WARNING! Contains SPOILERS for the first three episodes of Our Flag Means Death season 2!
Summary
Ed's actions towards Izzy during the initial three episodes of Our Flag Means Death result in a severe deterioration of their relationship. Ed, devastated by the absence of Stede, regresses to his previous violent behavior, culminating in the shooting of Izzy and displaying a complete lack of concern for addressing the toxic environment aboard the ship.
The opening of season 2 of Our Flag Means Death delivers an explosive start, particularly in relation to Ed's treatment of Izzy. In season 1, Izzy, the first mate, shares information about the transformation of Stede Bonnet from gentleman to pirate with Edward Teach, also known as the feared Captain Blackbeard. Growing weary of his own activities and frustrated by the lack of opposition, Ed becomes intrigued by Stede and assigns Izzy the task of locating the newly appointed captain of the Revenge. After their initial encounter, Blackbeard proposes a trade: Stede will impart his refined mannerisms to Ed in exchange for lessons in piracy. This agreement serves as the catalyst for the deterioration of Ed and Izzy's relationship, emphasizing Ed's inability to fulfill his menacing claims.
Why Ed Tries To Kill Izzy In Our Flag Means Death Season 2
As Izzy's anger boils over, she insults Ed, claiming that he is a mere shadow of his former self. In response, the pirate captain discloses his plot to assume Stede's identity. However, as a blossoming romance develops between Ed and Stede, the once-fearsome Blackbeard finds himself hesitating. This hesitation fuels Izzy's challenge to Stede, hoping to either eliminate him or banish him from the Revenge. Unfortunately for Izzy, her plan backfires, but it does result in Stede's and Ed's separation. This separation, however, leads to the first mate's return as he confronts Ed for his perceived softness and urges him to embrace his violent nature once more. As the second season of "Our Flag Means Death" resumes, Ed and Izzy remain at odds, ultimately leading to Ed's shocking decision.
Devastated by Stede's absence, Ed finds solace in the violent tactics that once defined him as a legendary pirate, even resorting to shooting Izzy. With ruthless abandon, he massacres the entire congregation of a shipboard wedding, leaving Blackbeard's crew unsettled by the extent of Ed's transformation. As Jim and the rest of the crew confront Izzy, expressing concerns about her toxic relationship with Blackbeard, the pirates openly discuss the unhealthy dynamics within their workplace. However, Ed, consumed by an unstable and love-stricken state, dismisses any attempts at dialogue, brandishing his weapon and interrogating each crew member about their grievances within the alleged "toxic environment."
What Ed Giving Izzy His Gun Means For Our Flag Means Death Season 2's Story
In the face of Blackbeard's pistol, most of the crew cower, their fear silencing them. However, First Mate Izzy Hands defies this intimidation, boldly pinpointing the dreadful atmosphere aboard the revenge to "Your feelings for Stede f***in’ Bonnet!" Unwavering, Ed promptly shoots Izzy as a response to his words. As Izzy squirms in agony on the ship's deck, Blackbeard appoints Frenchie (Joel Fry) as the new first mate and orders him to "resolve this turmoil." The crew unites and hides the wounded Izzy below deck. Naturally, Ed eventually discovers the betrayal of his crew and confronts Izzy, who has also lost a limb to infection, once again at gunpoint.
Despite all his talk of ruthlessness, Ed is unable to kill Izzy. In a pivotal moment of Our Flag Means Death season 2, Ed hands Izzy the pistol and instructs him to complete the task. Before Ed departs, his former first mate criticizes him, suggesting that he has always struggled to resolve his own problems. The central theme of Our Flag Means Death revolves around the clash between ambition and action. While Ed may possess grand schemes, he frequently fails to follow through, leaving his crew (including Izzy) to clean up the mess. Despite assuming the persona, Ed is no longer Blackbeard, and by surrendering the pistol, he silently admits this fact.