With Pride Month 2023 upon us, it's the perfect opportunity to revisit the hilarious pirate comedy Our Flag Means Death. While celebrating one's identity is important year-round, fans of the show have taken it to the next level with their enthusiastic support. When the series first premiered, some viewers may have been unsure of what to expect and seen it as just another well-written comedy. However, as the first season progressed and the relationship between historical figures Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and Edward "Blackbeard" Teach (Taika Waititi) blossomed into a tender and genuine romance, the show became a shining example of LGBTQ+ representation and won a devoted following through word-of-mouth marketing.
Many fans of the show have united to bring to life a significant moment between Stede and Ed - their first kiss in a brief moment of pure happiness. The LGBTQ+ community-driven website, Our Frames Mean Love, has collaborated with numerous artists to recreate 310 frames of the kiss shared by the two men in Season 1 of Our Flag Means Death. The site's description emphasizes the importance of this groundbreaking moment in television history, with styles ranging from traditional paint to digital, embroidery, and even Perler beads. "Each frame is a labor of love by a single artist and a work of art. When all frames are put together in order, they form a full animation of the kiss," it reads. A total of 256 artists have contributed to the project, showcasing a diverse range of mediums such as fabric, paper, knit, and more.
Our Flag Means Death was quickly renewed for season 2, and it's not hard to see why. Its honest and unapologetic portrayal of relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, is a breath of fresh air in an industry that often tiptoes around such issues. The show's depiction of same-sex love between characters like Stede and Ed, as well as nonbinary representation with Jim Jimenez played by nonbinary actor Vico Ortiz, has resonated with viewers who are often overlooked in mainstream media. Our Frames Mean Love, a love letter to the show and its creators, is a testament to the impact of this groundbreaking series.
The phenomenal cast of Our Flag Means Death is just one of the many reasons why fans are hooked on the series. With each new episode, the show only seems to get better and better. It's a shining example of true representation in the entertainment industry, which other shows and movies should definitely take note of. Additionally, the comedic elements of the show are sure to keep you laughing out loud. Here's to hoping that Our Flag Means Death will continue to deliver the same level of satisfaction as the inspiration behind the series, but with a much longer run. You can catch season 1 of Our Flag Means Death streaming on Max.
Source: Our Frames Mean Love