Black Sails

:

Season 2
  • Network: Starz
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 25, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 202 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 122 out of 202
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 202
  3. Negative: 72 out of 202
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User Reviews

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  1. Quelhas
    Oct 10, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The plot twist of the most important character being gay is not convincing. Not properly the fact of him being gay, is all the plot that involves it, not convincing enough. This plot twist revealed lack of imagination from the writers, this homosexual thing is old and has a longer beard than my grandfather. But... I'm eager to see how this story ends next season.… Expand
  2. BaoLiSi
    Feb 25, 2015
    0
    Gay...brave-captain-gay....who`s next?
    It`s realy normal, your think?

    Hey, americans, your morality is dead.

    But, гnfortunately, this was not the end.
    After all, having an opportunity to broadcast to the whole world, you inspire people that this is normal.
    But it`s NOT.

    You have been a great show.
    But you worked hard, and make it ****
    Congratulations!
  3. Pookster
    Feb 25, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm curious to see, here or elsewhere, reactions to the out-of-the-blue "big reveal" that essentially the whole basis for the context of the show with Capt. Flint somehow going from a coveted up-&-coming post in the Royal Navy to pirate captain is all because, while he was supposed to be working on a political resolution to the Nassau problem, he first screwed Miranda, wife of his patron and current ambiguous companion on the island, then found "true love" in a gay relationship with Thomas -- and was caught and exiled with Miranda (Thomas conveniently was imprisoned and then died). Seems like it would've been a more-credible plot twist if he had actually continued to refuse to screw her, and it turned out it was because he was secretly attracted to him. Instead it winds up feeling kind of silly that, really, despite being in such a pivotal position re the fate of this colony, he simply couldn't keep it in his pants with a woman or a man.… Expand
  4. Della195
    Mar 9, 2015
    3
    I loved the first season, I loved the series and It was getting interesting until the 5th episode.
    The homosexual romantic scene caught me off guard, and made me stare stupidly at the screen for a couple of seconds with a twisted look that anyone close to me would have laughed at. It made me mad, not only because I realized I was going to feel disconnected from the main character and that    I loved the first season, I loved the series and It was getting interesting until the 5th episode.
    The homosexual romantic scene caught me off guard, and made me stare stupidly at the screen for a couple of seconds with a twisted look that anyone close to me would have laughed at. It made me mad, not only because I realized I was going to feel disconnected from the main character and that his "manly" attitude was the facade of a man hurt not only in his ass but on his heart as well by a man. The thing that made me mad is the idea of shoving down our throats homosexuality like we should be forced to like it, I don't care about what gay people do, but I definetly don't want gay everyday on my soup either like we are getting nowadays, gay here, lesbian there, ya-da ya-da ya-da. Im full of this "like what we like, accept what we accept" it makes me think of a nazi ideology the other way around.    … Expand
  5. pythagorus
    Feb 25, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I sort of enjoyed this for a few episodes, but the recent writing is just awful. Richard Guthrie has an unbelievable metamorphosis from an ass to a caring father, not believable. And Captain Flint with a gay affair? Please. I know the writer must be gay, but does that mean everyone else in the world has to swing from your side of the plate. It was bad enough when Anne Bonney had to be a lesbian or bisexual or whatever. So I guess we just get one dimensional writing where every character has gender identity issues. Ms Barlow explains to us that Flint is a violent pirate blowing up the fort because he feels guilt about his gay affair? ROTFL. And then Rackham has to make a choice between Max and Anne because the crew can accept one but not two women? LOL - how contrived. Guess the writing room has writers block, so they are definitely mailing it in for season two. Didn't take long to jump the shark, just barely into season 2 and it is no longer worth watching.… Expand
  6. sjsoft
    Feb 25, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Main character was gay. I can not approve this! Everywhere is tough homophilia propoganda. Crap series, more will not watch. Shame on the whole channel. Shame on all of Europe.… Expand
  7. mariodefe
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    Best show on TV right now, they control the script, the tempo, the action, the acting...Season 2 introduces some flashbacks, not as boring as Lost flashbacks, makes the show a little bit more interesting.
  8. TheQuietGamer
    Feb 16, 2015
    9
    The show no longer over-indulges itself in sex and nudity. Instead it focuses and fleshing out the characters and constantly moving the plot forward. New developments happen every episode and the scale continues to increase as characters make decisions that will influence their world.

    The action has also been brought more into focus and it's just as bloody and intense as ever. Character    The show no longer over-indulges itself in sex and nudity. Instead it focuses and fleshing out the characters and constantly moving the plot forward. New developments happen every episode and the scale continues to increase as characters make decisions that will influence their world.

    The action has also been brought more into focus and it's just as bloody and intense as ever. Character motivations start becoming clear as we not only begin to learn more about them but get glimpses into their past. The flashback sequences are incredibly well done.

    I find it to be a very huge improvement on the first season. No longer is the show focusing overly explaining the economic side of it's world or pointlessly showing off it's sexual content. The kind you can't get outside of premium cable. Those elements are still here, but are pushed off to the side in favor of moving the plot and world forward. It makes for some truly gripping television.    … Expand
  9. BCafGun
    Feb 27, 2015
    10
    Sudden, stunning and realistic. Recommended!

    Внезапен, ошеломляющ и реалистичен. Рекемендую! P.S. Обычно редко оцениваю, но тут уже дело принципа. Люди хотели реалистичности - получите и распишитесь. И скажите спасибо, что речь идет не о Франции тех же времен...    Sudden, stunning and realistic. Recommended!

    Внезапен, ошеломляющ и реалистичен. Рекемендую!

    P.S. Обычно редко оцениваю, но тут уже дело принципа. Люди хотели реалистичности - получите и распишитесь. И скажите спасибо, что речь идет не о Франции тех же времен...
  10. weirdcryo
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    The first season was necessary slow in order to bring this epic season 2, this season has nothing to envy from other well-known series: every episode is well written and they all ended up wrapping into an excellent end.
  11. campbecw
    Mar 23, 2015
    9
    The first season was a classic case of showy sex and blood. It was just like the first season of Game of Thrones. Second season has offered something very different. now that they've got our attention, they've begun to write a story that has gravity to it. Lifes are being changed, and not just fot loot, but for respect, legitimacy, and purpose. This is now a show worth watching.
  12. zouz123
    Mar 24, 2015
    9
    I adore this show, started watching it because i fell in love with Spartacus. But for those who think that it resembles Spartacus with the gore and fight scenes, they might get bored with Black Sails because it focuses on the plot and the characters more than the action itself. It is really twisty and extremely engaging, Starz well done.
  13. themerote
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This Show is Really Really high quality, Seriously don't listen to any negative hype, if you life History, Assassins Creed 4, Game of Thrones, Dead Wood, watch this show, it gets better every episode. I'm so glad I gave this a shot, |i F********* love it.… Expand
  14. ahnehnois
    Apr 6, 2015
    9
    Black Sails continues to exceed any reasonable expectations and to be one of the best things on television. The strengths of the first season remain. The pulpiness of the pirate world is balanced exquisitely with a layer of grit and a dose of political intrigue. Production values remain high, and the globally sourced cast of relative unknowns continues to bring a fascinating liveliness toBlack Sails continues to exceed any reasonable expectations and to be one of the best things on television. The strengths of the first season remain. The pulpiness of the pirate world is balanced exquisitely with a layer of grit and a dose of political intrigue. Production values remain high, and the globally sourced cast of relative unknowns continues to bring a fascinating liveliness to the characters. Notably, Luke Arnold's effortless slyness is a highlight of every episode, and his chemistry with Toby Stephens' menacing but human captain anchors the show, but there are plenty of others to look forward to.

    Critics of the first season will find more action, with several ship battles, fistfights, and killings within the opening episodes. The pace has picked up, though you'll still wonder when they're going to get to the damn gold. And a fascinating flashback element has been added which works on the Flint/Barlow backstory and ties into current events.

    Of the show's weaknesses, it takes diversity issues head on but does some better than others. The role of women and the performances thereof is a strength, but there remains a sad lack of dark-skinned characters in speaking roles. Historically fair in some ways, but it would be nice, especially given that the show is shot in Africa, if they could work in more Africans. Conversely, the show has been notable in tackling conformormist gender and sexuality, but it really seems to be getting excessive, to the point where it seems like every character swings both ways, and feels gratuitous at times. On these issues, it's nice that they're trying, but they could stand to find more balance.

    That being said, Black Sails is ultimately an entertaining and intriguing story that we will hopefully see several more seasons of.    … Expand
  15. GreenGoblin215
    Nov 4, 2015
    10
    OMFG I just finished watching S2 of Black Sails on Blu-ray after buying it just the other day when it came out. I Binge-watched it straight through and it was 100 times better then S1 and I loved S1 so without further ado here is my review. I will start with the story which was extremely well derived from the finale of S1. I will say this much without spoilers and that is that it takesOMFG I just finished watching S2 of Black Sails on Blu-ray after buying it just the other day when it came out. I Binge-watched it straight through and it was 100 times better then S1 and I loved S1 so without further ado here is my review. I will start with the story which was extremely well derived from the finale of S1. I will say this much without spoilers and that is that it takes place immediately after S1 with Flint stuck on the island and trying to get back home. I mean there are a ton of other story threads which I will not divulge lest I ruin some bit of the story but needless to say it's Excellent. I will now move onto the cinematography and sound which were both Superb. I honestly didn't think they could top S1 but I was so wrong and it was captured beautifully and it was nice to see different scenery. I will now move onto the acting which again is flawless. I mean every actor and actress brought there A game to the second season. The new actors all did extremely well and the villain was quite adept to terrify anyone and everyone. I will now move onto the action which again I didn't think could top S1 and yet again I was wrong. The action was unparalleled to any show I have seen of late being when the action did come to fruition. I mean it was brutal and visceral just like in S1 but amped up fifty fold. I mean I watch a ton of shows including GOT and The 100 and etc and those shows are all Phenomenal as well but the contrived setting and knowing that these characters existed in reality also makes it that much more plausible and scary so to speak. I will finish by saying that if you have not watched this show then you need to drop whatever show you're watching right now and watch this series. I mean the production value and acting and everything else involved in the making of this series is unprecedented. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. I will finish with this and that is that S1 is light on the background story but S2 more then makes up for that with there flashback scenes which draw you even more into certain characters pasts and in turn help you care about them and also help you to relate to them in a manner of speaking. Thanks again for your time and I hope you enjoy this show. Take Care. I can't wait for S3 this coming January and then S4 afterwards.… Expand
  16. httr
    Feb 20, 2016
    10
    An excellent season finale. I did like how they included additional back story too, but that season finale was definitely something to be remembered. A must see.
  17. Mrakvampire
    Apr 6, 2015
    10
    Absolutely stunning show. Writing, action, story twists, marvelous casting - it's a masterpiece among TV shows. It's sad that this show is somewhat underrated - it really deserves much more praise.
  18. lager96
    Nov 20, 2017
    9
    Black Sails second season was bigger and better in every way. The action was on a whole other level this season (especially with Flint and Vane escaping Charlestown). On top of this, characters backstories, which were revealed, elevated the storytelling of the show and made the series better for it. There were still some moments of slowness but not nearly as much as season one. The Anne,Black Sails second season was bigger and better in every way. The action was on a whole other level this season (especially with Flint and Vane escaping Charlestown). On top of this, characters backstories, which were revealed, elevated the storytelling of the show and made the series better for it. There were still some moments of slowness but not nearly as much as season one. The Anne, Jack, and Max storyline worked very well. After this season, Jack is becoming one of my favorite characters on the show. In the end, given all that we learned in season 2, we can now look back on season one and see that the lack of clear answers was intentional and necessary in order for the payoff to work as well as it did here.… Expand
  19. eva3si0n
    Nov 20, 2017
    9
    2 season are very strongly allocated against the background of the first. It is much more dynamic and more interesting. The last 3 series in general are made at the level of the best projects of HBO that you don't expect at all to see. The 2nd season has to become rotary in development of a plot, and it is good - dynamics of series became such what has to be in series about the Golden Age2 season are very strongly allocated against the background of the first. It is much more dynamic and more interesting. The last 3 series in general are made at the level of the best projects of HBO that you don't expect at all to see. The 2nd season has to become rotary in development of a plot, and it is good - dynamics of series became such what has to be in series about the Golden Age of piracy.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    Oct 1, 2015
    80
    Starz, though, knows the formula for these costume-heavy action dramas from experience with shows like “Spartacus” and “Camelot.” And that formula is executed with particular skill in Black Sails, thanks to some strong performances and an exploration of the consequences of greed that could have come out of modern-day Wall Street.
    Read full review
  2. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Jan 21, 2015
    83
    The stories are intricate enough to hold attention, but not too intricate. The action, which always supersedes the chatter, is the thing, and here it's something to see indeed.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Dalton Ross
    Jan 16, 2015
    75
    The appeal of Starz's pirate drama in the season 2 premiere remains just that: pirates. But on land, when the show switches from the quest for one booty to another altogether, things get a bit wobbly, with romantic entanglements that fail to match the intrigue on the high seas. [23 Jan 2015, p.71]