Tragic Love Triangle is the Best Part of OFMD Season 2 So Far

Who would have thought this year's top romantic melodrama would be not a small-town drama but a satirical pirate comedy? Yes, folks, we're talking about the first three episodes of Our Flag Means Death Season 2, released on October 5.

We've already been treated to quality campiness, edge-of-your-seat drama, and in-depth character studies just three episodes in.

It's hardly a spoiler to reveal that Stede and Ed are finally reunited after a sudden and painful separation in the Season 1 finale, which left both pirates traumatized. While it's a story about their love that openly challenges pop culture's queerbaiting, their romantic dynamic is far more profound and complex as the Season 2 narrative introduces us to the love triangle between the Gentleman Pirate, Blackbeard, and the third dramatic wheel.

The Good, the Bad and the Spewer

One of the main antagonists of the previous season (not counting Ed's mental torment, which has extended to the present day and could arguably be considered a character in its own right) was, of course, Israel 'Izzy' Hands, portrayed by Con O'Neill. He served aboard Blackbeard's ship for many years as his best friend and first mate, with the two experiencing numerous sea battles and pillages together.

Izzy's attachment to Edward was so deep that the arrival of the good-natured aspiring pirate Stede in Edward's life made him feel even more alienated, jealous, and vengeful. It wasn't merely a damaged friendship between the two; it was an unrequited love gone sour.

Thus, in the first episode of Season 2, we see Stede's dream of killing Izzy - a clear indication that he still blames himself for leaving Ed and entrusting his fate to Izzy's hands. It's evident he's as jealous as Izzy.

Intertwined Fates

But the 'love triangle' isn't just another fan theory; the showrunner David Jenkins also acknowledges the tumultuous relationship between the trio.

'Stede, Blackbeard, and Izzy are on an arc together. Whether they're in stories together or not, their ultimate arc is together. I think, by the end of this season, the last episode, that first scene will be gratifying. I won't say why, but their fates are tied together.'

Indeed, Izzy held Ed back, attempting to rekindle the Kraken's former brutality and ruthlessness, seeing in those traits the lover who once noticed him. Into this fractured dynamic enters Stede, and it would appear that we are going to be seeing this trio's relationship evolve and change even more.

The next two episodes will be released on Max on October 12.

Source: TV Guide.