Black Sails

Black Sails is a surprisingly good show. It delivers on the T&A assumed by being on the Starz network, but it also delivers a compelling drama with great characters that are backstabbing, bluffing, and crawling their way to their recognisable forms in either Treasure Island or history. A cross between Pirates of the Caribbean and Game of the Thrones, with comparable production values and a satisfying ending, I highly recommend this show to anyone who isn't squeamish.

The script is decent, the acting is passable, but the production value is unmatched. The sets, costumes and ship battle sequences are unlike anything I've seen on TV before from this time period. Imagine Pirates of the Caribbean, but instead of a story that depends entirely on childish magic & make believe, you've got multi-dimensional characters in a complex power struggle with the British Empire--and made for an 18+ audience. This is truly a refreshing concept for a series.

TV: Black Sails was something of a revelation. A piratey adventure show with a solid dramatic rigging and an impressive production budget. The characters were energetically portrayed, the drama and writing was a cut above standard TV fare, and the action set pieces never less than exciting. The second season broached impressive dramatic ground, and the latter two seasons explored the rich mythology/narratology of heroes and villains. Memorable and essential. | S1: 80|S2:81|S3:82|S4:83

Season 1: 73

I like how clever everyone is, how it relies on illogical or out of charachter moves less than most tv. Becomes much more fun once our man stops fighting for Liberalism and becomes a pirate proper.

This show had a way of pulling me in that was hard to describe, because at the start, the story wasn't even all that strong, and there was some cheesiness in the production, but there was something fascinating about it that kept me watching, and I'm glad it did, because the story really ramped up with each season being better than the last. I expect this will stand as the best pirate-themed show for a long time.

Some plots drag a bit and some characters are less engaging, but overall it's a pretty entertaining pirate show, far more of a criminal saga than an adventure saga. Think more Sopranos on the sea, less Pirates of the Caribbean. The epic season 2 finale was pretty cool, reminded me a little of Game of Thrones' Blackwater.

A soap opera featuring children's-book-pirates and boobs. Come on people, we're better than this aren't we?

Very good series. Polished and grand. Characters are solid.

First two seasons - awesome! Third one - not that good, but still very enjoyable. Can't wait for the forth season.

I'm approaching the end of the 1st season. So far, so good. Outstanding production. Everything is more or less meeting the quota. I will say though, and I hate to say it this often: too many good looking people. Pirates were not beautiful. I'm seeing lots of perfect hair and teeth. Silver looks like he's selling Abercrombie. Bones looks like a Wall Street dick. I'd like a more believable cast. I don't need to cum every time I'm entertained.

I'm a big fan of the show and it really should get more recognition.

Toby Stephens was my favorite actor in the RSC. To have him perform in this is amazing. All theater actors should cross over to TV and elevate the art of the TV series. Character development for multiple seasons offers a great canvas for a true performer.

After a somewhat loose first season, this turned out to be a true work a of art. Not only is every shot a treat for the eyes, the score spot on and the production unmatched, the combination of the strong build-up of the story, the great depth of the characters, their bonds and the real-time "psychoanalysis" tirelessly woven into the dialogues with a distinct fine use of language probably makes this the strongest series I have ever come across. As said, this truly is a work of art.

S01-84 S02-84 S03-87 S04-87 There were no black sails. Some black flags here or there but all the sails were white.

A true work of art that touches on what it means to be human. Way beyond just a pirate flic, nothing like Pirates of the Caribbean. The dialogue is some of the best I've ever seen in a show, and the plot beats and storytelling move along mostly expertly with only a few marginal hiccups. Flint is one of the most compelling anti-heroes you'll ever see, and you'll likely change your position on him multiple times.