Black Sails season 2, episode 2 just aired and there were both surprises and serious complications.
Back from the dead
Billy Bones (Tom Hopper) is alive, though considering he’s being staked to a beach for five days in the blazing sun, maybe he wishes he died. Will he turn on Flint (Toby Stephens) to save his skin, or will he die?
Long ago in a land far away
Thomas Hamilton (Rupert Penry Jones) may be an over-privileged, idealistic, naive dreamer, but his theories, at least some of them, are seen by Flint as having merit. Obviously, 10 years in the future, Flint espouses the theory of a free, mainstream, and prospering Nassau. What makes him fully turn? Perhaps it’s the ridicule and non-acceptance of those who see birth station as a predictor of character rather than accomplishment.
Hi ho Silver away
Interestingly, John Silver (Luke Arnold) isn’t really keen on being a pirate, as he admits to Flint; rather, he sees them as a means to an end: becoming wealthy and then leading a life of luxury. His survival and acceptance now rely on him being something of the class clown. In a world that’s thin on free entertainment, it’s actually not a bad move. Everyone loves the gossip, and Silver is establishing a spy network.
Nice try, but no cigar
At the end of the day, Dufrene doesn’t have the total skill set needed to run the ship. Even in defeat, Flint still commands respect. Flint is the consummate charismatic and manipulative orator. He retakes the ship when Dufrene realizes in defeat he’ll never be the man Flint is.
Making Vane and Flint look cuddly
Ned Low makes Charles Vane (Zach McGowan) and Flint look like altar boys. Eviscerating and beheading his quartermaster in the middle of Eleanor’s bar lets everyone know what crossing him means. His men, for now, aren’t worried about Eleanor not paying them because of their “special prize,” A.K.A. the mystery girl they captured on last week’s raid.
Time to eat humble pie
Eleanor meets Vane, realizing she is defenseless against Low, and she’s been warned that Low has his sights on her next. Vane, on the other hand, likes his new position, but his one weakness is his regard for Eleanor. Can the two of them put their pride aside, and think of a way to dispose of Low? Eleanor knows about the “special prize,” but she doesn’t know what it is. Will they find out, and use this to their advantage? Who on Low’s crew can be bribed?
Strange bedfellows
Anne Bonny (Clara Paget) and Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy) have found each other. It seems to be true attraction on Anne’s part, but on Max’s part it’s just business as usual: how she can manipulate to improve her lot in life. Rackham (Toby Schmitz) may have fallen very low, being literally pissed on in the streets, but as he says, he still has his wits. He literally takes the wind and all advantage out of Max’s sails by barging in on Anne and Max, laying out his next money making scheme, and letting them know he doesn’t care about their relationship. He only cares about what makes Anne happy.