The Crucial Reason Behind THAT Character's Demise in the Season 2 Finale of Our Flag Means Death

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

Summary

In the season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death, a significant character, Izzy Hands, tragically passes away while in Ed's embrace at sea. Despite their fraught relationship, Izzy's journey of self-discovery, symbolized by the acquisition of a wooden leg, leads to a gradual reconciliation with Ed.

Izzy's death in the show was a dramatic event, but in real life Izzy Hands didn't meet his end at sea. Instead, he died as a beggar, living in obscurity.

In the season 2 finale of "Our Flag Means Death," a key character meets their demise. Though this swashbuckling period rom-com doesn't reach the death toll of "Game of Thrones," it's not unexpected that one of Revenge's pirates would perish, especially considering the events of their season 2 storyline. Throughout the eight-episode sophomore season, the crew of the Revenge experienced numerous divisions and reunions. At the center of this rift were Ed "Blackbeard" Teach (played by Taika Waititi), Stede Bonnet (played by Rhys Darby), and Israel "Izzy" Hands (played by Con O'Neil) - a trio that should come as no surprise to viewers who watched the show's first season.

Izzy Hands' Story Was Already Complete In The Our Flag Means Death

In the initial episode of Our Flag Means Death, an uninterested Blackbeard became intrigued by Stede, a gentleman-turned-pirate. Initially, the merciless pirate captain intended to eliminate Stede and assume his persona, but opted to first learn the ways of a gentleman from him. As an unexpected love blossomed between Ed and Stede, Izzy was the first to confront Ed, admonishing the infamous captain for losing his true self, before eventually betraying the couple. In season 2 of Our Flag Means Death, Izzy continues to expose Ed's deplorable behavior, particularly in relation to Stede, further widening the divide between the first mate and the captain.

In the second season of Our Flag Means Death, Ed's feelings for Stede Bonnet create a volatile atmosphere on the ship. This leads to a near-fatal encounter where Ed, suspecting Izzy's awareness of his emotions, shoots him in the leg. Showing no remorse, Ed commands Frenchie to dispose of Izzy. In a desperate attempt to save him, Frenchie and the Revenge crew conceal Izzy below deck. Realizing the seriousness of his infection, Archie and Jim make the difficult decision to amputate Izzy's leg. In a chilling moment, Ed discovers Izzy and instructs his former first mate to end his own life.

How Izzy Hands' Death In Our Flag Means Death Compares To The Real Pirate's Fate

Ed is constantly criticized by Izzy for his lack of follow-through. For years, Ed has relied on Izzy while avoiding taking responsibility for his own actions. However, when Izzy leads a mutiny against Ed, the once-feared captain has a near-death experience that forces him to confront his fears and self-loathing. Izzy plays a significant role in initiating these events. As a result, Ed and Izzy's relationship becomes strained, but they begin to repair it when Izzy receives a wooden leg from the crew. With newfound confidence and assurance, Izzy reconciles with Ed and tells Stede that he is a positive influence on Ed, thus solidifying their essential connections.

In the season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death, the cunning Prince Ricky Banes (played by Erroll Shand) takes Izzy captive. Prince Ricky is responsible for the fall of pirate queen Zheng Yi Sao's fleet (portrayed by Rubio Qian) and the devastating explosions on the Republic of Pirates. Fearless and undeterred by Ricky's incompetence, Izzy confronts the pirate hunter with a fiery monologue filled with expletives, firmly putting him in his place. However, just as Izzy attempts to escape, Ricky slyly brandishes a gun and shoots him in the stomach. Despite managing to reach the pirates' escape vessel, Izzy tragically succumbs to his injuries at sea, with Ed by his side.

Historians claim that Israel Hands' death was not as sensational as portrayed in reality (source: Gutenberg.org). Contrary to popular belief, Hands did not lose a leg to Blackbeard; instead, he suffered permanent disability when his captain shot him in the knee. While recovering from the gunshot wound, Blackbeard met his demise at the hands of the British Royal Navy. Subsequently, Hands was apprehended but received a pardon for providing testimony against corrupt officials associated with Blackbeard. Various accounts suggest that Hands eventually died in poverty and obscurity, giving his death at sea in "Our Flag Means Death" a more fitting farewell.