Black Sails: “XXIV” Review

“Congratulations on all that.”

As we officially enter the back half of Season 3, Black Sails gave us one hell of a sword fight – and one awesomely great curveball in the form of Jack refusing to give up the money in an attempt to sink Woodes’ entire plan to comfortably conquer Nassau.

You know a show is good when a sweet dramatic twist like that – one that feels earned and grounded – can make your blood rise even more than a big action scene. Because this episode had both, but it was Jack’s crowning moment, and his coded letter to Anne, that made me audibly “yip.” I just loved that part so much. Last week, I rolled my eyes a bit at Jack’s decision to return for his pardon. Knowing, as we all did, that he’d get nabbed almost immediately. But this made that “mistake” worth it. Jack is still very much after making a name for himself. But now it’s as the man who sinks Woodes’ entire plot and gives birth to the second pirate regime.

Making his decision even more satisfying was the fact that, of all the characters, Jack could easily be assumed as the one to follow logic. And perhaps take Woodes up on his offer. The two of them had a great scene together – with Jack meeting, face-to-face, the type of “civilized” noble he’d always pictured himself as. But he chose to go severely against the grain, and the reveal that his letter to Anne secretly told her to kill and run was amazing.

And so the hunt for Anne begins! Woodes is desperate to find her and those gems, but now also Flint and Vane. Representing the friendlier side of the search, I suppose. With Vane knowing about her cache from the remaining intel the Spanish ship he and Teach raided. It’s all coming together wonderfully, with Spain still looming out there – with their fleet docked in Havana – as an endgame boogeyman.

Now, let’s talk Flint vs. Blackbeard. One of those moments where I did wonder if they’d kill off Blackbeard. Of course, it’s not how h died in real life, but that didn’t stop the show from rejiggering Ned Low’s fate. Plus, this week we learned that Blackbeard’s living on limited time as a piece of shrapnel from an old wound is creeping closer to his heart. So there was an opportunity to take him out here during this duel. Betrayed, for the second time, by his surrogate son.

Anyhow, he lived. Perhaps to return later, at the eleventh hour, for a much-needed assist. I can see him still doing that, after his temper cools off. He’s thinking about his life and legacy so much at the moment, what with death camped nearby, that I can’t imagine he’d slink off into the sunset.

The fight was incredible. As we all know, this show can pull off spectacular stunts. With perhaps even one-on-one fights being a strong suit. Pistols, then swords. On legendary Ocracoke Island. And Flint almost pulled it off (much to the constant wonder of Bones, who was almost in awe of Flint’s ability to skirt retribution). Flint landed his pistol shot, but just to Teach’s temple. From there, Flint admirable battled Teach, but eventually fell to the brute’s size and skill. Vane stepped in to save. Because Flint – as he’s ALWAYS able to do – was able to talk Vane into it. His ability to mobilize is truly incredible.

Elsewhere, we watched Silver – who stayed behind on the slave colony island – bond with Madi, the Queen’s daughter, over his leg troubles and perceived vulnerability. Plus, we got to see, in flashback, a character who could come to represent the singular human side of the Spanish arc. A one “Juan Antonio Grandal” (James Alexander). The man who threatened Mrs. Hudson’s children in order to make her a spy for Spain.