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Reviews
Our Flag Means Death: Mermen (2023)
Epic finale!
Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death ends on a high note - with some bittersweetness in the mix. With the Republic of Pirates under attack and Ed gone off to try a new life, our band of pirate heroes are scattered and in danger. Stede and Zheng get some fun moments on their own (fun to watch, that is - Zheng is not having a great time having to kind of babysit Stede, lol). Ed's journey on his own luckily gets him back to where we want him to be, having proof of Stede's love for him in literal writing and perhaps also realizing the depth of his own love for Stede, too, in the face of possibly losing him for good. It's heart wrenching to see our beloved pirates at the mercy of the English Navy, but the f... *ahem* trickery they pull to get the upper hand has you cheering the whole way. The last minutes of the episode has many touching and bittersweet moments that tie up this season nicely while setting up a clear path for the aptly named Revenge's future that feels exciting, should the show, with any blessing, get to tell the rest of its story in season 3.
Our Flag Means Death: Man on Fire (2023)
Rollercoaster of an episode
2x07 of Our Flag Means Death is an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. It's wonderful to see Stede and Ed in their initial bliss mode after consummating their relationship, going on a brunch date in the Republic of Pirates and having a good time. These are always the best moments of the show, when Rhys and Taika get to just be silly together. When things take a shift for the uneasy after Stede's newfound pirate infamy clashes with Ed's burgeoning wishes to retire from the pirate life, we see them heartbreakingly at odds and it's a bold step for the show to make, so soon after finally getting them back together. I think this is where the show could easily use a longer runtime to expand on these kinds of developments. All the same, you're left wondering if love is enough to get them back on the same page again and wanting to see it played out in the next episode!
There are a lot of great crew moments once again as Frenchie, in true Frenchie fashion, comes up with a side hustle to capitalize on Stede's new fame. It's always wonderful to see how well the crew works together when a new idea comes to fruition, everyone always up for whatever hijinks they get themselves into at a given time. As a crew!
The episode culminates in an unexpected showdown with an even more unexpected result that leaves you itching for the finale episode as soon as possible!
Our Flag Means Death: Calypso's Birthday (2023)
Raise your MFing glasses!
Our Flag Means Death has some beautiful cinematography, sets, costumes, the list goes on, but never has it looked so beautiful as this episode, with The Revenge decked out in gorgeous florals, bathed in purples and blues, and everyone dressed to the (piratey) nines! And no one was more stunning than Wee John, for reasons obvious in the episode. This one instantly goes into the OFMD Hall of Fame for the sheer queer joy emanating from every aspect of the episode - the expressions of self, the celebration of that by a found family of ragtag outsiders, an important romantic milestone for our main couple, and the cathartic thrill of making it through another perilous ordeal with your best crewmates by your side.
Our Flag Means Death: The Curse of the Seafaring Life (2023)
Perhaps the most piratey of the season!
It's certainly not a downside that the second season of Our Flag Means Death initially focuses on the characters and interpersonal relationships of the crew of the Revenge (in fact, I consider that an asset as character is always king in a story, in my opinion), but I like that this episode got back to a bit more of the pirate fun we enjoy seeing the crew have as well! Superstitions and curses are a part of so many cultures that you don't have to be a pirate to relate to this, but it's great to see how all those old sea dog beliefs manifest in the crew, and how Stede handles it all, still being relatively new to that seafaring life.
Despite being glad at that change of pace story-wise, I'm also glad this episode had Ed on an apology tour as he tries to make amends with everyone he hurt on the crew, to varying degrees of success. Ed and Fang getting some scenes alone together was a particular delight!
Without spoiling, the final two scenes of this episode make your heart grow several sizes, once again ending with a wonderful soundtrack that solidifies this show's never-ending endearment.
Our Flag Means Death: Fun and Games (2023)
Lives up to the episode title for sure!
Possibly my favourite episode of the season thanks to the complete chaos of Minnie Driver and Rachel House as dysfunctional retired pirate couple/dinner-from-hell hostesses Anne Bonny and Mary Read! While Stede and Ed are on shaky ground trying to find their way back to each other, Anne and Mary do their best to make the ground even shakier, to some pretty hilarious extents. But even as Anne and Mary serve as a potential warning sign for what our heroes may become once the honeymoon phase wears off, Stede and Ed's relationship - blessedly, as always - remains the heart of the show, and their reconciling moments in this episode are some of the most heartwarming and romantic I've seen on tv, performed with wonderful sincerity by Rhys and Taika.
In a fitting parallel, back on the ship the crew has to figure out how to find their way back to each other as well, dealing with the aftermath of what Blackbeard put them all through. The spirit of it is a great throwback to the first season where Stede's motto of "talk(ing) it through, as a crew" has to be put into motion, to a lovely effect.
I loved everything they did in this episode, and once again Our Flag Means Death leaves you humming their excellent song choices long after the episode is over.
Our Flag Means Death: The Innkeeper (2023)
Stunning.
2x03 of Our Flag Means Death is a stand out of the series. As the two disparate plotlines finally converge in this episode, we get to see old favourites reunite with varying degrees of ease given there is a mystery at the core of this episode that needs to be solved. Once it does, it gives way to some of the most phenomenal acting moments Rhys Darby has performed in the entire show. The end scene was so perfectly, poignantly fitting for this show, which excels at balancing whimsy with earnestness, I'm still awe. The music, the emotional meaning of the scene, the cinematography, everything combined to create a perfect moment that brought me to tears (and made some of my dreams come true). A scene and an episode to cherish, for sure.
Our Flag Means Death: Red Flags (2023)
The pirate world expands!
As soon as Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death was greenlit I was hoping they would incorporate Zheng Yi Sao into the story -- and my wishes were granted! Loved getting to see the inner workings of her ship, how she captains her crew (juxtaposed against Stede, who is charmingly back to being out of his depth once again), and getting to see some other familiar faces along the way!
As the plot follows Ed and his descent into full Kraken persona darkness, unfortunately dragging his and some of Stede's crew down with him, you can't help but feel bad for everyone involved. Heartbreak sure has done a number on Ed and the final culmination of the self-addressed toxic situation he put everyone in made perfect sense and broke my own heart in return.
What I love about Our Flag Means Death is how completely silly and lighthearted it can be, and also how deep and dark it can get. I love a show that isn't afraid to show these many different sides of life, rather than easily and safely sticking to one clearly defined genre.
Our Flag Means Death: Impossible Birds (2023)
Worth the wait!
Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger that made Season 2 a necessity and this episode kicks it off in stellar fashion! Our Flag Means Death 2x01 hits the ground running picking up right where last season left off while setting up new things for the new season. Loved the introduction of interesting new characters (Zheng Yi Sao!!) and that they brought back old favourites like Spanish Jackie. As much as you hate to see Stede and Ed separated -- especially Ed as he spirals downwards into darkness -- you remain hooked as ever waiting for them to reunite. The cast is in stellar form again, bringing laughs and heartbreak in equal measure. A great start to the season!
Our Flag Means Death (2022)
My favourite show in years!
I checked out this show when it premiered as a fan of Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi for many years, but man, I didn't know what I was in for - in the best way! It's definitely as funny as I expected given those two, but what I thought would simply be a workplace comedy set in the world of piracy turned into something much richer and wonderful than I could have imagined. The entire cast of characters on this show are hilarious and loveable - rarely do you end up loving everyone on an ensemble show (usually you have your one or two favourites and endure the rest) but Our Flag Means Death has a bevy of quirky and interesting personalities, all just as funny as the leads. The writing is clever, meaningful, and humorously silly in equal measure and it makes the show a true delight to watch. Our Flag Means Death has quickly become one of my all-time favourite series; it's a real treat and I can't recommend it enough!
Good Omens (2019)
A show for the ages (literally)
Good Omens has been an all-time favourite book of mine since I first read it about 15 years ago and this adaptation more than does it justice. Surely Neil Gaiman's direct influence on this show is a major reason why, but David Tennant and Michael Sheen are just so brilliant - both separately and (especially) together - as Crowley and Aziraphale, the beating heart and pure delight at the centre of this story, that I can't imagine these characters any more being played anyone else.
Season 1 does such a great job of bringing the book to life, and though I desperately wanted to keep following the adventures of this loveable angelic/demonic pair, I would have been content if the extent of the book's story was all we would get. So, what a delightful surprise it was to hear it would be continuing into a Season 2! And now, having watched said second season, I am absolutely no longer content with 'just' that. Season 2 builds on the characters, relationships, humour, and quirkiness of the first, culminating in events that leave you with an absolute need to see where the story goes next in future season(s).
An easily rewatchable show with hidden gems, jokes, and clever easter eggs peppered throughout, with wonderful performances both comedic and heartwrenching, Good Omens the show has easily joined the book in my all-time favourites. Bring on Season 3!
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Rouge Rocks!
This movie touched my heart. I've never cried at a movie before, ever, until I saw this. Now, I adore the film for it's stunning visual effects, vibrant colours, characters you feel close to, and most of all, it's beautiful story. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who is a movie buff or anyone who believes in true love. This movie was wonderful and I'm going to be the first in line when it comes out on video!