Black Sails – “XI” Retrospective. Holy Hell!

Season 2, Episode 3

Airdate: Saturday, February 7, 2015, 9/8c on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

“It’s amazing, isn’t it? The spell she casts over us.” – Max

WARNING: Big Spoilers Below!

Low pays Vane a visit, which may not be the smartest move.

Make no mistake about it, the second season of Black Sails isn’t just about taking what’s yours, but the dividing lines for an all-out war. In the latest episode, “XI,” the main cause for concern centers on love and loyalty, which comes as a surprise considering last week’s gruesome beheading. Yet, the themes play a key role when the sins from several characters’ pasts, specifically the season one finale “VIII,” come to light and change the course of many lives in the process. If there is anything I learned from watching “XI,” it’s that the series is good at setting the stage for jaw dropping drama. When we last left the characters in “X,” Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) was on the verge of landing back on Nassau; Ned Low (Tadgh Murphy) made threats against Eleanor (Hannah New) by leaving a few dead bodies at her bar; and Rackham (Toby Schmitz) decided to focus on being a captain again regardless of Anne’s (Clara Paget) new found interest in Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy). This week, “XI” illustrates how quickly the tables can turn when loyalties are tested and there is treasure worth a killing or two. To say there are many surprises in “XI” would be a gross understatement. One of the main strengths Black Sails has going for it this season is the continuity of its story lines, which kick off so many unexpected turns of events. Despite introducing new volatile characters like Low, the writers are mindful to keep Flint and Captain Charles Vane (Zach McGowan) front and center as reminders of the real threat to Nassau.

What Goes Around Comes Around

“XI” starts with a flashback of Flint during his days as a young naval lieutenant speaking with Thomas Hamilton (Rupert Penry-Jones), the husband of the infamous Mrs. Barlow (Louise Barnes). As the men discuss the management of New Providence’s port in Nassau, Flint makes an observation that demonstrates how far he has fallen from grace: “Put a man on an island, give him power over other men, and it won’t be long before he realizes that the limits of that power are nowhere to be seen and no man given that kind of influence will remain honest for long…”

Flint and Silver return to a whole new different Nassau.

The mix between Flint’s dialogue and Stephens’ portrayal of the pirate captain during his formative years is brilliant. I didn’t realize Flint could smile so easily, let alone seem so at ease with life up until this episode. It only makes me more curious as to how he wound up so hard and cruel. If there was one flaw in Flint’s character during season one, it was his lack of backstory. So, imagine my surprise when season two gets to the heart of the matter with Flint, offering keen insight of his personal life.

One of the great highlights of “XI” is Flint’s arrival on the shores of Nassau. Observing Flint and John Silver’s (Luke Arnold) reactions to the change in power speaks volumes, and reveals how quickly the tides can turn now that Vane is in charge and Hornigold (Patrick Lyster) remains camped outside the fort.

I also find the dynamic between Vane and Flint riveting to watch as their plans unravel. When Flint decides he cannot trust Eleanor to side with him, he manipulates his men on the Walrus to go to war with Vane. What’s interesting is the common bond Vane and Flint share in their thirst for power. While Vane’s methods of maintaining control are through violence and fear, Flint’s approach is more psychological and manipulative. This isn’t to suggest Vane lacks cunningness; rather, it’s just not his usual modus operandi. The notable difference between Vane and Flint is Vane’s use of brute force to achieve his goals, whereas Flint attempts to hide behind some feigned code of honor. Both men are guilty of horrendous actions and betrayals but I find Flint’s madness more disturbing.

Who Can You Trust?

The main scene stealer of “XI” is without a doubt Vane, who manages to get all he desires, for now. Since “IX,” many people have told Vane how he feels about Eleanor but we haven’t heard him confirm or deny any of it—mostly, he deflects. What’s so wonderful is seeing how Vane’s ulterior motives surface not just in words but through actions. When Low boasts about his plan to rape Eleanor within an inch of her life, the news spreads quickly throughout the island, and Vane decides to take action. His first visit is with Max, the madam of the city’s brothel, who, at this point, is the keeper of every secret on the island—something Vane plans to use to his advantage. Knowing Low is hiding a grand treasure, Vane enlists Max to use her skills to find its location. Max, however, has a different theory. “What difference does it make what his cargo is worth? Though, I suppose, if the value is great enough, it would give pretense to move against him and call it business instead of calling it what it actually is…”

Despite Max’s provocation and offers to advise Vane on how to get over Eleanor, he responds with a simple “no.” I have to give credit to McGowan whose keen and subtle facial expressions amplify the scene. In a single word, he basically reveals he has no plans for letting Eleanor go, come hell or high water. But the best example of how well Vane takes the upper hand in any situation is the showdown between him and Low. As Low insults Vane, antagonizing a fight, you can see McGowan clench his jaw. It’s an understated gesture but you know then and there something big is going to happen. Without so much as raising his voice, Vane shows his calculating and diabolical tendencies. The end result of Low versus Vane is a reminder to never underestimate Vane.

Everybody Gets Some

Eleanor takes matters into her own hands and winds up in the last place you'd expect!

Eleanor takes matters into her own hands and winds up in a place you’d least expect.

Sex—there is a lot of it in Black Sails. “XI” is no exception as it seems every major character gets a little bit of stress relief between the sheets. But even the sex scenes serve a greater purpose in explaining the motivations of all the characters. For example, when Eleanor reunites briefly with Mr. Scott (Hakeem Kae-Kazim), she becomes unsure of whom to follow. Mr. Scott offers sound advice by telling her to search for what she truly wants and whom she trusts without question. Mr. Scott, whose loyalties are with Hornigold, suggests she follow Flint but before she can respond, she discovers Vane has left a horrific warning to all those who anger him: Low on a stick. It’s at that point Eleanor reaches a decision, and without thinking twice marches over to Vane’s domain. His initial reaction, “I didn’t do it for you,” is quickly dismissed when Eleanor smothers him with kisses and they end up sleeping together. I have mixed feelings about these two. I hate to admit it but I think Eleanor may actually care for Vane, which might be her ultimate undoing. I just hope Eleanor knows what she is doing because the moment she gets in bed with Vane, she chooses her allegiance.

Final Thoughts

Since the season premiere three weeks ago, each episode continues to climb an upward trajectory with no failure in sight. The show simply gets better and better. The direction and pacing of each episode, including “XI,” is executed with steady precision from script to production. Writer Brad Caleb Kane does an excellent job of creating in-depth scenes and memorable dialogue without losing the heart of the core stories. And although I’m not usually a fan of flashbacks, Black Sails utilizes them in a creative way to enhance Flint’s character.

Overall, there’s nothing better than watching a series progress and raise the bar in its quality of storytelling and production. Black Sails is the perfect example of a fledgling series living up to its full potential. Put aside your preconceived notions of what you think you know about Black Sails because after “XI,” you might just find yourself blown away.

What did you think of “XI?” 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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