A Damned Man

This is both a workplace comedy and a found family story, and we get a solid basis for both in this episode. Stede's relationship to his crew (or lack thereof) becomes a little clearer, as we get to know the crew a little better, too. Episode 2 is a side quest, but it shows us what this crew of imbeciles is capable of, and just how far they have to go.

Stede meets Izzy Hands for the first time in this episode, and the scene does not disappoint. Con O'Neill plays the character very close to the vest, but he is positively bursting with potential -- though for what exactly, it's unclear.

Wonderful cameo by Gary Farmer in this one, too.

A great episode! We see Stede making more mistakes, and how certain members of the crew consistently try to help him. The crew members' interpersonal relationships are also coming through. We are introduced to some new characters, it's witty with an air of mystery. As always it's hilariously and cleverly done.

Stede tells the crew a story, and with nobody at the wheel, the ship lands up in an unexpectedly place.

I am enjoying this show, it is wonderfully off the wall, incredibly zany, and just plain bonkers. It's nice to have a show on that's just a little bit silly, everything's is just so serious lately.

This was funny, unconventionally funny, buy a show the whole family enjoyed. I just love Stede, he's a cracking character.

I wondered if we were going to see any more of The Good Captain, Rory Kinnear was too good to write off after just one episode, I loved the way he returned.

Jim became a whole lot more interesting, that was a fun moment, Con O'Neill was really amusing as Izzy Hands, he really did look the part too.

8/10.

An action packed and hilarious caper, the second episode of the series is such a FUN and satisfying adventure for those of us who love a good time swashbuckling and Odysseus-like outsmarting of stronger-than-you foes.

In "A Damned Man," Stede deals with the fallout from episode 1, while (as always) trying to prove himself as a pirate captain to his dubious crew.

Our Flag Means Death establishes its anti-colonial and anti-racist point of view, deftly subvert common racist tropes common in other, similar Adventure/Pirate Genre stories.

This episode contains some of my favorite back-and-forth banter between the crew members, who are constantly arguing about what "Real Pirates" do or don't do...

And we see the chain of events begin which will lead to the heart of the story.

Oh Stede, you wally. Although there are suggestions that the series only starts to pick up once Blackbeard arrives, I'd have to disagree. This episode combines psychology, comedy and gentle drama in order to make a rich, engaging narrative. I love that the issue of colonialism is addressed and not just swept under the rug in order to keep having fun: it's faced up to and acknowledged, and Stede and Pete are challenged in their thinking. Also love that Oluwande gets a pina colada! Huge props to Rory Kinnear, too, as the ghost/hallucination that won't quit. Already so many quotable lines from this episode, including 'what's a vacation?' and Izzy carving his name into Stede's shirt.