The ensemble cast is a story writing concept that is excellent when it works, but tragically easy to mess up. Some works can barely hope to create one identifiable character, let alone a full main cast, several iconic supporting characters, and a small army of bit players.
Our Flag Means Death is the powerful new pirate comedy from the mind of David Jenkins which tells the story of 18th-century pirate Stede Bonnet's quest to escape his family through piracy. Along the way, he scoops up a crew of lovable oddballs, joins forces with Blackbeard and company, and meets an eclectic mess of allies and enemies.
Stede's crew aboard the Revenge features ten members at the start of the season. The crew merges with Blackbeard's retinue, adding four to the group. Stede sets sail joined by arson fan Wee John, scribe Lucius, temporary captain Oluwande, skilled assassin Jim, grizzled bird-guy Buttons, musician Frenchie, braggart Black Pete, chef Roach, and eccentric Swede. Blackbeard, a tremendous force of personality in his own right, brings violent first mate Izzy Hands and complex enforcers Fang and Ivan. The amazing thing about the crew is not the numbers on display, it's that every character on the ship is extremely well handled. They change and grow, find new passions, interact with each other in new and interesting ways, and refuse to be defined by a moment's glance.
Of course, not every character gets the same amount of screen time. The A-plot is heavily weighted towards Stede and Blackbeard's relationship, but every episode gives a little view of what the other mates are up to. Some of the best moments of the show are handled efficiently, but effectively. Jim's excellent revenge quest and reunion with their caretaker is an undercurrent of several episodes but elegantly mapped out. Their romance with Oluwande is intelligent and charming, but it never overstays his welcome. Lucius and Black Pete are fun and breezy, Ivan and Fang are tasked with being threatening but keep unveiling other traits, even comic relief characters like the Swede or Wee John evolve and reveal layers. The show gives equal weight, without equal time, to Buttons' relationship with his birds as it does to Stede's troubled past. The show follows the same philosophy as Stede's captainship; everyone is encouraged to let their feelings out and express themselves.
Individually, the crew members are all excellent, but, uniquely, there is a group dynamic that can also be viewed as a three-dimensional character. The entire crew frequently holds elections, discusses mutiny, works together, and sees their goals grow as a unit. There's a running through-line of every member of the crew aside from Stede discussing their feelings towards their captain. Each character gets to discuss their goals and desires, and the esprit de corps is a measurable element of the storytelling. As new commanders take over, the crew reacts to the new leadership in new and interesting ways. Much of the show's theming centers on leadership styles in this unusual profession, and the unique ways in which the crewmates respond are crucial to that narrative. There are moments in the final episodes that radically change the feel of the crew, which evolves in fascinating ways from the beginning to the end.
Even beyond the crew, the supporting cast of enemies and allies remains fascinating. There are a handful of one-off cameos from excellent comedians who are fun, if not particularly deep. The best supporting character, bar none, is the striking Spanish Jackie, portrayed by Leslie Jones. Jacquotte Delahaye, like a few of the series' heavy hitters, may have been a real figure in the era, but the show works wonders with her limited legend. She's depicted as a dynamic and powerful captain, made bitter by her years of hard living, yet immensely intimidating and wise. She is integral to Jim's revenge quest, and their interplay is excellent. Beyond her, Stede's nemeses the Badminton brothers bring a fun view into The Gentleman Pirate's earlier life. Calico Jack has a brief but impactful appearance, indigenous Chief Mabo is a hilarious and fun figure, and Mary is engaging as Stede's wife. There are a ton of characters who swiftly establish themselves and become iconic in moments.
Of course, the main event is Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as Blackbeard. As anyone who has seen the series will exclaim, they're both excellent. Their slowly developing relationship is one of the most moving things on TV these days. They manage to be immensely engaging separately and together. Stede and Ed are the centerpieces of a brilliantly executed group feature. The show effortlessly keeps the focus on them, while still developing a dozen other fun and lovable characters. There isn't a crewmate aboard the Revenge that isn't some fan's new favorite character.
Our Flag Means Death should be a teachable moment for projects that hope to introduce huge casts and let no figure go unloved. The crew of the Revenge is a masterclass in character development, and hopefully, the show will get a second season to let them grow even further.