‘Our Flag Signifies Adventure’ Embarks on an Epic Season 2

Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death.

The Big Picture

In Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death, the Golden Age of Piracy showcases the remarkable influence of female pirates. One such notable figure is Pirate Queen Zheng Yi Sao, portrayed by Ruibo Qian. She commands the Red Flag Fleet, an impressive fleet of 1,800 pirate ships, solidifying her position as the most formidable pirate to have ever existed.

Adding historical figures such as Zheng, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read brings comedic misadventures and serves as a reminder that female pirates are equally as deadly as their male counterparts. Our Flag Means Death, created by David Jenkins and directed by Taika Waititi, has become one of the most popular Max Original series since its launch last year. This pirate comedy has garnered worldwide acclaim for its positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community and its humorous portrayal of historical pirates. After leaving viewers devastated with the unexpected breakup between Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and Blackbeard (Waititi), the show has made a triumphant return. Season 2 not only reunites the quirky and inept pirate crew of the Revenge, but it also introduces the fiercest and most badass pirates of the deep blue sea: women!

Who Is the "Pirate Queen" Zheng Yi Sao in 'Our Flag Means Death'?

Remaining true to its loosely authentic theme, the latest season of Our Flag Means Death introduces three prominent female pirates from history, namely Chinese Pirate Queen Zheng Yi Sao, Irish pirate Anne Bonny, and English pirate Mary Read. Joining them are supporting characters Archie, a new addition to Blackbeard's crew, and Auntie, the navigator for Zheng's ship, the Red Flag. While the timelines may be stretched, it is crucial for the show's longevity to incorporate these significant figures. Season 2 successfully acknowledges the influence and authority women held at sea during and after the Golden Age of Piracy. Expanding on the domino effect a captain's heartbreak has on his crew and mental well-being, the presence of these legendary women serves as a reminder to the misfits of the Revenge that love requires perseverance and effort!

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Famous for her role in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, the "Pirate Queen" Zheng Yi Sao is widely recognized by audiences. Not only was she the most successful female pirate of her time, but she is also hailed as the greatest pirate in history! In 1801, at the young age of 26, Sao married the formidable pirate Zheng Yi, who exerted powerful control over the South China Sea. When her husband passed away just six years later, Sao assumed leadership of his crew — the Guangdong Pirate Confederation, more commonly known as the Red Flag Fleet. With over 1,800 pirate ships and an estimated 80,000 outlawed men under her personal command, Zheng Yi Sao established the undefeated Red Flag Fleet as the largest pirate confederation in history. By vanquishing three Chinese fleets, she cemented her influence and power.

In the first episode titled "Impossible Birds," Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death introduces Zheng Yi Sao, portrayed by Ruibo Qian. The Revenge crew, without a ship, finds themselves wandering the Republic of Pirates and turning to Spanish Jackie (Leslie Jones), the owner of a pirate bar, to seek employment. Stede and his misfit crew settle into their arduous daily routine, only to be sold to a presumed soup merchant named "Susan," who is actually the infamous Zheng Yi Sao. A surprise awaits Stede and his crew on the Red Flag when they are reunited with their fellow crew member, Lucius Spriggs (Nathan Foad). Zheng's first mate, Auntie, observes the emotional reunion and hilariously captures the essence of the season by remarking, "Oh, my God... Men are so fucking emotional."

Under Zheng's compassionate leadership, the crew members experience a different style of command and lifestyle. The pirate queen prioritizes unity, cohesion, and balance among her crew, often starting the day with tai chi meditation sessions. Zheng also develops a fondness for Oluwande (Samson Kayo) and their chemistry creates an adorable dynamic, allowing viewers to empathize with Olu's desire for romance and hope for a new love story. While Season 2 may blend historical timelines to bring together characters like Zheng and Stede, Zheng's intimidating yet clever personality seamlessly fits into the show's quirky humor. As the season nears its conclusion, the Pirate Queen's true intentions remain uncertain, leaving the men to realize they may have gotten themselves into more than they can handle.

Who Are Anne Bonny and Mary Read in 'Our Flag Means Death'?

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In the fourth episode of Season 2, titled "Fun and Games," Ed miraculously emerges from his coma but is swiftly banished to a nearby island as punishment for his traumatizing actions toward his crew. Stede ventures to the island in search of Ed, and the brooding couple unexpectedly encounters Blackbeard's former companions — Anne Bonny (portrayed by Minnie Driver) and Mary Read (played by Rachel House).

Anne Bonny, who was born in the 1700s, exhibited a violent temperament as a young girl and committed the heinous act of murdering a servant girl. Consequently, she was disowned by her father. In 1718, she married sailor James Bonny, and the couple relocated to the Bahamas. It was there that Anne engaged in an extramarital affair with pirate John "Calico Jack" Rackham (depicted by Will Arnett in Our Flag Means Death). Eventually, the lovers absconded to Rackham's vessel, where Anne became a member of his crew and adopted a male disguise to exist in the world of piracy. In an intriguing twist, one of Calico Jack's crew members, who was also disguised as a man, divulged her true identity to Anne — she was Mary Read, a woman. Mary Read had entered the British military, where she encountered a Flemish soldier whom she married after their discharge. Following her husband's death, she embraced a life of piracy but was subsequently taken captive by Rackham's crew in the West Indies.

According to A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pyrates, Read and Bonny became romantically involved while fighting together at sea on Calico Jack's ship. In Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death, they are portrayed as lovers who have left behind their pirate life to run an unusual antique shop. Despite their own tense dynamic, Stede and Blackbeard are invited to have dinner at their home, where they are soon exposed to the dangerous and unconventional "turn-ons" that the former pirates enjoy on a daily basis. Anne and Mary's unconventional acts of affection stand in stark contrast to Stede and Ed's current emotional distance. Their presence serves as a reminder to these foolish men that love requires time and effort. By introducing these renowned female pirates into the series, viewers are able to see that women are just as deadly in the pirate world as men. The blending of fact and fiction surrounding these historical figures leads to some of the show's most humorous misadventures.

In Season 2 of 'Our Flag Means Death,' the Men Are Often More Emotional Than the Women

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In the early moments of Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death, the episodes delve into the strained relationship between Stede and Blackbeard. Ed resorts to violent raids, sleepless nights filled with sobbing, and even goes so far as to torture his crew. Conversely, Stede takes a more valiant approach in dealing with their separation. Taking ownership of his mistakes, Stede sets out to find Ed, hoping to regain his affection after leaving him for his ex-wife Mary (Claudia O'Doherty) in Season 1. Stede attempts to persuade Ed to forgive him by reminding him of their good times. Unfortunately, their reconciliation is hindered by foolish pride and an unwillingness to truly listen to one another. Similarly, Lucius and Black Pete (Matthew Maher) encounter a rough patch in their relationship as Lucius struggles to overcome a near-death experience. He neglects Black Pete's love, becoming consumed with seeking revenge on Ed. Black Pete tries to make Lucius see the importance of appreciating his own life. Eventually, the couple reunite when Lucius proposes to Black Pete.

In contrast, the female characters, such as Archie (Madeleine Sami) and Auntie (Anapela Polataivao), exhibit even greater emotional stability than their male counterparts. Archie doesn't hesitate to express her feelings for Jim (Vico Ortiz), quickly entering into a romantic relationship with him on the Revenge. Auntie is clearly the sage figure who observes and comprehends everything. She won't allow anyone to challenge her knowledge of the sea, not even when Olu accidentally rearranges her maps. The return of Spanish Jackie also signifies the dominance the female pirates have over the easily manipulated men, as she adds The Swede (Nat Faxon) to her collection of 19 husbands. Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death astutely introduces more female characters to the popular series, paving the way for more adventurous and comical exploits for the crew of the Revenge.

The Season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death premieres Thursday on Max.