Flints line “they paint the world full of shadows” embodies the message of the entire series to me. People tell you what is wrong and bad or right and good. Sometimes they tell you this to keep you on their side. So you surrender your mind to their need and control. This show is such a beautiful shade of grey. All men are flawed.
"They paint the world full of shadows, and then tell their children to stay close to the light; their light" Brilliant end to one of the best shows on TV. I definitely think Silver killed Flint. Something they made quite apparent in S4 is how the stories are just fiction, and not the truth. The whole speech from Silver to Madi sounds just like he's telling some elaborate tale.
yeah 100% it's the whole point of jack's speech at the end about stories and flint would have never quit the war even knowing thomas was still alive flint's fear of doing all for nothing was way bigger than mcgraw's will to be with thomas again the scene in savannah just feels like a dream /a story with the happy ending but that's obviously not what has happened
@@k4dow nah, you missed the whole foreshadowing in several scenes that led up to it, and Madi’s anger woukd have no relevance if Silver hadn’t actually found Hamilton and had a chit to play.
I think Flint lived! Also, I love this quote from way back in season 1 which I think foreshadows the end perfectly: “Odysseus, on his journey home to Ithaca, was visited by a ghost. The ghost tells him that once he reaches his home, once he slays all his enemies and sets his house in order he must do one last thing before he can rest. The ghost tells him to pick up an oar and walk inland and keep walking until someone mistakes that oar for a shovel. For that would be the place that no man had ever been troubled by the sea. And that’s where he’d find peace. In the end, that’s all I want. To walk away from the sea and find some peace.” I like to think that ultimately he found that peace.
God I love Black Sails. This show has a number of legitimately legendary performances. Silver, Vane, Jack, Blackbeard, Billy, and Woods Rogers would easily all be the best character in a normal show. Now saying that I think Toby Stephens as Flint gives what is quite possibly one of the best performances in all of television. He fucking blew me away, yet he's basically still an unknown actor to most people. He gives my absolute favorite monologue in all of TV in this last episode and I can't help but get chills watching it. To this day it pains me that that man doesnt get the credit he deserves for how incredible his performance as Flint truly was. So ends my favorite, and in my opinion the best, show of all time. What an absolute masterpiece of writing, acting, and cinematography this show was. Thanks so much for doing this.
And it actually managed to stay good throughout. Game of Thrones' horrendous final season prevents that once-beloved show from being in my top anymore.
ive seen u comment on plenty of other reactors about shows lile got vikings and black sails - I'm glad we agree that this is perhaps the best show out there 😃
It upsets me that the actors and the show in general don't get the praise they deserve. I have thoroughly enjoyed every episode of this show. Toby Stephens is just incredible and I definitely need to check out more of his work. Thank you for watching with me and being here all the way to the end, it was a crazy journey!
"They paint the world full of shadows… and then tell their children to stay close to the light. Their light. Their reasons, their judgments. Because in the darkness, there be dragons." soo good
"I don't care. " "You will. Someday, you will. Even if you can persuade her to keep you she'll no longer be enough, and the comfort will grow stale. And casting about in the dark for some proof that you mattered and finding none, you'll know, that you gave it away in this moment on this island. Left it in the ground along with that chest." I don't know how much you know about Treasure Island, but it is said that Flint's treasure is cursed. I like to believe that Flint utters the words of the curse here. Inevitably we know that Silver does return in Treasure Island. Silvers arc is probably one of my favourites of all time. He starts off being selfish, then he grows close to his men and finds a cause to fight for. And as soon as he finds something he cannot bare to lose, Madi, he becomes selfish again. I'd like to think that when he returns in search of the treasure it isn't for personal gain, but rather for what the chest symbolises, freedom, as the comfort he got from leaving it grew stale. Thus flipping his arc one last time.
The rational part of me thinks Silver probably killed Flint, but the romantic part of me hopes he was telling the truth. There is a lot of evidence for both arguments, and that is clearly intentional. One nice thing to think about is that even if the story wasnt literal, you could very easily see thay plantation as a metaphor for the afterlife, where Flint and Thomas get to be together. So you could argue that it was "real" in some sense whether Silver killed him or not.
In the literature, Flint didn't die until many years later, in Savannah. The writers of the episode intentionally left the ending ambiguous, so viewers could have their own take on it.
I truly believe he didn’t kill him. In a storytelling/literal sense, they don’t show things that aren’t true on this show, and the color grading is like that of other flashbacks. But I accept the writer’s explanation that it’s meant to be interpretable for each viewer. I also believe Silver would have been wrecked emotionally, like he was about Madi, had he killed Flint. It would have left him seeming different than he is, even as he is still pained here.
I remember a flashback scene where Flint tells Hamilton that when a man tries to change the world he fails because of everyone else (or something like that), and that's exactly what happened to him, so I was on Flint's side since the first episode Another one of the little changes with Treasure Island was that captain Flint gives the map of the treasure to Billy PS: You can see how far has SIlver gotten when he finds the cook hiding and he calls him a coward, that was just brilliant
I really believe Flint is alive. Well, James is alive, Flint died. It was just like that story he told Miranda back in season 2 while they were in Charlestown, Mr Flint appeared when needed, then disappeared, taken back by the sea. Captain Flint died. But James McGraw lived on. If we hadn't seen it, and we only got Silver's story, then no I wouldn't have believed it, SIlver tells stories for his benefit. But the fact that we saw it? No, that made it real. Not once in all 4 seasons did Black Sails make any dream things or hallucinations or anything. The closest we got was when Charles was on drugs in season 1 but that was extremely clear and left no question that it was him hallucinating because he was so high. Here? It's gotta be true. Whether Flint fought against it or not is another thing but.. yeah. ANd I'm so glad they left things on a high, with a happy ending for everyone (except poor Silver). Because when you know what happens next it's a very sad story for everyone so they cut it off at a nice time where we can just pretend to be ignorant and we don't know how Jack/Anne die and how Rogers comes back. Because NOPE that's too sad for me thanks! But great series, I'm sad I won't get to see you react to it anymore :( Maybe next you can start Outlander! Made by Starz as well and it's also absolutely amazing, and the Walrus was even reused in the show after Black Sails finished!
I think Flint is still alive, based on the time Black Sails ends and Treasure Island begins. Treasure Island states Flint died a few years before it, and it starts way later than that from Black Sails.
The dialogue and the speaches in this show are incredible and Flint‘s final speach is unmatched. The fact that the show did not get more awards and didn't have a big viewership is a crime. I'm so glad the show is getting more attention years later with so many reactors watching it
Same, Carly! I've been telling all my friends that this is one of the best shows I've ever watched, easily in my top 3 favorite shows of all time, and NO ONE believes me. It is maddening lol
I am a big fan of Flint, I mean he is my favorite character of all time, I don't know how to describe it, he gives me the vibe of that legendary secondary character that whenever appears elevates the scene by its mere presence, except that he is the main character and he managed to do this in most of the scenes, and a lot of that is owed to the phenomenal performance of Toby Stephens and the writers of this show. Honestly its becoming more and more rare to find well written shows that would prioritise the writing and character development, props to Black Sails.
I think the creators said that they purposefully kept the Flint's end ambiguous so that it's up to the audience, and as you say Jack's speech tells us as much. The only stories that we want to believe are the ones that survive and matter. And when Madi asks if it's true, Silver asks whether that matters. The writing is so purposefully done that there's evidence enough to support both sides, and both sides are right, technically - and it doesn't really matter. There is no right answer, only what we each believe. I personally would like to believe that Flint got to die but McGraw got to live, and that Silver meant it when he said he'd stay with him as long as he needed for them to both walk away. So that's the story that I took away, but the opposite is equally fair and valid. That's almost what's so impressive about this show - the fact that they can get away with that ambiguity and it still feel like closure for everyone, and it not be a cop out. Spectacular storytelling.
The reason Silver knew about the Island with Thomas, was because that is how Max was gonna get rid of Silver. It was that scene when Max went to get Silver on her own. Later, Silver asked her what her plan was and it was mentioned, but it moved so fast, that I only picked it up on the rewatch. I loved how everything was wrapped up. I am happy with what was presented and that is how it ended for. me. Silver is off to get the treasure, now we need that season!
@@CarlyNicole1 every single time I have rewatched this show, be that on my own or through reactions I have noticed more little details and moments of setup. It's so well written, it blows my mind
@@CarlyNicole1 I have a show for you to watch, because it seems like we have similar taste. It is a Historical drama about America’s first spy ring, The Culper Ring. It is a true story that has been dramatized. TURN: Washington's Spies takes viewers into the treacherous world of the Revolutionary War and introduces Abraham Woodhull who, aligning with a group of childhood friends, forms the Culper Ring -- America's first spy ring. It’s not Black Sails budget, but the characters are so brilliant and each one shines on screen. Season one is a slow world building, then it takes off. Parts of this story remained secret until the 1930’s, it is one of the most successful spy rings in history.
I heard that the first time and I knew that they don't make reference to something like that without a really good reason. So I had a sneaking suspicion that Thomas might show up. I thought at first that they would kidnap Thomas and take him to James.
Such a perfect finale. And such a great reaction, Carly. As soon as you said, 'I haven't fuly cried from this show yet' I said "you WILL." And minutes later, boom. Thomas got ya. And justifiably so. That is one of the most emotional, well done twists I can remember. And it was totally real. Black Sails doesn't do that cheeky shit. I believe what you see is what they intended, every time. Thanks for this reaction series, Carly I've enjoyed it so much. You're the best
It's the end! I love watching reactors going through this show and discovering how great it is and your reactions to it have been one of the most interesting ones to me. Thanks for sharing!
Just binge watched this entire show in a few weeks, maybe the greatest show I've ever watched. Love your reactions. I will forever miss Black Sails. Awesome ending.
After the episode was released the showrunners actually came out and said they intentionally left the ending up for interpretation.There are clues supporting both outcomes. Personally I believe Silver killed Flint. Mainly because Silvers motivation is weakness and he is the villain of Treasure Island. People say Flint just wants to see the world burn and that is surely part of him, but he also was always a true progressive for the time, envisioning a more enlightened society. His war might have created that, lead to America a little earlier. Silver is literally standing in the way of progress here, because he wants to control his girlfriends decisions.
@@hansschmid5639 There's several logical reasons to leave it there. Maybe Flint is just a stubborn bastard who refuses to tell them where it was. But the most likely one is that Silver didn't want that money returned to camp because it would have funded the war he was trying to avoid. Or it would've lead to a fight between the pirates and Maroons on the island as to who laid claim to it if there was to be no war.
@@charleyMD17 Considering everything else happens just like Flint predicted, Silver returning for the treasure in the future, I think it would be a very odd choice for Flint to get his happy ending.
@@hansschmid5639 But how happy is it? Yes, Thomas could be alive and them reunited but it's in a prison. He regains love but loses his freedom. This war that could have changed the world is bargained way. That applies for Madi's future, too, because if we believe she is Silver's wife in the book then this amazing, powerful woman who could've been a queen instead ends up managing a tavern. Every character ends in a happy-ish spot in that moment but when you look at history, no one is getting a "happy ending". Jack and Anne have a few more years before they're captured. Jack is hung, Anne's fate isn't clearly known but likely she was sent to prison. Mary Read dies in prison. Max's power in Nassau is short-lived because Woodes Rogers will be released from prison and later reinstated as Governor of Nassau so she will be ousted in a few years when he returns. The ending is full of quiet tragedy. Flint getting Thomas back but losing his freedom, his war and will someday die a sick old man in Savannah goes in hand with that, IMO.
I actually met Toby Stephens (Flint) at London Comic Con and asked him if he thought he lived. His answer was no. He said it was a story made up by Sliver
That's so awesome you got to meet him! I love that the ending is so ambiguous that even the actors in the show have different thoughts on how they think it ended and why
@KayKo Not sure why he wouldn't? But yes Toby was very open. Here's the picture too to prove it :) facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216076045485587&set=a.1471249952899&type=3&theater
Hi Carly, I can't believe it had been 7 years ago i first watched Black Sails, it is still in my top 3 all time shows and I have thoroughly enjoyed re watching through your reactions, so thank you for that, I would like to say though, the amount of times when you were making comments like " I can't believe they did that" or "Why would he/she do that?" I just kept laughing and saying " Erm Pirates!" lol I loved your enthusiasm for the show, I enjoyed that you recognized the intelligence throughout, the excellent Camera work, the tone, the music etc. You defo have to read Treasure Island, I read it when i was 13 and have been fascinated by Pirates ever since, I had not heard of you before i binged your reactions but your very cool and the kind of person I'd love to have watched this with in person and discussed afterwards, oh and your British accent you kept doing throughout was pretty good and made me laugh when you were doing it lol I'm British! Quick Question, You know Star Wars right? Can you see the parallels from this story to that? I can and I think maybe Star Wars is based on the Pirates of Nassau, what do you think?
Man I was so impressed by Madi at the end, the way she could never respect Silver cause of what he did to Flint. It's just unique that a woman would respect a man so much that she would pass over her personal feelings for Silver to stick by Flint. She is epic. When I first saw the kid - and they definitely wanted to give the impression - I thought it was the kid from Treasure Island who remember is obsessed with Long John Silver. So Jack telling him that story of Silver, I thought it was that kid. But it was the woman disguised as a man who travelled with Jack in real life. I think Ann and her became lover. But I also think Ann became pregnant of Jack. The story of Billy Bones is a classic tale of eternal hate and vengeance. Him surviving put the point across that Billy is essentially a zombie driven by veangeance and that's the only thing keeping him alive and walking. If you ever read Treasure Island, the ending of Billy Bones' story occurs at the beginning of the book.
"The Kid" was Mary Reed, who did indeed sail with Jack and Anne, and according to history both Anne and Mary were Jack's lovers. When they were finally captured, both Mary and Anne were pregnant, both presumably by Jack. Mary Reed was hanged after she gave birth, but Anne Bonny vanished. No one knows what happened to her, but a leading theory is that her father, a wealthy land owner in the Americas, used his money and influence to get her out, and hid her on his plantation, working for him under an assumed name so he could make amends to her, and help her raise his grandchild.
@@BaddHippie Ah thanks, interesting. I only had a vague knowledge of her, I knew there was another woman but not a lot more. I think Jack also got hanged, right.
@@johnnyskinwalker4095 Yes, Jack Rackham was hanged for piracy. The story goes that Anne and Mary were the only ones that fought the soldiers when boarded, with Jack and the rest of the crew locking up below decks. When Jack was led to the gallows, Anne last words to him were, supposedly, "If you had fought like a man, you wouldn't be hanging like a dog."
I'm pretty sure this is the 1st time I've commented but I love this series so much and I've enjoyed going through this journey with u. It's nice to see someone relive the same experience I got to go through
I do believe that the ending was real, since even if the meeting between Flint & Thomas did seem dream like, the sequence where the guy that Silver sent out requires if Thomas is actually there, isn't. And it just would make sense overall, both for the characters and the show as a whole.
Great reaction series Carly. I like that the ending is open to interpretation, and they did it very well. Many shows have tried something similar and failed to make it work, but it works very well here. I don't have a problem with people believing the Silver shot Flint version of the story. But I believe what we see is real, because of various earlier scenes which build up to that ending. Black Sails will always be one of my favorite shows of all time.
This is why this show is so good and that more people need to see this show you can honestly say that you feel different after watching this and for the ending even I cried
I believe the Happy Ending - the show has enough bloodshed, loss and grief, without one more death. What I really want to see is in another 5-20 years, Luke Arnold leading a cast for Treasure Island!
This is my favorite show of all time. The book was my favorite book growing up. I wish I can one day write something this amazing. It was a great journey and if you want to know what happens to most of the characters in the end, read Treasure Island.
I just binged your reactions to this series. Fantastic! Subscribed immediately and looking forward to some other series you have done (Expanse :) ) This is one of my favourite series ever - mix of historical, famous fictional characters, and some of its own spin - its just an amazing piece of work and a complete 4 season story - the Urca de Lima and it's gold is critical to the _entire_ series, and also the plot of Treasure Island :) All the characters and actors are amazing - especially Flint, SIlver, Rackam, and Bonney.
I don’t think it’s a cop out. I think they visualized Silver’s story. Silvers ability to sway people with his words has been a focal point since episode 1. And we and Mattie WANT to believe his story. My rational mind says Flint is dead...but my heart needs him to be on the plantation.
Can't believe you are done with Black sails, it's been so fun watching you react to this show. I love that the final shot was the pirate flag we all know which historically was Jack‘s. Overall it's such a feel good ending especially if you believe the story is true. We knew from the beginning the war was doomed to fail because what they were trying to achieve didn't happen until decades later with the American revolution. But they still managed to tell such an interesting story of how the pirates could have had a real chance to be the ones to do it.
Woods Rogers does indeed become governor again. Rackham, as hinted in the last scene, carries on pirating - He's eventually caught and hung - you could say by Rogers. I believe what we saw at the end is true, Flint and Thomas together, purely by whats written in Treasure Island. I love this show and your reactions to it - It's such a damn shame not many folks watched it. We would've got a 5th season had the viewership been higher.
Finishing this journey, I've seen the show 4 times in its entirety and this is the first reaction series I've watched. Thanks for spreading the awareness of this amazing show and if you want more Toby Stephens, Sea of Theieves has an audio book he narrated. Apparently even Rare recognizes Black Sails as one of the greatest pieces of pirate media of all time.
This is how you finish a series! Funny how 4 of my fave 10 shows were on within the a 5 year period (Newsroom, Halt & Catch Fire, Americans, Black Sails)
When I first watched this show I was thinking about which ending to believe. In the end I realised that I take both as valid outcomes because to me art is about what it makes us feel, not about what is the definitive truth (that's the domain of science) and we can feel multiple, even conflicting emotions at the same time. So it's Schrödinger's ending. Both outcomes are true as long as we don't make up our mind about it and close the other option off - and I like to keep it that way. So to me Flint is both dead with his revenge and suffering ended, and also living happily with Thomas. Maybe I'm weird, but I find that lack of certainty the most satisfying.
It’s an incredible show ! It was a pleasure to watch it again with you ! And toby stephens, ouahou what an actor. I made a tribute video on flint. I think he was a force of nature.
So I’m very much into Pirate History, and I have a real passion for this amazing Show, and you’re right in what you say, I’ve tried to get friends and my regular reactors to watch this show with no joy, so I tried a different approach, I searched for people who’d already reacted to Black Sails and I found you, I really appreciated you’re passion in your reaction, so thank you. I just wanted to say I know you’re aware that the adventure continues in Treasure Island and if you were interested in watching the the chapter in the adventure then I recommend the 2012 TV series made by Sky starring Eddie Izzard, Elijah Woods and Donald Sutherland, it about Silver tracking the hidden Treasure that Flint buried.
one note that is easily missed by most people: the book mrs. hudson reads to her kids (a general history of pyrates) apperantly was what re-ignited woodes rodgers career. so while not shown, it does imply that he had a happy ending after all
Anne Bonny (8 March 1697 - disappeared April 1721) sometimes Anne Bonney, was an Irish pirate operating in the Caribbean, and one of the few female pirates in recorded history. What little that is known of her life comes largely from Captain Charles Johnson's 1724 book A General History of the Pyrates. Bonny was born in Ireland around 1700 and moved to London and then to the Province of Carolina when she was about 10 years old. Around 1718 she married sailor James Bonny, assumed his last name, and moved with him to Nassau in the Bahamas, a sanctuary for pirates. It was there that she met Calico Jack Rackham and became his pirate partner and lover. She was captured alongside Rackham and Mary Read in October 1720. All three were sentenced to death, but Bonny and Read had their executions stayed because both of them were pregnant. Read died of a fever in jail in April 1721 (likely due to complications from the pregnancy), but Bonny's fate is unknown.
Stumbled across your videos as I am a massive Expanse fan and Black Sails is probably my all time favourite show! I don't really get much time to watch a lot these days so it's been fun to watch your Black Sails S4 + Expanse reaction videos and revisit these episodes in bitesize chunks! So... the ending! Like you when I first watched it I was totally invested in the final story about Flint surviving being true and I only really started to consider the possibility that it was a fiction from seeing other people's comments online. However, when I went back and re-watched the series with those seeds of doubt sown in my mind I have to say that it became harder and harder for me to believe in this neat ending and more compelling to believe that this was another convenient fiction constructed by Silver. And I guess that's what happens with any story? That as we get further from the event it starts to become more open to interpretation? So I feel it's really appropriate that the ending is so wide open to interpretation as the whole series takes our modern stereotypical images of what piracy was and says "forget what you think you know about pirates and the stories that you've heard, this is what it was really like" . The ending equally presents you with Silver's story, a story that you can imagine will go on to be told and re-told and become the accepted truth and asks the viewer whether we believe it to be true. Anyway, a truly amazing show and like you I have totally struggled to persuade friends to watch it! If you want a good book that looks at the real stories behind a lot of the characters in the show then Colin Woodward's The Republic of Pirates is a really good read. (And for another show to watch, have you ever watched HBO's Rome? That is another of my all time faves and it's only 20 episodes). (And enjoy The Expanse! You have SO MUCH to look forward to with that!!) sorry for the long comment I normally don't comment on stuff so just getting it all in! Thanks for the videos!
I believe that Flint got reunited with Thomas. I know that the ending is left up to interpretation intentionally, but it bothers me that so many people are set on Flint dying to make it more "tragic". I think we have more than enough tragedy with lgbt+ characters and the bury your gays trope, so I love the ending this show gave us and agree with you that it resolves the show beautifully that he found Thomas at the end and got a satisfying resolution. Thank you for the great reaction!
Agreed, I'm more inclined to believe the ending was not a tragic one for this reason and many others. Television just needs to leave the gays alone lmao
In real life, most pirates were not blessed with a happy conclusion to their story. Their lives ended violently and soon, most of the time. It does not seem in the spirit of the show that Flint survives, especially considering Silver is the villain of Treasure Island. Plus, Silver's words (as Ulysses pointed out) "The stories we want to believe, those are the ones that survive", tells us that this fancy peaceful ending is but an illusion we would all love to believe.
First I want to give kudos to you for how much knowledge you have in tech and film. I was beyond shocked to hear you describe the film techniques that was being used. You called yourself a nerd in one video (I forgot) but that's cool you have a passion for this kind of stuff! Secondly, I finished the show Sunday (3/14) and watched the entire journey again with you from Monday to now (3/17) so I say this with a genuine heart and from experience as a TH-camr who once did reactions - You should not give a fuck how you do your thumbnails or titles. You do you! Black Sails is 5 years old now, your thumbnails never really spoiled anything, and anyone with a brain will watch the episode FIRST then proceed to watch your reaction. Who tf is gonna watch a reaction then the episode? Third, how cute your dogs name is Marley mine is too :) and fourth, hahahahaha the constant room switches because of school, I really felt that! I hope you become successful, you are super fun to watch/listen to!
Flint's line about "the comfort growing stale" comes true, Silver ends up going back to retrieve the gold with Jim Hawkins years later. God I love this show.
Toby Stephens (who btw deserves many many praises and awards for his performance) said that it is up to the audience to decide what Flint's end was. If he was shot by Silver or truly reunited with Thomas. I personally believe that Silver killed him, only because that makes both their characters more tragic, and I like that. Flint would never give up his war with England because he felt he owed that to Miranda and Thomas, to avenge them or make their losses matter. And this way, Silver's story is not just something he made up to keep Maddy with him, it is what he truly wished for his friend, but at the end couldn't make it so and now he has to live with it. I simply like the tragedy of it. What a show...
I can let a little more be know about "Treasure Island". The story opens up with Long John Silver searching for Billy Bones. Billy knows the location of Flint's hidden treasure. The story is about that hunt for the island where the treasure is buried.
This fucking episode and watching you watch it was just fantastic and made me nearly cry again too! Such a good show and so cool to rewatch it alongside you! You rock girl, cannot wait for the next endeavors with you! (Expanse for sure haha) And yea, about the ending with Flint, I am undecided, I want to believe it happened that way but as some other commenter here said; it could just be a another story Silver is telling.
That cold open kind of tilts it towards Flint surviving, to me. That was before Silver started telling his story to Maddie. Edit That and I don't see Silver bullshitting Maddie. They're all about being direct and honest with each other.
If we've learned anything about Silver up to this point, is that he lies constantly. It is his thing. Yes, he will lie to Maddie. But I think she is too intelligent to believe it.
Jack Anne and Mary go on to sail and stay on the account for some time (about 2 years) before they're captured by Jonathon Barnet, one of Woodes' men and thrown in jail. Mary dies of sickness, Jack is hung, Anne...we don't know for sure, but some believe she escaped or was bailed out by her father. I'm writing a historical fiction novel version of Anne's life that I'll publish later this year :) I'm on twitter (@therebe_dragons) and instagram under Scarlet Ingstad. Also check out our Black Sails fandom, #FathomsDeep on twitter and instagram too! Thank you for the amazing reactions....this has been wonderful. Looking forward to more of your Vikings vids as well!
I highly recommend "The Queen of Swords" part of the Golgotha Series by: R. S. Belcher it is the 3rd of the series and focuses' on the life Anne Bonny might have led as there is no Official record of her Death. The 1st two books mention her but the 3rd has her prominently.
This episode and show is just a beautiful masterpiece. I believe that Flint is alive, because I have a hard time believing after what Silver said he would still kill Flint. The most unfortunate part of it being over for you now is that you have to go through the world wondering how almost knows about this masterwork. Anyway I thank for your reactions to this show, I look forward to whatever's next and will endeavor to watch The Expanse and catch up with you.
Netflix removed Seasons 1, 2 and 3 for a while so I can't watch BS for the 9th time I guess.. So I came to TH-cam and found your Channel. My resume about your React: you have a beautiful heart.
Plus it was actually Max who told Silver about that place earlier that season when she planned to put him there, as well as its functions so we can take for granted that it did exist. In that case, why would'nt the Hamiltons use it if it would solve their problem easily?
I also think that Flint died although in the novel Silver he speaks with a lot of respect for Flint and that I consider him as a great captain, although he sometimes deceives me and thinks that he left with Tomas, I loved seeing your reactions to this series, you are one of the best and I love your initial and final summary of each episode I will be aware that you see more, greetings and thanks for watching Black Sails
The fact that the framing device of some versions of Treasure Island is a Jim Hawkins telling the story to his son means Flint was right. They became the "stories they tell their children".
Carly: I don't totally cried watching this show. Blacks sails: Gimme five minutes to change that. By the way i loved you reaction even more that when i saw for the first time the final it was sooooooo natural, i'm definetly suscribed.
I had never seen Toby Stephens before this show, but I was so impressed by his acting I starting watching Lost In Space on Netflix because he is one of the leads.
Maybe whether Flint lives or dies isn't even relevant, as the end result was the same (It's very Inception like, DID THE TOP STOP SPINNING!). But what a masterpiece of a show, the only thing that let it down was it's marketing team, as how the hell didn't I know about it sooner? I think out of everybody I'm gonna miss Jack the most tho, an absolute legend.
Hey, I just wanted to tell you I started watching Black Sails because of you. I quit watching Vikings a few years ago. I heard that Lagertha died and looked on TH-cam to see what happened. Found your channel, watched some other stuff and then ordered season one, then two of Black Sails on blu-ray (was cheaper than on demand). I’d never heard of it but like it a lot. My only complaint with Black Sails is the super-natural gamesmanship every body seems to have. Everyone is always five moves ahead of everyone- except for Silver and Rackham who are ten moves ahead. “I told Miss Guthrie blah and blah and of course Anne turned gay and Billy was lost at sea, as planned, but don’t worry. He’ll be back. It’s all figured out. Randall told me.” Everyone is like Doctor Strange. I’ll keep watching your channel. I like your commentary and breakdowns so I figure I’ll find more good shows. Doubt you watch anything bad. Consider Battlestar if you’re open to old shows. Huge cast. Lots of intrigue. A lot of social commentary to.
You should read treasure island now. John Silver, Madi, Billy Bones, Israel hands and Ben Gunn all continue their stories, Black sails season 5 pretty much
The entire cast was amazing but Toby Stephens never failed to wow me every single episode. This finale is so freaking good and fits the tone of the show in that the writers trusted the audience to know their own feelings about characters and plotlines and never told them who to side with. Here they leave it up to the audience to decide what they think happens. I believe that Silver reunited Flint with Thomas because that just felt true to me and I like that ending better. Flint is the only person who knows where that treasure is buried so I don't see how a map to its location comes to be if he is dead. And the finale gives a new twist to the book in that Silver isn't just after the treasure by the time the book happens but also longs to reclaim what he gave up. Flint's "curse" comes true, he will one day be no one who wants to return to a time when he mattered and that treasure represents that to him later on. Luke Arnold has a fun theory on why Silver named his parrot Captain Flint and it's because Silver found this bird that hated him but he kept feeding it until it warmed up to him. It reminded him of his relationship with Flint so he named it after Flint. 😂
I cried for the second time in my entire life for the end of Flint story great ending Masterpiece of a TV show I hope someday they make a season 5 with new characters new people with the awesome Master pieces of writing still and I like the ending of the episode with the flag it's cool looking such a great show can't believe silver found Thomas and kept it a secret for how long if you did Bravo
Amazing journey as always Carly - I am left with the feeling you almost should watch one of the Treasure Island adaptations - That would put many things in the show in a fun perspective -:)
Historical facts: Jack Rackham died before Charles Vane. So Black Sails upends history a bit, probably because the actor for Jack Rackham was so beloved and they had to keep him around. Jack Rackham is the pirate who popularized the Jolly Roger--the pirate flag that most people know. So he got his legacy. Long John Silver more than likely killed Flint. Although the showrunners state that the ending we get is canon. They don't specify what that means. But it's significant that we remember that we are listening to the story Long John Silver is telling us, and we're led to believe that he could tell anyone basically anything and have people believe it, no matter how ridiculous it is. And that's the conundrum. Billy Bones interestingly makes it into Treasure Island. And he dies of a heart attack when Long John Silver hunts him down and gives him the black mark--the very black mark that Billy Bones created during the early part of the pirate revolution. That being said, Black Sails doesn't really transition us particularly well into Treasure Island. It doesn't really explain why Silver came to absolutely hate Flint and mock him endlessly. And it doesn't explain how Flint ended up drinking himself to death--although perhaps his parting words to Silver are more keenly prescient at this point, because it could allued to the fact that all he gave up for Thomas wasn't worth it and he could never really be satisfied.
I wish you would not spoil the book but anyways...it would be have been interesting to see a transition episode spilling into Treasure Island where it shows that Hamilton and Flint are eventually released but that yea Flint grows bitter for not following his war through. I don't remember who said this during the show that chosing love over a cause you will grow to resent that person you love.
Flint is a fictional character created by Robert Louis Stevenson. Unlike most of the main characters in Black Sails, which truly existed in real life, Capt Flint is a purely fictional character only mentioned in Treasure Island, by RLS
Only thing I would add thinking about the show is that I would have loved if the ending would have gone this way: Silver somehow get Hamilton out and bring him in to Flint to convince him to stop. Hamilton is like "come with me, we're gonna have the life we've always wanted". But Flint cannot. He has to go through with it, he has continue his war with England. And so there remain only thing to do: Hamilton kills the monster.
Silver did infact kill flint. Flint died in that forest and what awoken from that was James McGraw. Flint is a character that was birthed from rage and anger from his loss of Thomas, and when he finally got him back, that was the moment when flint died because now he had nothing to be angry about. There is NOTHING in this world more dangerous then a man who has nothing left to lose, and flint was a man who had nothing left to lose, but when thomas was back in his life he now had something to live for. So back to the question is flint dead. Did silver kill flint, my answer is yes silver did kill flint, flint is for sure dead, but his physical body the one that James inhibits is still alive. Flint is dead in every way except physically.
I choose to believe that Flint is alive, however, I know Silver killed him right before the scene where Silver's men turn around as if alerted by a shot (the birds squeak too at the same time). Besides this, the fact that we never got to see Silver revealing Flint about Thomas being alive so we could see his reaction, how he probably wouldn't believe it and resist it, and finally accept it as Silver says, I just don't understand. If the ending we see were true, we would've seen it all; it would've been a very dramatic and powerful scene to include for the viewers' pleasure, so the fact that they don't show it makes me think it's just a story made up by Silver 'cos he refuses to be seen as the villain. The dreamlike filter in James' and Thomas' reunion, the symbology of it all (paying Charon's toll to take the newcomer to the other realm, the doors of heaven opening letting him in, etc), it all makes it clear to me that it never happened, that it might just be a metaphore of Flint leaving this world and reuniting with Thomas in the afterlife.
The reason why people question whether Flint's ending was real is because Flint said something along the lines of "even you can't come up with a story that would make her forgive you", which kind of sounds like a challenge, that story Silver tells Madi at the end could be Silver proving Flint wrong. Personally I lean towards it being fake, it just seems a bit too convenient, and it fits very well with Silver's established skill in using stories to persuade people.
I loved the ending of this series. I was so happy with it, even tho I hated that they ended it...Much like Lagerthas funeral, it was a perfect ending for her, this was a perfect ending of the story. wether its accurate or not:)
Your reactions have been class, and real. It's been great to see someone as equally engaged with a lesser known show as I was. The only reason I started watching black sails was because the first episode randomly popped up on youtube in it's entirety, and it gripped me from the off (despite it being a "slow" start/ slow first season). Without that, I don't even know if I'd have started it. It's great how the finale is left open to interpretation. For me, knowing how Silver has evolved and darkens further going into treasure island, it makes sense to me that Flint/ James never made it off that island. I think Silver becomes a man riddled with guilt, regret, sadness and anger that he not only lost his best friend, but Madi as well due to his desperate actions at the end. Flint would not have believed Silver anyway (about Thomas), plus he was too invested (like Madi) in the war and seeing the world burn/pay in that moment. So I will probably always believe he was shot, and in many ways it was long overdue (despite how much I loved his character). And through his death, that was the way he got his return to Thomas (I believe thomas was dead all along as well). But I do love an ambiguous ending and how you could argue either way, and you can't say anyone is wrong for thinking differently. The show is the best written series I've ever watched and imo the best show hands down. Thanks to you and the likes of blind wave, Sithfurion, and now the normies etc that it's getting a little more attention. But it will always be criminally underated, and the cast deserve much more limelight for their performances throughout. But at least the show had/has a very passionate fanbase, and maybe that's enough for the writers/ cast/ production crew - seeing how much love the show has from those who did watch it.
The crew of the Walrus were fictional, from the book Treasure Island. Flint is fictional & is only mentioned in the book, while Silver, Matty and Billy Bones are fictional and were active characters in the book. The real pirates in the show were still fictionalized. Back Beard was killed by Robert Maynard. In real life Black Beard was shot 5 times and slashed over 20, and his head was brought to Charleston not Havana. A good book for real history is "Pirates : culture and style from 15th century to the present" by Matteo Guarnaccia. Also read Treasure Island, it's a national treasure. I enjoyed watching your appreciation for the show grow through the series.
Please, please react to "Black Sails || Flesh and Bone" and "Black Sails || True Victory" from Zurik if you haven't seen them yet. They're bloody masterpieces.
I've got 4 episodes left..... So hard not to watch this. I have to wait to watch with roommate. I never knew this was treasure island. I need to do some research. My heart broke when Vane died. I so hoped he'd make it to the end.
And that, my friends, was one of, if not, the most underrated show of all time. Great acting, impeccable dialogue, satisfying conclusion.
Just behind The Leftovers.
Flints line “they paint the world full of shadows” embodies the message of the entire series to me. People tell you what is wrong and bad or right and good. Sometimes they tell you this to keep you on their side. So you surrender your mind to their need and control. This show is such a beautiful shade of grey. All men are flawed.
Exactly! Its a message that resonates no matter when or where you live.
"They paint the world full of shadows, and then tell their children to stay close to the light; their light" Brilliant end to one of the best shows on TV. I definitely think Silver killed Flint. Something they made quite apparent in S4 is how the stories are just fiction, and not the truth. The whole speech from Silver to Madi sounds just like he's telling some elaborate tale.
Yeah, Silver definitely killed flint.... i think if Thomas Hamilton was alive, then Peter Ashe definitely would’ve said something
yeah 100%
it's the whole point of jack's speech at the end about stories
and flint would have never quit the war even knowing thomas was still alive
flint's fear of doing all for nothing was way bigger than mcgraw's will to be with thomas again
the scene in savannah just feels like a dream /a story with the happy ending but that's obviously not what has happened
@@k4dow nah, you missed the whole foreshadowing in several scenes that led up to it, and Madi’s anger woukd have no relevance if Silver hadn’t actually found Hamilton and had a chit to play.
I think Flint lived!
Also, I love this quote from way back in season 1 which I think foreshadows the end perfectly:
“Odysseus, on his journey home to Ithaca, was visited by a ghost. The ghost tells him that once he reaches his home, once he slays all his enemies and sets his house in order he must do one last thing before he can rest. The ghost tells him to pick up an oar and walk inland and keep walking until someone mistakes that oar for a shovel. For that would be the place that no man had ever been troubled by the sea. And that’s where he’d find peace.
In the end, that’s all I want. To walk away from the sea and find some peace.”
I like to think that ultimately he found that peace.
God I love Black Sails.
This show has a number of legitimately legendary performances. Silver, Vane, Jack, Blackbeard, Billy, and Woods Rogers would easily all be the best character in a normal show. Now saying that I think Toby Stephens as Flint gives what is quite possibly one of the best performances in all of television. He fucking blew me away, yet he's basically still an unknown actor to most people. He gives my absolute favorite monologue in all of TV in this last episode and I can't help but get chills watching it. To this day it pains me that that man doesnt get the credit he deserves for how incredible his performance as Flint truly was.
So ends my favorite, and in my opinion the best, show of all time. What an absolute masterpiece of writing, acting, and cinematography this show was. Thanks so much for doing this.
And it actually managed to stay good throughout. Game of Thrones' horrendous final season prevents that once-beloved show from being in my top anymore.
ive seen u comment on plenty of other reactors about shows lile got vikings and black sails - I'm glad we agree that this is perhaps the best show out there 😃
He will always get the credit in our hearts.
@@ericsantucci6934 Game of Thrones ended at it's worst, this show ended at it's peak.
It upsets me that the actors and the show in general don't get the praise they deserve. I have thoroughly enjoyed every episode of this show. Toby Stephens is just incredible and I definitely need to check out more of his work. Thank you for watching with me and being here all the way to the end, it was a crazy journey!
"They paint the world full of shadows… and then tell their children to stay close to the light. Their light. Their reasons, their judgments. Because in the darkness, there be dragons."
soo good
I got chills again just reading this.
Such an amazing delivery by Toby Stephens on that line, he's incredible
He's Maggie Smith's son. He ought to be.
"I don't care.
"
"You will.
Someday, you will. Even if you can persuade her to keep you she'll no longer be enough, and the comfort will grow stale. And casting about in the dark for some proof that you mattered and finding none, you'll know, that you gave it away in this moment on this island. Left it in the ground along with that chest."
I don't know how much you know about Treasure Island, but it is said that Flint's treasure is cursed. I like to believe that Flint utters the words of the curse here. Inevitably we know that Silver does return in Treasure Island.
Silvers arc is probably one of my favourites of all time. He starts off being selfish, then he grows close to his men and finds a cause to fight for. And as soon as he finds something he cannot bare to lose, Madi, he becomes selfish again. I'd like to think that when he returns in search of the treasure it isn't for personal gain, but rather for what the chest symbolises, freedom, as the comfort he got from leaving it grew stale. Thus flipping his arc one last time.
in many ways because of this curse, the treasure take on Flint's personality and will so to speak. It is stubborn and doesn't want to be found.
The rational part of me thinks Silver probably killed Flint, but the romantic part of me hopes he was telling the truth. There is a lot of evidence for both arguments, and that is clearly intentional.
One nice thing to think about is that even if the story wasnt literal, you could very easily see thay plantation as a metaphor for the afterlife, where Flint and Thomas get to be together. So you could argue that it was "real" in some sense whether Silver killed him or not.
Correct True Q that's what I believe to
In the literature, Flint didn't die until many years later, in Savannah. The writers of the episode intentionally left the ending ambiguous, so viewers could have their own take on it.
@@MrVvulf it's only said that flint drunk himself to death, we can't possibly now if thats true or not
Yeah, I know he probably did but I like to think he was telling the truth, because god damn flint deserved that happy ending
I truly believe he didn’t kill him. In a storytelling/literal sense, they don’t show things that aren’t true on this show, and the color grading is like that of other flashbacks. But I accept the writer’s explanation that it’s meant to be interpretable for each viewer.
I also believe Silver would have been wrecked emotionally, like he was about Madi, had he killed Flint. It would have left him seeming different than he is, even as he is still pained here.
I remember a flashback scene where Flint tells Hamilton that when a man tries to change the world he fails because of everyone else (or something like that), and that's exactly what happened to him, so I was on Flint's side since the first episode Another one of the little changes with Treasure Island was that captain Flint gives the map of the treasure to Billy
PS: You can see how far has SIlver gotten when he finds the cook hiding and he calls him a coward, that was just brilliant
I really believe Flint is alive. Well, James is alive, Flint died. It was just like that story he told Miranda back in season 2 while they were in Charlestown, Mr Flint appeared when needed, then disappeared, taken back by the sea. Captain Flint died. But James McGraw lived on. If we hadn't seen it, and we only got Silver's story, then no I wouldn't have believed it, SIlver tells stories for his benefit. But the fact that we saw it? No, that made it real. Not once in all 4 seasons did Black Sails make any dream things or hallucinations or anything. The closest we got was when Charles was on drugs in season 1 but that was extremely clear and left no question that it was him hallucinating because he was so high. Here? It's gotta be true. Whether Flint fought against it or not is another thing but.. yeah. ANd I'm so glad they left things on a high, with a happy ending for everyone (except poor Silver). Because when you know what happens next it's a very sad story for everyone so they cut it off at a nice time where we can just pretend to be ignorant and we don't know how Jack/Anne die and how Rogers comes back. Because NOPE that's too sad for me thanks! But great series, I'm sad I won't get to see you react to it anymore :( Maybe next you can start Outlander! Made by Starz as well and it's also absolutely amazing, and the Walrus was even reused in the show after Black Sails finished!
I think Flint is still alive, based on the time Black Sails ends and Treasure Island begins. Treasure Island states Flint died a few years before it, and it starts way later than that from Black Sails.
The dialogue and the speaches in this show are incredible and Flint‘s final speach is unmatched. The fact that the show did not get more awards and didn't have a big viewership is a crime. I'm so glad the show is getting more attention years later with so many reactors watching it
Same, Carly! I've been telling all my friends that this is one of the best shows I've ever watched, easily in my top 3 favorite shows of all time, and NO ONE believes me. It is maddening lol
same also and nobody want to watch it lol Best cult show all time. there are a few of us but we're dedicated
everyone ive told thought i was trying to sell them on some jack sparrow cotton candy fluff
I am a big fan of Flint, I mean he is my favorite character of all time, I don't know how to describe it, he gives me the vibe of that legendary secondary character that whenever appears elevates the scene by its mere presence, except that he is the main character and he managed to do this in most of the scenes, and a lot of that is owed to the phenomenal performance of Toby Stephens and the writers of this show. Honestly its becoming more and more rare to find well written shows that would prioritise the writing and character development, props to Black Sails.
Loved your reactions Carly. Thanks for watching! LJS
I think the creators said that they purposefully kept the Flint's end ambiguous so that it's up to the audience, and as you say Jack's speech tells us as much. The only stories that we want to believe are the ones that survive and matter. And when Madi asks if it's true, Silver asks whether that matters. The writing is so purposefully done that there's evidence enough to support both sides, and both sides are right, technically - and it doesn't really matter. There is no right answer, only what we each believe. I personally would like to believe that Flint got to die but McGraw got to live, and that Silver meant it when he said he'd stay with him as long as he needed for them to both walk away. So that's the story that I took away, but the opposite is equally fair and valid. That's almost what's so impressive about this show - the fact that they can get away with that ambiguity and it still feel like closure for everyone, and it not be a cop out. Spectacular storytelling.
Put it better than me, well said.
The reason Silver knew about the Island with Thomas, was because that is how Max was gonna get rid of Silver. It was that scene when Max went to get Silver on her own. Later, Silver asked her what her plan was and it was mentioned, but it moved so fast, that I only picked it up on the rewatch. I loved how everything was wrapped up. I am happy with what was presented and that is how it ended for. me. Silver is off to get the treasure, now we need that season!
Wow, never even realized this. That makes it super rewarding to rewatch, then. I need to do that at some point...
@@CarlyNicole1 every single time I have rewatched this show, be that on my own or through reactions I have noticed more little details and moments of setup. It's so well written, it blows my mind
@@CarlyNicole1 I have a show for you to watch, because it seems like we have similar taste. It is a Historical drama about America’s first spy ring, The Culper Ring. It is a true story that has been dramatized. TURN: Washington's Spies takes viewers into the treacherous world of the Revolutionary War and introduces Abraham Woodhull who, aligning with a group of childhood friends, forms the Culper Ring -- America's first spy ring. It’s not Black Sails budget, but the characters are so brilliant and each one shines on screen. Season one is a slow world building, then it takes off. Parts of this story remained secret until the 1930’s, it is one of the most successful spy rings in history.
I heard that the first time and I knew that they don't make reference to something like that without a really good reason. So I had a sneaking suspicion that Thomas might show up. I thought at first that they would kidnap Thomas and take him to James.
Such a perfect finale. And such a great reaction, Carly. As soon as you said, 'I haven't fuly cried from this show yet' I said "you WILL." And minutes later, boom. Thomas got ya. And justifiably so. That is one of the most emotional, well done twists I can remember. And it was totally real. Black Sails doesn't do that cheeky shit. I believe what you see is what they intended, every time. Thanks for this reaction series, Carly I've enjoyed it so much. You're the best
It's the end! I love watching reactors going through this show and discovering how great it is and your reactions to it have been one of the most interesting ones to me. Thanks for sharing!
Lmao 5:30 "Oh this is the last time I'm gonna hear this!" *Sad jamming*
Just binge watched this entire show in a few weeks, maybe the greatest show I've ever watched. Love your reactions. I will forever miss Black Sails. Awesome ending.
You have finished one of the greatest shows ever! Congrats! Now get in on that Expanse because, There be dragons, love that quote in both shows!
After the episode was released the showrunners actually came out and said they intentionally left the ending up for interpretation.There are clues supporting both outcomes. Personally I believe Silver killed Flint. Mainly because Silvers motivation is weakness and he is the villain of Treasure Island. People say Flint just wants to see the world burn and that is surely part of him, but he also was always a true progressive for the time, envisioning a more enlightened society. His war might have created that, lead to America a little earlier. Silver is literally standing in the way of progress here, because he wants to control his girlfriends decisions.
There isn't much reason for the treasure being in the ground if Flint actually survived.
@@hansschmid5639 given how much flint did to avenge thomas i imagine the treasure would be a small price to see him again.
@@hansschmid5639 There's several logical reasons to leave it there. Maybe Flint is just a stubborn bastard who refuses to tell them where it was. But the most likely one is that Silver didn't want that money returned to camp because it would have funded the war he was trying to avoid. Or it would've lead to a fight between the pirates and Maroons on the island as to who laid claim to it if there was to be no war.
@@charleyMD17 Considering everything else happens just like Flint predicted, Silver returning for the treasure in the future, I think it would be a very odd choice for Flint to get his happy ending.
@@hansschmid5639 But how happy is it? Yes, Thomas could be alive and them reunited but it's in a prison. He regains love but loses his freedom. This war that could have changed the world is bargained way. That applies for Madi's future, too, because if we believe she is Silver's wife in the book then this amazing, powerful woman who could've been a queen instead ends up managing a tavern.
Every character ends in a happy-ish spot in that moment but when you look at history, no one is getting a "happy ending". Jack and Anne have a few more years before they're captured. Jack is hung, Anne's fate isn't clearly known but likely she was sent to prison. Mary Read dies in prison. Max's power in Nassau is short-lived because Woodes Rogers will be released from prison and later reinstated as Governor of Nassau so she will be ousted in a few years when he returns.
The ending is full of quiet tragedy. Flint getting Thomas back but losing his freedom, his war and will someday die a sick old man in Savannah goes in hand with that, IMO.
I actually met Toby Stephens (Flint) at London Comic Con and asked him if he thought he lived. His answer was no. He said it was a story made up by Sliver
That's so awesome you got to meet him! I love that the ending is so ambiguous that even the actors in the show have different thoughts on how they think it ended and why
@KayKo of course he wouldn't admit to killing him lol
@KayKo Not sure why he wouldn't? But yes Toby was very open. Here's the picture too to prove it :)
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216076045485587&set=a.1471249952899&type=3&theater
Hi Carly, I can't believe it had been 7 years ago i first watched Black Sails, it is still in my top 3 all time shows and I have thoroughly enjoyed re watching through your reactions, so thank you for that, I would like to say though, the amount of times when you were making comments like " I can't believe they did that" or "Why would he/she do that?" I just kept laughing and saying " Erm Pirates!" lol I loved your enthusiasm for the show, I enjoyed that you recognized the intelligence throughout, the excellent Camera work, the tone, the music etc. You defo have to read Treasure Island, I read it when i was 13 and have been fascinated by Pirates ever since, I had not heard of you before i binged your reactions but your very cool and the kind of person I'd love to have watched this with in person and discussed afterwards, oh and your British accent you kept doing throughout was pretty good and made me laugh when you were doing it lol I'm British! Quick Question, You know Star Wars right? Can you see the parallels from this story to that? I can and I think maybe Star Wars is based on the Pirates of Nassau, what do you think?
Man I was so impressed by Madi at the end, the way she could never respect Silver cause of what he did to Flint. It's just unique that a woman would respect a man so much that she would pass over her personal feelings for Silver to stick by Flint. She is epic.
When I first saw the kid - and they definitely wanted to give the impression - I thought it was the kid from Treasure Island who remember is obsessed with Long John Silver. So Jack telling him that story of Silver, I thought it was that kid. But it was the woman disguised as a man who travelled with Jack in real life. I think Ann and her became lover. But I also think Ann became pregnant of Jack.
The story of Billy Bones is a classic tale of eternal hate and vengeance. Him surviving put the point across that Billy is essentially a zombie driven by veangeance and that's the only thing keeping him alive and walking. If you ever read Treasure Island, the ending of Billy Bones' story occurs at the beginning of the book.
"The Kid" was Mary Reed, who did indeed sail with Jack and Anne, and according to history both Anne and Mary were Jack's lovers. When they were finally captured, both Mary and Anne were pregnant, both presumably by Jack. Mary Reed was hanged after she gave birth, but Anne Bonny vanished. No one knows what happened to her, but a leading theory is that her father, a wealthy land owner in the Americas, used his money and influence to get her out, and hid her on his plantation, working for him under an assumed name so he could make amends to her, and help her raise his grandchild.
@@BaddHippie Ah thanks, interesting. I only had a vague knowledge of her, I knew there was another woman but not a lot more. I think Jack also got hanged, right.
@@johnnyskinwalker4095 Yes, Jack Rackham was hanged for piracy. The story goes that Anne and Mary were the only ones that fought the soldiers when boarded, with Jack and the rest of the crew locking up below decks. When Jack was led to the gallows, Anne last words to him were, supposedly, "If you had fought like a man, you wouldn't be hanging like a dog."
@@BaddHippie Awesome. 😃
I'm pretty sure this is the 1st time I've commented but I love this series so much and I've enjoyed going through this journey with u. It's nice to see someone relive the same experience I got to go through
I do believe that the ending was real, since even if the meeting between Flint & Thomas did seem dream like, the sequence where the guy that Silver sent out requires if Thomas is actually there, isn't. And it just would make sense overall, both for the characters and the show as a whole.
Great reaction series Carly. I like that the ending is open to interpretation, and they did it very well. Many shows have tried something similar and failed to make it work, but it works very well here. I don't have a problem with people believing the Silver shot Flint version of the story. But I believe what we see is real, because of various earlier scenes which build up to that ending. Black Sails will always be one of my favorite shows of all time.
This is why this show is so good and that more people need to see this show you can honestly say that you feel different after watching this and for the ending even I cried
I believe the Happy Ending - the show has enough bloodshed, loss and grief, without one more death.
What I really want to see is in another 5-20 years, Luke Arnold leading a cast for Treasure Island!
Thank you so much for this journey, it's been a pleasure getting to relive this series with you.
This is my favorite show of all time. The book was my favorite book growing up. I wish I can one day write something this amazing. It was a great journey and if you want to know what happens to most of the characters in the end, read Treasure Island.
I just binged your reactions to this series. Fantastic! Subscribed immediately and looking forward to some other series you have done (Expanse :) )
This is one of my favourite series ever - mix of historical, famous fictional characters, and some of its own spin - its just an amazing piece of work and a complete 4 season story - the Urca de Lima and it's gold is critical to the _entire_ series, and also the plot of Treasure Island :)
All the characters and actors are amazing - especially Flint, SIlver, Rackam, and Bonney.
Love your reaction!! Such an underrated show!!
I don’t think it’s a cop out. I think they visualized Silver’s story. Silvers ability to sway people with his words has been a focal point since episode 1. And we and Mattie WANT to believe his story. My rational mind says Flint is dead...but my heart needs him to be on the plantation.
Can't believe you are done with Black sails, it's been so fun watching you react to this show. I love that the final shot was the pirate flag we all know which historically was Jack‘s. Overall it's such a feel good ending especially if you believe the story is true. We knew from the beginning the war was doomed to fail because what they were trying to achieve didn't happen until decades later with the American revolution. But they still managed to tell such an interesting story of how the pirates could have had a real chance to be the ones to do it.
Woods Rogers does indeed become governor again. Rackham, as hinted in the last scene, carries on
pirating - He's eventually caught and hung - you could say by Rogers.
I believe what we saw at the end is true, Flint and Thomas together, purely by whats written in Treasure Island.
I love this show and your reactions to it - It's such a damn shame not many folks watched it. We would've got a 5th season had the viewership been higher.
Finishing this journey, I've seen the show 4 times in its entirety and this is the first reaction series I've watched. Thanks for spreading the awareness of this amazing show and if you want more Toby Stephens, Sea of Theieves has an audio book he narrated. Apparently even Rare recognizes Black Sails as one of the greatest pieces of pirate media of all time.
Can't wait for the showrunners of Black Sails to debut their Amazon Cleopatra series whenever that will be.
Shit I forgot about that. If it's the same writers then I cannot fucking wait.
This is how you finish a series! Funny how 4 of my fave 10 shows were on within the a 5 year period (Newsroom, Halt & Catch Fire, Americans, Black Sails)
When I first watched this show I was thinking about which ending to believe. In the end I realised that I take both as valid outcomes because to me art is about what it makes us feel, not about what is the definitive truth (that's the domain of science) and we can feel multiple, even conflicting emotions at the same time.
So it's Schrödinger's ending. Both outcomes are true as long as we don't make up our mind about it and close the other option off - and I like to keep it that way. So to me Flint is both dead with his revenge and suffering ended, and also living happily with Thomas. Maybe I'm weird, but I find that lack of certainty the most satisfying.
It’s an incredible show !
It was a pleasure to watch it again with you ! And toby stephens, ouahou what an actor.
I made a tribute video on flint. I think he was a force of nature.
So I’m very much into Pirate History, and I have a real passion for this amazing Show, and you’re right in what you say, I’ve tried to get friends and my regular reactors to watch this show with no joy, so I tried a different approach, I searched for people who’d already reacted to Black Sails and I found you, I really appreciated you’re passion in your reaction, so thank you. I just wanted to say I know you’re aware that the adventure continues in Treasure Island and if you were interested in watching the the chapter in the adventure then I recommend the 2012 TV series made by Sky starring Eddie Izzard, Elijah Woods and Donald Sutherland, it about Silver tracking the hidden Treasure that Flint buried.
one note that is easily missed by most people: the book mrs. hudson reads to her kids (a general history of pyrates) apperantly was what re-ignited woodes rodgers career. so while not shown, it does imply that he had a happy ending after all
Anne Bonny (8 March 1697 - disappeared April 1721) sometimes Anne Bonney, was an Irish pirate operating in the Caribbean, and one of the few female pirates in recorded history. What little that is known of her life comes largely from Captain Charles Johnson's 1724 book A General History of the Pyrates.
Bonny was born in Ireland around 1700 and moved to London and then to the Province of Carolina when she was about 10 years old. Around 1718 she married sailor James Bonny, assumed his last name, and moved with him to Nassau in the Bahamas, a sanctuary for pirates. It was there that she met Calico Jack Rackham and became his pirate partner and lover. She was captured alongside Rackham and Mary Read in October 1720. All three were sentenced to death, but Bonny and Read had their executions stayed because both of them were pregnant. Read died of a fever in jail in April 1721 (likely due to complications from the pregnancy), but Bonny's fate is unknown.
good reactions to the series, you nailed it from start to end.
This show probably ended on the highest note i've ever seen a show do. Cudos to them for actually sticking the landing.
Silver finding the cook on the ship mirrors how he was originally found and I think Silver did some cook work in Treasure Island
Glad you enjoyed the show. Thank you for reacting to it, i had a great time watching you
Stumbled across your videos as I am a massive Expanse fan and Black Sails is probably my all time favourite show! I don't really get much time to watch a lot these days so it's been fun to watch your Black Sails S4 + Expanse reaction videos and revisit these episodes in bitesize chunks!
So... the ending! Like you when I first watched it I was totally invested in the final story about Flint surviving being true and I only really started to consider the possibility that it was a fiction from seeing other people's comments online.
However, when I went back and re-watched the series with those seeds of doubt sown in my mind I have to say that it became harder and harder for me to believe in this neat ending and more compelling to believe that this was another convenient fiction constructed by Silver.
And I guess that's what happens with any story? That as we get further from the event it starts to become more open to interpretation? So I feel it's really appropriate that the ending is so wide open to interpretation as the whole series takes our modern stereotypical images of what piracy was and says "forget what you think you know about pirates and the stories that you've heard, this is what it was really like" . The ending equally presents you with Silver's story, a story that you can imagine will go on to be told and re-told and become the accepted truth and asks the viewer whether we believe it to be true.
Anyway, a truly amazing show and like you I have totally struggled to persuade friends to watch it!
If you want a good book that looks at the real stories behind a lot of the characters in the show then Colin Woodward's The Republic of Pirates is a really good read.
(And for another show to watch, have you ever watched HBO's Rome? That is another of my all time faves and it's only 20 episodes).
(And enjoy The Expanse! You have SO MUCH to look forward to with that!!)
sorry for the long comment I normally don't comment on stuff so just getting it all in! Thanks for the videos!
Extremely sad that you just finished Black Sails but thank you for the adventure! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I believe that Flint got reunited with Thomas. I know that the ending is left up to interpretation intentionally, but it bothers me that so many people are set on Flint dying to make it more "tragic". I think we have more than enough tragedy with lgbt+ characters and the bury your gays trope, so I love the ending this show gave us and agree with you that it resolves the show beautifully that he found Thomas at the end and got a satisfying resolution. Thank you for the great reaction!
Agreed, I'm more inclined to believe the ending was not a tragic one for this reason and many others. Television just needs to leave the gays alone lmao
"The stories we want to believe, those are the ones that survive."
In real life, most pirates were not blessed with a happy conclusion to their story. Their lives ended violently and soon, most of the time. It does not seem in the spirit of the show that Flint survives, especially considering Silver is the villain of Treasure Island. Plus, Silver's words (as Ulysses pointed out) "The stories we want to believe, those are the ones that survive", tells us that this fancy peaceful ending is but an illusion we would all love to believe.
First I want to give kudos to you for how much knowledge you have in tech and film. I was beyond shocked to hear you describe the film techniques that was being used. You called yourself a nerd in one video (I forgot) but that's cool you have a passion for this kind of stuff! Secondly, I finished the show Sunday (3/14) and watched the entire journey again with you from Monday to now (3/17) so I say this with a genuine heart and from experience as a TH-camr who once did reactions - You should not give a fuck how you do your thumbnails or titles. You do you! Black Sails is 5 years old now, your thumbnails never really spoiled anything, and anyone with a brain will watch the episode FIRST then proceed to watch your reaction. Who tf is gonna watch a reaction then the episode? Third, how cute your dogs name is Marley mine is too :) and fourth, hahahahaha the constant room switches because of school, I really felt that! I hope you become successful, you are super fun to watch/listen to!
Just wanted to say thank you for these reactions. Great re watching this amazing show with you
Billy is bad at drowning....lol
Flint's line about "the comfort growing stale" comes true, Silver ends up going back to retrieve the gold with Jim Hawkins years later. God I love this show.
Toby Stephens (who btw deserves many many praises and awards for his performance) said that it is up to the audience to decide what Flint's end was. If he was shot by Silver or truly reunited with Thomas. I personally believe that Silver killed him, only because that makes both their characters more tragic, and I like that. Flint would never give up his war with England because he felt he owed that to Miranda and Thomas, to avenge them or make their losses matter. And this way, Silver's story is not just something he made up to keep Maddy with him, it is what he truly wished for his friend, but at the end couldn't make it so and now he has to live with it. I simply like the tragedy of it. What a show...
Toby Stephens is criminally underrated, especially given this performance. He deserves FAR more praise from the general tv-watching public.
If they wanted to make it out to be a tragedy then why did silver get madi in the end?
Flint lived
I can let a little more be know about "Treasure Island". The story opens up with Long John Silver searching for Billy Bones. Billy knows the location of Flint's hidden treasure. The story is about that hunt for the island where the treasure is buried.
Sadly i hate to see this end but excited for whats next!! always a pleasure with you!
This fucking episode and watching you watch it was just fantastic and made me nearly cry again too! Such a good show and so cool to rewatch it alongside you! You rock girl, cannot wait for the next endeavors with you! (Expanse for sure haha)
And yea, about the ending with Flint, I am undecided, I want to believe it happened that way but as some other commenter here said; it could just be a another story Silver is telling.
That cold open kind of tilts it towards Flint surviving, to me. That was before Silver started telling his story to Maddie.
Edit
That and I don't see Silver bullshitting Maddie. They're all about being direct and honest with each other.
If we've learned anything about Silver up to this point, is that he lies constantly. It is his thing. Yes, he will lie to Maddie. But I think she is too intelligent to believe it.
Jack Anne and Mary go on to sail and stay on the account for some time (about 2 years) before they're captured by Jonathon Barnet, one of Woodes' men and thrown in jail. Mary dies of sickness, Jack is hung, Anne...we don't know for sure, but some believe she escaped or was bailed out by her father. I'm writing a historical fiction novel version of Anne's life that I'll publish later this year :) I'm on twitter (@therebe_dragons) and instagram under Scarlet Ingstad. Also check out our Black Sails fandom, #FathomsDeep on twitter and instagram too! Thank you for the amazing reactions....this has been wonderful. Looking forward to more of your Vikings vids as well!
I highly recommend "The Queen of Swords" part of the Golgotha Series by: R. S. Belcher it is the 3rd of the series and focuses' on the life Anne Bonny might have led as there is no Official record of her Death. The 1st two books mention her but the 3rd has her prominently.
This episode and show is just a beautiful masterpiece. I believe that Flint is alive, because I have a hard time believing after what Silver said he would still kill Flint. The most unfortunate part of it being over for you now is that you have to go through the world wondering how almost knows about this masterwork.
Anyway I thank for your reactions to this show, I look forward to whatever's next and will endeavor to watch The Expanse and catch up with you.
That's how you end a show, this series is just a masterpiece.
Netflix removed Seasons 1, 2 and 3 for a while so I can't watch BS for the 9th time I guess.. So I came to TH-cam and found your Channel. My resume about your React: you have a beautiful heart.
Plus it was actually Max who told Silver about that place earlier that season when she planned to put him there, as well as its functions so we can take for granted that it did exist. In that case, why would'nt the Hamiltons use it if it would solve their problem easily?
I also think that Flint died although in the novel Silver he speaks with a lot of respect for Flint and that I consider him as a great captain, although he sometimes deceives me and thinks that he left with Tomas, I loved seeing your reactions to this series, you are one of the best and I love your initial and final summary of each episode I will be aware that you see more, greetings and thanks for watching Black Sails
The fact that the framing device of some versions of Treasure Island is a Jim Hawkins telling the story to his son means Flint was right. They became the "stories they tell their children".
Carly: I don't totally cried watching this show.
Blacks sails: Gimme five minutes to change that.
By the way i loved you reaction even more that when i saw for the first time the final it was sooooooo natural, i'm definetly suscribed.
I had never seen Toby Stephens before this show, but I was so impressed by his acting I starting watching Lost In Space on Netflix because he is one of the leads.
flints unwavering selfish pursuits in which he wouldn't rule out anything to see his goals is why flint was my fav
That end was beautiful I loved it
Maybe whether Flint lives or dies isn't even relevant, as the end result was the same (It's very Inception like, DID THE TOP STOP SPINNING!). But what a masterpiece of a show, the only thing that let it down was it's marketing team, as how the hell didn't I know about it sooner? I think out of everybody I'm gonna miss Jack the most tho, an absolute legend.
Hey, I just wanted to tell you I started watching Black Sails because of you. I quit watching Vikings a few years ago. I heard that Lagertha died and looked on TH-cam to see what happened. Found your channel, watched some other stuff and then ordered season one, then two of Black Sails on blu-ray (was cheaper than on demand). I’d never heard of it but like it a lot.
My only complaint with Black Sails is the super-natural gamesmanship every body seems to have. Everyone is always five moves ahead of everyone- except for Silver and Rackham who are ten moves ahead. “I told Miss Guthrie blah and blah and of course Anne turned gay and Billy was lost at sea, as planned, but don’t worry. He’ll be back. It’s all figured out. Randall told me.” Everyone is like Doctor Strange.
I’ll keep watching your channel. I like your commentary and breakdowns so I figure I’ll find more good shows. Doubt you watch anything bad. Consider Battlestar if you’re open to old shows. Huge cast. Lots of intrigue. A lot of social commentary to.
it's left up to use if sliver killed flint ad some things were changed from the treasure island story so it may not all be clear on what they will do.
You should read treasure island now.
John Silver, Madi, Billy Bones, Israel hands and Ben Gunn all continue their stories, Black sails season 5 pretty much
The entire cast was amazing but Toby Stephens never failed to wow me every single episode. This finale is so freaking good and fits the tone of the show in that the writers trusted the audience to know their own feelings about characters and plotlines and never told them who to side with. Here they leave it up to the audience to decide what they think happens.
I believe that Silver reunited Flint with Thomas because that just felt true to me and I like that ending better. Flint is the only person who knows where that treasure is buried so I don't see how a map to its location comes to be if he is dead. And the finale gives a new twist to the book in that Silver isn't just after the treasure by the time the book happens but also longs to reclaim what he gave up. Flint's "curse" comes true, he will one day be no one who wants to return to a time when he mattered and that treasure represents that to him later on.
Luke Arnold has a fun theory on why Silver named his parrot Captain Flint and it's because Silver found this bird that hated him but he kept feeding it until it warmed up to him. It reminded him of his relationship with Flint so he named it after Flint. 😂
I cried for the second time in my entire life for the end of Flint story great ending Masterpiece of a TV show I hope someday they make a season 5 with new characters new people with the awesome Master pieces of writing still and I like the ending of the episode with the flag it's cool looking such a great show can't believe silver found Thomas and kept it a secret for how long if you did Bravo
They paint the world full of shadows and then tell their children to stay close to the light
About movies, have you seen Master and Commander? An amazing one.
Amazing journey as always Carly - I am left with the feeling you almost should watch one of the Treasure Island adaptations - That would put many things in the show in a fun perspective -:)
Historical facts: Jack Rackham died before Charles Vane. So Black Sails upends history a bit, probably because the actor for Jack Rackham was so beloved and they had to keep him around. Jack Rackham is the pirate who popularized the Jolly Roger--the pirate flag that most people know. So he got his legacy.
Long John Silver more than likely killed Flint. Although the showrunners state that the ending we get is canon. They don't specify what that means. But it's significant that we remember that we are listening to the story Long John Silver is telling us, and we're led to believe that he could tell anyone basically anything and have people believe it, no matter how ridiculous it is. And that's the conundrum.
Billy Bones interestingly makes it into Treasure Island. And he dies of a heart attack when Long John Silver hunts him down and gives him the black mark--the very black mark that Billy Bones created during the early part of the pirate revolution.
That being said, Black Sails doesn't really transition us particularly well into Treasure Island. It doesn't really explain why Silver came to absolutely hate Flint and mock him endlessly. And it doesn't explain how Flint ended up drinking himself to death--although perhaps his parting words to Silver are more keenly prescient at this point, because it could allued to the fact that all he gave up for Thomas wasn't worth it and he could never really be satisfied.
I wish you would not spoil the book but anyways...it would be have been interesting to see a transition episode spilling into Treasure Island where it shows that Hamilton and Flint are eventually released but that yea Flint grows bitter for not following his war through. I don't remember who said this during the show that chosing love over a cause you will grow to resent that person you love.
Yo we gotta get you on that Buffy/Angel shit, Carls. You would absolutely love it.
Love this show!!
watch battlestar galactica (2004) next!
Flint is a fictional character created by Robert Louis Stevenson. Unlike most of the main characters in Black Sails, which truly existed in real life, Capt Flint is a purely fictional character only mentioned in Treasure Island, by RLS
Only thing I would add thinking about the show is that I would have loved if the ending would have gone this way: Silver somehow get Hamilton out and bring him in to Flint to convince him to stop. Hamilton is like "come with me, we're gonna have the life we've always wanted". But Flint cannot. He has to go through with it, he has continue his war with England. And so there remain only thing to do: Hamilton kills the monster.
Silver did infact kill flint. Flint died in that forest and what awoken from that was James McGraw. Flint is a character that was birthed from rage and anger from his loss of Thomas, and when he finally got him back, that was the moment when flint died because now he had nothing to be angry about. There is NOTHING in this world more dangerous then a man who has nothing left to lose, and flint was a man who had nothing left to lose, but when thomas was back in his life he now had something to live for. So back to the question is flint dead. Did silver kill flint, my answer is yes silver did kill flint, flint is for sure dead, but his physical body the one that James inhibits is still alive. Flint is dead in every way except physically.
I choose to believe that Flint is alive, however, I know Silver killed him right before the scene where Silver's men turn around as if alerted by a shot (the birds squeak too at the same time). Besides this, the fact that we never got to see Silver revealing Flint about Thomas being alive so we could see his reaction, how he probably wouldn't believe it and resist it, and finally accept it as Silver says, I just don't understand. If the ending we see were true, we would've seen it all; it would've been a very dramatic and powerful scene to include for the viewers' pleasure, so the fact that they don't show it makes me think it's just a story made up by Silver 'cos he refuses to be seen as the villain. The dreamlike filter in James' and Thomas' reunion, the symbology of it all (paying Charon's toll to take the newcomer to the other realm, the doors of heaven opening letting him in, etc), it all makes it clear to me that it never happened, that it might just be a metaphore of Flint leaving this world and reuniting with Thomas in the afterlife.
The reason why people question whether Flint's ending was real is because Flint said something along the lines of "even you can't come up with a story that would make her forgive you", which kind of sounds like a challenge, that story Silver tells Madi at the end could be Silver proving Flint wrong.
Personally I lean towards it being fake, it just seems a bit too convenient, and it fits very well with Silver's established skill in using stories to persuade people.
I loved the ending of this series. I was so happy with it, even tho I hated that they ended it...Much like Lagerthas funeral, it was a perfect ending for her, this was a perfect ending of the story. wether its accurate or not:)
Your reactions have been class, and real. It's been great to see someone as equally engaged with a lesser known show as I was. The only reason I started watching black sails was because the first episode randomly popped up on youtube in it's entirety, and it gripped me from the off (despite it being a "slow" start/ slow first season). Without that, I don't even know if I'd have started it.
It's great how the finale is left open to interpretation. For me, knowing how Silver has evolved and darkens further going into treasure island, it makes sense to me that Flint/ James never made it off that island. I think Silver becomes a man riddled with guilt, regret, sadness and anger that he not only lost his best friend, but Madi as well due to his desperate actions at the end. Flint would not have believed Silver anyway (about Thomas), plus he was too invested (like Madi) in the war and seeing the world burn/pay in that moment. So I will probably always believe he was shot, and in many ways it was long overdue (despite how much I loved his character). And through his death, that was the way he got his return to Thomas (I believe thomas was dead all along as well).
But I do love an ambiguous ending and how you could argue either way, and you can't say anyone is wrong for thinking differently. The show is the best written series I've ever watched and imo the best show hands down. Thanks to you and the likes of blind wave, Sithfurion, and now the normies etc that it's getting a little more attention. But it will always be criminally underated, and the cast deserve much more limelight for their performances throughout. But at least the show had/has a very passionate fanbase, and maybe that's enough for the writers/ cast/ production crew - seeing how much love the show has from those who did watch it.
I hope you will consider watching my second favorite show of all time after this - The Leftovers.
Consider it considered!
That's a snap to me Carly it's just not a loud one lmao also you should do a treasure island book club
a bit unrelated, but is that a Kids See Ghosts poster in the background? I JUST noticed it if it is.
nuke boy Yup!
YES!!! the Finale, lets go babeeee!!
The crew of the Walrus were fictional, from the book Treasure Island. Flint is fictional & is only mentioned in the book, while Silver, Matty and Billy Bones are fictional and were active characters in the book.
The real pirates in the show were still fictionalized. Back Beard was killed by Robert Maynard. In real life Black Beard was shot 5 times and slashed over 20, and his head was brought to Charleston not Havana.
A good book for real history is "Pirates : culture and style from 15th century to the present" by Matteo Guarnaccia. Also read Treasure Island, it's a national treasure.
I enjoyed watching your appreciation for the show grow through the series.
Please, please react to "Black Sails || Flesh and Bone" and "Black Sails || True Victory" from Zurik if you haven't seen them yet. They're bloody masterpieces.
I've got 4 episodes left..... So hard not to watch this. I have to wait to watch with roommate.
I never knew this was treasure island. I need to do some research.
My heart broke when Vane died. I so hoped he'd make it to the end.