Black Sails – “X” Retrospective. Raise the Black!

Flint may be down on his luck, but he still has what it takes to be the boss!

Season 2, Episode 2

Airdate: Saturday, January 31, 2015, 9/8c on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

Grab a drink and hold on tight because Black Sails is a doozy this week. If “X” is any indication of how dark and disturbing the season will be for the characters in Black Sails, then no one is safe. Following an explosive premiere, “X” continues exploring the high stakes involved with Eleanor’s (Hannah New) business ventures in Nassau, while former captain James Flint (Toby Stephens) schemes to regain power among the Walrus crew. But that’s not all; amid the chaos and power struggles, it’s the supporting characters who steal the scenes. Sure, Flint and Guthrie’s struggles are compelling to watch, but it’s the antics from characters like John Silver (Luke Arnold) that leave an impression. Ever since Silver formed an alliance with Flint, the series seems to have gained, for lack of a better word, a fun aspect. Then, there is the ingenious Jack Rackham (Toby Schmitz), whose ability to take a negative and turn it into a positive always amazes me. Last, but not least, is the pirate Ned Low (Tadhg Murphy), who, after his introduction in “IX,” turns the tides for many characters, but he just doesn’t know it. Make no mistake about it; Low is not a man to cross as the full extent of his madness will undoubtedly leave an impression long after the episode is over.

A Pirate’s Life

Anyone with doubts about whether Black Sails will live up to its potential in this second season will probably find their faith renewed after watching “X.” One of the subplots currently at play revolves around Flint’s backstory. What I love about this is how it parallels the Flint we know with the man he once was in England. After learning Flint’s true name (James McGraw) and his title as a lieutenant in the royal navy, I’d like to know more about why he changed his name to James Flint. One of the fascinating elements about Flint’s origins is his proclivity towards extreme violence. I enjoyed the little nuance because it reveals Flint has always had that bit of madness within him, an insanity that fuels his obsession, like his need to capture the Urca de Lima. The use of Flint’s backstory to parallel his current circumstances gives his story line an ominous tone. Will there be something in a flashback that will reveal more about his relationships with Miranda Barlow (Louise Barnes) and Thomas Hamilton (Rupert Penry-Jones)?

“X” does a great job of showing not only the shift in power among the men but the difference between the old and the new while Flint and Silver plot together. Dufresne (Roland Reed), the ship’s former accountant turned quartermaster, has a lot on his plate since being appointed captain by his men. Dufresne’s belief in law and order may not be the best approach and could be his downfall. Then again, this is the same man who literally ripped someone’s neck open last season, so Dufresne obviously has the stomach for violence. I enjoy watching the difference in leadership skills between Dufresne and Flint. Once again, Black Sails does a remarkable job of showing viewers the realities of surviving the high seas as a pirate.

Love’s Got a Little Bit to Do With It

Max has the upper hand, but at what cost?

Got to hand it to show creators Jon Steinberg and Robert Levine for coming up with some memorable characters! The ongoing saga between Anne Bonny (Clara Plaget) and Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy) is quickly gaining my attention, especially after last week’s intimate moment together. Considering the amount of violence and abuse Max encountered last season, it is a breath of fresh air to see her being given a reprieve so far this season. That said, Max is still a master manipulator so it’s hard to know for certain how deep her feelings for Anne are. All I know is I was not prepared for Rackham’s reaction.

Love comes in many forms. If you’re a pirate in New Providence, chances are the love of your life is gold coins. The lust for money and power is so prevalent throughout “X,” it brings out the animal in some of the men. Those who love Charles Vane’s (Zach McGowan) cutthroat tendencies have seen nothing yet with Low, whose cruelty and sadistic predilections leave you in shock. In one of the most brutal scenes I’ve ever seen on television, Low earns himself the title of Black Sails’ most ruthless character thus far.

Oh, the Twists and Turns

Eleanor finds herself caught between a rock and hard place with Vane.

From start to finish, “X” makes a point of dishing out some unforgettable moments, but none are as surprising as the very first scene. I will say this—you won’t see it coming. What I appreciate about the opening shot is how the subject has not been addressed in a while; although there was a brief reference in “IX,” I did not think much of it. The repercussions of this opening scene will definitely make for an unpredictable and strong sophomore season for Black Sails.

For those addicted to the ever evolving co-dependent relationship between Vane and Eleanor, you are in for a treat with their scenes this week. There is a constant push and pull between Vane and Eleanor although they are more alike than Eleanor is comfortable admitting. Eleanor is no saint but there is a tenacious quality about her. Despite her poor life choices, I have to admit Vane is Eleanor’s best bet for survival. I suspect she knows that too, but it’s watching Vane’s patient observation of her that peaks my interest. He mentions “protecting” her, but Vane isn’t sentimental or lovey-dovey; he’s a killer and a ruthless pirate. Black Sails is no place for fairy tales so until Vane reveals his endgame, I hope Eleanor proceeds with caution if she teams up with Vane—hot chemistry aside.

Overall

I didn’t think “X” would match the heightened suspense in “IX,” but I was wrong. Typically, when a series returns for a new season, the premiere illustrates the promise of what’s to come. It’s a rare situation when the second episode outshines the season premiere. In comparison, “IX” comes across more as a prelude, tying up loose ends and setting up the blueprint for major plot points to come. “X” feels more like a premiere with its great action sequences and attention to details. Episode director Clark Johnson really knows how to stage a scene for maximum emotional impact. I love the way he relies on facial responses from the actors as clues to their characters’ inner thoughts rather than the dialogue. When words are spoken, they are loaded with meaning. The writer for “X,” Michael Chernuchin, has a way with words that is spot on. Overall, “X” gives us amazing performances and a satisfying end that provides more questions than answers.

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

Follow the series on its official sites: 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, @mfernandezLA, @ScrambledLuke (Luke Arnold/John Silver), @ClaraPaget (Clara Paget/Anne Bonny), @hannahnewuk (Hannah New/Eleanor Guthrie), @JParkerK (Jessica P Kenned/Max), @Zach_McGowan (Zach McGowan/Captain Vane), @fallofasparrow (Toby Schmitz/Jack Rackham), @seancmichael (Sean Cameron Michael/Richard Guthrie), and @hakeemkaekazim (Hakeem Kae-Kazim/Mr. Scott).

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