Black Sails — “XXVI” Review. Too Big to Fail.

Find Rackham, win the war…at least that’s the plan

Season 3, Episode 8

Airdate: Saturday, March 12, 2016, 9/8c on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

Tensions mount as Captain Flint’s (Toby Stephens) plans to take control of Nassau put lives at risk, while the threat of war inches closer to home for everyone in New Providence. What I appreciate most about Black Sails this season is the way the action balances with the way characters, such as John Silver (Luke Arnold) and Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy), are evolving, showing different facets of their personalities I didn’t quite anticipate at the beginning. Although the dangers at hand are clear, what really grabs my attention in “XXVI” is the interaction among the characters and the way the major plot points result in surprising partnerships. “XXVI” isn’t an episode lead by salacious violence or sex. Writer Evan Bleiweiss does an exceptional job creating sharp dialogue, and scenes that are loaded with uncertainty. There are several gasp-out-loud moments that had me yelling at my TV.

Tick Tock

“XXVI” fades in with an interior scene of a cottage. As the camera pans through the room, a pocket watch and some porcelain china are sitting on a wood table. It took me a moment to figure out what was going on until I saw the image of Flint. There is a somewhat somber tone present while observing Flint staring into the fireplace of what I believe is Miranda Barlow’s (Louise Barnes) home in New Providence. It’s a perfect hiding place since it’s a good distance from the heart of Nassau’s port. Flint isn’t alone, though; Charles Vane (Zach McGowan) and Anne Bonny (Clara Paget) are there with him. I still find it surreal watching Vane and Flint working together, despite burying the hatchet for a common cause. That said, there’s a wonderful exchange of words between Vane and Flint that reveals their different perspectives on life. Vane doesn’t see the value of “luxury” items such as books, and fine objects like tea cups. Flint’s outlook is that such luxurious comforts are a part of a civilized establishment; Vane sees them as a trap. He even goes so far as to inform Flint that if he ever felt like indulging in such trappings, even for just a minute, he would forcibly stop himself. Director Stefan Schwartz does an amazing job of using the unspoken moments in “XXVI” to define the times that matter; for example, the pocket watch becomes symbolic for what the whole episode is truly about. Time waits for no one, and death is always close at hand for those who dare to live the life of a pirate. The parallels between Vane and Flint offer viewers a front seat into the two very different mindsets going on among Flint’s crew. What does it mean to be a pirate? Is it to fight against the social caste system created by the British government? Or, is it to gain the freedom necessary to forge one’s own destiny? These questions are important and the answers are found in some unexpected scenarios.

To Thine Own Self Be True

Speaking of surprising circumstances, I absolutely love the setup for all the different partnerships this season. The re-emerging friendship between Eleanor (Hannah New) and Max is so good, it’s as exciting as the moment Vane and Flint took down Charles Towne in a blaze of glory in season two. Again, Black Sails does a remarkable job of giving its female characters a sense of purpose. When Max receives some information from Eleanor, the two women realize the plot to send Jack Rackham (Toby Schmitz) and the Urca treasure to Havana may be sabotaged. They alert Governor Woodes Rogers’ (Luke Roberts) men who, in turn, pretty much dismiss their warnings. The best part about this story line is watching Eleanor defiant personality rise up again. In a memorable scene where Woodes’ men are standing in front of the tavern, she uses profanity to get her point across. Yet, it isn’t her words that made me perk up; it’s the tone in her voice that resonates back to the way she used to be before her capture, a time when she used to run Nassau’s port on her own. Eleanor’s fiery temperament is what I enjoy the most about her character because she’s being true to her nature, despite the devastating consequences. Is that a bad thing? I don’t think so. I admire characters who can be transparent with their intentions, at least from what the viewers see of them. It’s no secret Eleanor wants control of Nassau; she’s sought whatever means possible to secure it. She has lied, and betrayed anyone who’s gotten in her way. I may not have liked her actions in the past, but the way her character has progressed since season one makes her complex and hard to hate. I feel the same about Vane and it’s the reason I find them to be a perfect match in a twisted sort of fashion.

A Fool’s Errand?

All of the plot points in retrieving the Urca treasure and rescuing Rackham are at a fever pitch throughout “XXVI.” In another great combination of scenes, the discussion Woodes and Rackham have in the carriage is a poignant one that will leave Rackham’s fans excited. We learned a bit about Max’s upbringing a few episodes ago, as well as why she wants to have more power. “XXVI” not only exposes the resentment Rackham has for the British government, it gives viewers a look at his backstory.

Meanwhile, at sea, Silver maintains control of the ship while Flint is on shore. Graphic as it may be, Silver shows his dark side in flickers of moments, although he doesn’t outright own up to it. Several times in “XXVI,” Bleiweiss manipulates the dialogue to juxtapose the action taking place onscreen. For instance, after one of Silver’s men, Dobbs (Richard Lothian), puts the crew at risk, Silver reassures Madi (Zethu Dlomo) he has taken care of the problem. The meaning behind his words becomes clear when unbeknownst to Madi, he orders Dobbs severely beaten. Using this style of writing and direction pumps up the anticipation, reinforcing the idea that nothing is ever what it may seem to be. As a viewer, if you cannot fully trust what the characters are saying to one another, it leaves room for doubt, and where there is doubt, no one is safe from elimination.

Expect the unexpected with Eleanor

Yet my favorite scene in “XXVI” happens between Eleanor and Woodes. The moment Eleanor learns Vane is back on the island, I see her conflict, her resolve, but what I can’t get a sense of through her expression are her true intentions. New shines in the scene; the mere mention of Vane sends Eleanor into a distracted haze, and the deep breaths she takes to maintain her composure are readily visible. Then there’s the matter of Woodes trying to talk Eleanor down by reminding her of their loyalty towards one another; it’s almost laughable. Eleanor may be many things but she’s definitely not sentimental. I can’t believe she would pledge love and loyalty to Woodes, a man she has barely known for several months. Adding fuel to the fire of my suspicions about Eleanor is what happens in between the scene when she assuages Woodes’ fears, and the camera cuts to a scene showing her walking to meet Vane after an interesting turn of events. Sure, Eleanor admits to Woodes she won’t know how she’ll react seeing Vane, but old habits die hard.

Overall

“XXVI” is another can’t miss episode that left me frustrated, in a good way, for what will happen next on Black Sails. The writing style and direction for “XXVI” has a different tone and dynamic that goes beyond the plot points. In a season riddled with amazing episodes, “XXVI” is my favorite thus far because it brings all the major story lines to a boiling point. This is the product of excellent direction, impressive performances by the cast, and a tightly written script. There are many great lines of dialogue but the one that stands out in my mind is Woodes’ response to Rackham, “All you know about me is what I want you to know…,” which sums up the core of what all the main characters are about. There are two episodes left in the season, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of my favorite characters make it to season four—I’m looking at you, Mr. Scott (Hakeem Kae-Kazim)!

What did you think of “XXVI?” 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 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 (Black Sails Creators), @TobyStephensInV (Toby Stephens / Captain James Flint) @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), @hakeemkaekazim (Hakeem Kae-Kazim/Mr. Scott), and @luke_j_roberts (Luke Roberts/Woodes Rogers).