Black Sails Season 4 Premiere - “XXIX” Review. Vengeance Never Looked So Visually Epic.

Season 4 starts off with a blast with epic sea battles

Season 4 Episode 1

Air Date: Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 9PM E/P on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

As cliché as it sounds, all good things must come to an end, and Black Sails is no exception. After several seasons of harrowing tales with mesmerizing sea battles, season four marks the last time viewers will raise the black with the pirates of Nassau. But have no fear, I always believe if you have to make an exit, it should be memorable; the Black Sails season four premiere, “XXIX,” sets the stage for what I can assure you will be an unforgettable season!

A Tale of Two Nations

The cinematography in Black Sails is always captivating but for “XXIX,” exposition through flashback sequences plays a key role in exploring the complex story lines, as well as setting up the suspenseful atmosphere. As a result, the quality of the direction leads viewers to understand not only the immediate danger at hand for the characters, but much later in the story, the deeper context of what truly is at risk for them. For example, the opening underwater scene of the ocean floor with the voice of Captain James Flint (Toby Stephens) narrating is hypnotic: “And the Lord said unto Rebekah, two nations are in thy womb…two peoples within you shall be divided…one shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger…”

As Flint quotes scripture, the camera slowly focuses on a submerged object that looks like an anchor. Suddenly, the misleading serenity of the ocean gives way to horror as debris from a ship and people drowning come into frame. It took me a moment to realize the person struggling the most is a man caught up in a rope. I noticed the metal contraption and realized that person is John Silver (Luke Arnold). How does he end up in this situation? The answer to that question is explored throughout “XXIX” in a series of flashbacks that become very significant near the end of the episode. This isn’t the first time biblical scripture has been used in Black Sails to foreshadow big themes. The topic of war is not a surprise either, but I wonder if the brother versus brother aspect will be relevant to Silver and Flint. Show creators Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levin are the writers behind the season four premiere and it’s one of their most memorable episodes yet! I love the sharp dialogue, and how every major scene lays the foundation for the rest of the season. For example, the biblical scripture in the very beginning references the story of Esau and Jacob, twin sons of Rebekah, who later end up as rivals. Esau, the eldest, loses his blessings and legacy from his father Issac in part to an act of deception. The topic of control and power are key themes in “XXIX” and makes me wonder how far Flint and Silver will go in order to rule over Nassau. Yet, Flint and Silver are not the only ones struggling.

War, What is it Good For?

Season three sowed the seeds of war with the deaths of Captain Charles Vane (Zach McGowan) and Mr. Scott (Hakeem Kae-Kazim), and if “XXIX” is any indication of what will come to pass in season four, I have no doubt every major character will be in for utter chaos.

Rackham shows off his skills in one of several key fight scenes

There is a lot of information to digest since the episode picks up not too long after the end of the season three finale, “XXVIII.” For those loyal fans who have watched the series since the beginning, there are a lot of surprising plot lines, but for new viewers, it might be a bit hard to follow. “XXIX” focuses a great deal on the ulterior motives of the main characters in the first half of the episode, especially regarding alliances, and the ongoing story arc of securing Nassau. There are three distinct story lines at work: Silver’s character growth and the impact he has on his crew, including Flint and Captain Edward Teach (Ray Stevenson), who, along with Anne Bonny (Clara Paget) and James Rackham (Toby Schmitz), continue the fight against the British Navy. And finally, there is Governor Woodes Rogers (Luke Roberts), who struggles to maintain control of the streets of Nassau by hook or by crook, much to the chagrin of Eleanor (Hannah New) and Max (Jessica Kennedy Parker). The seamless transition from “XXVIII” to when “XXIX” begins means there is much fighting and action taking place, emphasizing the high risks at stake for all the characters this final season. The sea battles are riveting to watch, and chock full of action that rivals some of the best battle scenes you’ll find in blockbuster films.

What surprises me are the major developments in several of the characters’ relationships. For those who are fans of Woodes and Eleanor, you’ll be in for a treat as the lengths they go to in order to provide a united front before the citizens of Nassau take a dramatic turn. As I mentioned earlier, Silver’s development is monumental this season and seeing the loyalty of his crew means seeing the deepening relationship he has with the Maroon Queen’s (Moshidi Motshegwa) daughter, Madi (Zethu Dlomo), who looks to be the same woman described in Robert Louis Stevenson’s book, Treasure Island. Out of all the partnerships and associations in the series, I am surprised to find Rackham and Anne are the most consistent. What I appreciate about them isn’t just their commitment to one another, but their ability to speak their minds without any filter. “XXIX” shows Rackham struggling with his guilt since it was the rescue mission to save him that led to Vane’s death. Leave it to Anne, though, to speak the harsh truth as Rackham laments what Vane did for them, “Fuck Charles Vane…I know how you felt about him, I felt the same way and you know it…but he’s dead…and I can’t see what fucking sense it makes in trying to make him happy…all [it’s] going to lead to is you joining him…”

Overall

Flight and Silver face their greatest challenge yet, but who will survive?

Flint and Silver face their greatest challenge yet, but who will survive?

I appreciate how every season premiere of Black Sails sets the pace, the risks, and core story lines clearly. “XXIX” is no exception, and while some viewers might find the pacing a little slow, I see it as the calm before the storm. Black Sails is one of the few television shows with the whole package — from skillfully crafted dialogue, to amazing cinematography, and memorable acting performances. Don’t even get me started on the to-die-for costuming that’s always impressive. All the elements that make Black Sails such a treasure—no pun intended—are present in the season four premiere, “XXIX,” or as I like to call it, “It’s Not Quite the Same Without Vane.” Yes, I predicted it and knew the moment the series decided to kill off Vane, it was the beginning of the end. Whether you loved or hated him, Vane played an essential role in the series, providing a good level of suspense because of his wild card type of character. With his absence, it looks like Silver is going to be the one to take that position as he seems to battle the same darkness Vane underwent in his life. Aside from Silver’s story line, I’m really fascinated with how Eleanor is going to be able to continue her manipulative games with her influence being subdued compared to previous seasons.

“XXIX” leaves much to ponder and speculate while leaving enough room for the show to go out with a bang—maybe quite literally.

Tune in to the final episodes of Black Sails, Sundays at 9PM E/P, only on Starz.

For more on the show, go to http://www.starz.com/originals/blacksails/

Follow Black Sails on its official twitter: @BlkSails_Starz, and don’t forget the cast and crew: @BlkSailsCreatrs (Black Sails Creators), @TobyStephensInV (Toby Stephens / Captain James Flint) @LongLukeArnold (Luke Arnold/John Silver), @ClaraPaget (Clara Paget/Anne Bonny), @hannahnewuk (Hannah New/Eleanor Guthrie), @JParkerK (Jessica P Kennedy/Max), @fallofasparrow (Toby Schmitz/Jack Rackham), and @luke_j_roberts (Luke Roberts/Woodes Rogers).

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