Black Sails Season 2 Episode 9 Review: XVII
Henry A. Otero
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Shiver Me Timbers! That death totally blindsided me.
Last week, I talked about Richard Guthrie’s very unexpected departure from this world. Well, Black Sails Season 2 Episode 9 certainly topped that one. I never imagined this particular character going out like that; wow!
Flint came close to striking a deal with Lord Ashe, while Vane took over the Spanish Man O’War.
Jack and Anne set sail for the Urca gold and Eleanor found herself in a truly compromising position.
Watching Richard’s body being prepared for his funeral quickly reminded us that Eleanor and Vane were now at war. I was surprised to see Max offer Eleanor her condolences. Not because she’s uncaring, but more so since it feels like ages that the two of them even spoke.
I loved how clearly Eleanor understood the people “paying their respects” were actually dropping by to make sure she knows they’ve taken her side in the war. She left Max speechless as well; that's rare.
Jack: How did that go?
Max: I have seen what Eleanor Guthrie can build when she is feeling ambitious. I have seen what she can destroy when she is angered.
Jack: Which of the two was she just now?
Max: She was something else entirely.
The way Eleanor watched Max and Jack from her window was chilling. If they didn’t believe she was on to them before, they certainly had reason for concern now. She’s definitely ruthless when she needs to be, hiring those two goons to take out Rackham’s crew. Good thing Anne returned in time. I was never a huge fan of Anne Bonny, but that’s certainly changed this season.
In Charles Town, Flint and Miranda made their case. I’ve got say, Lord Ashe did not behave at all how I was expecting. Of course, at the end we learn why but more on that later.
The conversation was pretty heavy and it didn’t take long before Alfred Hamilton’s murder came up. Miranda confessed her part in the whole mess, but when she stood up and Colonel Rhett threatened to shoot her, that should have been a red flag. The close up of the grandfather clock seemed odd to me too. Anyone else find that close up strange? Little did we know what was coming.
I can not stand before you and claim to be without sin. When we received that letter from you informing us of Thomas' death, the damage wrought by Alfred Hamilton was too much for us to bear. We were angry, and we allowed that anger to drive us to a dark deed. But I ask you not to judge me by that one deed. Judge me by the ends that I have come here in service of. The redemption of Nassau, in accordance with the principles that you, and I, and she, and Thomas Hamilton committed ourselves to all those years ago.
Flint
Meanwhile, Silver and his accomplice, Vincent, worried that Billy would find evidence the rope had been sabotaged. How sad was it when Silver found Randall lying there dead? I'm going to miss that old fool.
Vane’s crew looked like a bunch of ninja’s crawling aboard the ship from Billy’s viewpoint high above. I’m still not sure how Vane followed Flint to Charles Town, but just like with Captain Low, he easily overtook the vessel. We lost several memorable pirates in that battle, including Randall.
I didn’t realize Vane once attempted to recruit Billy, but I’m glad he respected him enough to spare him. After all, their conversation is what led Vane to understand piracy was about to take a fatal blow.
One of my favorite moments this week, was listening to Flint tell the story of how he chose his name. The visual of the man crawling out of the water onto his grandfather’s ship very much reminded me of Vane in the prior scene. The stranger in the story accused of killing another was named Mr. Flint.
It was as if the sea had conjured that man out of nothing, and then taken him back for some unknowable purpose. When I first met Mr. Gates and he asked me my name, I feared the man I was about to create. I feared that someone, born of such dark things, would conceal me were I not careful. And I was determined to wear him only for a while, and then dispose of him when his purpose was complete. And I thought of that story.
Flint
Everything came to a head, just as Flint and Ashe shook and came to an agreement. Did Miranda have to react so damn violently, and threaten Lord Ashe? Still, I certainly didn’t see that shot to the head coming. So much of Flint’s story was tied to Miranda and Thomas, and now that we know the truth she’s cruelly taken from him as well. I’m not sure what the season finale has in store, but there’s going to be hell to pay and he’ll continue to wear Captain Flint a while longer. I’ll miss her, that’s for sure.
Early on in the season, I imagined Flint and Vane teaming up to take down Captain Low. Well, that turned out to be unnecessary, but they will finally be fighting side by side next week.
I had honestly forgotten all about Captain Hornigold. Can you believe he struck a deal? Eleanor in exchange for a full pardon, what a jackass. He’s clever, but I hope he gets what’s coming to him.
What did you think of this week's installment? Will Vane save Flint? Will Jack and Anne return with the gold? What will become of Eleanor? So many question for the season finale. It’s your turn mateys, hit the comments below and share your thoughts on tonight's Black Sails!
Remember you can watch Black Sails online via TV Fanatic if you need to catch up before the season finale next week.
NOTE: Black Sails Season 2 Episode 10 is titled "XVIII" and airs on Saturday, March 28.
