A world of pirates, mutiny and sex premiered in the series “Black Sails” this past Saturday on Starz, detailing the time period before Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” takes place. Captain Flint (Toby Stephens, “Die Another Day”), captain of the Walrus, is on the trail of major treasure, but chooses to hide this from his fellow shipmates.
The crew threatens mutiny throughout the pilot, as Flint tries to sell what goods they have managed to pirate and find any clue of where the endless bounty lies. He has no idea that the map he seeks is being hidden away by a member of his own crew, John Silver (Luke Arnold, “The Tunnel Movie”).
The first episode opens as a ship is being attacked by the Walrus—Silver is on board and chooses to cower below decks as his comrades die above him. Also in safety is the ship’s cook, who seems to be hiding a piece of paper. Silver ends up killing him, then proclaiming to the pirates that he himself is the ship’s cook in an attempt to join the pirate crew.
Flint chooses to take on Silver even as Singleton (Anthony Bishop, “District 9”), another member of the ship, attempts to rally the crew behind himself. Off the ship, even more is occurring. Flint regularly sells his bounty to the Guthrie family, whose daughter, Eleanor (Hannah New, “ReVersion”), is gradually taking over the family business while struggling with past transgressions with Captain Charles Vane (Zach McGowan, “Terminator: Salvation”).
The number of characters does not stop there, which could prove to be fatal to Starz’ new and extravagant show. In a similar method to that of “Game of Thrones,” “Black Sails” seeks to create a vast and intertwined cast. With such a large group of characters, it may prove hard to follow at first, but just as “Thrones” has developed a loyal following because of its variety and expansiveness, so might “Black Sails.” This period piece depicts this world with the same brutality as that of Westeros—people are inherently flawed and miserable, but they will do anything for power or gold.
For the most part, it appears that “Black Sails” will take place in two locales: New Providence Island and aboard the Walrus. It is easy to see how impeccable these sets are, hours and hours put into perfecting them. The same can be said of the historically accurate costumes, which are thankfully missing eyepatches, stumped legs and a trusty parrot on one’s shoulder. One of the more impressive costumes is that of a British naval officer, who is buttoned to his throat with a perfectly coiffed wig adorning his head. In addition to correct costumes, “Black Sails” also works to hire historically accurate actors. Many television shows depict a time period that was heavily populated by white males, but that is obviously not the case. Taking on actors, such as the female actress New or Nigerian actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim (“Hotel Rwanda”), demonstrate the loyalty and research that went into depicting the series as correctly as possible.
As usual, with only one episode under viewers’ belts, it is difficult to foresee the potential rise or fall of such a show. With the unflinching portrayal of the brutality of the time period, such as the fight scene between Flint and Singleton over who will become captain, the show is guaranteed to provide edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Yet the show also ensures it has some slower paced moments, but that are just as captivating, using political thrill where the various pirates plot and connive against each other. Hopefully, “Black Sails” will find a draw within a crowd who appreciates a vast world of imperfect characters rather than those searching for a happier and more simple hour of television to watch. Only time will tell if this ship can sail.
