*Stede/Blackbeard-related spoilers.*
Our Flag Means Death is one of those shows that I’ve been thinking about ever since I saw it. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest is Stede and Blackbeard. I love these two so much, separately and together (especially together!), and their story is pitched so well across the arc of the season. Half the reason the show’s fans were so anxious until HBO announced its renewal is because we need to know what’s happening next with this pair.
Blackbeard is a character whose reputation literally precedes him. One of the crew mates, Black Pete, claims to have once sailed with Blackbeard and is full of stories about the legendary pirate, and Stede reads of his notorious deeds as he ponders his own future in piracy. When Blackbeard finally appears on the scene, we’re almost instantly forced to rethink our impressions as we get to know him as a man rather than a legend.
And much of that is down to Blackbeard’s reaction to Stede. While most of the crew thinks Stede’s foppish ways are silly and kind of embarrassing, Blackbeard is fascinated by all of Stede’s aristocratic affectations. The imposing, unspeakably cool pirate is beside himself when he realizes Stede owns a tiny replica of his own ship, and he relishes the secret door concealing Stede’s extensive wardrobe. And when Stede wakes, recovering from a recent injury, he doesn’t even know he’s talking to the Blackbeard. Instead, he’s introduced to Blackbeard by his given name, Ed, and that allows them to connect as people before the penny drops.
Because they have this solid foundation at the start of their relationship, Stede doesn’t act overawed of Blackbeard. Though he obviously admires him and is eager to learn the tricks of the trade from him, Stede doesn’t place expectations on who Blackbeard is or isn’t “supposed” to be. The two see each other in ways that their respective crews just don’t.
Because I came to the show late, I began the season already knowing that the series was going to “go there” with Blackbeard and Stede. But if I’d gone in cold, I feel like I might’ve felt that this was something genuine. I might’ve assumed the show was queerbaiting, because most shows are, but their relationship never feels like queerbaiting. From the start, it’s abundantly clear that Stede and Blackbeard are drawn to each other—first in fascination, then as friends, then something more. They introduce each other to new things, Blackbeard giving Stede pirate lessons while Stede gives Blackbeard an eye into the myriad fussy rituals of the aristocracy. They open up to each other about frustrations and failings, and they just enjoy their days together.
When the ship’s scribe Lucius finally gives voice to the fact that the two captains like each other, it might have been a thrilling surprise to unspoiled viewers, but no one can say that it was without merit. I’m bowled over by Stede and Blackbeard’s relationship. Honestly, it’s one of the best fictional ships I’ve seen period, let alone LGBTQ ships. In an odd way, they remind me a little of my beloved Leslie and Ben from Parks and Recreation. The two pairings are completely different, but in both, we’re shown how and why they like each other beyond just “chemistry.” When Blackbeard and Stede’s relationship progresses to physical affection, I don’t really have to wonder what they’d do together as a couple, because we’ve already been watching the many ways they make each other happy.
Not that things are all smooth sailing (shameless nautical pun,) but that’s also part of why they’re such a great ship. The relationship is hit with dramatically compelling complications, and at the eleventh hour, it looks like all might be lost. But despite the way they’re both buffeted by the twists of the plot, one thing remains clear: both men still love each other. Which is precisely why the entire fandom breathed a sigh of relief when the show was renewed for a second season. These two are too good to miss, and we’ve got to see what else is in store for them.
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