The groundbreaking comedy series "Our Flag Means Death" has captured hearts and minds with its queer representation and authentic depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships. This critically acclaimed show, which premiered earlier this year, is a refreshing response to the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation, from Florida right on through to Texas and beyond.
At the heart of the series is the unlikely romance between the "Gentleman Pirate" Stead Bonnet (Reese Darby) and the infamous Blackbeard (Taika Waititi, executive producer). Their relationship, along with several other interwoven queer storylines, sets "Our Flag Means Death" apart from the pack.
From the not-binary pirate Jim, played by non-binary actor Vico Ortiz, to the developing relationship between pirates Blake Pitt (Matthew Maher) and Lucius (Nathan Ford), the show tackles a variety of queer themes. It even touches upon polyandry, with comedian Leslie Jones playing Spanish Jackie, a pirate who had 19 husbands.
The plot draws inspiration from the true story of Bonnet, an English landowner who took to piracy for several years in the early 18th century, briefly teaming up with Blackbeard. But beyond the facts, the series is all imagination. As Waititi said to Entertainment Weekly, "David just wants to piss off homophobic historians. He just wants to make them say, 'This never happened!'"
In true Taika Waititi style, the series offers a warm, quirky, and heartfelt narrative, filled with slapstick humor and deeply emotional moments. American creator Jenkins described New Zealand star Waititi as a "friendly voice" for Americans.
The show has been a hit with viewers and critics, leaving many wondering why HBO didn't renew it for another season. When this article was published, that question had already been answered—the series finale aired a few weeks prior.
Jenkins expressed his disappointment in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, while Waititi expressed hope for more. "I just think they should do it because it makes sense," Waititi said.
The show has inspired an outpouring of fan art and fan fiction, with characters like Blackbeard's second-in-command, Izzie Hands (Con O'Neil), frequently appearing in online fan art. Ortiz, who came out as non-binary thanks to the show's success, said her choice to have a top surgery was influenced by fan love. "It's so cool to see how this show becomes a medium to empower people," Ortiz told Out Magazine. "It's really beautiful."
One reason why the show has resonated with audiences is its commitment to honestly representing queer characters, without resorting to "queer-baiting" – a term referring to the exaggeration or teasing of queer relationships for the sake of drama, without actually delivering on them. "Our Flag Means Death" never presents queer relationships as strange or out of the ordinary, with Waititi commenting, "None of the characters ever say, 'Oh my God, that are two men'."
This fearless inclusive storytelling and the diverse casting of BIPOC actors have become trademarks of Waititi's work, and his upcoming Marvel film, "Thor: Love and Thunder," promises to continue the trend. The trailer hints at a queer storyline, with Chris Hemsworth's Thor and Chris Pratt's Star-Lord sharing a touching moment.
Waititi's character, Korg, will also return, and rumor has it he's "canonically gay," despite not having any romantic interest. Waititi has also made a name for himself in inclusive Native American storytelling, from his critically acclaimed Hulu series "Reservation Dogs" to his diverse casting in "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Our Flag Means Death."
While one TV show may not eradicate the legions of small-minded politicians and deeply rooted prejudices, the powerful message of "Our Flag Means Death" remains a beacon of hope, as Blackbeard tells Stead in his hour of despair, "There's always a way to escape."
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"Our Flag Means Death" would always be cause for celebration, but now more than ever. It's hard to believe that this show exists in the same world as Florida, where elementary school teachers from kindergarten to third grade are banned from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation in any way. This is just one of many anti-LGBTQ laws in the United States, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, which notes that more than 100 anti-transgender bills have been introduced to state legislatures since 2020.
Unfortunately, a single TV show can't conquer the legions of close-minded politicians and deeply ingrained prejudices. But perhaps Blackbeard's words of encouragement to Stead hold a small glimmer of hope: "There's always a way to escape."
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The show's sudden cancellation has been attributed to a combination of factors, primarily production costs and viewership. Despite earning a respectable 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series was deemed too expensive to continue. The lack of viewership, despite its critical success, also contributed to the decision to cancel it. Ultimately, the network made the decision that continuing the show was not financially viable. Despite its cancellation, "Our Flag Means Death" remains a beloved series, particularly for its LGBTQ+ representation and its unique blend of period comedy and adventure. It has received numerous accolades and continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
