him by the ankle.

"Yeah, we'll keep the weapons and all that out of the way, don't you worry," Ed smiles and then it freezes awkwardly on his face as Stede's daughter walks by with a sword on her hip, a gun in each hand, and Jim is walking beside her explaining all the ways to hide throwing knives on oneself.

I can't decide if Mary would be like okay they're still alive so in theory the kids will also be fine, or if she'd like. Quietly ask the first person she sees other than them (for humor purposes, let's say Izzy) to keep an eye on the kids.

Which is peak dilemma for Izzy because fuck you I'm a pirate not a fucking babysitter! But also he knows of the Shenanigans on this ship so like. Fuck, I guess I can maybe try and watch them, I suppose! But Mr. Grumpy Ass gets a little sentimental when Stede tells the kids how Izzy is a damn good duelist and once pinned him to the mast. Should have seen it, kiddos! Stuck there for...well really too long it was very painful but what a feat, eh? Go on, ask him about it!

And he might not ever want kids, but a compliment is a compliment and they're immediately like holy shit that is such a big cool badass Pirate Thing pls tell us more but also thanks for not killing our dad and while the latter bit might make him roll his eyes, the former has him puffed up like a prideful peacock because yeah! That was a cool badass Pirate Thing! Want more gory pirate stories? And of course they do regardless of the nightmares it might give them later.

The only thing I haven't figured out for fic purposes is if it would make sense to sail a short trip (or in theory short I suppose, if the weather cooperates) with the kids, or stay at the nearest dock so Mary can at least know where they are and keep an eye on the ship from a distance

Either way they're definitely leaving with souvenirs. Their own sewn pirate flags, at least one sword or knife (that they've been shown how to wield of course), and a promise that once they're older they can come back and get a pirate sort of tattoo (that's definitely an Ed promise and Stede might raise a brow but Ed's like look. If it's in a hidden spot and they really do want one in a few years, are you gonna be able to say no? What if you have some yourself by then, hmmm?)

I just love this balance of blended and found family that's healthy and gets talked about and worked out kindly and respectfully among the adults involved. Stede maybe can't go back home and visit, but he can sneak close to a private dock and have the kids come visit them, as well as have Mary and Doug over for dinner (which Doug doesn't bat an eye at because he's just like. My impression is he's the chillest dude. He cannot be flustered. So if there's cannon fire in the distance or a storm rocking the ship sending plates flying he's just like 'oh! We needed the moisture, I'm glad it's finally raining!' even as his plate goes crashing into the wall.)

Eventually I'm gonna write a full fic for this, but for now I just wanna get the ideas down. If I didn't have early work training tomorrow I'd stay up and do it now, but I can't do that and make work anymore lmaoo, too old now.