The Foreshadowing of Heartbreak: Unveiling Season 2's Most Emotional Moment in 'Our Flag Means Death'

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Izzy's death was bittersweet, as he had made tremendous progress and became the binding force for The Revenge.

The thrilling Our Flag Means Death Season 2 was a wild ride, to say the least. Now that it has concluded, there are numerous intriguing aspects to dissect from the season, whether it be a subtle detail or a shocking revelation that left viewers on the edge of their seats. However, what lingers in our thoughts is the loss of a significant character in the Our Flag Means Death Season 2 finale: Izzy Hands (played by Con O’Neill). The death of this character, who evoked a mix of love and hate from everyone, has created a frenzy on social media. Some fans expressed their surprise, especially considering Izzy had only just started embracing the idea of family. Yet, in retrospect, the foreshadowing earlier in the season may have hinted at this twist.

Izzy's Death Was Foreshadowed in the 'Our Flag Means Death' Season 2 Premiere

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In order to comprehend this, let's revisit the premiere of Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death. The episode, titled "Impossible Birds," begins with Stede (Rhys Darby) having a captivating dream. In this dream, he indulges in thoughts of killing Izzy Hands as a result of the hardships Izzy had subjected Stede and Ed (Taika Waititi) to. The dream portrays Stede, with an impressive beard, impaling Izzy with his sword without any remorse, ultimately leading to his demise. Subsequently, Stede spots Ed running in the distance, and they share a cliché (yet undeniably romantic) reunion against the backdrop of the vast ocean, creating a scene that is even more charming and appealing. However, the dream abruptly ends when Stede wakes up due to Wee John (Kristian Narn) releasing gas in their shared sleeping quarters.

Although the significance of the dream sequence may not have been immediately apparent, its importance becomes evident in the season finale. Apart from the striking resemblance between the reunion of Stede and Ed in reality and the one in his dream, the part where Izzy dies also becomes a reality, which can either bring relief or dismay. It is worth noting that Stede is not the one responsible for Izzy's demise. In fact, these pirates were on the path to becoming unlikely friends. Nevertheless, what matters is that Izzy perishes in both the dream and in real life.

Izzy Hands Had a Complicated Journey in 'Our Flag Means Death'

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Izzy Hands is a complex individual. Initially, we are introduced to him as Blackbeard's trusted first mate. Together, they have sailed the seas for many years. At first, this duo embodies the darker side of piracy, reveling in killing and looting simply because they can. Their relentless actions earn them a notorious reputation across the seven seas, striking fear in the hearts of other crews. For a significant period of time, Blackbeard and Izzy dominate the seas, feeding off each other's toxic tendencies, as it is all they have known throughout their lives.

In Season 1 of Our Flag Means Death, Izzy emerges as the character whose presence is detested by The Revenge crew. His main objective is to sow discord among the beloved crew members, especially Stede and Ed, who are developing a relationship. When Izzy observes Ed's growing affection for Stede, he warns him that he is changing for the worse, becoming "soft" (considering that Izzy and Ed initially planned to harm the members of The Revenge). One fateful night, after the crew comically fails to frighten off intruders, Izzy unexpectedly challenges Stede to a duel, in which Stede wins due to a technicality. Consequently, Izzy is expelled from the crew. Fueled by anger, Izzy joins forces with Spanish Jackie (Leslie Jones) and Chauncey Badminton (Rory Kinnear). He proposes to Badminton that they ambush The Revenge, but spare Ed. As the season progresses, a heartbroken Ed returns to the ship, believing that Stede has abandoned him (which he has), and Izzy snaps him out of his misery. He convinces Ed to revert to their old ways, to become Blackbeard once again. Izzy achieves his desires, but soon realizes that the situation has grown even more dire.

Izzy Began to Change in 'Our Flag Means Death' Season 2, Making His Death Even More Heartbreaking

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Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death explores the shift in dynamics on the Revenge following Stede's absence. With Blackbeard as the new captain, the remaining crew endures relentless raids. However, they grow weary of Blackbeard's cruel antics. Izzy, with the support of his fellow crew members, realizes that he is in an unhealthy relationship with Blackbeard. This realization prompts him to reflect and change his perspective on many things. He even stands up to Blackbeard's erratic behavior, resulting in him being shot and losing his leg.

Izzy's story is one of redemption, which adds complexity to the audience's relationship with the character. Initially, Izzy is reluctant to open up to the crew. However, he begins to recognize that he has found a family with them. This realization is evident in his heartfelt conversation with Ricky Banes (Erroll Shand) in the season finale. Throughout the season, we witness Izzy becoming a part of this dysfunctional yet incredibly close-knit family at sea. There is a poignant moment where the crew creates a prosthetic leg for Izzy, despite his reluctance to show emotions. Tragically, Izzy is shot while the crew is trying to return to the ship in the Season 2 finale. He dies on the deck of the Revenge, surrounded by the crew who have fully embraced him as one of their own. Ed stays by Izzy's side until his last breath, a significant scene in the season. Izzy is buried in front of a rundown shack that will soon become Stede and Ed's inn. Ultimately, Izzy's death is bittersweet, as he was a deeply complicated character who made incredible progress throughout the second season.

Izzy Hands Will Forever Be a Part of the Revenge in 'Our Flag Means Death'

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Izzy's death is truly shocking as he held significant importance in the story. However, perhaps the foreshadowing in the early episodes of Our Flag Means Death Season 2 should have prepared some viewers for his fate. Despite this, for many, his demise came as a surprise, as they did not anticipate the show taking that particular direction, especially considering Izzy's progress. He had transformed into an integral part of the Revenge, a stark contrast to who he was in the first season. Witnessing the extent of his character's growth was truly remarkable. Izzy had only just begun to break free from his shell and gain acceptance from the family, thanks to his courageous defense of them.

In a conversation with Banes, Izzy essentially narrates his journey of personal development throughout the series. He explains that being a true pirate, something he believes Banes is not, is not about seeking glory, but about finding a family worth fighting for when your own is long gone. This revelation truly showcases just how far Izzy had come and how he had transformed his ways, essentially providing his own eulogy. Even in death, his spirit will endure, as he has become an integral part of the crew, both now and forever. Despite his relatively short time as a reformed individual, his acts of kindness will always be remembered. While Izzy is far from perfect, this pirate, whose surprisingly angelic voice flawlessly performs "La vie en rose," has undeniably left a lasting impression on both the crew and the audience.

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Editor's P/S

The second season of Our Flag Means Death was a rollercoaster of emotions, and the death of Izzy Hands was one of the most heartbreaking moments. Izzy was a complex and fascinating character, and his death was a major turning point in the story.

The foreshadowing of Izzy's death was subtle but effective. In the first episode of the season, Stede has a dream in which he kills Izzy. This dream foreshadows Izzy's eventual death, and it also highlights the tension between Stede and Izzy.

Izzy's death was a bittersweet moment. On the one hand, it was sad to see such a complex and interesting character die. On the other hand, it was also a relief to see Izzy finally find peace. Izzy had been through a lot in his life, and he had finally found a place where he belonged. His death was a reminder that even the most complex and flawed people can find redemption.