Black Sails – “XV” Retrospective. No Turning Back.

Season 2, Episode 7

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

Rating: ★★★★★

WARNING: Major Spoilers Ahead!!

If there’s anything to be learned after watching the latest Black Sails episode, “XV,” it’s that you can’t trust anyone. What you think you know about certain characters change in the blink of an eye. If you thought Eleanor’s (Hannah New) betrayal of Captain Vane (Zach McGowan) in “XIV” was bad, you haven’t seen anything yet. “XV” is another intense episode revolving mainly around Anne Bonny’s (Clara Plaget) past with Jack Rackham (Toby Schmitz), John Silver’s (Luke Arnold) lust for gold from the Urca de Lima, and Billy Bones’ (Tom Hopper) newfound loyalties.

Eleanor’s Choice

Eleanor ponders about the uncertain future of Nassau, and the lengths she goes to preserve it.

“XV” begins with Abigail Ashe (Meganne Young) narrating her former life to Eleanor, who is trying to convince the young captive to leave with her. It’s sad, yet fascinating, to watch Eleanor as she observes Abigail; a part of me wonders if Eleanor sees a bit of herself in the young girl. At this point, Vane hasn’t caught onto Eleanor’s scheme to free Abigail, and I’m feeling the tension. If the women are caught, it will not end well for either of them. Eleanor explains to Abigail that Flint will return her to Charleston to be with her father, Lord Ashe (Nick Boraine). Initially, Abigail refuses to leave for fear of Flint, whose infamous reputation terrifies her, but Eleanor manages to calm her fears by mentioning Miranda (Louise Barnes). Abigail remembers Miranda as Lady Hamilton and agrees to go with Flint. I thought Abigail’s escape would be the primary focus of “XV,” but it’s only a small part of a much bigger, crazy episode. Eleanor’s actions, and the impact they have on Vane, are brief and straightforward. I didn’t believe for one minute Eleanor and Abigail stand a chance of leaving the fort without complications. Just as the women barely make it out of the escape tunnel, Vane finds them and issues Eleanor an ultimatum. If she returns Abigail, he vows to spare her life; however, if she walks away they are officially over. “I saved your life; I killed him for you…I killed them all to protect you.”

Vane makes an excellent point addressing Eleanor’s obsession with Nassau’s future as a legitimate port, and the lengths she will go to achieve it; she will betray anyone to get what she desires. As it stands, Vane could lose his life for putting Eleanor’s word above those of his men. If he survives, he will be an outcast just like Rackham. McGowan and New have a magnetic chemistry that even in the most uncomfortable moments between their characters, you can sense the layers of emotions in between. I’m not sure if it is New’s choice or that of the director, Alik Sakharov, but I love how Eleanor appears teary-eyed when making her decision. It shows, on a certain level, there is some kind of remorse. Although Vane has done despicable things in the past, Eleanor really sets him up to fail this time.

After an agonizing moment of silence, Eleanor decides to bring Abigail to Flint instead of staying behind with Vane, severing their relationship completely. Ouch. There will be hell to pay and the evil bastard we know Vane to be from season one will definitely rear his head, especially if the last scene of “XV” is any indication.

The Brotherhood

Billy and Dufrense redefine the meaning of loyalty.

It’s exciting to have Billy back, as well as more of the supporting cast this week. Writer Lisa Shultz Boyd does a brilliant job keeping the scenes in “XV” balanced and slightly subtle in some of the episode’s more poignant scenes. With Billy, Boyd sets up the intrigue surrounding his story line, so much so, you don’t know whether he betrays Flint or supports his fellow brethren until the very end. Dufresne (Roland Reed) plays a critical role in “XV” showing his true colors. When Dufresne convinces Billy to solicit eight crewmen to capture Flint, and to send for the British Navy, I didn’t expect Billy to have a change of heart. Apparently, Billy is still the pirate with a heart of gold, believing in loyalty to his brothers above all else. “I have no intention of honoring their offer.” The look of utter disdain on Dufresne’s face is priceless. This is the beginning of Billy versus Dufresne. Billy explains the torture he endured during his imprisonment, which is the main reason for his refusal to agree to the terms. “I would fight to the death that none of my brothers would have to face what I had to face.”

Meanwhile, the crew Flint sends to find out the status of the Urca gold returns with news that it’s gone. Flint is too late; the gold is on its way to Spain. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Silver offers to calm the crew with a rousing speech about getting pardons from the British.

The Many Faces of Anne

Still lost and uncertain, Anne remains stuck at the brothel after killing one of Flint’s men. Meanwhile, Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy) is literally cleaning up the mess, covering up the deed to protect Anne. I’m not sure what to think about Max or her feelings for Anne. I’m sure Max cares, but considering how frequently loyalties last with this bunch, or not, I’m sure she has an ulterior motive.

Anne’s story line is much more subdued in “XV.” She’s going through a personal existential crisis about what to do with her life, but the real turning point for Anne is when Max offers her the opportunity to join her as a partner in the brothel. It’s uncertain if Anne agrees, but Silver makes a surprise appearance, presenting Max with an offer she can’t refuse.

Final Thoughts

Flint and Eleanor finally get what they want, but is it worth the cost?

“XV” has minimal violence; in fact, this is the first time this season we have seen so little bloodshed. It’s refreshing to focus the lens on the internal struggles and supporting characters like Anne. Most of all, I enjoyed the major plot twist with Silver’s plan of action. It shows his sinister and manipulative side, suggesting we are on our way to seeing the notorious Long John Silver depicted in Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island. Arnold is a master at highlighting subtle facial expressions, from a cool stare to a tiny smirk. By far, my favorite moment in “XV” is between Richard Guthrie (Sean Cameron Michael) and Eleanor. Finally, he supports his daughter, but the cost of her dreams will have dire repercussions. There may not be a lot of fighting or gore in “XV,” but it offers a prelude to what will surely be an unpredictable season finale.

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

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, @mfernandezLA, @TobyStephensInV (Captain James Flint/Toby Stephens) @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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