I don’t mean to be crass but I’m going to do it anyway because I’m pretty sure that Stede and Ed fucked in Our Flag Means Death 2×06 “Calypso’s Birthday.” It’s been a long time coming, with both of them circling each other as they try to find their groove again. And while I’m happy that they took the next step in developing their relationship, I do feel that this is going to lead to a hiccup in that new relationship. Despite what films and TV like to teach us, making big decisions when you’re emotional or just murdered someone, isn’t the best time to take your relationship to the next level. This is especially true after Ed made his boundaries clear in 2×05.
Despite how fun and silly parts of this episode were, I have this ache of dread in my stomach. Ed doesn’t want to do this anymore. And I get this feeling that the more that Stede falls into piracy, the more Ed wants to take a step back. And Ed fell in love with Stede because he looked at things differently and he felt like an escape from the life that he had always known. Stede felt the same way. And it’s a little unfair for both of them to put their hopes and dreams on each other’s shoulders. You have to find what you want in life for yourself. And I think Ed is trying to find that. My only hope is that as he tries to find that, he doesn’t push Stede aside.
Stede isn’t like any other pirate Ed has seen. And it’s clear to see in “Calypso’s Birthday” that he has really found his footing, or starting to come to terms with being a captain. It’s not pretty and it will have its moments where you feel like you’re going to break. But this is the life on the sea. And despite the rash decision he made with Ed, I think Stede really likes being out on the sea. But the decision to kiss Ed and take it further wasn’t right. It was unfair to him because he was previously so afraid of moving forward too quickly at the end of season 1. And it’s unfair to Ed, especially after talking about taking things slow.
These two have to find an in-between that works for them. Something that makes them both happy. If that’s a life on the sea, then so be it. But they need to sit down and be realistic about the kind of future that they want. The same thing goes with the rest of the crew as well. They are reorganizing the ship and making fake holidays. And that’s fun and all, but they need a direction. They need something to hope and fight for. That’s not to say that everything has to be super melodramatic. I love fun moments and episodes like this. I just wish there was something on the horizon that they are sailing towards. Because right now they’re just floating while the world moves around them.
I’ve also got to say that I loved that “Calypso’s Birthday” gave them a chance to just be free. In a world where queer stories are just trauma after trauma, these moments of ease are precious and we should see more of them on our screens. Through this 2×06 we got to see that Wee John makes a fantastic Calypso, makeup and all. We also got to see, or hear, that Izzy Hands is a great singer. (I’ll get back to that part in a second.) Everyone had a role to play in making this a fun night. Everyone was included and they went all out when it came to the decorations. Their joy was contagious in this episode and I truly need more episodes like this where you can reflect on how far they’ve come from the crew they were in episode one and the crew they are now.
As for Izzy Hands, I’m watching you, Our Flag Means Death. I’m really watching you. Cuz you’re making me fall in love with Izzy Hands. Like I would totally give my heart over to this man. And I’m afraid that they are doing this to only rip it out of my chest. I have seen this happen time and time again on multiple shows and movies. Sometimes I’ve even read it in books. Izzy Hands is shaping up for the slaughter. And with that wannabe prince with no nose scuttling about and being blackmailed, I think he’s going to be the leading cause that will forever change The Revenge. In many ways, it all reminds me of Phil Coulson’s death in The Avengers. His death brought them together. Maybe Izzy’s will also bring The Revenge together. Just on a road to revenge instead of heroics.
With only a couple of episodes left of Our Flag Means Death, I’m nervous. I know the good times can’t last forever and they’re going to need a shocker by the end of season 2. I just don’t want it to be someone who I have fallen in fandom love with. Izzy Hands deserves something better than a death that will push the narrative forward. And the crew deserves better than more pain twisting them up and spitting them out. Most importantly, Ed and Stede deserve better than a wild romp after a killing. They deserve slow and loving. You know, the kind of love that makes you kick your legs up in the air and squeal. That’s what they deserve.
It’s what we deserve.
And I would like to leave Our Flag Means Death when it eventually ends with my crew intact and no one at the bottom of the sea.
If you want more of Our Flag Means Death, read my reviews for 1×01, 1×02, 1×03, 1×04, and 1×05.
Our Flag Means Death season 2 episodes 1-5 are now available on Max.