After much anticipation, and an early renewal for a second season, “Black Sails” finally made port at STARZ. It is the premium network’s second original series in what can be described as a scramble to remain relevant against the big leaguers: HBO and Showtime. However, the big question is, did STARZ deliver this time on another much hyped promise, or is it dead in the water again like that-which-must-not-be-discussed? We just might have a floater, folks.
If you have yet to watch the first two episodes, rest assured that this is relatively spoiler-free, but expectations may have to be tempered before viewing. While the whole premise of the show is that it’s a prequel to the pirate classic “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stephenson, set 20-years prior to the events of the novel, there isn’t as much swashbuckling action as you might think after the first episode—so far.
This is nothing like “Muppets Treasure Island” or any of the other family-friendly adaptations. Think more along the lines of “The Tudors” meets “Pirates of the Caribbean” minus “pirate.” Perhaps “ruffians” might be more accurate than the loaded word “pirate.” We are shown what is popularly known about pirates in the first few scenes, the killing and plundering of a merchant ship, but then are instantly treated to a close-up of their loosely democratic methods of ship politics. Was that some lobbying for votes I saw there? There is also the correct amount of debauchery at the port town of Nassau. Whoa, is that what they really meant by “Black Beard?”
The action lasts but for a moment and the rest is all about politics. Focus is placed more on the development of characters we aren’t entirely familiar with from “Treasure Island,” such as Captain Flint and Billy, as well as characters original to the series like Max and Miss Guthrie. This continues into the second episode with more on John Silver’s ambitions and Miss Guthrie’s motivations. Pirate history buffs may get a kick out of seeing a few historical pirates depicted too. The connections and relationships between them give the series a strong foundation, cementing the series as more of a realistic take on a society of early 18th century outcasts, rather than a caricature of pirates hunting buried treasure.
“Black Sails” succeeds at presenting a diverse bunch of characters in a very realistic way for the time period. Labels of “good” and “evil” are nonexistent in this adaptation. The motivations for each character are neither, making them relatable and believable. Everything is awash in shades of gray. No one can be sternly placed as an antagonist or protagonist. To say that Captain Flint is the clear protagonist and Captain Vane is the antagonist would be to do a great disservice to their characters. Like real life people, there are many things that make up who they are and influence the actions they take. The writers have also done a great job at establishing vital emotional connections needed to keep the audience’s attention. I know I’m already particularly frightened for the lives of my two favorite characters — ah, so many death flags! I was a nervous wreck by the end of episode two.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about whether or not you want to risk disappointment with STARZ’s “Black Sails,” I highly recommend that you give this a go. Thus far it does not seem to be a fluke that Michael Bay is involved with this series as executive producer. The quality of the storytelling and character development is maintaining a course towards greatness as the episodes unfold. What I do not highly recommend is that you watch this show with your family. Kermit the Frog is not here, nor is Miss Piggy — and that’s okay. Ahoy! Boobs on the horizon!
