‘Our Flag Means Death review’ Eloise Eccles

opens his own Bar and Grill, with Stede eagerly adding to his imaginary world, culminating in Lucius (third wheel to the pair’s undeniable chemistry), unable to believe this unlikely duo are falling for each other, incredulously murmuring that “this is happening”. Unfortunately, this series does not end on such a high. After the pair are captured by Nigel Badminton’s twin brother Admiral Chauncey Badminton (also Rory Kinnear) and sent to the Royal Privateering Academy, Stede flees back home to his wife and children, leaving Ed behind, who returns to his cutthroat ways, attempting to disguise his broken heart. However, Stede’s wife Mary Bonnet (Claudia O’Doherty) supports him in realising his true feelings for Ed, and he endeavours to set out on a dinghy to find him, only being successful in locating his shipmates, who Ed had abandoned on an island, in order to rid himself of all traces of Stede. This gut-wrenching cliff-hanger sets up for the long-awaited second series, due to air late 2023. Huzzah!

Our Flag Means Death gives a refreshing queer storyline, in that the characters’ LGBTQ+ identities are not the focus of the series. As much as I acknowledge the vital importance of shows such as Heartstopper for the queer community, portraying the questioning of identity, becoming comfortable with using a label (or not), and the coming out process, it is rare to see a series in which the gender of parties involved in a relationship are not mentioned, and that has characters already comfortable and secure in their sexuality and gender, normalising queer identities. This story will sweep you off your feet, whisking you away for a feel-good adventure, letting you experience the gradual unfolding of the most tender of relationships, while simultaneously making you scream “I WANT WHAT THEY HAVE!” at your telly boxes.

All episodes of Our Flag Means Death are available on HBO Max.

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