Black Sails 1.04 “IV”

Although there was no action in this episode (once again) we find ourselves inching closer and closer towards the hunt for that beautiful treasure, the Urca de Lima. And to think that dream could have been almost lost if it weren’t for the…err…um…sex tent. Yes I said it! The “sex tent” could have ended the crews hunt for the treasure, all because two members wanted to take a pleasure break. Although it could have ended everything, it does lead to some interesting developments. Mutiny still lingers on in the air amongst some of the crew members and let’s just say that Flint (Toby Stephens) is not too happy about that.

I believe in one of my earlier reviews I had mentioned that I don’t know whether to like John Silver (Luke Arnold) or hate him. His character is charming and makes you want to believe in him, but sometimes you just truly wonder what his endgame is; I have a feeling it will be a while before we ever find out. John Silver continues to keep tabs on Billy (Tom Hopper) and brings his knowledge of what he knows to Captain Flint. Out of all the men on the ship Billy is one of the most trusted (lets throw in Gates (Mark Ryan) as well) and has also become the new Quartermaster for Flint’s crew. Though it would seem that Silver has managed to plant seeds of doubt into Flint’s mind with regards to Billy and the result of that is something I cannot wait to see unfold.

However that is not the only seed that has been planted. I have doubts about Flint and his intentions as his backstory has some interesting tidbits of information that make you wonder whether this treasure is truly real or some sort of personal vendetta. He did something fairly unexpected in this episode and one thing I notice as episodes pass is that he is becoming more and more mysterious.

Miranda Barlow’s backstory was revealed as well in this episode (finally) and I don’t want to give away too much but let’s just say that she and Flint are lovers… kind of? When you see them together in this episode it appears the love has somewhat fizzled. This is information that Richard Guthrie (Sean Cameron Michael) will be using to his advantage later on. Will she betray her beloved for Guthrie’s offer?

One betrayal that took me by surprise was Mr Scott’s betrayal of Eleanor (Hannah New) (but to be fair, she started it). Their relationship together is much like the one between Bruce Wayne and Alfred. He is her most trusted servant and he would do anything to protect her, but this time he feels he is doing the right thing by siding with her father in order to protect her from herself. This recent turn of events does not bode well for Flint as he is hell bent on obtaining a cache of weapons from Captain Bryson (Langely Kirkwood), who has some dealings with Richard.

Captain Vane (Zach McGowan) has now become a shell of his former self since Eleanor– and his crew — left him. Rackham tries to pick up the pieces but Vane needs to leave behind his opium- induced state in order to lead his crew.

In the end I was left wanting more of course, but we are getting much closer to the treasure hunt. However, the crew first needs to obtain some weapons and that means one thing for the next episode (as I pray to the gods)… action and mayhem! Which, in my opinion, this show very much needs right now. I have been denied long enough and I’m looking forward to seeing some swords cross and canons blaze. Until next time…