OFMD Is So Much More Than Just a Fun Little Project for Taika Waititi

Is it weird to be invested in the tumultuous relationship between fictional pirates loosely based on real people in the 18th century? Not when it comes to the Gentleman Pirate and Blackbeard of Our Flag Means Death (OFMD).

Let's be honest: we were all craving to see the two find a way back to each other after the heartbreaking finale of Max's LGBTQ+ dramedy Season 1. And we got the wind in our sails.

Season 2 arrives in Max's harbor today, October 5th, with three new episodes. After that, two new episodes will be released every Thursday until the finale on October 26th. A total of eight episodes are expected in the new chapter.

Early Praise

While viewers have yet to see the new adventures of the Revenge crew, critics who've already gotten a taste of Season 2 are promising a delightful journey that revolves around the central relationship between Stede and Ed and features amazing performances from the ensemble cast.

Much of the praise for Season 2 goes to Taika Waititi, who has reportedly exceeded all expectations in his role as the heartbroken and tortured Edward 'Ed' Teach, aka Blackbeard, who is channeling his feelings and emotions the only way he knows how - through cruelty and violence.

Pet Project

Both what we saw in season one and reviews of the first episodes of season two strongly suggest Waititi takes his role in OFMD with all seriousness, and that's a very pleasant surprise.

Compared to his other hit projects like Thor or What We Do in the Shadows, OFMD feels like a quirky little side gig that accidentally became a success. But apparently, the show means a lot more to the cult actor-director.

As executive producer and director of the pilot episode, Waititi worked with creator David Jenkins from the very beginning and helped shape the show as we know and love it. But as an actor, he had the opportunity to tap his amazing acting skills and enjoy the process.

'I really just loved the idea of doing something that was just where I could just go and act and not have to worry about anything else,' Waititi confessed after Season 1.

Though best known for his comedic work, Waititi is also a brilliant dramatic actor, and OFMD allows him to showcase that side of his talent to a wider audience and earn some well-deserved praise for it.

When the cast and crew are genuinely invested in a project, it always shows on screen. And that, without a doubt, is what makes our beloved LGBTQ+ pirate show so much better.

Source: The Playlist.