Our Flag Means Death

In Our Flag Means Death, sailing the open seas meant freedom for many in the 1700s, and that could not be more true than it is for real-life pirate captain Stede Bonnet, the Gentleman Pirate! Running away from his life and family among the colonial elite of British Barbados, Stede builds a boat, hires a crew, and fails miserably as a pirate captain… that is until he meets the infamous Blackbeard!

To celebrate the last week of Pride, Amanda and Patrick find themselves sailing the high seas, where they stay mostly on topic as they discuss the breakout queer pirate comedy Our Flag Means Death from HBO Max! Join us as we delve into our favorite moments, characters, and themes of one of the best-executed queer shows on television today. Come listen as they talk about the subtle ways this show keeps important topics light and how empowering it is to see a wide variety of actual queer folk (actors and characters) represented onscreen. Patrick delves into his roots as a history major to bring you some fun facts from the history of Atlantic piracy, while Amanda screeches about kissing, Mary’s post-Stede life, and how showrunner and creator David Jenkins fights queerbaiting head-on.

With a second season recently announced, Amanda and Patrick talk about what they’re looking forward to in the new season. Their love for all things Taika Waititi is evident as they gush over the powerhouse cast that includes the likes of Rhys Darby, Vico Ortiz, Con O’Neill, Nathan Foad, Leslie Jones, and Samson Kayo. Later, Patrick declares himself firmly pro-pirate, while Amanda brings up other notable ways this show creates an inclusive space.

So join us as we set sail in search of some booty (and love) on this edition of GateCrashers!

Spoiler Warning: this episode discusses the first season of Our Flag Means Death in its entirety in the second half of the episode.

Cover art by Liana Kangas.