Black Sails is just a flat out awesome show that is so addicting that once you start watching it, you can't stop! It's the prequel to "Treasure Island." It didn't get nearly the attention that it deserved at the time and that's probably because it was on STARZ when they were just branching out into original tv shows. This was one of their first big budget tv shows and it's worth every second you put into watching it! People are finally starting to find out about it now that STARZ has become bigger and more well know with shows like Spartacus, the Power franchise, Outlander, etc and is on streaming sites like Hulu. We still got 4 amazing seasons out of it though.
390 Reviews
Such a great show!
Rob133128 September 2022
Black Sails is absolutely one of the most underrated shows ever. It was so good that I binged the entire series in a week. Everything about this show is damn near perfect...the writing, acting, cinematography, production value, costumes, all of it! You can tell the effort they put into this show by the attention to detail in every scene. The acting and writing are so good that you really come to care about what happens to these characters. This is by far the best series I've ever seen about pirates and definitely a show that is for adults. I was hooked from the very first episode through to the very last. Every season is fantastic!
Like fine wine it gets better with age
darkstar00728 March 2015
To tell the truth there were many times in the first season that I almost stopped watching this show. But I stuck with it and boy was it ever rewarding. Season 1 was pretty slow to me sometimes boarder line uneventful. I know a few people that stopped watching after season one because of this. But Season 2 has been explosive. Probably one of the best seasons of a TV show out there and it was all due to the character development from the first season.
During season 2 I found myself consistently updating my rating of this show. I initially had it scored a 6 out of 10. Now have it a solid 9. I can't wait for the next season.
If you are planing to watch this show. Stick with it through some of the long drawn out scenes in season 1 and you will be rewarded immensely.
This is defiantly another winner for starz
During season 2 I found myself consistently updating my rating of this show. I initially had it scored a 6 out of 10. Now have it a solid 9. I can't wait for the next season.
If you are planing to watch this show. Stick with it through some of the long drawn out scenes in season 1 and you will be rewarded immensely.
This is defiantly another winner for starz
Top Notch
fung01 May 2017
It's impossible to over-rate this series. Black Sails is pirates done right, at last, putting to shame all other video renditions (especially the over-the-top Disney fantasies).
A few comparisons are in order. For example, Black Sails is highly reminiscent of the series Deadwood: both are dark, violent and based loosely on real people and real events. (In both series, some of the most unbelievable events are the true ones.) There are also similarities to the series Rome, as far as the strong characters, ongoing rivalries, and evocative period detail. But Black Sails out-does these predecessors in several ways.
First, the characters are, without exception, brilliant. Captain Flint, Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny, John Silver, Charles Vane - these personalities are truly memorable. Larger than life, yet always credible, always consistent. You probably won't recognize the actors, but they *will* make you forget Errol Flynn and Johnny Depp.
Second, the dialog is amazingly literate, almost Shakespearean. Without seeming artificial. Characters constantly engage in deep, intense discussions that are often more engrossing than the ship-board action.
Third, the intertwining tensions and plot-lines are maintained with absolute logic throughout all four seasons. We see winners, losers and casualties, all utterly believable within the bounds of the show. Power ebbs and flows among the various factions, and the conflicts always feel real.
Fourth, the ending is one of the most satisfying I've seen for any multi-season dramatic series. Everything comes together, as if you'd been watching a single, very long movie. What's more, despite the deaths, the violence, the many defeats that end this story, the series wraps up on an upbeat note and leaves the audience with a big grin.
As a bonus, the historical underpinnings are used cleverly. The show isn't constrained by the facts - it expands on them in a way that's both plausible and enthralling. Black Sails seamlessly blends history and myth, and even finds time to comment on the way they interact.
The staging is impressive, by any standard. The naval battles are believable, and depicted on a grand scale. The inevitable computer graphics look real enough to keep viewers immersed. The hot Caribbean sun permeates every frame of the series.
In short, Black Sails is one of the most thoroughly enjoyable dramatic series ever. It's great adventure, great drama, and by far the best screen representation of the great days of nautical piracy. This is one series you don't want to miss.
A few comparisons are in order. For example, Black Sails is highly reminiscent of the series Deadwood: both are dark, violent and based loosely on real people and real events. (In both series, some of the most unbelievable events are the true ones.) There are also similarities to the series Rome, as far as the strong characters, ongoing rivalries, and evocative period detail. But Black Sails out-does these predecessors in several ways.
First, the characters are, without exception, brilliant. Captain Flint, Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny, John Silver, Charles Vane - these personalities are truly memorable. Larger than life, yet always credible, always consistent. You probably won't recognize the actors, but they *will* make you forget Errol Flynn and Johnny Depp.
Second, the dialog is amazingly literate, almost Shakespearean. Without seeming artificial. Characters constantly engage in deep, intense discussions that are often more engrossing than the ship-board action.
Third, the intertwining tensions and plot-lines are maintained with absolute logic throughout all four seasons. We see winners, losers and casualties, all utterly believable within the bounds of the show. Power ebbs and flows among the various factions, and the conflicts always feel real.
Fourth, the ending is one of the most satisfying I've seen for any multi-season dramatic series. Everything comes together, as if you'd been watching a single, very long movie. What's more, despite the deaths, the violence, the many defeats that end this story, the series wraps up on an upbeat note and leaves the audience with a big grin.
As a bonus, the historical underpinnings are used cleverly. The show isn't constrained by the facts - it expands on them in a way that's both plausible and enthralling. Black Sails seamlessly blends history and myth, and even finds time to comment on the way they interact.
The staging is impressive, by any standard. The naval battles are believable, and depicted on a grand scale. The inevitable computer graphics look real enough to keep viewers immersed. The hot Caribbean sun permeates every frame of the series.
In short, Black Sails is one of the most thoroughly enjoyable dramatic series ever. It's great adventure, great drama, and by far the best screen representation of the great days of nautical piracy. This is one series you don't want to miss.
Underrated!
bogunjackass23 April 2014
OK, it has it's flaws, it has fictional characters united with the real ones, yeah, it is using the "pirates hype", but MY GOD, it is a good show! I hear people complaining about the pace, or about lack of fighting and plunder, but I assure you, it is not needed, for it has a lot of intrigues, unanswered questions, all sort of factors that will make you gasp on an episode per episode. The acting is exceptional, especially by Toby Stephens, who is unbelievable as Cpt. Flint, with such charisma that makes you root for him even dough he certainly doesn't deserve it. Female characters were a weak spot at the beginning, but that reeeeally changed quickly. I stumbled on this show while I was waiting for the new GoT season to start, and boy, was I surprised, I had more fun watching this than watered down episodes of GoT, that seem to go on forever, in one infinite circle. That was my favorite show, but after Breaking bad, True detective, and now this, the flaws are more than evident. "Black sails" are an absolute gem, I'm sorry for the all hate it's getting from the critics/GoT/Spartacus fans...
Surprisingly, This is one of my Favorite Shows of all Time
PStyles5 June 2017
Friends have been telling me to watch Black Sails for years, yet I put it off because I did not have Starz (and also because it didn't look that appealing overall). I recently earned myself a few free months of Starz and decided to give this is a shot, and I am so incredibly happy I did.
Throughout the show, I found myself utterly surprised by the overall quality of...everything. The ship battles are sincerely epic, while not occurring so often as to make them seem dull. The costume design, set design, ships, location etc. are all extremely well done. The creators also got many of the historical aspects of the time correct, much to my astonishment. I found myself fact checking things said or done in the show only to find that they were indeed real or at the very least, plausible. This is not a children's story; Black Sails portrays pirate life much differently than we are used to seeing in present standards.
The acting in this show is truly captivating as well. While some of the lesser characters don't deliver their best at all times, the mainstays of the show are always at their very best. From the badass captain Flint to the nefarious Charles Vane, every character feels impactful. This is very much a show about anti-heroes; you will find yourself rooting for the bad guys more often than not. I tip my cap to all the actors involved, as the central cast does a truly fantastic job.
Luckily, Black Sails also improves as it progresses. Midway through the first season, I was left with mixed feelings. By the end of the 4th season, I was stunned and utterly upset it was over. You really become attached to these characters throughout the seasons, which to me is a sign of great character development. Black Sails does it better than almost any show out there, matched only by the very best.
I rarely give out 10s, but this show is most deserving of it's rating in my opinion. From everything I stated and more, Black Sails will go down as one of my favorite TV shows of all time (and probably the best damn pirate saga we may ever get).
Throughout the show, I found myself utterly surprised by the overall quality of...everything. The ship battles are sincerely epic, while not occurring so often as to make them seem dull. The costume design, set design, ships, location etc. are all extremely well done. The creators also got many of the historical aspects of the time correct, much to my astonishment. I found myself fact checking things said or done in the show only to find that they were indeed real or at the very least, plausible. This is not a children's story; Black Sails portrays pirate life much differently than we are used to seeing in present standards.
The acting in this show is truly captivating as well. While some of the lesser characters don't deliver their best at all times, the mainstays of the show are always at their very best. From the badass captain Flint to the nefarious Charles Vane, every character feels impactful. This is very much a show about anti-heroes; you will find yourself rooting for the bad guys more often than not. I tip my cap to all the actors involved, as the central cast does a truly fantastic job.
Luckily, Black Sails also improves as it progresses. Midway through the first season, I was left with mixed feelings. By the end of the 4th season, I was stunned and utterly upset it was over. You really become attached to these characters throughout the seasons, which to me is a sign of great character development. Black Sails does it better than almost any show out there, matched only by the very best.
I rarely give out 10s, but this show is most deserving of it's rating in my opinion. From everything I stated and more, Black Sails will go down as one of my favorite TV shows of all time (and probably the best damn pirate saga we may ever get).
100% Pirated
Denirosdad29 April 2014
Fantastic series....if you can't watch for free its worth buying and I normally would never say that but I loved this form start to finish and every minute in between. It is pleasing on the eye regarding location as well as some of the cast but before forming an image in your mind of beautiful well over groomed characters that just don't look right then I am pleased to say that for once this is not the case....(OK slightly groomed here and there is more accurate) Acting is spot on,characters are mostly very likable, the action scenes are great, the story is for the most part simple with a main objective and doesn't have 50 twists along the way to try and out twist every thing else that gets made these days. I must point out that there are quite a lot of adult scenes and foul language which although I have no problem with it ,I definitely would not want any of my kids to be sat in the same room regardless of age, so don't let your kids watch it, no matter how much they love pirates. So if you fancy something a bit different with great actors and some proper filth, you must watch Black Sails.
Finally a top-notch production pirate show!
ryan-beauchesne4 February 2015
As some other reviews point out here, this show is totally underrated. The production value is really quite high, especially for a pirate show like this where there's ships being blown apart, intricate costumes, detailed settings. I'm really pleased with the quality overall.
Acting is very believable and quite good, especially for Flint (pretty bad ass character).
Some people complain the pace is slow. I really don't find it an issue. I'm always captivated, and there's pretty dynamic/various characters and subplots that it keeps you involved. Breaking Bad.. now that show was dreadfully slow at some points..
Only thing I don't really like is the intro. The song is awesome and catchy, but the visuals of the intro are super boring. IMHO.
Overall, one of the best shows on TV if you like a gritty, pretty realistic, high production value pirate show!
Acting is very believable and quite good, especially for Flint (pretty bad ass character).
Some people complain the pace is slow. I really don't find it an issue. I'm always captivated, and there's pretty dynamic/various characters and subplots that it keeps you involved. Breaking Bad.. now that show was dreadfully slow at some points..
Only thing I don't really like is the intro. The song is awesome and catchy, but the visuals of the intro are super boring. IMHO.
Overall, one of the best shows on TV if you like a gritty, pretty realistic, high production value pirate show!
It's a plunder-ful life
southdavid21 December 2018
When I first started "Black Sails" I was relatively indifferent. I assumed that it would be a poor mans "Game Of Thrones". What I got was a layered and deep series full of compelling characters and a great story.
The show acts as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" combining characters from that with a few real life pirate characters like Edward Teach, Jack Rackham and Charles Vane. The plot revolves around the port town of Nassau and the scheming and sometimes pitched battles that determine who controls the largely lawless Pirate paradise. Central to all the scheming is the charismatic and calculating Captain Flint (Toby Stevens) a former Navy officer with a pronounced hatred for his homeland.
Despite the fact that it's seemingly never really caught on in the UK, for some reason, "Black Sails" is a show with enormous production values. The town of Nassau is recreated, as well as several plantations, and of course the ships. "Black Sails" is very much an adult show, with swearing, violence and nudity all as prevalent in this as it is in "Thrones" for example, but also like "Thrones" it's a show about "Pirates" per se, as much as it's about, scheming, plotting and forming/breaking alliances. That is not to say that the action associated with a Pirate adventure is missing, there are pitched ship battles, towns invaded, treasure buried and buckles are swashed.
Performances are excellent from all the cast, so much so I'm not going to single anyone out as being especially good, as it would be unfair on the others. My favourite character though is Jack Rackham, played by Australian actor Toby Schmitz. Also impressive are the effects, set dressing and art direction. (It's comfortably the best thing that Michael Bay has had anything to do with).
One more vote to reconnect the cast in a few years for a tonally same version of "Treasure Island". "Black Sails" is up there with "The West Wing" and "The Wire" amongst the best shows of my lifetime.
The show acts as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" combining characters from that with a few real life pirate characters like Edward Teach, Jack Rackham and Charles Vane. The plot revolves around the port town of Nassau and the scheming and sometimes pitched battles that determine who controls the largely lawless Pirate paradise. Central to all the scheming is the charismatic and calculating Captain Flint (Toby Stevens) a former Navy officer with a pronounced hatred for his homeland.
Despite the fact that it's seemingly never really caught on in the UK, for some reason, "Black Sails" is a show with enormous production values. The town of Nassau is recreated, as well as several plantations, and of course the ships. "Black Sails" is very much an adult show, with swearing, violence and nudity all as prevalent in this as it is in "Thrones" for example, but also like "Thrones" it's a show about "Pirates" per se, as much as it's about, scheming, plotting and forming/breaking alliances. That is not to say that the action associated with a Pirate adventure is missing, there are pitched ship battles, towns invaded, treasure buried and buckles are swashed.
Performances are excellent from all the cast, so much so I'm not going to single anyone out as being especially good, as it would be unfair on the others. My favourite character though is Jack Rackham, played by Australian actor Toby Schmitz. Also impressive are the effects, set dressing and art direction. (It's comfortably the best thing that Michael Bay has had anything to do with).
One more vote to reconnect the cast in a few years for a tonally same version of "Treasure Island". "Black Sails" is up there with "The West Wing" and "The Wire" amongst the best shows of my lifetime.
Good storyline with fantastic cinematics
AlexanderExtazy14 July 2014
The story is very good; despite the annoyance of several characters whom one would wish to see them dead, but the continue to live throughout the season !
Nonetheless, it's all part of the act I suppose; and the cinematics and filming was beyond incredible.
When viewed on 720 or 1080p quality, the viewer actually feels they are in the Caribbean in the time where the filming took place. The Nassau island looked just as real as it did in the past centuries.
Other than that, I'm sure all viewers appreciated the fact that it took more than 300 people to build one of those ships used for filming the series.
Overall, I'm sure looking forward for another season.
Nonetheless, it's all part of the act I suppose; and the cinematics and filming was beyond incredible.
When viewed on 720 or 1080p quality, the viewer actually feels they are in the Caribbean in the time where the filming took place. The Nassau island looked just as real as it did in the past centuries.
Other than that, I'm sure all viewers appreciated the fact that it took more than 300 people to build one of those ships used for filming the series.
Overall, I'm sure looking forward for another season.
Looks good but does not develop into much
davor160722 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, for the good bits. It's a pirate themed TV show with the nicest production I've seen so far. It looks great, cast is decent, nothing to complain at in that regard.
Problem with the show is, after a season or two, you realize that the show has a way of chasing it's own tail, not moving a bit from the premise it has started at. Things do change, characters do evolve, but only on a superficial level, while most of them actually seek something just to have that something taken away at the last minute and being forced to seek it some more.
Probably the most disappointing part is the ending, which basically makes everything characters did for the last few seasons totally irrelevant.
Don't take me wrong, I've watched the show all the way through. It has moments when it really shines, but don't get your expectations very high.
Problem with the show is, after a season or two, you realize that the show has a way of chasing it's own tail, not moving a bit from the premise it has started at. Things do change, characters do evolve, but only on a superficial level, while most of them actually seek something just to have that something taken away at the last minute and being forced to seek it some more.
Probably the most disappointing part is the ending, which basically makes everything characters did for the last few seasons totally irrelevant.
Don't take me wrong, I've watched the show all the way through. It has moments when it really shines, but don't get your expectations very high.
Love Black Sails!
peperharow22 February 2014
Rarely do I find a TV series worth my time to follow
..Black Sails has got my attention. Actors are terrific and the storyline is adult and intriguing. The storyline mix of the Treasure Island prequel and true life historical pirates is extremely compelling. It is a TV genre that has never been explored before. I like seeing women in powerful roles (Eleanor) as I think it provides a positive role model. I just watched episode V and I am anxious see what happens next. Zach McGowen, Captain Vane, is doing an outstanding job in his pirate role
and his fit athletic frame is not hard to look at
...amazing shoulders and abs. Toby Stephens is really top notch as Captain Flint
..he brings a passion to the role not unlike how I remember him as a Bond villain. The sets for the show are grand
the detail of the sailing ships is amazing
..the scenery is dazzling. The unfurling of the top sails gave me a rush
..photography was so good. I am glad to hear that there will be a second season. This is the first time that I have done a review in IMDb
..I felt compelled after reading all the negatives from the other reviewers. I thought that the show overall is fast paced so I do not agree with some of the other reviewers (at all).
Peaks with Season 2
grantss9 April 2015
(Review updated after Season 4).
A prequel to the (fictional) events of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island". The series centres on a group of pirates operating out of Nassau in the Bahamas. We meet characters from history - Captain Charles Vane, Governor Woodes Rogers, Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny - plus characters from fiction - Captain Flint and, of course, Long John Silver.
Starts weakly, gets really good in Season 2, manages to retain that form in Season 3 before ending with a very weak Season 4.
Season 1 of Black Sails was lacklustre - seemed to plod along with no point or direction. I almost gave up on the series after Season 1.
However, I gave Season 2 a try and am very glad I did. It all comes together there. The action ratchets up several notches, the plot gets much tighter and edgier, the disparate characters and sub-plots all start to have a purpose.
Season 2 is a massive transformation from Season 1.
Season 3 retained Season 2's grittiness and watchability. Was maybe a touch less focused than S2 but this is a minor issue. The Flint- Silver verbiage overload and over-self-analysis of their relationship in S3 was irritating and made S2 better.
Season 4, the final season, promised closure and lots of action. There was heaps of action and there was some degree of closure but the plot felt very unfocused and contrived. The writing gets quite weak and sloppy in this season, with implausible and/or random turns of events. We also have double/triple-crossings just for the sake of them, to the point where you have about five different factions fighting each other. It became difficult to know who was on whose side. Seemed like complexity for the sake of complexity.
What's more, the verbose language of Season 3 continued and, in fact, got worse. Instead of saying something in one sentence we have these long drawn-out speeches. So boring you zone out and then miss an important twist. It's as if the writers were padding the script with dialogue, they were so bereft of ideas.
A pity, as Season 2 promised so much for the future.
Season ratings: S1 6/10, S2 9, S3 8, S4 6.
A prequel to the (fictional) events of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island". The series centres on a group of pirates operating out of Nassau in the Bahamas. We meet characters from history - Captain Charles Vane, Governor Woodes Rogers, Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny - plus characters from fiction - Captain Flint and, of course, Long John Silver.
Starts weakly, gets really good in Season 2, manages to retain that form in Season 3 before ending with a very weak Season 4.
Season 1 of Black Sails was lacklustre - seemed to plod along with no point or direction. I almost gave up on the series after Season 1.
However, I gave Season 2 a try and am very glad I did. It all comes together there. The action ratchets up several notches, the plot gets much tighter and edgier, the disparate characters and sub-plots all start to have a purpose.
Season 2 is a massive transformation from Season 1.
Season 3 retained Season 2's grittiness and watchability. Was maybe a touch less focused than S2 but this is a minor issue. The Flint- Silver verbiage overload and over-self-analysis of their relationship in S3 was irritating and made S2 better.
Season 4, the final season, promised closure and lots of action. There was heaps of action and there was some degree of closure but the plot felt very unfocused and contrived. The writing gets quite weak and sloppy in this season, with implausible and/or random turns of events. We also have double/triple-crossings just for the sake of them, to the point where you have about five different factions fighting each other. It became difficult to know who was on whose side. Seemed like complexity for the sake of complexity.
What's more, the verbose language of Season 3 continued and, in fact, got worse. Instead of saying something in one sentence we have these long drawn-out speeches. So boring you zone out and then miss an important twist. It's as if the writers were padding the script with dialogue, they were so bereft of ideas.
A pity, as Season 2 promised so much for the future.
Season ratings: S1 6/10, S2 9, S3 8, S4 6.
Thrones of the Caribbean (or Eton goes to sea)
Dolomede11 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery they say. That this series leans heavily on the concepts found in "Game of Thrones" or the early "Pirates of the Caribbean" films would be allowable if it were just not so poorly written and planned. The English upper class accents and attitudes amongst the "pirates" are laughable, as are the insertion of modern phrases, curse words and behaviour into a historic setting.
It is not de rigeur to entertain and grip the viewer's attention by inserting random and unnecessarily graphic sex scenes using a variety of gender combinations. This is a mistake that "Game of Thrones" made in moving from book to screen, but "Black Sails" handles them so badly the frequent panting and sweating becomes gross. Less is more as they say.
It is the 21st century and the role of women has changed substantially in society in comparison to 1715. Yet this is not well addressed by the writers who demonstrate their view of equality to modern audiences by portraying most main female characters as hard cursing, harder than nails leaders or schemers - definitely harridans not to be trifled with - then a scene later they become uncertain, emotional, whimsical beings. This inconstancy eventually irritates and whilst the two writers are perfectly entitled to ask us to suspend disbelief, women as ninjas is more to do with 21st century sensibilities than credibility of characterisation.
In summary, the plot moves slowly, the effects are too obvious (CGI boats), the characters are not engaging, the endless sex scenes are contrived, constant interruptions and the attempts at comedy are not comic (see the early POTC films as to how to do it well).
All in all, a waste of time.
Oh and having a pirate band softly playing the "Skye Boat Song" as background music one evening would have been so much more effective in 1715 if it didn't refer to events that took place in 1745, thirty years later. Whatever next? Galleons with Gatling guns?
It is not de rigeur to entertain and grip the viewer's attention by inserting random and unnecessarily graphic sex scenes using a variety of gender combinations. This is a mistake that "Game of Thrones" made in moving from book to screen, but "Black Sails" handles them so badly the frequent panting and sweating becomes gross. Less is more as they say.
It is the 21st century and the role of women has changed substantially in society in comparison to 1715. Yet this is not well addressed by the writers who demonstrate their view of equality to modern audiences by portraying most main female characters as hard cursing, harder than nails leaders or schemers - definitely harridans not to be trifled with - then a scene later they become uncertain, emotional, whimsical beings. This inconstancy eventually irritates and whilst the two writers are perfectly entitled to ask us to suspend disbelief, women as ninjas is more to do with 21st century sensibilities than credibility of characterisation.
In summary, the plot moves slowly, the effects are too obvious (CGI boats), the characters are not engaging, the endless sex scenes are contrived, constant interruptions and the attempts at comedy are not comic (see the early POTC films as to how to do it well).
All in all, a waste of time.
Oh and having a pirate band softly playing the "Skye Boat Song" as background music one evening would have been so much more effective in 1715 if it didn't refer to events that took place in 1745, thirty years later. Whatever next? Galleons with Gatling guns?
Starz Really Outdid Themselves Here!
RoswellAlien24 January 2014
Wow this show is amazing! The opening scene is absolutely brilliant one of the best opening's I have ever seen in a show before. The whole pilot is done extremely well plenty of Action which they really did well here. Character development is done really really good without going overboard which I was surprised. The setting and locations were absolutely amazing! It is exactly what I would have pictured back in the days of the Pirates. Story might be a bit confusing for some though you will understand it in the end. Honestly I really can't praise this show enough it's one of the best Pilots I have ever seen but then again I don't watch much TV. I really look forward to seeing this series to go on. I will be watching this every Saturday night. I recommend this to everyone that's looking for a good show. Absolutely brilliant 10/10
*Edit* 2/16/14- Just finished episode 4 and I am still enjoying this series a lot. I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.
*Edit* 3/17/14- I rather enjoyed Black sail's season 1 a lot and I am looking forward to seeing the second season.
*Edit* 2/16/14- Just finished episode 4 and I am still enjoying this series a lot. I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.
*Edit* 3/17/14- I rather enjoyed Black sail's season 1 a lot and I am looking forward to seeing the second season.
Binge-Worthy
culmo8015 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
At first glance, Black Sails is just another offering of sex and sadism in the tradition of Game of Thrones. Stick with it and you'll find the show moving past that. This is definitely a show that will suck you in.
If you don't know, Black Sails is a semi-historical story about the pirates of Nassau, but it is also a loose prequel to "Treasure Island." As such, you'll follow John Silver, Captain Flint, Billy Bones, and other characters from the novel as they earn their fierce reputations from the book. These fictional characters interact with historical figures such as Jack Rackham, Charles Vane, Edward Teach, Ned Low, and Woodes Rogers. It takes an unflinching look at life in 18th century Nassau, London, Carolina, and Philadelphia (and other locations). This show neither glamorizes nor vilifies pirates, colonial governors, and others. They are all shown complete with virtues and flaws.
The cast is excellent, as are the plot and character development. You are pulled into each episode wanting to know what happens next. Of course, if you know history and/or if you know the story of Treasure Island, you pretty much know how the story ends for some of these people (whether they make it or not). That said, the show takes creative license with many of the historical characters and events.
Spoilers:
In the first season or two, but especially in the first few episodes, the sex and nudity are absurd. Everyone is having sex with everyone, all the female characters are bisexual (with one or two exceptions), and the sex scenes are over the top. Fortunately, this is faded out and the show focuses on characters and plot, thankfully.
I did feel the romantic relationship between Flint and Thomas was a bit contrived, and it was done to be culturally relevant in modern times. I also felt the resolution to Flint's story was silly--that he'd find Thomas alive and well, but as a slave laborer in Georgia. Of course, this very well could have been lie told by Silver to appease his wife. But if this was the actual ending, it is hardly a happy one. Life as a slave laborer or an indentured servant under those circumstances wouldn't be happy in any sense. And it's unlikely the overseers--in those times--would have allowed a homosexual relationship like that to exist.
There are other aspects of the show that took liberty with history-- but I didn't mind them so much. In some instances, the fiction is better than the reality.
Many of the actions that Flint did were done by others in real life. -The 1715 Treasure Fleet did sink in a hurricane, of which the Urca di Lima was a part. The Urca itself allegedly wasn't carrying treasure. Anyway, pirates did raid the survivors camp and carry away a sizable fortune--but it was Henry Jennings and Charles Vane who led the attack.
Charleston was blockaded by pirates, but it was Blackbeard who did it ... and he didn't raze the city afterward.
Black Bart Roberts did allegedly take revenge on royal governors after they hanged pirates.
Charles Vane did escape Nassau when the royal navy arrived and he did use a fireship to escape. However, he never returned to Nassau. He was deposed as captain by Jack Rackham and was captured on Jamaica were he was hanged.
Blackbeard's historical end, I think, is far better than the keel- hauling he endured in the show. Blackbeard fought two royal navy ships in Okracoke Sound. He is said to have endured dozens of stab wounds and had been shot several times before finally going down. That said, keel hauling was a real-life punishment used by all sea- faring men of the time ... and the results were horrible.
Woodes Rogers was indeed imprisoned after his first stint as governor, but he returned later, albeit in ill health and he died shortly later.
Ned Low, who was killed early in season 2, actually outlived all the fictional pirates, being killed in 1724.
Jack Rackham, Ann Bonney, and Mary Reed were all caught and put on trial. Rackham was hanged, while Bonney and Reed claimed to be pregnant and thus were saved from the noose. Reed died in prison, while Bonney disappeared. It is thought that she died of old age.
One thing is true though. After Nassau was closed as a pirate port, piracy fell into decline. While it still existed well into the 19th century, it never had the same threat/prestige as it did from 1650- 1720.
If you don't know, Black Sails is a semi-historical story about the pirates of Nassau, but it is also a loose prequel to "Treasure Island." As such, you'll follow John Silver, Captain Flint, Billy Bones, and other characters from the novel as they earn their fierce reputations from the book. These fictional characters interact with historical figures such as Jack Rackham, Charles Vane, Edward Teach, Ned Low, and Woodes Rogers. It takes an unflinching look at life in 18th century Nassau, London, Carolina, and Philadelphia (and other locations). This show neither glamorizes nor vilifies pirates, colonial governors, and others. They are all shown complete with virtues and flaws.
The cast is excellent, as are the plot and character development. You are pulled into each episode wanting to know what happens next. Of course, if you know history and/or if you know the story of Treasure Island, you pretty much know how the story ends for some of these people (whether they make it or not). That said, the show takes creative license with many of the historical characters and events.
Spoilers:
In the first season or two, but especially in the first few episodes, the sex and nudity are absurd. Everyone is having sex with everyone, all the female characters are bisexual (with one or two exceptions), and the sex scenes are over the top. Fortunately, this is faded out and the show focuses on characters and plot, thankfully.
I did feel the romantic relationship between Flint and Thomas was a bit contrived, and it was done to be culturally relevant in modern times. I also felt the resolution to Flint's story was silly--that he'd find Thomas alive and well, but as a slave laborer in Georgia. Of course, this very well could have been lie told by Silver to appease his wife. But if this was the actual ending, it is hardly a happy one. Life as a slave laborer or an indentured servant under those circumstances wouldn't be happy in any sense. And it's unlikely the overseers--in those times--would have allowed a homosexual relationship like that to exist.
There are other aspects of the show that took liberty with history-- but I didn't mind them so much. In some instances, the fiction is better than the reality.
Many of the actions that Flint did were done by others in real life. -The 1715 Treasure Fleet did sink in a hurricane, of which the Urca di Lima was a part. The Urca itself allegedly wasn't carrying treasure. Anyway, pirates did raid the survivors camp and carry away a sizable fortune--but it was Henry Jennings and Charles Vane who led the attack.
Charleston was blockaded by pirates, but it was Blackbeard who did it ... and he didn't raze the city afterward.
Black Bart Roberts did allegedly take revenge on royal governors after they hanged pirates.
Charles Vane did escape Nassau when the royal navy arrived and he did use a fireship to escape. However, he never returned to Nassau. He was deposed as captain by Jack Rackham and was captured on Jamaica were he was hanged.
Blackbeard's historical end, I think, is far better than the keel- hauling he endured in the show. Blackbeard fought two royal navy ships in Okracoke Sound. He is said to have endured dozens of stab wounds and had been shot several times before finally going down. That said, keel hauling was a real-life punishment used by all sea- faring men of the time ... and the results were horrible.
Woodes Rogers was indeed imprisoned after his first stint as governor, but he returned later, albeit in ill health and he died shortly later.
Ned Low, who was killed early in season 2, actually outlived all the fictional pirates, being killed in 1724.
Jack Rackham, Ann Bonney, and Mary Reed were all caught and put on trial. Rackham was hanged, while Bonney and Reed claimed to be pregnant and thus were saved from the noose. Reed died in prison, while Bonney disappeared. It is thought that she died of old age.
One thing is true though. After Nassau was closed as a pirate port, piracy fell into decline. While it still existed well into the 19th century, it never had the same threat/prestige as it did from 1650- 1720.
literally the best show I have watched in my life
fortheloveofme20 November 2020
I love this show so much, it's a masterpiece.
It just gets better and better, the story is complex and engaging, the characters feel real and multi-layered and the actors performances are remarkable.
The dialogue is almost shakespearian at times, and there is so much going on in the subtext. The story is never boring and truly moving, and while it's often dark and serious it also has a lot of comedic gold.
All of this, but especially the ending I will never forget.
Unreal. It has the makings to be a Sell-Out
Honoba8 March 2014
I've been hooked on this show since it's release, at last a proper Pirate T.V. series. In my opinion the attention to detail rivals such shows as Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead, the acting has the potential to possibly match that of Breaking Bad. I would expect nothing less from the list of producers and directors. The Story line is much more complex then i first thought and the amount of time that the character building has taken so far just to understand and completely enjoy this show is immense but not unjustified. The performances by these actors and actresses (Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Zach McGowan, Luke Arnold, Louise Barnes, Tom Hopper and Mark Ryan) has increasingly made this show more intriguing and more powerful. I'm intrigued to watch and want more. There are no limits or boundaries as to what can and can't be done throughout this series. This series takes a bit of patience as it's only just starting out, but once you adjust and settle in for the ride it's exciting, truly exciting.
EDIT: 24/02/16 After two and a half seasons, I stand by everything originally stated. This T.V. Series is absolutely amazing. The script writers have matched or bettered every single one of my expectations.
EDIT: 24/02/16 After two and a half seasons, I stand by everything originally stated. This T.V. Series is absolutely amazing. The script writers have matched or bettered every single one of my expectations.
Pleasant Surprise After Slow Start!
rossmichael-7524828 October 2020
I started this series a few years ago but lost interest in Season 1. However, I decided to give it another go due to the positive reviews... man I am glad I did!
I really enjoyed the building of characters and how surprisingly clever they could be. There was a sense of maturity to it in terms of it being based on pirates which I really liked.
This is a real hidden gem and all I can say is if you start watching this, stick with it!
I thought they ended it well in Season 4 as you can get quite poor endings in other series.
I really enjoyed the building of characters and how surprisingly clever they could be. There was a sense of maturity to it in terms of it being based on pirates which I really liked.
This is a real hidden gem and all I can say is if you start watching this, stick with it!
I thought they ended it well in Season 4 as you can get quite poor endings in other series.
Slow burning political piracy from an unexpected source
price-586834 December 2015
So when I first saw Black Sails I was not expecting much; coming from a network called "Starz" - which I'd never heard of but sounds like the kind of network that pumps out trashy day time television and not serious drama.
This is a pirate story different from any I've seen before. One of shifting political intrigue, moral ambiguity, richly drawn character driven drama and multi-season plot arcs.
It's a far cry from the thinly drawn caricatures of films like Pirates of the Caribbean, where piracy is just a backdrop and not a real subject of the story.
Admittedly the show gets off to a rather rocky start and takes some time to find its sea legs. In the first few episodes there's some rather cringey dialogue and overly gratuitous nudity, which I think may be the result of Michael Bay's involvement in the project. Thankfully though its not long before the show drops the immaturity and delves into some serious and seriously good story telling. Season 1 is a slow build to a fantastic climax, but Season 2 is where the show really hits its stride, becoming deeper, darker, fleshing out its characters and keeping a perfect balance between action and intrigue. The show has also gotten better at fusing its larger story arcs with smaller episodic story lines, leading to better pacing.
Acting performances are strong across the board, Toby Stephens having an especially stand out performance; utterly compelling and haunting as the grimly determined Captain Flint. Honorable mentions as well to Toby Schmitz who brings Jack Rackham alive with wit and charm, and Mark Ryan who plays a key role as the warm and likable heart of the Walrus crew.
Zach McGowans gravelly voiced Charles Vane does border on pantomime from time to time but the rest of the cast is so strong that it can easily be forgiven as one of the more exuberant excesses of the show.
The production values are also astounding for cable television. The attention to detail in the sets and costuming (down to historically accurate sailing tattoos) gives the show a real sense of place. The show also has many large set piece action scenes that would give many Hollywood films a run for their money, it has some of the best action sequences on TV today. The CGI is blended perfectly with practical effects so that its almost impossible to distinguish what was filmed on set and what is green screened.
All in all this is the best written, acted and directed story of piracy I've ever seen, and probably one of the most under-rated shows of the present moment. If you can stick with it past its rocky beginnings you'll be rewarded with an unexpectedly brilliant show.
This is a pirate story different from any I've seen before. One of shifting political intrigue, moral ambiguity, richly drawn character driven drama and multi-season plot arcs.
It's a far cry from the thinly drawn caricatures of films like Pirates of the Caribbean, where piracy is just a backdrop and not a real subject of the story.
Admittedly the show gets off to a rather rocky start and takes some time to find its sea legs. In the first few episodes there's some rather cringey dialogue and overly gratuitous nudity, which I think may be the result of Michael Bay's involvement in the project. Thankfully though its not long before the show drops the immaturity and delves into some serious and seriously good story telling. Season 1 is a slow build to a fantastic climax, but Season 2 is where the show really hits its stride, becoming deeper, darker, fleshing out its characters and keeping a perfect balance between action and intrigue. The show has also gotten better at fusing its larger story arcs with smaller episodic story lines, leading to better pacing.
Acting performances are strong across the board, Toby Stephens having an especially stand out performance; utterly compelling and haunting as the grimly determined Captain Flint. Honorable mentions as well to Toby Schmitz who brings Jack Rackham alive with wit and charm, and Mark Ryan who plays a key role as the warm and likable heart of the Walrus crew.
Zach McGowans gravelly voiced Charles Vane does border on pantomime from time to time but the rest of the cast is so strong that it can easily be forgiven as one of the more exuberant excesses of the show.
The production values are also astounding for cable television. The attention to detail in the sets and costuming (down to historically accurate sailing tattoos) gives the show a real sense of place. The show also has many large set piece action scenes that would give many Hollywood films a run for their money, it has some of the best action sequences on TV today. The CGI is blended perfectly with practical effects so that its almost impossible to distinguish what was filmed on set and what is green screened.
All in all this is the best written, acted and directed story of piracy I've ever seen, and probably one of the most under-rated shows of the present moment. If you can stick with it past its rocky beginnings you'll be rewarded with an unexpectedly brilliant show.
Hidden Gem!
daycu-15 October 2022
Black Sails is a gritty realistic period piece with an awesome line up of characters, and beautiful cinematography. The dialogue in Black Sail is very layered and the character development is perfect, all thanks to the believable performances. There's many twists, brutal moments, and epic battles. It's the most realistic pirate show out there. With an obvious attention to detail and epic scale, you really feel like your in that world. And the amazing world building just makes Black Sails denser . Also the unforgettable duo Captain Flint & Long John Silver, was just so great to watch. Black Sails is Stellar Television don't miss out!!
Gets pretty talky 3/4 through.
joeeggen22 November 2020
You can read the other reviews. This is a good show for a pirate show and its not scared to make moves. It gets a lot of points for "how the hell are they going to get out of this one." Theres actually a lot of scenes on boats, which is nice and kind of gives a pirates life which is why I watched this show.
.... buuuut..... imho, it gets pretty darn talk about 3/4 through the seasons. Season 1 was good enough to pick up season 2 which was pretty good and pretty actiony I guess and drew me into season 3 which imo bogged way down with "politics" and the prostitutes story line which imo they should have just cut her out because I got to find her and her accent annoying. I won't lie in that I got like 3, maybe 4 episodes into the last season and I'll be honest I couldn't drag myself to finish this although I have read that it does wrap up well but I'd just jump to the last two episodes because it just becomes talk between people or teams of who is going to out game who.
Few couple seasons though, pretty good.
.... buuuut..... imho, it gets pretty darn talk about 3/4 through the seasons. Season 1 was good enough to pick up season 2 which was pretty good and pretty actiony I guess and drew me into season 3 which imo bogged way down with "politics" and the prostitutes story line which imo they should have just cut her out because I got to find her and her accent annoying. I won't lie in that I got like 3, maybe 4 episodes into the last season and I'll be honest I couldn't drag myself to finish this although I have read that it does wrap up well but I'd just jump to the last two episodes because it just becomes talk between people or teams of who is going to out game who.
Few couple seasons though, pretty good.
Start as a 7. Becomes absolutely a 10.
yepp-922-2735225 December 2018
It's a mature prequel of "Treasure Island".
Black Sails made me dream about being a pirate. Swear. After seeing the first episodes, i was absolutely dragged to the norton of the ocean, and came out just yesterday when i finished the serie. Worth binge watching, sad there will be no season 5.
The power of the word in the episodes sometimes takes the lead on the power of the sword. And i love it. From the second season on, the writing is flawless. Also, i loved the audio compart, surround is good, and ships battles are amazing. The female roles become stronger and stronger from season to season. Sooner or later, the people you love, you'll hate.
Raise the black!
Black Sails made me dream about being a pirate. Swear. After seeing the first episodes, i was absolutely dragged to the norton of the ocean, and came out just yesterday when i finished the serie. Worth binge watching, sad there will be no season 5.
The power of the word in the episodes sometimes takes the lead on the power of the sword. And i love it. From the second season on, the writing is flawless. Also, i loved the audio compart, surround is good, and ships battles are amazing. The female roles become stronger and stronger from season to season. Sooner or later, the people you love, you'll hate.
Raise the black!
Could Have Been Great
AngelHonesty22 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This show had so much potential to be a masterpiece! The first season was excellent! I loved following the jouney of a pirates life. It was intriguing, filled with good acting, action and perfect twist! But as the show went on, it became less about the pirates life and more about fighting for an island against the British. As the entire series seemed to revolve around this plot it became very tiresome. By the end of the series I completely lost interest; the show took all of the characters you like and are rooting for, and completely destroyed them. Leaving you with Charactors that you cant stand to watch.
Black sails fails
dpenderle2 March 2020
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