Deciphering the Finale of Our Flag Means Death Season 2

In-depth discussion of Our Flag Means Death's season 2 finale.

Summary

The season 2 finale of "Our Flag Means Death" delivers both satisfaction and surprise, providing character payoffs and introducing intriguing new developments. Emotionally charged, the moment of Izzy Hands' death resonates deeply as he courageously confronts the series' main antagonist, after grappling with numerous trials and tribulations throughout the season.

In the finale of Our Flag Means Death season 2, Prince Ricky Banes emerges as the primary antagonist. He successfully executes a plan that results in the destruction of Zheng's fleet and sets the stage for a revenge-driven journey for Ed and Stede in season 3. The ending of season 2 of the period rom-com is packed with satisfying resolutions and unexpected twists, many of which have been foreshadowed throughout the season. The three-episode season premiere follows the story of Stede Bonnet, a former gentleman-turned-pirate who has forsaken his wealth and staged his own death in order to leave his previous life behind. Determined to be reunited with his love interest, Ed "Blackbeard" Teach, Stede assembles his crew and ventures to the Republic of Pirates with the intention of buying a new ship. During their time there, Stede and his crew find employment under Spanish Jackie and encounter two intriguing new characters.

Disguised as a soup seller, Zheng Yi Sao (Rubio Qian), the pirate queen in Our Flag Means Death, plays a crucial role in the story. Alongside Jackie, another new character, Prince Ricky Banes (Erroll Shand) puts everyone's lives in danger, while Zheng comes to the rescue, saving Stede and his crew. Meanwhile, Ed is struggling to cope with his breakup from Stede. This leads the pirate captain to almost kill his entire crew, inciting them to mutiny. After a brush with death, Ed reunites with Stede and embarks on a season-long journey of self-discovery. Stede transforms into a more admirable pirate, while Ed contemplates leaving behind his piratical ways. However, an end-of-season villain emerges, threatening the lives of all the show's pirates.

Izzy Hands' Death In Our Flag Means Death Season 2's Ending Explained

In the season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death, one of the most heartfelt moments occurs with the passing of Izzy Hands (played by Con O'Neil), Blackbeard's loyal first mate. Throughout the season, Izzy experiences a rollercoaster of emotions: from being threatened by Ed early on for standing up against his toxic behavior, leading to Ed shooting him in the leg and ultimately necessitating amputation. Frustrated by his new reality and the transformed Ed, Izzy struggles to cope with these challenging circumstances.

The Revenge crew unites to create a one-of-a-kind wooden leg for Izzy, which uplifts his spirits. In the subsequent episodes, there are poignant moments that hint at Izzy's impending demise. Not only does he deliver a heart-wrenching rendition of "La vie en rose," but he also reconciles with Stede and resolves his differences with Ed. During the season finale, Izzy shows bravery by standing up to the formidable Prince Ricky Banes, the main antagonist of the season. While escaping with the rest of the crew, Izzy sustains a gunshot wound in his torso from Ricky. Despite managing to reach the escape ship, Izzy tragically passes away at sea while cradled in Ed's arms. It serves as a fitting farewell for the audacious yet lovable pirate.

Prince Ricky Bane's Villainous Plan Explained

Alongside his act of killing Izzy Hands, Prince Ricky Banes engages in various other nefarious deeds during the finale of season 2. In the beginning, Ricky confessed his deep admiration for Stede, aspiring to walk in his footsteps and become a pirate. However, Ricky's clumsy nature led him to fall victim to Spanish Jackie's wrath, resulting in the loss of his nose at the hands of the vengeful tavern owner. Towards the end of season 2, Ricky resurfaces and delivers an inspiring speech to the British Royal Navy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance against pirates.

Afterward, Ricky is invited by Zheng to a meeting on her vessel called the Red Flag. While Zheng's intention is to blackmail Ricky Banes and portray him as a great "pirate abolitionist," Ricky has different plans. He cleverly leads Zheng to believe that she has the upper hand, only to betray her in the end. Ricky strategically places explosives on both her ships and the Republic of Pirates, causing significant damage to the pirate queen's fleet and eliminating a number of his adversaries simultaneously. In the closing moments, it becomes evident that Ricky's goal is to eradicate all pirates, including Stede. As a cowardly act, Ricky Banes makes his escape after shooting Izzy, positioning himself as the true antagonist of Our Flag Means Death's third season.

Why Ed & Stede Become Innkeepers In Our Flag Means Death Season 2

In the season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death, the Revenge crew, along with Zheng and her loyal first mate Auntie (Anapela Polataivao), come together for two significant events. The first is a solemn occasion, Izzy's funeral, where they lay him to rest on a picturesque cliff-side near an aged shack. The second celebration is filled with joy as Lucius (Nathan Foad) and Black Pete (Matthew Maher) exchange their vows. These events inspire Ed to pursue a different path in life, longing for a simpler existence. Unlike his previous failed attempts at becoming a fisherman, Ed's newfound aspiration holds a deeper significance—he aspires to be an innkeeper.

In the third episode of season two of "Our Flag Means Death," Ed pays a visit to the Gravy Basket, a realm that exists between life and death. During his time there, he conjures up a version of his former captain, Hornigold, who now claims to be the innkeeper of the deserted island. Appropriately titled "The Innkeeper," Ed takes on the role of an innkeeper in this episode, albeit with little success. Nevertheless, he interprets his near-death experience as a sign and persuades Stede to join him in transforming the dilapidated shack near Izzy's grave into an actual inn.

Zheng's Revenge Plan Sets Up Our Flag Means Death Season 3's Story

Prior to the revelation that Ed and Stede will attempt their hands at being innkeepers and cohabitating, Zheng acknowledges the importance of having assistance. Despite her unwavering pride, the pirate queen may have exerted her influence over all of China, but the latest adversary, Ricky Banes, necessitates some reinforcement. Although Zheng is reluctant to display any sign of vulnerability, Stede and Ed impart upon her the significance of friendship and camaraderie. The captain understands that uniting together is not a sign of weakness, but rather a wise decision. Consequently, Zheng invites Ed and Stede to accompany her on a quest for vengeance.

Devastated by Prince Ricky Banes' cunningly executed strategies that annihilated her fleet of ships and inflicted heavy casualties upon her crew, Zheng is consumed by the desire for vengeance. Knowing that Ricky is responsible for the demise of Izzy Hands, Zheng assumes that Ed will also seek retribution, reluctantly acknowledging the importance of involving Stede in their pursuit. Although Ed and Stede have taken on the roles of innkeepers for now, the duration of their absence remains uncertain. Zheng's pursuit of revenge undoubtedly establishes a pivotal and all-encompassing narrative that will unfold in season 3 of Our Flag Means Death.