Season 2, Episode 5
Air date: Saturday, February 21, 2015, 9/8c on Starz
Rating:
***WARNING: Major Spoilers Ahead!!***
“I think you’re fighting for the sake of fighting because it’s the only state in which you can function.” – Miranda Barlow
Flint crosses the point of no return.
Make no mistake about it; your jaw will hit the floor several times during the latest episode of Black Sails. So, take a deep breath and prepare yourself because “XIII” gives you emotional whiplash, and it isn’t pretty.
When we last saw Captain James Flint (Toby Stephens) in “XII” giving the order to “fire” and attack the fort Captain Charles Vane (Zach McGowan) controls, his actions proved to be a declaration of war not just against Vane, but the entire port of Nassau. I was shocked by Flint’s decision, mainly because I didn’t understand how a man who believes in a promising future for Nassau would want to see it torn apart. Do Flint’s actions reflect his disdain for the British aristocracy or are they a reflection of his sheer insanity? “XIII” addresses those questions with some shocking answers. Meanwhile, a visibly upset Mrs. Miranda Barlow (Louise Barnes) witnesses the catastrophe from afar, gathers some of her things, and decides to put a stop to Flint.
Subsequent to the dramatic conclusion of “XII,” I thought “XIII” would be full of violence and bloodshed. I couldn’t have been more wrong; instead of sword fights and excessive canons blasting, the entire episode becomes symbolic of Flint’s evolution from a law abiding citizen to a cutthroat pirate. Even with such main plot points as Richard Guthrie (Sean Michael Cameron) returning, it is Flint’s story that remains the heart of “XIII.”
Love in a Time of Piracy
Sex and love are very strong themes this season, creating rifts among friends and unlikely alliances. Captain Jack Rackham (Toby Schmitz), Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy), and Anne Bonny (Clara Plaget) continue their unusual threesome but with disastrous results. I find it interesting Rackham previously cautioned Anne about her feelings for Max but doesn’t consider himself vulnerable to Max’s manipulations. Even though the troublesome trio is a pleasant surprise, it serves as a reminder that there are plenty of grey areas in defining the relationships in Black Sails.
In between the current problems at hand for Nassau, there are more flashbacks to Flint’s past and his relationship with the Hamiltons. The context of the scenes in “XIII” weighs heavily on the dynamic Flint shares with Miranda and her husband, Thomas Hamilton (Rupert Penry-Jones). In previous episodes, Flint’s memories focused on his encounters with Thomas and their collective vision for a progressive society in the Bahamas. Recently, Miranda’s seduction of Flint sheds light on the origins of their affair, which was a nice touch. However, it is Miranda’s remarks in “XI” about Thomas’ indifference to her reputation that set off alarms in my head. Considering the era they lived in, a man of wealth and title would care since it is a reflection upon the family. Then it occurred to me, is it possible Thomas doesn’t mind his wife’s business because he prefers the company of men? “XIII” wastes no time in addressing the matter. Bearing in mind, we have seen nothing but Flint and Miranda together since the first season. I wasn’t surprised to learn Thomas is gay. What does surprise me is him falling in love with Flint and Flint’s feelings being mutual! I understand some people may have issues with Flint’s sexuality, but that isn’t the point of the revelation. Their story isn’t about sexual orientation; it is about love and the ways it can change a person — for better or worse. So yes, Flint has been with both Miranda and Thomas and they all loved each other. Unfortunately, when you live in a society like 18th century England—a period when the culture thrived on speculation and rumors—it was only a matter of time before they were found out. Unfortunately, the consequences find Miranda and Flint excommunicated from British society, and Thomas committed to an asylum.
Throughout “XIII,” the many different facets of love become the source of motivation, and in Flint’s case, love may be his very ruin.
The Return of the Prodigal Father
Daddy dearest, Richard Guthrie, returns and Eleanor’s not having it!
Flint isn’t the only one living in the past. During the attack in Nassau, Eleanor (Hannah New) is reminded of her mother and the abandonment of her father Richard. Although I am thrilled to see Richard return, I still don’t trust him; neither does Eleanor. The bitterness and greed I normally associate with Richard is replaced by an eerie calm and gentle demeanor. I don’t know how long he has been away from Nassau but his support of Eleanor in her time of need speaks volumes, as much as an admission of how very “proud” he is of her success.
But what burns Eleanor more about her father’s presence is the reminder of how he abandoned her. Earlier in “XIII,” during one of the flashbacks, Flint returns from the Bahamas and meets with Thomas to announce the governor’s wife and son were murdered by pirates. I didn’t think much of the information until Eleanor’s argument with Richard. “Bullshit! It wasn’t about mother; it wasn’t about an oversight. You left me here because I wasn’t your son.” Yes, it seems Eleanor’s mother and brother are the ones Flint saw murdered in Nassau. This newfound information is powerful in both defining Eleanor’s motivation to maintain power in Nassau, as well as how incredibly messed up she is where her relationships are concerned.
Final Thoughts
One of the outstanding elements about Black Sails this season is the concentration on character development. Rather than relying heavily on action and sex scenes to navigate the course of the story lines this season, the writers and producers of Black Sails use reference points from important moments in season one to connect with season two.
Having some of the final pieces of Flint’s history with the Hamiltons, as well as the cause for his dismissal from the British navy, addressed gives us a better look into who Flint is as a character. When he attacks Nassau, it isn’t just to defeat Vane; attacking the port becomes symbolic of Flint’s attack on Britain and the people who destroyed his life. Writers Aaron Helbing and Todd Helbing do an amazing job of balancing the tone of “XIII” with their use of both serious and more lighthearted moments. The acting is top notch and the chemistry among the actors is strong—in particular, Stephens and Penry-Jones, who bring a lot of heart to their characters.
“XIII” is another great episode with thought provoking elements and brilliant direction by Alik Sakharov. I love the perfect balance of acting and script, which makes this one of my favorite episodes of the season. There are defining moments in a television series, a point where various story lines intersect and change everything you know about the show indefinitely—“XIII” is such an episode.
What did you think of “XIII?” 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).
Like Black Sails on Facebook.
Photos: ©2015 STARZ Network. All Rights Reserved.
Connie Allen
Latest posts by Connie Allen (Posts)
- Black Sails—“XXXVIII” Series Finale Review. Legends and Legacies - April 5, 2017
- Black Sails—“XXXVII” Review. Let the Games Begin! - March 28, 2017
- Black Sails – “XXXVI” Review. Until the Bitter End. - March 21, 2017
- Black Sails—“XXXV” Review. A Woman’s Worth. - March 14, 2017