Black Sails — “XXVIII” Season Finale Review. How Legends Are Born.

The British navy have no idea what they're up against.

Captain Chamberlain has no idea what they’re up against.

Season 3, Episode 10

Airdate: Saturday, March 26, 2016, 9/8c on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

It’s remarkable that even after the death of Captain Charles Vane (Zach McGowan), Black Sails continues to shock me. Each season finale of Black Sails has proven to be a mesmerizing spectacle full of action and frustrating cliffhangers. “XXVIII” is no exception, but what makes it special is the way all the story lines enrich the context of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” the source material from which the series draws its inspiration. After all, this season we’ve been treated to the introduction of Ben Gunn (Chris Fisher), a mysterious island, and now in “XXVIII,” hidden treasure! The writers and creators of the series, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine, have done an amazing job of utilizing the core elements from Stevenson’s novel while paving the way for the show’s own unique perspective on the pirates of Nassau.

Passing the Torch

“XXVIII” is bittersweet; there is justice for Vane and much needed confrontations among various characters. Yet, amid the memorable action sequences and stunning sea battles there is an understated sense of foreboding, beginning with the discussion John Silver (Luke Arnold) and Captain James Flint (Toby Stephens) have on how to defeat Captain Hornigold (Patrick Lyster). Silver’s evolution from the scrappy young stowaway in season one to the notorious pirate of legend, “Long John Silver,” has been a riveting journey thus far, and I can’t imagine what other dangers await him next season.

Legacy is a major topic that takes on many forms throughout “XXVIII.” From Anne Bonny (Clara Paget) and Jack Rackham (Toby Schmitz) paving their way towards victory at sea to Silver rising to take the place of Flint, it is obvious a new era of greater danger and suspense is on the horizon. I just hope the deaths of significant characters like Vane and Mr. Scott (Hakeem Kae-Kazim) are not in vain. Then there is Madi (Zethu Dlomo), the daughter of the Maroon Queen (Moshidi Motshegwa), who is now embracing her destiny as a leader of her people. Perhaps Madi will be Silver’s woman from “Treasure Island,” but I’m still hoping it’ll be Max (Jessica Kennedy Parker).

Without Vane leading the charge with Flint as his comrade, it is odd not seeing the charismatic pirate slitting throats and antagonizing everyone who crosses his path. Edward Teach (Ray Stevenson) returns to avenge his would-be son, although I wonder if Vane really was Teach’s son. Now that would have been a brilliant revelation. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be, and instead we have Teach working alongside Anne and Rackham to defeat the British navy.

Silver and Madi brace themselves for all out war!

Smoke on the Water

I was in awe of the amazing fight scenes and sea battles throughout “XXVIII,” particularly the inevitable confrontation between Hornigold and Flint. In addition, there are several distinct battles raging on: the first is at sea with the British navy versus Rackham, Anne, and Teach; the second takes place on land where Flint is building up his defenses and luring Hornigold’s men into battle. There is no spared moment to illustrate the brutalities of war and the lives that are lost from it. In particular, I love how Anne finally shows more of her combative side; the way she approaches her attacks against the British reminds me of what Vane would do that always made me smile. Vane may be gone but he has clearly left his mark on everyone. Director Alik Sakharov does an excellent job of capturing all the intense moments with various types of camera shots and series of jump cuts. “XXVIII” has the most action sequences of all the episodes this season, beating even the masterful looking tempest that sent Flint and his men to the mysterious marooned island. War has been the subject from the very start, and we finally see it in all its glory. I have to wonder, though, at what expense.

Overall

I have mixed feelings about season three, although all the episodes exceeded my expectations—a feat I didn’t think was possible. I’m still not sure if Vane’s demise, and Mr. Scott’s sad departure were necessary at this point in time. Objectively, I understand why it’s a great plot device. It positions Silver and Flint’s partnership without any obstacles because I doubt Vane would have bought into Silver’s smooth talking, plus I think he would have seen through Silver’s schemes very quickly. Speaking of schemes, I would have liked to see more interaction between Eleanor and Woodes Roger (Luke Roberts) considering what she has done to ensure his protection.

Dobbs isn’t what he seems to be

That said, whenever a book is adapted for television or film, the result can be a nightmare or a dream. Well, Black Sails definitely has me on cloud nine! I love it when a show successfully translates a book to screen in ways that add more depth to its source material. Steinberg and Levine’s vision for Black Sails remains steady and true in the spirit of Stevenson’s literary classic. Season three is a major development for the series as a whole, and “XVIII” is the launchpad for significant plot points in “Treasure Island”—such as the infamous black spot, and the importance of Billy’s role in the meaning of it. The actors’ performances are pitch perfect, and the onscreen chemistry among the whole cast is rare. There’s never a sense that one actor is attempting to outshine the other. Arnold and Stephens are brilliant examples. Under the light of a campfire, Silver and Flint’s solemn conversation about power and maintaining it is great as far as dialogue goes, but the actors’ performances and their ability to be at ease is what really captures my attention. Then there at the quiet moments; I swear the entire cast of Black Sails is able to convey more in silence with one emotional look than with words. Storytelling onscreen is more about showing than telling, and there is plenty of that in the series. Now that season three is at an end, I cannot wait to see what happens next in season four where the stakes run high and it’s anybody’ guess who will survive.

What did you think of the season finale? 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 (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).

Like Black Sails on Facebook.