Black Sails Season Three Premiere – “XIX” Review. Belly of the Beast.

Season 3, Episode 1

Airdate: Saturday, January 23, 2016, 9/8c on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

There’s a method behind the madness in Flint’s plans

It’s time to raise the black again and grab something stiff to drink because season three of Black Sails is back. This time around, the stakes are higher and the body count much larger! After months of anticipation, “XIX” leaves no plot point dangling or character unacknowledged. Despite being the season’s premiere episode, I appreciate the way “XIX” transitions effortlessly from the season two finale, “XVIII.” Show creators and episode writers Jonathan E. Steinberg & Robert Levine know the tale they want to tell, and the minute details maintaining the continuity of the story over the course of three seasons are impressive. I love when a show like Black Sails embraces every element of its craft—from the production design of the ships to the historical detail in costuming—because it brings the script to life, and adds an edge to the performances of the actors. If “XIX” is indicative of what to expect in season three, it’s going to be all out crazy and thrilling.

World’s End

Last season’s “XVIII” left me on the edge of my seat as all the major story lines hit an enormous turning point. Poor Eleanor Guthrie’s (Hannah New) life was left at the mercy of her enemies. Then there’s the matter of the treasure from the Urca de Lima seized by Captain Jack Rackham (Tobey Schmitz) with the help of a few friends like Max (Jessica P Kennedy), Anne Bonny (Clara Paget), and Captain Vane (Zach McGowan). It looked like almost everyone got their just desserts in the end, but that still doesn’t mean everything will work out as expected. Black Sails has proven to be a series where the tides turn quickly and no one’s fate is ever set in stone—Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) is a perfect example.

The story line I look forward to the most for season three is the evolution of Flint. With the exception of Vane and Eleanor, Flint is one of the most engrossing characters of the whole series. Since his introduction, Flint’s predisposition to violence and his secret past are what defined him as a character. Season two changed all that when the discovery of Flint’s true love, Lord Thomas Hamilton (Rupert Penry-Jones), and his complex relationship with Mrs. Miranda Barlow (Louise Barnes), rose to the surface. In the past, those in power in British society dictated Flint’s life, to the point of utter personal and social ruin. In understanding what drives Flint to destroy those who have taken away the people he loves—specifically Thomas and Miranda—it makes season three all the more compelling. And knowing what motivates Flint, I wonder, is he as much of a villain as he was in season one? It’s a question I’ll be asking in light of “XIX” where it’s clear his thirst for vengeance leads anyone in close proximity towards harm’s way.

Eleanor steers her fate in a whole new direction

Hello, Stranger

What’s a series about pirates if you can’t bring in one of history’s most notorious bad boys of the high seas? Blackbeard joins the dangerous motley crew of characters in Black Sails this season, and his presence will definitely leave an impact on all those who cross him. Cast to portray the fearsome pirate is Ray Stevenson, who is perfect in portraying both the menacing and charismatic sides of his character with one steely cold stare. In “XIX,” Blackbeard goes by his real name, Edward Teach, which is a great way to establish the character apart from the legend. It makes his violent actions more disturbing because there’s no context behind them…well, until I realized he’s Blackbeard and then I worried for all the characters. Blackbeard isn’t in the majority of the episode but he definitely makes an impression through the barrel of a loaded pistol.

Island Treasure

With the current struggle in Nassau, it’s easy to forget half the island has been destroyed. Stealing away the treasure for the Urca may have been tricky for Rackham, but keeping it safe without a fort is just asking for trouble. I like the way the story lines section off between events on the sea, in the New World, and back in Nassau; the way the characters shift their directions, I cannot wait for all of the story lines to intersect.

Speaking of intersecting, Vane has quite the predicament working with Rackham’s plan to fix the island’s fort with the use of slaves. Considering Vane’s history as a slave himself, this is a sad turn of events. That said, I wonder if he will start to stray and be his own leader again. If there’s one aspect about “XIX” that’s odd, it is seeing Vane in a less authoritative position. I’m used to seeing him take charge and rule the island. Watching Rackham in character, although entertaining, isn’t as exciting as I thought it would be once the treasure is claimed.

Overall

“XIX” is nothing short of riveting. The characters remain as vicious and determined as ever in their search for domination and power. Although, the course of the season is starting to take shape with Flint’s haphazard decision making. Blackbeard’s arrival, and the ultimate treasure sitting vulnerable in Nassau, will definitely make it anyone’s game. Finally, I can’t wait to see how life will change once the Royal British Navy starts to close in on the island—something that, judging from a surprise turnabout for Eleanor, may happen sooner rather than later.

What did you think of “XIX?” Post your comment below or on Twitter @conallen.

Tune in to Black Sails Saturdays at 9/8c, only on Starz.

Follow the series on its official site: http://www.starz.com/originals/blacksails/, where you can also watch videos and clips of the episodes.

Follow Black Sails on its official twitter: @BlkSails_Starz, and don’t forget the cast and crew:

@BlkSailsCreatrs (Black Sails Creators), @ScrambledLuke (Luke Arnold/John Silver), @ClaraPaget (Clara Paget/Anne Bonny), @hannahnewuk (Hannah New/Eleanor Guthrie), @JParkerK (Jessica P Kennedy/Max), @Zach_McGowan (Zach McGowan/Captain Vane), @fallofasparrow (Tobey Schmitz/Jack Rackham), and @hakeemkaekazim (Hakeem Kae-Kazim/Mr. Scott).

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