Black Sails once again gives Game of Thrones a run for its money in one of the show's best episodes to date. I don't remember watching anything like this; the combination of subtlety, dialogue, and sheer brutality of the events that transpire are parallel to none, save for Rains of Castamere. The writing is Shakespearean-esque, and equates to watching a novel in the form of a top production TV show.
I can't help but question the writers' decision in offing a major character so early in the season; it will be interesting to see how things play out after a somewhat underwhelming start. XXXI is a gem by itself however; one of the series' best offerings thus far.
Onward we sail...
P.S. Ignore the pretentious history buffs. This is not a documentary, nor does it proclaim itself to be. It's a TV show based on a CHILDREN'S BOOK which draws INFLUENCE from historical events. Stop picking your noses.