Black Sails — “XXII” Review. World on Fire.

Season 3, Episode 4

Airdate: Saturday, February 13, 2016, 9/8c on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

Eleanor and Woodes are in for a rude awakening

In a game-changing episode for many of its characters, “XXII” is a critical point in Black Sails for various reasons. The most significant is the way writers Jonathan E. Steinberg and Lisa Schultz Boyd blend elements from Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” and the story canon established over the past two seasons. Once again, the visual design and action are pitch perfect, showing director Steve Boyum’s skill at bringing the script to life while capturing the actors’ performances at their best. The major story lines in “XXII” are a smooth transition from “XXI,” moving the plot forward without wasting a single scene. The tension in Nassau among Captain Charles Vane (Zach McGowan), Edward “Blackbeard” Teach (Ray Stevenson), and Captain Hornigold (Patrick Lyster) remains prevalent; Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) and his crew revel in a bit of joy at having survived their trouble at sea but find a whole world of problems awaiting them. Meanwhile, Eleanor (Hannah New) finally makes her presence known, much to the shock of everyone who thought she was dead. Vane definitely needs to watch his back now.

The Story is the Thing

The arrival of Flint and his crew to a mysterious island is my favorite element of the entire episode. Black Sails is brilliant at bringing together aspects from the novel “Treasure Island” and history. I was fine with Billy’s place early on in the series, yet the latest character from the book to emerge left me in shock when I heard the name. Is it too soon in the season? I’m not sure, but I’m definitely not against changing aspects from the book to accommodate current story lines if it will serve a higher purpose; knowing Black Sails, there is always an ulterior motive. Whether it will be for shock value or to turn the show on its head remains to be seen.

John Silver (Luke Arnold) continues to use his strengths to gain leverage and stay alive with Flint by his side as a comrade. Watching Arnold and Stephens together is compelling; both actors give their best (much like the rest of the cast) in every scene. When Flint and his crew realize they are not alone on the island and are being held captive, the story gets interesting when you consider how crazy Flint is and how charismatic Silver is.

Ships in the Night

Silver, Billy, and Flint face new dangers ahead of them

Nassau is a battleground but not just for the physical survival of its inhabitants. The fate of piracy’s future remains uncertain once the smoke clears. While Hornigold recruits people to receive pardons, Captain Jack Rackham (Toby Schmitz) fights to get himself out of another bind. Rackham is a great character and as much as I enjoy watching him take the lead, I miss the Ranger crew of Vane, Anne Bonny (Clara Plaget), and Rackham. However, just as I start thinking Vane is losing a bit of his edge due to Eleanor’s betrayal, violence erupts after he joins Teach’s crew. It’s a great choice, plot wise, because with Captain Woodes Rogers (Luke Roberts) and Teach leading the charge into battle, the fight also becomes an extension of the ongoing war between Eleanor and Vane.

Overall

“XXII” serves as a reminder that a TV adaptation of a literary classic can be as brilliant as its source material. Black Sails remains true to the spirit of “Treasure Island” while still creating its own identity. The inclusion of a significant character from the novel in “XXII” provides better context to the events in the book. The presence of said character, though, is subtle and limited onscreen, a good thing because it adds mystery to how that person’s role will fully impact the season. The script for “XXII” doesn’t run out of suspenseful moments, but it’s the dialogue, or lack thereof, in some moments that caught my attention. The matter regarding Vane and Eleanor’s relationship is the best example. The consequences of their actions in season two come back to haunt them. It’s great to see the animosity they share is not bypassed in season three. There’s a scene where, without mixing words, Teach asks Vane whether he can eliminate Eleanor if the time comes without letting his feelings cloud his judgment. Vane, much like the writers of this episode, chooses his words carefully, so much so I’m not sure if I believe his answer. What I do know is Vane’s reaction to seeing Eleanor speaks more than any words he could say to Teach.

What I love about TV series like Black Sails is seeing how much confidence the producers and studios have in its programming. Black Sails continues to engage viewers with suspenseful story lines and mesmerizing set designs. The TV series doesn’t just march into season three with confidence; it’s getting downright cocky. Every component in “XXII” works effortlessly together, from the point of the beautifully shot landscapes and riveting performances from its cast, to the shocking cliffhanger that made me yell at my TV! Once again, I’m looking forward to what happens next for the pirates of Nassau but with more drinks on hand to deal with the drama.

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

Tune in to Black Sails Saturdays at 9/8c, only on Starz.

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Follow Black Sails on Twitter: @BlkSails_Starz, along with the cast and crew:

@BlkSailsCreatrs (Black Sails Creators), @ScrambledLuke (Luke Arnold/John Silver), @ClaraPaget (Clara Paget/Anne Bonny), @hannahnewuk (Hannah New/Eleanor Guthrie), @JParkerK (Jessica P Kennedy/Max), @Zach_McGowan (Zach McGowan/Captain Vane), @fallofasparrow (Toby Schmitz/Jack Rackham), and @hakeemkaekazim (Hakeem Kae-Kazim/Mr. Scott).

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