Black Sails - “XIV” Retrospective. Oh, What a Tangled Web!

Season 2, Episode 6

Air date: Saturday, February 28, 2015, 9/8c on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

WARNING: Major Spoilers Ahead!!

The stakes and danger remain high as Captain Flint’s (Toby Stephens) attack on Nassau puts everyone’s lives at risk, including his own, in the latest Black Sails episode, “XIV.” The consequences of waging a personal war against Captain Vane (Zach McGowan) leave Flint nowhere closer to retrieving the gold from the Urca de Lima. Instead, “XIV” begins with Vane’s hands around Flint’s neck as they fight to the death. A lot happens in “XIV,” and although it is not as heavy-hearted or shocking as “XIII,” the events that transpire push its main storylines forward in a way that puts many of the core characters in harm’s way. I enjoy the way the focus of “XIV” brings to the forefront the current issue of the lost treasure, especially the significance of Eleanor’s (Hannah New) role in obtaining it. Also pertinent is the importance of Lord Ashe’s (Nick Boraine) daughter, Abigail (Meganne Young). With the predominant theme of secrets and lies, “XIV” illustrates the manipulative ways characters like John Silver (Luke Arnold) go for self-preservation.

Until the Bitter End

Flint and Miranda still believe in a future for Nassau, right?

“XIV” starts off with a bang after Eleanor fires her gun, interrupting the confrontation between Vane and Flint. The initial fight scene between Flint and Vane is lengthy, lasting for what seems a good few minutes. It’s a great scene, providing the sort of showdown that’s been long overdue. Director Michael Nankin does a great job of setting up the scene, maneuvering the action sequences in such a way that it’s hard to tell who wins the fight.

Eleanor’s intervention, with the help of Miranda (Louise Barnes), leads to a group meeting with Flint, Vane, Miranda, and Eleanor’s father Richard Guthrie (Sean Michael Cameron). Together, they all discuss a way to end the bloodshed and procure the Urca treasure. Flint explains his vision for a legitimate Nassau, using Abigail as a means to win over British parliament. Of course, Vane doesn’t trust a word coming out of Flint’s mouth; I don’t blame him. Flint has broken so many promises, it’s difficult to discern what he will or won’t do at this point.

Flint: “What do you get? You get what we all get…a future.”

Vane: “Show it to me. Hand me my future here in this room. (Pause) What? It isn’t just your words, is it? You promise a thing hard to define and impossible to deliver. That is what you’re suggesting I get? In exchange for surrendering an asset with what that girl is worth?”

Vane’s cynicism and paranoia about the British government are just as delusional as Flint’s audacious goals. So, it’s not much of a surprise when Vane requests something grand, like Flint’s Spanish war ship in exchange for Abigail. It’s crazy! This will put Flint’s ambitions into question among his crew. Flint’s motto should be ‘Damned if you do; damned if you don’t.’

While Eleanor tries to be the voice of reason, what I love most about her is her take charge attitude. Eleanor is a scene stealer, especially when she decides to go against Vane in exchange for the legitimacy Flint offers to bring to New Providence with his connections to Lord Ashe. I commend Eleanor’s determination, but her actions will not bode well for her future. When Eleanor’s last ditch attempt to change Vane’s mind fails, she seduces him, and then sneaks away with the key to Abigail’s prison. Whether both women make it out of the fort alive is anyone’s guess. For me, I don’t look forward to seeing the fallout between Eleanor and Vane. Maybe he should have taken Max’s (Jessica Parker Kennedy) advice after all.

Smoke and Mirrors

<i>Black Sails</i> - “XIV” Retrospective. Oh, What a Tangled Web! 1

Flint better watch his back with Billy’s return to Nassau!

Possibly the biggest surprise of the episode is Billy Bones (Tom Hopper). Even though we’re halfway through the season, the twist in Billy’s return to New Providence sets off a whole new set of problems for Flint. While confiding the events that led him to Nassau to Dufresne (Roland Reed), Billy finally reveals the truth. After the ship Scarborough retrieves Billy from the waters where he fell, he is taken to a British garrison and held prisoner until he receives the proposition for his freedom. The other fine detail to the proposal is that Billy can also enlist several men to aid him; those men will have their freedom as well once Flint is captured. It’s an astounding turn of events, one I did not expect from Billy. Who will join him and will he go through with it?

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoyed the pacing of “XIV;” it has the right amount of tension and drama without dragging on. There are some great fight scenes, and even Captain Jack Rackham (Toby Schmitz) gets to show his swashbuckling skills. Episodic writer Heather Bellson has a great way of writing memorable dialogue that sets up suspenseful scenarios. I’m curious about how much bigger of a role Abigail will play if Eleanor is successful with her scheme. Overall, “XIV” is a solid episode with great performances by its actors, along with beautiful production design. Definitely cannot wait to see what happens next!

What did you think of “XIV?” 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 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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