This Heartbreaking Scene is a Turning Point for Ed in OFMD Season 2
The third episode was a heart-wrenching character study.
The first three episodes of the eagerly anticipated second season of Our Flag Means Death, the hit pirate romcom created by David Jenkins and co-produced by Taika Waititi, have finally been released. The season promises to be even more high-octane, dramatic, and chaotic — a pirate's life is far from easy, especially when your ship is stranded somewhere remote at sea and captured by your own boyfriend.
The narrative continues to follow Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and his shipless underdog crew as the Gentleman Pirate resolves to reunite with his lover, Edward Teach (Taika Waititi). The latter shares the same desire, except that his broken heart has been overwhelmed by his inner demons, and Ed is consumed by his Kraken persona once again. However, the third episode features a pivotal moment that becomes a stepping stone in the character's development as he finally manages to confront his fears.
Story So Far
As Stede continued to rebuild his crew, Ed did nothing but mourn, occasionally attempting to numb the pain with completely unhinged raids that made even his loyal team realize how senseless his violence had become. In an attempt to not appear weak, Taika's character threatens to kill the entire crew (including former members of Stede's).
Understandably, the pirates are not pleased with the captain's behavior and plan a mutiny against him. As a result, Jim and the others beat him into unconsciousness.
Ed's Self-Reflection
These events bring us to a crucial moment in Edward's story. While his body lies unconscious below deck, his mind is engaged in internal debate, deciding whether to continue living or succumb to fate and accept death.
Edward finds himself on an island where he is met by his old mentor, the late Captain Hornigold (Mark Mitchinson). During a conversation with him, Blackbeard realizes that his greatest fear throughout his life has been being alone and unloved. We know from the first season that Ed murdered his own abusive, heavy-drinking father, and feelings of shame and self-hatred have haunted him his entire life.
The only person who saw the light in him was Stede, who was willing to love him for who he was, feeling compassion for all Edward had endured. That's why their break-up had such a profound impact on the once again lonely and self-loathing Ed. However, after identifying the cause of his mental transformation, Teach is ready to re-enter the world, accepting himself as he is.
We look forward to further developments as Ed is finally reunited with Stede. The next two episodes will be released on Max on October 12.