Our Flag Means Death’s Status Update Makes Season 2’s Final Scene Even More Important

Our Flag Means Death won’t be getting a second season on a different network despite the best efforts of the show’s creator, which makes the ending of season 2 all the more important to the show’s legacy. Despite critical accolades and a passionate fandom, the pirate-centric romantic comedy series was canceled before season 3 of Our Flag Means Death could continue the story of Stede and Ed. Efforts were made to find the show a new home, with the show’s creator hinting that the story could easily run for a third season.

The decision to not continue the series is a huge blow to the show’s fanbase, who had been champing at the bit to see more of the Revenge and its crew. However, fans can take solace in the ending that they did get, as season 2 of Our Flag Means Death closed out on a supremely sweet note for its central characters. Despite the tragedies suffered by Stede and Ed over the last two seasons, the ending they achieve in Our Flag Means Death is a perfect one for the show.

Our Flag Means Death Creator’s Latest Update Confirms The Show Is Over

Despite the best efforts of Our Flag Means Death creator David Jenkins, the pirate series has not been picked up by another network or stream — meaning the show’s surprisingly romantic and perfectly bittersweet second season finale is the true ending of the story. Our Flag Means Death became a critical darling during its two-season run, developing a committed fanbase in a short amount of time. The show follows Stede Bonnet, a wealthy socialite in the 18th Century who decides to abandon his life and become a pirate.

Initially seemingly content to be a goofy fish-out-of-water narrative, the show developed a surprisingly strong romantic element with the introduction of Ed, aka the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Their push-and-pull relationship forced both men to grow in surprising ways, all juxtaposed against the steadily developing bonds between Stede’s crew. Although the show had been given a satisfactory ending after season 2, there was still room for further development and exploration of the characters. Sadly, that doesn’t seem to be the case. However, fans can still take solace in how the show closed out season 2.

The Series Ending Makes Season 2’s Final Scene Even More Important

Our Flag Means Death‘s second season ended with the show’s prior status quo seriously upended, but with the surviving crew members adjusting well. Although Ricky Banes was able to escape after helping the British lay waste to the Republic of Pirates, the remaining crew — along with former enemies turned allies like Zheng, Auntie, and Spanish Jackie — decide to chase after him. Meanwhile, Stede and Blackbeard retire to an island and open an inn together. It was a sweet conclusion to their story that Jenkins had openly discussed wanting to continue with storylines that will now never be resolved.

However, it also works as a solid ending for the show, as it means the show hasn’t left audiences on a lingering cliffhanger. This is opposed to the first season, which ended in a much more ambiguous place. Instead, the central romance of the show is reaffirmed, justifying the trials and tribulations they face throughout the season. As a result, while the ending of Our Flag Means Death season 2 doesn’t necessarily close the book on the world, it does serve as a comfortable place for the story to close out.

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Our Flag Means Death’s Cancellation Continues A Disappointing Trend For LGBTQ+ Shows

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Our Flag Means Death Season 2’s Finale Is A Good Place To End Stede & Ed’s Story

Our Flag Means Death was, despite the constant murder and piracy, a supremely sweet show. Both Stede and Ed go through a great deal of character development throughout the series, finally reaching a point where they can openly admit their feelings for one another and act on them. The show’s ultimately happy ending may come at a bittersweet cost given the losses (like the death of Izzy Hands), but the pair have crossed seas and faced death to be together. It’s a romantic triumph for a series that highlighted the power of love.

As a result, the show closing out on its happy ending is a fitting way to conclude the story. Although more seasons of the show would have been welcome, especially as a way of exploring the later years of their relationship, Ed and Stede being happy together provides a solid sense of closure for the show’s central relationship. While it’s a shame that Our Flag Means Death seems to have concluded, it’s heartening to know that Ed and Stede’s story at least ends on a positive note.

Our Flag Means Death

Created by David Jenkins and starring Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi, Our Flag Means Death blends romantic comedy with period drama on the high seas. Loosely based on real historical figures, the series chronicles the adventures of Stede Bonnet and the crew of the pirate ship Revenge, detailing their often hilarious exploits and encounters, including crossing paths with the infamous Blackbeard. The series received praise for its extensive and positive LGBTQ+ representation upon the first season’s release. 

Cast

Rhys Darby , Con O’Neill , Rory Kinnear , Matthew Maher , Samson Kayo , Ewen Bremner , David Fane , Nathan Foad , Taika Waititi , Guz Khan , Vico Ortiz , Joel Fry , Kristian Nairn

Release Date

March 3, 2022

Seasons

2

Writers

Eliza Jiménez Cossio , Zayre Ferrer , David Jenkins

Showrunner

David Jenkins