One of HBO Max’s most surprising and fun bets in recent times has been “Our Flag Means Death,” the series led by Taika Waititi, which has been introducing us to pirates very different from what we are accustomed to for two seasons. With nothing to do with Black Sails or One Piece, this venture into fun and queer piracy never ceases to amaze the audience.
Now, the series has reached the end of its second season. Although we don’t know if there will be a third – when the second season was announced, it was already a big surprise – the conclusion of the last episode has left us with many questions. But what does the ending of the second season of “Our Flag Means Death” really mean? Below, we analyze it.
An unexpected ending
Throughout the season, we witnessed how Stede Bonnet (played by Rhys Darby) persuades Ed “Blackbeard” Teach (played by Taika Waititi) to embrace love. Bonnet left his family behind to become a pirate, while Teach is willing to give up everything for love. Simultaneously, Stede and his crew collaborate with the Spanish pirate Jackie (played by Leslie Jones). As Stede transforms into a pirate worthy of admiration, Ed contemplates abandoning his pirate ways, until a villain appears at the end of the season threatening all pirates: Ricky Bane.
One of the most poignant moments in the season’s conclusion is the death of Izzy Hands (played by Con O’Neil), Blackbeard’s first mate. In an act of solidarity, the Revenge crew comes together to craft a unique wooden leg for Izzy, lifting his spirits. Throughout the season, there are subtle hints suggesting Izzy’s impending death. In the finale, Izzy confronts Prince Ricky Bane, the main anti-pirate antagonist of the season. While fleeing with the rest of the crew, Ricky shoots Izzy in the chest. As he heads towards the escape boat, Izzy succumbs to the sea, with Ed holding him in his arms. A fitting farewell for this tough yet beloved pirate.
At the end of Season 2 of “Our Flag Means Death,” the Revenge crew gathers for Izzy’s funeral and the joyful wedding of Lucius and Black Pete. These events inspire Ed to pursue his dream of a simple life as an innkeeper. In Episode 3, Ed visits a realm between life and death, where he envisions himself as an innkeeper. Although he is not successful there, he takes it as a sign and, along with Stede, decides to transform the shack near Izzy’s grave into an inn.
