The Fate of the Crew in 'Our Flag Means Death' Season 2: Unraveling the Ending

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

The Big Picture

In the Season 2 finale of "Our Flag Means Death," Stede and Zheng form an unexpected alliance to dismantle Ricky Banes' anti-piracy movement. Ed and Stede, recognizing their inseparable bond, reunite in a touching manner on the beach.

The shocking loss of Izzy Hands marks the end of the season and brings Zheng, Ed, and Stede together. As the possibility of Season 3 arises, their new mission may be explored, although Ed and Stede are seen settling into their role as innkeepers.

Our Flag Means Death has consistently captivated audiences with its surprising and comedic elements. Initially, it appeared to be a playful satire of the "Golden Age of Piracy," but it has evolved into a thought-provoking portrayal of this brutal historical period and a platform for groundbreaking LGBTQIA representation. While still maintaining its comedic core, the second season delves into more serious themes as it examines the relationship between Captain "Ed" Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) and the former gentlemen, Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby). With an emotional death and thrilling action sequences, the season finale sets the stage for an exciting future.

Our Flag Means Death

Release Date: March 3, 2022

Cast: Rhys Darby, Taika Waititi, Rory Kinnear, Con O'Neill

Main Genre: Adventure

Genres: Comedy, Action, Adventure, Biography

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 2

Stede Forms an Unlikely Alliance in 'Our Flag Means Death' Season 2

Image via Max

In the Season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death, titled "Merman," the crew of the Revenge successfully reclaim their territory from the villainous Prince Ricky Banes (Erroll Shand). Like Bonnet, Banes was once a respectable gentleman who chose to embrace a life of piracy. However, his failed attempt to become a swashbuckler resulted in the loss of his nose and a deep hatred for pirates. Utilizing his influence and the power of the British Army, Banes initiates an anti-piracy movement with the goal of bombing the fleet of ships captained by pirate Queen Zheng Yi Sao (Ruibo Qian) of the Red Flag.

Despite their previous conflicts, Zheng and Stede realize that Banes poses a threat to all pirates and join forces in order to defeat him. In a strategic move, they overpower the British troops and acquire their uniforms for an ultimate showdown. This is where Stede's character growth truly shines, as he transforms from a clumsy fool in the first season to a courageous leader worthy of commanding the crew of the Revenge.

Stede and Ed Finally Reunite in 'Our Flag Means Death' Season 2

Image via Max

In the second season of Our Flag Means Death, the focus shifts to the gradual reconnection of Stede and Ed, two pirates who had parted ways at the end of the first season. They come to realize the emptiness of their lives without each other. While Ed initially dealt with his personal issues in solitude, he came to understand the importance of Stede's presence after a suicide attempt. Despite expressing his love for Stede, Ed decides to leave behind the life of piracy and become a fisherman.

However, Ed's attempt at a changed life is short-lived. He proves to be completely inept as a fisherman and ultimately decides to say goodbye to his "simple" life in order to reunite with Stede on the Revenge. Ed receives advice from his fisherman friend (Cohen Holloway) who tells him, "If you were ever good at anything, go and do that." For Ed, this means embracing a life of piracy once again. He meets Stede on the beach, and together they help defeat more of Banes' forces.

Ed and Stede are not the sole couple to make a solid commitment to each other in the season finale. In a rather peculiar wedding ceremony aboard the Revenge, Lucius Spriggs (Nathan Foad) and Black Pete (Matthew Maher) exchange pirate vows. Oluwande (Samson Kayo) also seizes the opportunity to express his emotions for Zheng, a newfound ally to the crew of the Revenge.

'Our Flag Means Death' Season 2 Ends With a Shocking Loss and a New Mission

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Stede successfully accomplishes his mission to retrieve the Revenge, but at a great cost - the life of Ed's fiercely loyal first mate, Izzy Hands (Con O'Neill). As the battle fades away, Izzy takes his final breath on the deck of the Revenge, surrounded by his grieving crew. His poignant demise serves as a testament to Izzy's deep character development throughout the series. Initially antagonistic towards Stede in the first season, constantly taunting and bullying him, Izzy eventually became a fan-favorite, proving his unwavering loyalty to both his Captains. In his honor, Izzy is laid to rest with a cross crafted from his counterfeit unicorn leg.

Izzy’s untimely demise prompts Zheng to propose an unexpected alliance, despite the typical absence of cooperation among pirate crews. Realizing the formidable synergy between the Red Flag and the Revenge, Zheng suggests that they join forces to track down the culprits behind Izzy’s death. Both Ed and Stede readily agree. However, it is Frenchie (Joel Fry) who assumes leadership of the Revenge crew during the climactic moments of the episode, while Ed and Stede find respite in their improvised inn on the coast. Although Ed and Stede may have embraced a commitment to each other, it seems that their piratical existence is far from reaching its conclusion.

Will ‘Our Flag Means Death’ Have a Season 3?

Image via HBO Max

With no announcement yet for a third season of Our Flag Means Death, there is a concern that HBO Max might cancel the show like they have done with several popular series such as The Other Two, Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty, Made for Love, Minx, and Westworld. However, the positive response from fans of Our Flag Means Death could potentially persuade the network to continue airing this beloved pirate comedy.

Although a third season has not been confirmed, the conclusion of "Mermen" hints at a potential reunion of Zheng, Ed, and Stede as they seek revenge for Izzy's death. The actual ending of the true story is not particularly favorable, but it is possible that Our Flag Means Death will explore an alternative approach to rewriting history.

You can stream all episodes of Our Flag Means Death on Max in the U.S.

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