The classic pan up starting with Ed's open legs, one hand resting on a strategically placed gun, and the other caressing its way down his torso. Standing out from the fire in the golden light that comes to reflect hope and love throughout the show. This is not only brilliant filmmaking but is hot as sin and a crazy way to introduce a full shot of Blackbeard. He's seducing everyone.
I do love that Stede Bonnet is unhinged. Like, legitimately an absolute freak, a danger to himself and others (mostly others). Wildly off-kilter man menacing the entire structure of both English and pirate society.
Who will talk someone into lighting themselves on fire for being mean to his boyfriend.
Who will not be content with just pushing a man off the plank, but will CHUCK A FIDDLE AT HIS HEAD.
Who will put on an all white suit, walk into a deeply dangerous dive bar, declare his presence in a fucking pun, and tell the man who tried to kill him not a day ago that he doesn't care what his name is.
Who will return to the same dive bar again and again, ask for a job there, and then rob the owner.
Who will stand in the middle of a violent raid and tell his clerk to take notes properly.
Who will run across a beach in the middle of a major battle to make out with his boyfriend.
Who looked at Blackbeard and went "that's him, that's the love of my life."
i love S2 of ofmd. not because I think it’s perfect, but because of the sheer overwhelming wave of emotion packed into it. I saw a tweet recently that said it’s ironic max seemed to want ofmd to be something it’s not- an uncomplicated pirate workplace comedy. and when I think about it, not only did they straight-bait their audience, they also sitcom-baited their audience as well. It’s hilarious how the show’s unfurling became uncontainable for them. S2 especially, is so raw edged and frayed and messy. the layers of angst and comedy and queerness and romance feel so BIG, so undefinable as one clean cut genre. It’s euphoric. you can complain all you want about the structure and the story beats and studio interference etc and I’d say you’re right for that. but ultimately - the emotional core and themes of the show (dismantling of toxic masculinity, forgiveness/second chances, queer joy unconcerned with playing defense) ring so true and vibrant to me, shouting at the top of its lungs in S2. and it has a special place in my heart for that.
im sorry there will never be another show that can give me gay golden-haired cringefail romantic hero crying over dead body of his beloved princess who falsely believes they’re unlovable while fantasy mermaid version of himself revives them from purgatory while real life actors of both characters submerge themselves underwater and act it out no cgi just swimming around with absolute tenderness and that’s why this show is irreplaceable
magical girls are real, and you have been chosen by a magical creature to become one. The only problem is your a full grown man with 2 kids and a wife.
This renewal fight isn't just about Our Flag Means Death. The cancellation is part of a broader problem that has multiple arms.
Original content is being canceled, shelved and pushed to the shadows while remakes, reboots and endless sequels that can be milked well past their expiration date take precedence.
Lgbtqia+ and diverse content is being canceled, shelved and sidelined in favor of more of the same homogenized stories that have been being done for 100+ years.
Shows that have absurdly high ratings are being canceled. If a show that was being considered a flagship show for the network, that had the highest ratings for 14 weeks, that has a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a 95% Audience Score, is being canceled what hope does any other show have?
Streaming services and Networks are doing a 180° on they type of content they're interested in. Just a handful of years ago they started pulling away from the long season shows that could be endlessly renewed in favor of short contained stories that could be told in 1-4 seassons with 6-14 episodes per season. Creators have given them those stories but are still having to fight tooth and nail to get the renewals that should have been a foregone conclusion because these are the exact type of shows that were asked for. And audiences were more willing to take chances on these shows because with such a tightly wrapped story with an ending decided on before it started there's no reason we shouldn't be getting the whole story. No reason for premature cancellations when the number of seasons needed to tell the entire story was part of the original pitch that the network agreed to. No need to cancel it unless it actually does have atrocious viewership numbers. But now, these stories that were specifically asked for by the networks, that have ratings well above what's needed to justify keeping it on the air, are being canceled or shelved in favor of going back to the idea of endless seasons and spin offs and reboots of tired franchises.
You want to keep getting good, original stories that aren't just endless reboots and sequels of a once good idea that's lost it's soul? Join the email & letter writing campaign to MAX and other streamers and networks. Tell them you are interested in seeing more original content. Diverse content, lgbtqia+ content. Help save OFMD and in the process save your own favorite shows. No, one letter, one signature can't change anything. But thousands can. Be one of the thousands.
Guys do you remember how we were like “if stede seduced ed on accident in season one imagine what he’s going to be like in season two when he’s trying”
And we got LOVE LETTERS IN BOTTLES
And “COME BACK TO ME”
And “I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU”
And KISSING IN THE MOONLIGHT
And SHOVING AGAINST A WALL
And “I LONG FOR YOU”
Like are you fucking kidding me?! Bask in it! It actually happened!!! Stede Bonnet, dashing romantic lead! He’s an idiot but he knows how to seduce his unhinged boyfriend!