"Our Flag Means Death," the groundbreaking comedy series, has taken the world by storm with its heartfelt depiction of queer relationships and diverse cast. Premiering this year, the show offers a refreshing perspective in the face of recent anti-LGBTQ legislation across various states.
At the core is the captivating love story between the dapper Stead Bonnet, portrayed by Reese Darby, and the infamous Blackbeard, played by Taika Waititi himself, serving as an executive producer. Their unique romance, coupled with other enticing queer narratives, sets "Our Flag Means Death" apart from the crowd.
The series boasts a wide range of queer themes, including the not-binary pirate Jim, skillfully portrayed by non-binary actor Vico Ortiz. Then there's the developing relationship between pirates Blake Pitt (Matthew Maher) and Lucius (Nathan Ford). Even polyandry enters the picture, with comedian Leslie Jones starring as Spanish Jackie, a pirate who bore 19 husbands.
The series was inspired by the real-life tale of Stead Bonnet, a wealthy Englishman who abandoned his landlord life for a career in piracy in the early 18th century. Although based on fact, the series offers endless imagination, as Waititi told 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 show entertains viewers with its delightful blend of slapstick humor and emotional depth. The all-American creator Jenkins considers Waititi a welcoming voice for the Americans.
Unfortunately, despite its success and widespread acclaim, "Our Flag Means Death" was not renewed for another season before the series finale aired. While this news disappointed creator David Jenkins, Waititi expressed hope for more.
The show has sparked numerous fan arts and fan fiction, showcasing characters like Blackbeard's second-in-command, Izzie Hands (Con O'Neil). Vico Ortiz, who came out as non-binary thanks to the show's success, shares that her decision to undergo top surgery was influenced by fan support, stating, "It's so cool to see how this show empowers people."
One reason for the show's widespread appeal is its bold representation of queer characters, avoiding the common "queer-baiting" trope of exaggerating or teasing queer relationships for shock value without delivering on them. As Waititi put it, "None of the characters ever say, 'Oh my God, that are two men.'"
This fearless approach to inclusive storytelling and the diverse casting of BIPOC actors have become hallmarks of Taika Waititi's work. His upcoming Marvel film, "Thor: Love and Thunder," promises to carry on this tradition, hinting at a possible queer storyline for Thor and Star-Lord.
Waititi's critically acclaimed character, Korg, will also return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Meanwhile, his contributions to Native American storytelling, including his Hulu series "Reservation Dogs" and his diverse casting choices in movies like "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Our Flag Means Death," have made headlines in recent years.
While a single TV show may not erase the divide caused by prejudiced politicians, the inspiring message of "Our Flag Means Death" serves as a symbol of hope in these turbulent times. As Blackbeard comforts Stead in a moment of despair, "There's always a way to escape."
