What a great journey it was ! After every episodes I loved to watch your reviews and hear your opinion. So sad that this awesome show is over but everything has to end and I'm glad it ended that way. Thank you for your reviews ! All the best man :D
General histories of Pyrates, was published in 1724, written between 1722 and 1723, with Woodes' help. Showing us that book sort of symbolizes Jack's fate and Mark Read's (hehehe), because it's written in there. Also made Woodes popular again (it isn't directly about Woodes, but since at are mostly biographies of pirates that Woodes dealt with eitehr at Nassau or Madagascar... such as Roberts) he's mentioned in pretty much every chapter, aside from a factual summary in the introduction of him becoming governor, pardon reading, how he dealt with those took the pardons: those who stayed off the account could work as "privateers" against the Spanish; those who went back on the account were hunted down. So, it was actually a propaganda book about Woodes, disguised as an exciting narration of the lives of pirates. And he was made governor again, while his replacement eventually was mistrusted as being corrupt and dealing too much with the pirates. It was feared the replacement governor would be the cause of getting the pirates back at Nassau. We do get suggestive hints to that in the tavern, and Mary Read asking about the rumor that the governor allowed it unofficially. Because the situation Jack Rackham describes is the situation in 1705 that Thomas and McGraw discuss - corrupt governors partnering with partners, but simultaneously making them out to be monsters in London to get funds. And when Woodes gets back to Nassau for his second term, he basically ends up sacking the council/assembly that was installed in his absence. So, history in BS universe would lead to Woodes comes back, ends up "writing" Jack's story, Featherstone goes back on the account and Max and Mrs. Mapleton get the sack. Oh, and his "creditors" took "pity on him" and absolved his debts, so he didn't stay longer in debtor's jail than a year. I guess that Mrs. Hudson sent Eleanor's diary to Grandma Guthrie. But BS does end on the temporary high note.
Man I just love you ! I didn't know you at all, but I did get everything you say in that review (I'm French and I assume my English is not too bad but I usually needs subtitles....). Anyway I have enjoyed every minute of Black Sails but no one to share it. And you, you have got it all right, man. Billy Bones is not supposed to be left on Skeleton Island, it's Ben Gunn, but later actually, he says it so to Jim Hawkins, he was left on that island by another crew. The book the woman is reading to her children was written by Charles Johnson in 1724 (I had read a lot on pyrates long before Black Sails) so I'm so glad you know that, as well as Mary Read (I guessed it right away but Rackham doesn't). What else ? Yes, the parallels they draw between season 1 (and 2) and 4 are just great (Flint and Billy Bones, the frightened cook who sends Silver back to his own condition when he was first found by Captain Flint ad his crew, and even the music we hear in the tavern when Jack is talking to Mark Read (the Parson Farewell)...there is so much to say about this show, about what is real, what comes from Treasure Island. For example, I do not agree at all with Blackbeard's death....he did not die this way...it is the only thing that disappoints me. By reading again Treasure Island not so long ago, it seems to me that they say Flint died because of the rhum, too much drinking. And one last thing : the fact that the end of the show stays wide open for every character is great, I was afraid they killed every pirate in a terrible bloodshed. Man, I wish I knew someone like you, so I can talk about Black Sails and pirates with someone who knows their world.
Dorothée Michel Awww, thanks so much! Glad to be ablw to share this wonderful show with you :-) I love so much how they've composed this show, including so many references back to the beginning, and having the "open-ended" finish as you said was really the way to go. (Anything that leaves Jack and Ann together is good in my book!) Thanks again for the wonderful comment. Hopefully I'll cover more shows you like so we can share them together.
Thank you for answering :) Yes, I love to see Jack and Ann together too :) What's more you are also absolutely right about Madi : they cannot kill her beacause that would only increase Silver's rage, plus she is not dead in the book. At the end of Treasure Island, Jim Hawkins says that Silver probably went back to his Black woman. So anyway, I have a couple of question for you if you don't mind : who is your favorite character in Black Sails ? Did you ever asked yourself why do we admire pirates so mcuh ? What makes them so attractive ? Oh and Jack Sparrow can go f...k himself :p
Dorothée Michel Vane by far. Was a little put off by him originally, because he can be vindictive and very violent, but he was really the most honest and straight-forward pirate: he didn't deceive , he was direct, he said what he meant and he did what he said. You always knew where you stood with him. Quite different from all the scheming around him. Pirates ultimately represent freedom, adventure, setting your own course. It's also a brotherhood, which can be enduring. But really it's the draw to treasure, adventures into the unknown full of mystery and rewards, that I think excite the child in all of us. That and no parents :-) There is also a code that everyone sticks to, which creates an enduring comraderie and expectation. No one above you, just you and your mates out sailing, drinking rum and finding treasure.
Freedom and adventure, I think that is what I like the most about being a pirate. But I totally agree with your explanation, even if they probably had hard times too. I am pretty sure it wasn't fun every day....That being said, I also agree about your description of Charles Vane. Plus, he is such a warrior, and I'm sorry to say that, but as a girl, I find him really sexy. He is my favorite character too. But....I really like Captain Flint. I like them both the same way, for different reasons. Flint has this dark side within, which I find fascinating. Maybe because I have my own demons too, so much anger inside that it looks like Mount Doom, and when it really does, it is pure rage that consumes me. Nice talking to you :) ;)
I do believe that, as many here said before me, this is an ending according to the real world history combined with the future plot that happens in the fantasy book, Treasure Island. Ending it like they did, they can have (in some time from now, I imagine) another prequel to Treasure Island. With stories of Jack, Anne and Mary Reed. Woods in jail and then forgiven and back in Nassau hunting pirates, dying later sick and unhappy. Billy getting out of the Skeleton Island, maybe with the help of Ben Gun, marooning him there and fleeing. Living forever madly afraid of Silver. Later being given the map by Flint. Silver getting his life to the point of wanting to find the treasure again. Also up to the point where is being said that Silver has a wife, taking care of his business, a former slave, some say. After all that happens, all will be in place for them to finally make a series on Treasure Island itself. I love that they left Flint's story open to two endings: did Silver kill him or did he go to that 'retirement' island 🌴... ehehehehe 😏 just like in real history: there are many things that we will never know which are true and which are told or legend. It's one of the big themes of this series and Flint's story exemplifies it very well. (He will probably be alive' once he is appearing later in Treasure Island, in Savannah giving eventually the treasure map to Billy). Well, it would be wonderful if we would someday have more adventures with these characters and actors in another great prequel to Treasure Island. Which would lead to, later on, another one more on Treasure Island itself. "You may say I'm a dreamer... "
+Joana Baritzmee Yeah I love how they ended things; the ambiguity certainly gives room for interpretation, and I'm totally fine with it; as you said, history is often filled with such instances, and it allows us as the audience to "fill in the blanks" however we would like things to end. I would be all about a Treasure Island series, though I think as a single season "even" it would play better. But any extra time they want to give us to spend with these characters I'm all aboard :-)
As ALWAYS superb reviews! I had to think and rewatch the finale, before actually liking it. I wasn't so sold on the overall high-note endings for everyone. I had an initial overly sweet sugary impression, that made Eleanor's fate personally particularly bitter for me. But it grows ever more ambiguous to me rather than happy endings on a re-watch, which I'm happier with. I personally believe Silver ended up shooting Flint, and that he made up the story of Flint becoming James again. After all, in 1x01 Silver wasn't really the cook. His starting point, the wrist, was a lie - he lied he was the cook. I totally believe that Thomas is alive, that Silver found him, that he planned and wanted to do what he claims he did, but that he saw that neither Flint nor McGraw would ever give up. Miranda for example begs, argues, reasons, warns James what would happen if he continues to press the pardon idea with the Admiralty. But James doesn't listen. It's what Flint and McGraw have in common imo - they don't give up. James would war to change the world for Thomas (including rescuing him from that place), while Flint wars to burn the world. And I think Silver saw that in the end. So, Im' not sold on this miracle of Flint turning into James again and being content with Thomas alone. But it has the ambiguity for the viewer to determine what they believe is true - James+Thomas are together or it's actually a tragedy disguised by a fairytale. On Billy: I was initially confused about that too, as it not being canon. However, it would explain Billy having a map and knowing where the treasure is. He has time enough to search for it, move the bodies of the dead, make a map or add the info on Avery's map of the island, but he doesn't have a crew or buddies to actually get the cache off the island. He could get off the island with wreckage material to make a raft. But putting a chest full of gems on such a thing.... nah not so good idea. Ben Gunn is not on the island anymore, BUT he may very well return to Skeleton Island himself with a skiff or longboat, not aware that Billy is on the island, and Billy then takes off with the longboat, without the cache. What Billy needs and what he'll never get is a crew that would trust him to sail to Skeleton Island and find the treasure with him. So, he ends up pretending that Flint gave him the treasure map, trusted him, but on the run for Silver. That's how I see the bridge between BS ending and start of TI
Nice! Thank you as always :-) Did Silver kill Flint? Yes, there is plenty of evidence for that, and it seems difficult even at that point that Flint would willingly walk away. But lies are for characters, not the audience, and seeing James and Thomas reunite seems to have been an unnecessary scene if they wanted the ending to be ambiguous; you could even have had a tracking shot through the house and then Thomas' head pop up from working, and leave it there, without seeing Flint/James. The we could think it was Tom Morgan confirming Thomas' presence to report to Silver. If they wanted it ambiguous. By showing Flint there, however, it's a lie to the audience, and that's not something the show has done before. Also, I like that ending :-) I thought Ben was marooned by Flint, but yeah I guess he was only there 3 years, so if he gets to the island, easy enough for Billy to eventually find a way off. Seeing Flint give him a map to the treasure after all this... well, that is a stretch. But the map said where the treasure was buried... ah, that'll be covered when they adapt TI!
Well, just the cinematography of the Thomas - James scene is more surreal. We're seeing it as Silver tells it. One can interprete it as something that Silver envisions for himself in his mind. The show has done some mindfucks in that way with Miranda and Eleanor. He wants to make the fantasy, the fairytale real for himself. Silver's such a good storyteller that you can actually see it happen. Remember what he told Billy: I can tell them the sky's red and people would believe me. And in the finale, Silver cal tell us that Flint was unmade enough somehow right after that tense confrontational moment between the two of them on Skeleton Island, and that McGraw is with Thomas on the plantation of the founder of Savannah, that the audience believes it. :p
Jill DS Black Sails was a terrific show with a great storyline, written brilliantly, and portrayed by amazing actors. This show wil be missed... Just saying!
I totally agree. It is imo the best drama show I've seen and followed since Rome. And the only series before Rome I rewatch every few years is I Claudius. Despite it's more theatrical and static decor approach that is now outdated, the writing and acting and dialogues while completing a whole narrative transcends cinematography. So, for me Black Sails is in my personal top three series of well since the 80s. And I would put Black Sails first, because it had a chance to tell its story at the pace that the writers wanted to tell it, even if they could have dragged it out for 2 more seasons by adding stuff between S2 and S3, or adding stuff between S3 and S4, but that would have overall worse I think, because you would have padded action in a certain half of the story, while pretty much needing to ignore the rest of the characters, etc. I Claudius then comes second. And Rome third, because they unfortunately had to rush to a conclusion, because the show was cut. There are a few series that are good, but fail at some point mostly because they're dragged out, and get milked. And then some series are heralded as super, and while I'd agree they started super, they've long gone down the drain. I wish wish GRRM had sold the rights of aSoIaF to Starz and the Black Sails writers instead.
I'll just reproduce here the same comment I made on Mike B's review channel: This Finale was better and more mindfucking than you think. Actually, I'm kinda quite surprised that people, at first, did not realize that Flint was killed by Silver and then our dearest peg legged pirate told his ultimate lie ( including to himself and the public) to save Madi, to stop the cycle of useless violence and at the same time preventing Flint from becoming a "Martyr" for the cause...and that was genius. All the evidence was there and made clear by the creators: - Flint's question about what would Silver do to convince Madi about giving up the cause ( specificaly: "Even if you could kill me, even if that somehow helped you see her alive again, how are you going to explain it to her? She believes in this as much as I do. You know this. If it costs the war to save her, you'll have lost her anyway. Even you cannot construct a story to make her forgive you that." ) - The birds flying after the unheard (to us) gunshot. - the surreal situation of Flint accepting to go with Silver and then tearfully reuniting with his male lover at a labour camp soon followed by Jack's voice-over about "A story is true, a story is untrue, as time extends, it matters the less and less the stories we want to believe, those are the ones who survive, despite transition and progress. Those are the stories that shape history" ....although people really wanted to believe in a happy, redemptful or at least bittersweet ending for McGraw, the truth is out there, but, for us it doesn't really matter. That was also one of the meanings of this speech. The initial scene with Tom Morgan, by the way, really happened. Silver sent him to investigate it before the Spanish Raid... but not the "rest"of the story. p.s: sorry for my "peg legged" english, brazilian here.
Fair interpretation of events. I will always admit to being the optimist, but I don't know why they would shoot Flint and Thomas reuniting unless it happened. I also thought about the birds and they seemed to imply a pistol shot... it could go that way. BUt again, why frame the whole Thomas story unless things did happen that way? The lie was that Flint retired, not disappeared. But, of course, I have been wrong before. But I do like the idea of Flint being "unmade" and returning to his previous state.If it is a lie, I'll buyit :-) Thanks for the comment!
"BUt again, why frame the whole Thomas story unless things did happen that way? The lie was that Flint retired, not disappeared." Maybe because the story told (by Silver & crew) had to work exactly this way, as we can clearly see that what would really matter wasn't Flint's real death ( as I think it has ocurred) but his "publical death" which would have made him a real martyr, symbol of rebellion in the eyes many slaves, maroons, high seas piracy and specialy Madi... an exact opposite effect of what Silver would expect. That's why even Rackham delivers the news to Grandma Guthrie like a "retirement", as telling exactly what happened would also have been made public between all provincies, causing the same contrary effect ( or maybe because Silver didn't let him know about that too, as we just have seen about the gold as well, since Jack could still be looking for it at the end haha, but I really believe it's the other option). On the other hand, if Silver really had the information about Thomas location, alive, at the Labour camp, I really couldn't see how would he had not used it at the exact moment that Madi's life was in danger as a bargain to convince Flint otherwise ( that the treasure could be exchanged for her life and was less important than her at the moment... as well as the fact of his doubt about what the Frak they were doing after all - S4E8), Silver would never hesitate to use that "card" if he really had it and Flint would have acepted it... So the frame of Thomas story at the plot, inocently given by Max, has served exactly as two-bird killing stone to Silver, since it gave him resources to deconstruct "The Monster" in the eyes of the public (retirement, plain and simple) and in the eyes of Madi's fury (retirement to be with his paw, Thomas, putting love above the sake of war..at the same time a 'message" to her) Appreciation for your answer as well and subscribing to your channel! Greetings from Brazil
I had the same thought when I saw the Flint v. Silver scene end, but I think it makes more sense for Silver's tale to be true. I agree with D. that they show the viewer a lot of things that would have otherwise been best kept ambiguous if f that was what they were going for. The thing that really convinced me though is Jack's part. It was an unnecessary risk to their deal to tell the story that he told. From Jack's perspective, if Flint died, and even if he didn't, it would make much more sense to tell Granny Guthrie "yep, we shot him like a dog, but don't tell nobody--we've got this oscar-winning story worked out where he goes to meet his old lover and everybody lives happily ever after, no martyr's allowed." Granny Guthrie doesn't have any reason to care if Flint gets a happy ending, and has much more reason to want to hear that he died. I don't buy that the show would tell lies to the audience, and I really don't believe that Jack would tell a risky lie to Granny Guthrie for no reason. It is an interesting thought though, especially with Silver's character!
Farron444 Excellent point! Killing Flint would have gone over better with Grandma Guthrie. Jack's tale this does reinforce the "Flint went away on a farm" story (though isn't that what parents tell their kids about where the family dog went? LOL)
Because telling Granny, means telling Max, and everybody else on the voyage to Philly what really happened. And Jack doesn't entirely trust Max either, does he. Nobody can know, because then pirates would have a martyr. It's certainly what the pigs in Animal Farm try to tell the sheep about that brave horse, retired on a field to spend his last days, while they drove him to the butcher. That said, I think Silver himself dreams and wishes that his tale to Madi was true.
I do believe we will get a treasure island. Flint was only meant to die recently from the start of Treasure Island, so it will likely show his fate if they do make an adaptation.
Always thought he was there longer, marooned by Flint when he buried the treasure. Been a while since I read TI though... 3 years seems to be a short time to go that mad! But, perhaps it was his obsession with cheese that drove him mad :-)
Kinda frustrated they didnt go with the Parson's Farewell at full blow for the closing titles, as they teased it in the scenes at the tavern with Mary... ahem Mark Reade. This music is just amazing and would have made for awesome closing titles. ua-cam.com/video/pAubPxemSOg/v-deo.html And... that's my one and only complaint... it was everything I hoped it would be : giving a great sense of closure, a continuity with the whole narrative, epic moments, beautiful ones, some funny ones as well, bittersweet on some regards and still managing to drop a few twists and surprises on its way out. I'll miss this show but I sure as fuck watch it sail away with a smile on my face. Great review again D ! But yeah, cant deny I'm sad it's the last ! :)
It would have been a rousing anthem to end on! Yeah, sad to see it go but a great way to finish things off. Beautiful, explosive, sad and inspiting all at the same time. Perfect! Thanks Triskan :-) And now, on to the next thing!
This Finale was better and more mindfucking than you Think. Actually, I'm kinda quite surprised that people, at first, did not realize that Flint was killed by Silver and then our dearest peg legged pirate told his ultimate lie ( including to himself and the public) to save Madi, to stop the cycle of useless violence and at the same time preventing Flint from becoming a "Martyr" for the cause...and that was genius. All the evidence was there and made clear by the creators: - Flint's question about what would Silver do to convince Madi about giving up the cause ( specificaly: "Even if you could kill me, even if that somehow helped you see her alive again, how are you going to explain it to her? She believes in this as much as I do. You know this. If it costs the war to save her, you'll have lost her anyway. Even you cannot construct a story to make her forgive you that." ) - The birds flying after the unheard (to us) gunshot. - the surreal situation of Flint accepting to go with Silver and then tearfully reuniting with his male lover at a labour camp soon followed by Jack's voice-over about "A story is true, a story is untrue, as time extends, it matters the less and less the stories we want to believe, those are the ones who survive, despite transition and progress. Those are the stories that shape history" ....although people really wanted to believe in a happy, redemptful or at least bittersweet ending for McGraw, the truth is out there, but, for us it doesn't really matter. That was also one of the meanings of this speech. The initial scene with Tom Morgan, by the way, really happened. Silver sent him to investigate it before the Spanish Raid... but not the "rest" of the story. See this tribute ua-cam.com/video/kFf_AmnebDA/v-deo.html
Silver didn't kill Flint. The last episode starts showing us that he had sent one of his guys to inquire if a certain prisoner (Thomas) was on that plantation.
I'm sorry to say this, but I think I agree with a lot of people and believe Flint was killed on the island. My heart wants the happy ending that they presented, but my head is telling me it wasn't as happy an ending as it seems. I believe that Silver and Madi have a sad ending however, the show runner in an interview said "The way you see them at the end, they’re in the same frame but they’re yards away from each other. Emotionally, that’s as close as they’ll ever get again".
gregoreuo1 Good point, but it does make me sad about Silver and Madi. I was hoping that last scene was a glimpse of eventual reconciliation. A man can dream though, right? Thanks for the comment: -)
I wrote most of my comments on Mike B. This episode was at best bitter sweet. Flint is right as always - Silver is wrong as always. They were like the yin and yang symbol where one can't survive without the other. Without Flint Silver is a lost soul and he will see it 20 years hence in TI. He will regret what he did in betraying Flint and Madi will resent him for not following through with the great war. Rackham gets nothing but being a pirate again penny pinching, getting drunk and duping sailors into joining him with tales of finding the cache only under the rule of the Guthries that will lead to his doom. Vane, Blackbeard and the pirates all die for nothing except for Silver and Rakham getting a piece of tail. Max, the most deceitful character, is in charge of Nassau with Featherstone. She has even betrayed Rackham who was supposed to have been the governor. I guess Idelle winds up being Featherstone's wife. Without a war what is Israel Hands going to do but waste away and finally getting killed by a little boy. Billy Bones will continue to spiral into madness and finally be killed by a stroke induced by fear of the black spot.
There is a bit of bittersweetness to the ending, and I do appreciate the future Flint sees for Silver because of it, how the thoughts and what-ifs eventually drive him to obsession. All Jack wanted was to be a pirate captain, so he's certainly happy with the way things ended (I thought he might be named governor too, but perhaps being a known pirate isn't the best from a "reform" point of view). The war would have been costly, and not guaranteed victory. This way, at least Nassau returns to an element of peace. Thanks henry :-)
Sorry gonna have to disagree with you. Flint has been in the wrong plenty of times and Silver did make a lot of good points this season when confronting Flint on his bullshit. Silver has always followed him no matter what even when he thought Madi was dead, even when he lost friends through out these past 4 seasons. Personally I felt both sides were wrong but, at the same time justifiable. Flint's war would have led to a new world order: freeing slaves, ratifying the pirates, and seeing justice served for the death of Charles Van and Edward Teach, but it's hard to follow a man who's initial reason to have this war is because he blames the British Empire for the "death" of Thomas. On the other hand Silver never truly wanted to be in this war let alone be the Long John Silver everyone was hoping would lead it. He's sacrificed so much and lost a lot on this journey/partnership/friendship with Flint and and after going through the same loss Flint did he finally understood Billy's point. That this war is not a guaranteed victory and could lead to destruction, ciaos, and enviably lead to the collapse of everything he holds dear but, at the same time Silver is taking away from the life the people of Nassu could have. So I'm not mad at Silver for defusing this war that might've blown up in everybody's face but, I am on sad that we didn't get to see it.
Name when Flint was wrong. He was almost like a prophet usually. That he was only doing this to avenge Thomas was only brought up this season. Flint was the one with a vision and Madi saw it. Sorry, Flint was fighting because he saw the corruption of the British Empire. Silver could only see as far as his dick.
henry dicarlo OK I'll take it back flint wasn't wrong but wrong in the way he handled situation specifically with silver. I'm not saying the British Empire didn't deserve everything they got but, Maranda even said "You're not fighting for me and you're not fighting for Thomas. You're fighting because that's all you know how to do". Also I believe silver saw the big picture. He saw the potential good that could come from this war and the potential horrors that could come from this war. I personally believe in his mind the possible horrors outweighed whatever possible victory they could achieve.
+Nixon Rexzile Well, yes, in effect, but not a bad one. From Max's story about the place to Silver, it seems to imply that these "children of wealthy families" that are disappeared here are treated well and afforded a reasonable lifestyle, just unable to leave. As a plantation, that lifestyle would probably still include working the land as any farmer would (to some extent at least). Plus, Thomas is there, and reuniting with a loved one long thought dead is probably a big bonus. :-) So, minimum security work farm w/Thomas vs killed by pistol shot and buried on a forgotten island. Certainly not the freedom Flint was searching for, but better than the alternative. But I get what your saying. Since it is portrayed as a prequel to Treasure Island, they sort of have their hands tide with where they end things. Flint didn't lead a great war in TI, so he can't here. He has to leave the treasure and "retire" to Savannah, so they have to find a reason for Flint to do that. Considering all that, I think they found a good way to end this story and still not betray the set-up for TI. Thanks for commenting :-)
Nixon Rexzile No, Silver killed Flint. if you go back and watch. the birds fluttering gave it away..they just muted or didn't add the go shot to get people to maybe believe in that story that silver and Jack were narrating. silver had to come up with the best story of his life to tell Madi and he did. he killed flint on that Island. he did send a man to check that camp if Thomas was there, but the rest was just a story to tell Madi.
Molon Labe Yo dawg I'm going to watch again and if that's true then that make better sense! Please let that be the ending because I'm in love with Black Sails. Question: did anyone know where the gold is before Treasure Island?
DWJaques In my opinion, the best pirate award should go to Captain Charles Vane. I appreciated his empathy for the slaves, and he was a pretty badass fighter. I hated to see him go, but he died well. I binged watched Black Sails last week, and I miss it as well.
+Joyce Stone Agreed! I loved Vane; he quickly became my favorite character, and now I look for Zach McGowan wherever he shows up. That man's presence is amazing :-)
Molon Labe I understand why many people think that, but Silver killing Flint on the island changes the foundation of Treasure Island, to which this is a prequel. Flint dies in Savannah after giving the map to Billy. Unless we assume that foundation is a lie, then couldn't have killed Flint. But ambiguity is always fun as it inspires passionate debate :-)
Molon Labe I don't know if silver actually killed Flint it might be up to interpretation but I can't believe Flint would ever give the map to the billy that we've seen in this prequel haha
+sigynigy That is the one part that throws me a bit how it all ended, 'cause it is pretty hard to believe after all that happened between them Flint would ever give Billy the map. On the other hand, a lot can happen in 20 years, and maybe at some point Billy searches out Flint to ask for forgiveness; being marooned will give him plenty of time to think things over. And then there is whatever else he goes through after that. I know as I get older I can see that sometime you can hold a grudge, and other times you're just thrilled to see someone else who's still alive :-) But, yeah...
An interview with the writers implies that Flints death as describied in TI as lonely an drunk, would happen aftert he death of Thomas by natural causes. At this point it seems likely Flint has very little left to live for, and he would, as you say, likely be a very different person. So maybe he was just relieved to see familiar face, someone he could remember with, even in bitterness. Or maybe by this point he was aware of how much devestaion was caused by that treassure, and didn't care if Billy found it, assuming it would just kep causeing the man trouble. Or maybe Billy simply badgered him about it and Flint drew the map to get him to go awayand leave him in peace. Maybe a combination of tese, maybe something completely different. The one thing we do know is that there was, definitely, a map. And there is only one person who could have made that map. Logically, that person must have been alive to make it.
Not solid, we all want a room and for silver and flint and the end. Would be nice if they don't rewrite stories on caribean islands. John Silver pufff! Tireless nobody and boring caracter.
WTF HAPPENED HERE?????? They just had to ruin everything!!!!!! What more BS could they have fit in this "out of this world" final episode???? This is the best example on how to ruin a great show and a magnificent job from the actors!? By the way people who are asking for Treasure Island should see the movie, i don't even ask to read the book, so they know what the hell they are talking about!!! There's no way they can make Treasure Island now if they wanted or some channel could offer that opportunity. A raw cutthroat show ends in a nauseating smoochie way, who in hell come up with this final episode???? Like i said a great way to ruin a great show.
+Jose Neto I'm sorry it disappointed you! I thought the ambiguous ending gave room for people to imagine it ending however they wanted. Of course I like how it ended, but I totally understand your disapointment. I think ending this show so quick, as opposed to having one more season, might have rushed a few storylines that I would have liked to have more time spent on (and certainly a few more great naval battles!). As I've said before, anything that can inspire passionate discussion about a show that we all get excited about is a good thing overall :-) Thank you for commenting. Always want to know how people see things :-)
What a great journey it was !
After every episodes I loved to watch your reviews and hear your opinion. So sad that this awesome show is over but everything has to end and I'm glad it ended that way.
Thank you for your reviews ! All the best man :D
Thanks Rackhamish... just glad Calico Jack survived to sail another day!
Such a solid Finale!
The best! Gonna miss the show, but they went out on a great note :-)
General histories of Pyrates, was published in 1724, written between 1722 and 1723, with Woodes' help. Showing us that book sort of symbolizes Jack's fate and Mark Read's (hehehe), because it's written in there. Also made Woodes popular again (it isn't directly about Woodes, but since at are mostly biographies of pirates that Woodes dealt with eitehr at Nassau or Madagascar... such as Roberts) he's mentioned in pretty much every chapter, aside from a factual summary in the introduction of him becoming governor, pardon reading, how he dealt with those took the pardons: those who stayed off the account could work as "privateers" against the Spanish; those who went back on the account were hunted down. So, it was actually a propaganda book about Woodes, disguised as an exciting narration of the lives of pirates. And he was made governor again, while his replacement eventually was mistrusted as being corrupt and dealing too much with the pirates. It was feared the replacement governor would be the cause of getting the pirates back at Nassau. We do get suggestive hints to that in the tavern, and Mary Read asking about the rumor that the governor allowed it unofficially. Because the situation Jack Rackham describes is the situation in 1705 that Thomas and McGraw discuss - corrupt governors partnering with partners, but simultaneously making them out to be monsters in London to get funds. And when Woodes gets back to Nassau for his second term, he basically ends up sacking the council/assembly that was installed in his absence.
So, history in BS universe would lead to Woodes comes back, ends up "writing" Jack's story, Featherstone goes back on the account and Max and Mrs. Mapleton get the sack. Oh, and his "creditors" took "pity on him" and absolved his debts, so he didn't stay longer in debtor's jail than a year. I guess that Mrs. Hudson sent Eleanor's diary to Grandma Guthrie.
But BS does end on the temporary high note.
Don't let reality ruin my fantasy! :-) LOL
Man I just love you ! I didn't know you at all, but I did get everything you say in that review (I'm French and I assume my English is not too bad but I usually needs subtitles....). Anyway I have enjoyed every minute of Black Sails but no one to share it. And you, you have got it all right, man. Billy Bones is not supposed to be left on Skeleton Island, it's Ben Gunn, but later actually, he says it so to Jim Hawkins, he was left on that island by another crew. The book the woman is reading to her children was written by Charles Johnson in 1724 (I had read a lot on pyrates long before Black Sails) so I'm so glad you know that, as well as Mary Read (I guessed it right away but Rackham doesn't). What else ? Yes, the parallels they draw between season 1 (and 2) and 4 are just great (Flint and Billy Bones, the frightened cook who sends Silver back to his own condition when he was first found by Captain Flint ad his crew, and even the music we hear in the tavern when Jack is talking to Mark Read (the Parson Farewell)...there is so much to say about this show, about what is real, what comes from Treasure Island. For example, I do not agree at all with Blackbeard's death....he did not die this way...it is the only thing that disappoints me. By reading again Treasure Island not so long ago, it seems to me that they say Flint died because of the rhum, too much drinking.
And one last thing : the fact that the end of the show stays wide open for every character is great, I was afraid they killed every pirate in a terrible bloodshed.
Man, I wish I knew someone like you, so I can talk about Black Sails and pirates with someone who knows their world.
Dorothée Michel Awww, thanks so much! Glad to be ablw to share this wonderful show with you :-) I love so much how they've composed this show, including so many references back to the beginning, and having the "open-ended" finish as you said was really the way to go. (Anything that leaves Jack and Ann together is good in my book!)
Thanks again for the wonderful comment. Hopefully I'll cover more shows you like so we can share them together.
Thank you for answering :) Yes, I love to see Jack and Ann together too :) What's more you are also absolutely right about Madi : they cannot kill her beacause that would only increase Silver's rage, plus she is not dead in the book. At the end of Treasure Island, Jim Hawkins says that Silver probably went back to his Black woman. So anyway, I have a couple of question for you if you don't mind : who is your favorite character in Black Sails ? Did you ever asked yourself why do we admire pirates so mcuh ? What makes them so attractive ? Oh and Jack Sparrow can go f...k himself :p
Dorothée Michel Vane by far. Was a little put off by him originally, because he can be vindictive and very violent, but he was really the most honest and straight-forward pirate: he didn't deceive , he was direct, he said what he meant and he did what he said. You always knew where you stood with him. Quite different from all the scheming around him.
Pirates ultimately represent freedom, adventure, setting your own course. It's also a brotherhood, which can be enduring. But really it's the draw to treasure, adventures into the unknown full of mystery and rewards, that I think excite the child in all of us. That and no parents :-)
There is also a code that everyone sticks to, which creates an enduring comraderie and expectation. No one above you, just you and your mates out sailing, drinking rum and finding treasure.
Freedom and adventure, I think that is what I like the most about being a pirate. But I totally agree with your explanation, even if they probably had hard times too. I am pretty sure it wasn't fun every day....That being said, I also agree about your description of Charles Vane. Plus, he is such a warrior, and I'm sorry to say that, but as a girl, I find him really sexy. He is my favorite character too. But....I really like Captain Flint. I like them both the same way, for different reasons. Flint has this dark side within, which I find fascinating. Maybe because I have my own demons too, so much anger inside that it looks like Mount Doom, and when it really does, it is pure rage that consumes me.
Nice talking to you :) ;)
Can't argue with that! It's the characters that make the show, and Toby Stephens did an amazing job with Flint :-)
I do believe that, as many here said before me, this is an ending according to the real world history combined with the future plot that happens in the fantasy book, Treasure Island.
Ending it like they did, they can have (in some time from now, I imagine) another prequel to Treasure Island. With stories of Jack, Anne and Mary Reed. Woods in jail and then forgiven and back in Nassau hunting pirates, dying later sick and unhappy. Billy getting out of the Skeleton Island, maybe with the help of Ben Gun, marooning him there and fleeing. Living forever madly afraid of Silver. Later being given the map by Flint.
Silver getting his life to the point of wanting to find the treasure again. Also up to the point where is being said that Silver has a wife, taking care of his business, a former slave, some say. After all that happens, all will be in place for them to finally make a series on Treasure Island itself.
I love that they left Flint's story open to two endings: did Silver kill him or did he go to that 'retirement' island 🌴... ehehehehe 😏 just like in real history: there are many things that we will never know which are true and which are told or legend. It's one of the big themes of this series and Flint's story exemplifies it very well. (He will probably be alive' once he is appearing later in Treasure Island, in Savannah giving eventually the treasure map to Billy).
Well, it would be wonderful if we would someday have more adventures with these characters and actors in another great prequel to Treasure Island. Which would lead to, later on, another one more on Treasure Island itself.
"You may say I'm a dreamer... "
+Joana Baritzmee Yeah I love how they ended things; the ambiguity certainly gives room for interpretation, and I'm totally fine with it; as you said, history is often filled with such instances, and it allows us as the audience to "fill in the blanks" however we would like things to end. I would be all about a Treasure Island series, though I think as a single season "even" it would play better. But any extra time they want to give us to spend with these characters I'm all aboard :-)
As ALWAYS superb reviews! I had to think and rewatch the finale, before actually liking it. I wasn't so sold on the overall high-note endings for everyone. I had an initial overly sweet sugary impression, that made Eleanor's fate personally particularly bitter for me. But it grows ever more ambiguous to me rather than happy endings on a re-watch, which I'm happier with.
I personally believe Silver ended up shooting Flint, and that he made up the story of Flint becoming James again. After all, in 1x01 Silver wasn't really the cook. His starting point, the wrist, was a lie - he lied he was the cook. I totally believe that Thomas is alive, that Silver found him, that he planned and wanted to do what he claims he did, but that he saw that neither Flint nor McGraw would ever give up. Miranda for example begs, argues, reasons, warns James what would happen if he continues to press the pardon idea with the Admiralty. But James doesn't listen. It's what Flint and McGraw have in common imo - they don't give up. James would war to change the world for Thomas (including rescuing him from that place), while Flint wars to burn the world. And I think Silver saw that in the end. So, Im' not sold on this miracle of Flint turning into James again and being content with Thomas alone. But it has the ambiguity for the viewer to determine what they believe is true - James+Thomas are together or it's actually a tragedy disguised by a fairytale.
On Billy: I was initially confused about that too, as it not being canon. However, it would explain Billy having a map and knowing where the treasure is. He has time enough to search for it, move the bodies of the dead, make a map or add the info on Avery's map of the island, but he doesn't have a crew or buddies to actually get the cache off the island. He could get off the island with wreckage material to make a raft. But putting a chest full of gems on such a thing.... nah not so good idea.
Ben Gunn is not on the island anymore, BUT he may very well return to Skeleton Island himself with a skiff or longboat, not aware that Billy is on the island, and Billy then takes off with the longboat, without the cache. What Billy needs and what he'll never get is a crew that would trust him to sail to Skeleton Island and find the treasure with him. So, he ends up pretending that Flint gave him the treasure map, trusted him, but on the run for Silver. That's how I see the bridge between BS ending and start of TI
Nice! Thank you as always :-)
Did Silver kill Flint? Yes, there is plenty of evidence for that, and it seems difficult even at that point that Flint would willingly walk away. But lies are for characters, not the audience, and seeing James and Thomas reunite seems to have been an unnecessary scene if they wanted the ending to be ambiguous; you could even have had a tracking shot through the house and then Thomas' head pop up from working, and leave it there, without seeing Flint/James. The we could think it was Tom Morgan confirming Thomas' presence to report to Silver. If they wanted it ambiguous. By showing Flint there, however, it's a lie to the audience, and that's not something the show has done before.
Also, I like that ending :-)
I thought Ben was marooned by Flint, but yeah I guess he was only there 3 years, so if he gets to the island, easy enough for Billy to eventually find a way off. Seeing Flint give him a map to the treasure after all this... well, that is a stretch. But the map said where the treasure was buried... ah, that'll be covered when they adapt TI!
Well, just the cinematography of the Thomas - James scene is more surreal. We're seeing it as Silver tells it. One can interprete it as something that Silver envisions for himself in his mind. The show has done some mindfucks in that way with Miranda and Eleanor. He wants to make the fantasy, the fairytale real for himself. Silver's such a good storyteller that you can actually see it happen. Remember what he told Billy: I can tell them the sky's red and people would believe me. And in the finale, Silver cal tell us that Flint was unmade enough somehow right after that tense confrontational moment between the two of them on Skeleton Island, and that McGraw is with Thomas on the plantation of the founder of Savannah, that the audience believes it. :p
Jill DS
Black Sails was a terrific show with a great storyline, written brilliantly, and portrayed by amazing actors. This show wil be missed... Just saying!
I totally agree. It is imo the best drama show I've seen and followed since Rome. And the only series before Rome I rewatch every few years is I Claudius. Despite it's more theatrical and static decor approach that is now outdated, the writing and acting and dialogues while completing a whole narrative transcends cinematography. So, for me Black Sails is in my personal top three series of well since the 80s. And I would put Black Sails first, because it had a chance to tell its story at the pace that the writers wanted to tell it, even if they could have dragged it out for 2 more seasons by adding stuff between S2 and S3, or adding stuff between S3 and S4, but that would have overall worse I think, because you would have padded action in a certain half of the story, while pretty much needing to ignore the rest of the characters, etc. I Claudius then comes second. And Rome third, because they unfortunately had to rush to a conclusion, because the show was cut. There are a few series that are good, but fail at some point mostly because they're dragged out, and get milked. And then some series are heralded as super, and while I'd agree they started super, they've long gone down the drain. I wish wish GRRM had sold the rights of aSoIaF to Starz and the Black Sails writers instead.
I'll just reproduce here the same comment I made on Mike B's review channel:
This Finale was better and more mindfucking than you think. Actually, I'm kinda quite surprised that people, at first, did not realize that Flint was killed by Silver and then our dearest peg legged pirate told his ultimate lie ( including to himself and the public) to save Madi, to stop the cycle of useless violence and at the same time preventing Flint from becoming a "Martyr" for the cause...and that was genius.
All the evidence was there and made clear by the creators:
- Flint's question about what would Silver do to convince Madi about giving up the cause ( specificaly: "Even if you could kill me, even if that somehow helped you see her alive again, how are you going to explain it to her? She believes in this as much as I do. You know this. If it costs the war to save her, you'll have lost her anyway. Even you cannot construct a story to make her forgive you that." )
- The birds flying after the unheard (to us) gunshot.
- the surreal situation of Flint accepting to go with Silver and then tearfully reuniting with his male lover at a labour camp soon followed by Jack's voice-over about "A story is true, a story is untrue, as time extends, it matters the less and less the stories we want to believe, those are the ones who survive, despite transition and progress. Those are the stories that shape history" ....although people really wanted to believe in a happy, redemptful or at least bittersweet ending for McGraw, the truth is out there, but, for us it doesn't really matter. That was also one of the meanings of this speech.
The initial scene with Tom Morgan, by the way, really happened. Silver sent him to investigate it before the Spanish Raid... but not the "rest"of the story.
p.s: sorry for my "peg legged" english, brazilian here.
Fair interpretation of events. I will always admit to being the optimist, but I don't know why they would shoot Flint and Thomas reuniting unless it happened. I also thought about the birds and they seemed to imply a pistol shot... it could go that way. BUt again, why frame the whole Thomas story unless things did happen that way? The lie was that Flint retired, not disappeared.
But, of course, I have been wrong before. But I do like the idea of Flint being "unmade" and returning to his previous state.If it is a lie, I'll buyit :-)
Thanks for the comment!
"BUt again, why frame the whole Thomas story unless things did happen that way? The lie was that Flint retired, not disappeared."
Maybe because the story told (by Silver & crew) had to work exactly this way, as we can clearly see that what would really matter wasn't Flint's real death ( as I think it has ocurred) but his "publical death" which would have made him a real martyr, symbol of rebellion in the eyes many slaves, maroons, high seas piracy and specialy Madi... an exact opposite effect of what Silver would expect. That's why even Rackham delivers the news to Grandma Guthrie like a "retirement", as telling exactly what happened would also have been made public between all provincies, causing the same contrary effect ( or maybe because Silver didn't let him know about that too, as we just have seen about the gold as well, since Jack could still be looking for it at the end haha, but I really believe it's the other option).
On the other hand, if Silver really had the information about Thomas location, alive, at the Labour camp, I really couldn't see how would he had not used it at the exact moment that Madi's life was in danger as a bargain to convince Flint otherwise ( that the treasure could be exchanged for her life and was less important than her at the moment... as well as the fact of his doubt about what the Frak they were doing after all - S4E8), Silver would never hesitate to use that "card" if he really had it and Flint would have acepted it...
So the frame of Thomas story at the plot, inocently given by Max, has served exactly as two-bird killing stone to Silver, since it gave him resources to deconstruct "The Monster" in the eyes of the public (retirement, plain and simple) and in the eyes of Madi's fury (retirement to be with his paw, Thomas, putting love above the sake of war..at the same time a 'message" to her)
Appreciation for your answer as well and subscribing to your channel! Greetings from Brazil
I had the same thought when I saw the Flint v. Silver scene end, but I think it makes more sense for Silver's tale to be true. I agree with D. that they show the viewer a lot of things that would have otherwise been best kept ambiguous if f that was what they were going for.
The thing that really convinced me though is Jack's part. It was an unnecessary risk to their deal to tell the story that he told. From Jack's perspective, if Flint died, and even if he didn't, it would make much more sense to tell Granny Guthrie "yep, we shot him like a dog, but don't tell nobody--we've got this oscar-winning story worked out where he goes to meet his old lover and everybody lives happily ever after, no martyr's allowed." Granny Guthrie doesn't have any reason to care if Flint gets a happy ending, and has much more reason to want to hear that he died. I don't buy that the show would tell lies to the audience, and I really don't believe that Jack would tell a risky lie to Granny Guthrie for no reason. It is an interesting thought though, especially with Silver's character!
Farron444 Excellent point! Killing Flint would have gone over better with Grandma Guthrie. Jack's tale this does reinforce the "Flint went away on a farm" story (though isn't that what parents tell their kids about where the family dog went? LOL)
Because telling Granny, means telling Max, and everybody else on the voyage to Philly what really happened. And Jack doesn't entirely trust Max either, does he. Nobody can know, because then pirates would have a martyr.
It's certainly what the pigs in Animal Farm try to tell the sheep about that brave horse, retired on a field to spend his last days, while they drove him to the butcher. That said, I think Silver himself dreams and wishes that his tale to Madi was true.
Ben Gunn was only meant to be marooned for 3 years before treasure island, due to his searching for the treasure which is why he escapes.
I do believe we will get a treasure island. Flint was only meant to die recently from the start of Treasure Island, so it will likely show his fate if they do make an adaptation.
Always thought he was there longer, marooned by Flint when he buried the treasure. Been a while since I read TI though... 3 years seems to be a short time to go that mad! But, perhaps it was his obsession with cheese that drove him mad :-)
If I remember correctly, he was when he was trying to find it, not from when it was buried.
Dok Life Yes, true. Different trip... Been a while since I read TI guess :-)
Kinda frustrated they didnt go with the Parson's Farewell at full blow for the closing titles, as they teased it in the scenes at the tavern with Mary... ahem Mark Reade. This music is just amazing and would have made for awesome closing titles.
ua-cam.com/video/pAubPxemSOg/v-deo.html
And... that's my one and only complaint... it was everything I hoped it would be : giving a great sense of closure, a continuity with the whole narrative, epic moments, beautiful ones, some funny ones as well, bittersweet on some regards and still managing to drop a few twists and surprises on its way out.
I'll miss this show but I sure as fuck watch it sail away with a smile on my face.
Great review again D ! But yeah, cant deny I'm sad it's the last ! :)
It would have been a rousing anthem to end on! Yeah, sad to see it go but a great way to finish things off. Beautiful, explosive, sad and inspiting all at the same time. Perfect!
Thanks Triskan :-) And now, on to the next thing!
This Finale was better and more mindfucking than you Think. Actually, I'm kinda quite surprised that people, at first, did not realize that Flint was killed by Silver and then our dearest peg legged pirate told his ultimate lie ( including to himself and the public) to save Madi, to stop the cycle of useless violence and at the same time preventing Flint from becoming a "Martyr" for the cause...and that was genius.
All the evidence was there and made clear by the creators: - Flint's question about what would Silver do to convince Madi about giving up the cause ( specificaly: "Even if you could kill me, even if that somehow helped you see her alive again, how are you going to explain it to her? She believes in this as much as I do. You know this. If it costs the war to save her, you'll have lost her anyway. Even you cannot construct a story to make her forgive you that." )
- The birds flying after the unheard (to us) gunshot.
- the surreal situation of Flint accepting to go with Silver and then tearfully reuniting with his male lover at a labour camp soon followed by Jack's voice-over about "A story is true, a story is untrue, as time extends, it matters the less and less the stories we want to believe, those are the ones who survive, despite transition and progress. Those are the stories that shape history" ....although people really wanted to believe in a happy, redemptful or at least bittersweet ending for McGraw, the truth is out there, but, for us it doesn't really matter. That was also one of the meanings of this speech.
The initial scene with Tom Morgan, by the way, really happened. Silver sent him to investigate it before the Spanish Raid... but not the "rest" of the story.
See this tribute ua-cam.com/video/kFf_AmnebDA/v-deo.html
Silver didn't kill Flint. The last episode starts showing us that he had sent one of his guys to inquire if a certain prisoner (Thomas) was on that plantation.
I'm sorry to say this, but I think I agree with a lot of people and believe Flint was killed on the island.
My heart wants the happy ending that they presented, but my head is telling me it wasn't as happy an ending as it seems.
I believe that Silver and Madi have a sad ending however, the show runner in an interview said "The way you see them at the end, they’re in the same frame but they’re yards away from each other. Emotionally, that’s as close as they’ll ever get again".
gregoreuo1 Good point, but it does make me sad about Silver and Madi. I was hoping that last scene was a glimpse of eventual reconciliation. A man can dream though, right?
Thanks for the comment: -)
I wrote most of my comments on Mike B. This episode was at best bitter sweet. Flint is right as always - Silver is wrong as always. They were like the yin and yang symbol where one can't survive without the other. Without Flint Silver is a lost soul and he will see it 20 years hence in TI. He will regret what he did in betraying Flint and Madi will resent him for not following through with the great war. Rackham gets nothing but being a pirate again penny pinching, getting drunk and duping sailors into joining him with tales of finding the cache only under the rule of the Guthries that will lead to his doom. Vane, Blackbeard and the pirates all die for nothing except for Silver and Rakham getting a piece of tail. Max, the most deceitful character, is in charge of Nassau with Featherstone. She has even betrayed Rackham who was supposed to have been the governor. I guess Idelle winds up being Featherstone's wife. Without a war what is Israel Hands going to do but waste away and finally getting killed by a little boy. Billy Bones will continue to spiral into madness and finally be killed by a stroke induced by fear of the black spot.
There is a bit of bittersweetness to the ending, and I do appreciate the future Flint sees for Silver because of it, how the thoughts and what-ifs eventually drive him to obsession. All Jack wanted was to be a pirate captain, so he's certainly happy with the way things ended (I thought he might be named governor too, but perhaps being a known pirate isn't the best from a "reform" point of view). The war would have been costly, and not guaranteed victory. This way, at least Nassau returns to an element of peace.
Thanks henry :-)
No war is guaranteed victory but they were in the best position to win it at that point. Slavery is not peace.
Sorry gonna have to disagree with you. Flint has been in the wrong plenty of times and Silver did make a lot of good points this season when confronting Flint on his bullshit. Silver has always followed him no matter what even when he thought Madi was dead, even when he lost friends through out these past 4 seasons. Personally I felt both sides were wrong but, at the same time justifiable. Flint's war would have led to a new world order: freeing slaves, ratifying the pirates, and seeing justice served for the death of Charles Van and Edward Teach, but it's hard to follow a man who's initial reason to have this war is because he blames the British Empire for the "death" of Thomas. On the other hand Silver never truly wanted to be in this war let alone be the Long John Silver everyone was hoping would lead it. He's sacrificed so much and lost a lot on this journey/partnership/friendship with Flint and and after going through the same loss Flint did he finally understood Billy's point. That this war is not a guaranteed victory and could lead to destruction, ciaos, and enviably lead to the collapse of everything he holds dear but, at the same time Silver is taking away from the life the people of Nassu could have. So I'm not mad at Silver for defusing this war that might've blown up in everybody's face but, I am on sad that we didn't get to see it.
Name when Flint was wrong. He was almost like a prophet usually. That he was only doing this to avenge Thomas was only brought up this season. Flint was the one with a vision and Madi saw it. Sorry, Flint was fighting because he saw the corruption of the British Empire. Silver could only see as far as his dick.
henry dicarlo OK I'll take it back flint wasn't wrong but wrong in the way he handled situation specifically with silver. I'm not saying the British Empire didn't deserve everything they got but, Maranda even said "You're not fighting for me and you're not fighting for Thomas. You're fighting because that's all you know how to do". Also I believe silver saw the big picture. He saw the potential good that could come from this war and the potential horrors that could come from this war. I personally believe in his mind the possible horrors outweighed whatever possible victory they could achieve.
great review. subscribing now.
+Mona Thom Thanks! And Welcome :-)
there was a lot of suggesting it, Silver killing Flint
Yes, it is heavily implied. But why lie to the audience? Not something the show does...
Silver did kill Flint, I truly believe that
I thought it was completely dumb. So he's going to be in prison for rest of his life?
+Nixon Rexzile Well, yes, in effect, but not a bad one. From Max's story about the place to Silver, it seems to imply that these "children of wealthy families" that are disappeared here are treated well and afforded a reasonable lifestyle, just unable to leave. As a plantation, that lifestyle would probably still include working the land as any farmer would (to some extent at least).
Plus, Thomas is there, and reuniting with a loved one long thought dead is probably a big bonus. :-)
So, minimum security work farm w/Thomas vs killed by pistol shot and buried on a forgotten island. Certainly not the freedom Flint was searching for, but better than the alternative.
But I get what your saying. Since it is portrayed as a prequel to Treasure Island, they sort of have their hands tide with where they end things. Flint didn't lead a great war in TI, so he can't here. He has to leave the treasure and "retire" to Savannah, so they have to find a reason for Flint to do that. Considering all that, I think they found a good way to end this story and still not betray the set-up for TI.
Thanks for commenting :-)
Nixon Rexzile No, Silver killed Flint. if you go back and watch. the birds fluttering gave it away..they just muted or didn't add the go shot to get people to maybe believe in that story that silver and Jack were narrating.
silver had to come up with the best story of his life to tell Madi and he did. he killed flint on that Island. he did send a man to check that camp if Thomas was there, but the rest was just a story to tell Madi.
Molon Labe Yo dawg I'm going to watch again and if that's true then that make better sense! Please let that be the ending because I'm in love with Black Sails. Question: did anyone know where the gold is before Treasure Island?
DWJaques they didn't find the gold?
Yup saw it and so happy about it. Thank You and I mean Thank You so much. I can't wait for 4k video.
Flints war is finally over. :(
+theghostvilla So sad! Where am I gonna get my pirate fix now?
DWJaques Master and Commander is one of my favorites. And there is always Errol Flynn movies. 😀
Joyce Stone Very true. And some good fights in Master and Commander, too :-)
DWJaques In my opinion, the best pirate award should go to Captain Charles Vane. I appreciated his empathy for the slaves, and he was a pretty badass fighter. I hated to see him go, but he died well. I binged watched Black Sails last week, and I miss it as well.
+Joyce Stone Agreed! I loved Vane; he quickly became my favorite character, and now I look for Zach McGowan wherever he shows up. That man's presence is amazing :-)
For those who didn't get it. Silver killed flint on that island. the rest is a story told by Silver to convince Madi that he didn't kill Flint.
Molon Labe I understand why many people think that, but Silver killing Flint on the island changes the foundation of Treasure Island, to which this is a prequel. Flint dies in Savannah after giving the map to Billy. Unless we assume that foundation is a lie, then couldn't have killed Flint.
But ambiguity is always fun as it inspires passionate debate :-)
Molon Labe I don't know if silver actually killed Flint it might be up to interpretation but I can't believe Flint would ever give the map to the billy that we've seen in this prequel haha
+sigynigy That is the one part that throws me a bit how it all ended, 'cause it is pretty hard to believe after all that happened between them Flint would ever give Billy the map. On the other hand, a lot can happen in 20 years, and maybe at some point Billy searches out Flint to ask for forgiveness; being marooned will give him plenty of time to think things over. And then there is whatever else he goes through after that. I know as I get older I can see that sometime you can hold a grudge, and other times you're just thrilled to see someone else who's still alive :-)
But, yeah...
An interview with the writers implies that Flints death as describied in TI as lonely an drunk, would happen aftert he death of Thomas by natural causes. At this point it seems likely Flint has very little left to live for, and he would, as you say, likely be a very different person. So maybe he was just relieved to see familiar face, someone he could remember with, even in bitterness. Or maybe by this point he was aware of how much devestaion was caused by that treassure, and didn't care if Billy found it, assuming it would just kep causeing the man trouble. Or maybe Billy simply badgered him about it and Flint drew the map to get him to go awayand leave him in peace. Maybe a combination of tese, maybe something completely different.
The one thing we do know is that there was, definitely, a map. And there is only one person who could have made that map. Logically, that person must have been alive to make it.
Theriza Very nicely said: -)
Not solid, we all want a room and for silver and flint and the end. Would be nice if they don't rewrite stories on caribean islands. John Silver pufff! Tireless nobody and boring caracter.
WTF HAPPENED HERE?????? They just had to ruin everything!!!!!! What more BS could they have fit in this "out of this world" final episode???? This is the best example on how to ruin a great show and a magnificent job from the actors!? By the way people who are asking for Treasure Island should see the movie, i don't even ask to read the book, so they know what the hell they are talking about!!! There's no way they can make Treasure Island now if they wanted or some channel could offer that opportunity. A raw cutthroat show ends in a nauseating smoochie way, who in hell come up with this final episode???? Like i said a great way to ruin a great show.
+Jose Neto I'm sorry it disappointed you! I thought the ambiguous ending gave room for people to imagine it ending however they wanted. Of course I like how it ended, but I totally understand your disapointment. I think ending this show so quick, as opposed to having one more season, might have rushed a few storylines that I would have liked to have more time spent on (and certainly a few more great naval battles!). As I've said before, anything that can inspire passionate discussion about a show that we all get excited about is a good thing overall :-)
Thank you for commenting. Always want to know how people see things :-)