Black Sails VIII (Starz 15 Mar 2014, with Patrick Lyster)

In Black Sails VIII, the season one finale, with the journey very much underway Flint wants the final part of the page from Silver. Flint knows he has to deliver the Urca to his men or he is a dead man. Tracking through to Silver’s co-ordinates leaves them no closer to the Urca but then a Spanish man o’war appears in view. Flint is convinced it is an escort for the Urca and that they need to take it out and quickly.

Flint’s bigger trouble though is the mutiny that is stirring up on both ships. The whole crew now seemingly knows about the fact that Singleton never had the missing page and that it was another Flint ruse. They also believed Flint killed Billy Bones. When Gates tells him he has had enough and is taking the other ship and leaving him to it, Flint knows he cannot let him leave alive.

Meanwhile Vane arrives back on Nassau with Albinus’ men, he takes over Ben Hornigold’s fort and starts attacking the supply ships in the harbour. He leaves Eleanor no option but to strike up a partnership with him.

Back on the Walrus and with the opportunity to take on the Man O’War and win Dufresne risks it all by officially putting the charge to Flint in front of the men. Flint is determined to open fire on the Man O’War and even a bullet from Dufresne won’t stop him – thanks to a little help from Silver.

The Walrus is wrecked on the closest island, when an unconcious Flint comes around Silver and Dufresne take him to the other side of the island where the Urca and it’s incredible cargo has also been wrecked…

It’s a totally brilliant closing half hour, Flint is left with no choice but to continue, but in ends it costing him everything. It’s brilliantly realised too. The moment when the Man O’War is able to turn and bring it’s guns to bear on the Walrus is mesmerising and devastating.

classic quote
“Time and again he gambles with our lives, that is when he’s not taking them in cold blood.”

production details
USA / Starz / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 15 March 2014

Writers: Michael Angeli / Director: Marc Munden

Series: Black Sails Season 1 Episode 8

cast
Toby Stephens as Captain Flint
Hannah New as Eleanor Guthrie
Luke Arnold as John Silver
Jessica Parker Kennedy as Max
Zach McGowan as Captain Charles Vane
Toby Schmitz as Rackham
Clara Paget as Anne Bonny
Mark Ryan as Gates
Hakeem Kae-Kazim as Mr. Scott
Sean Cameron Michael as Richard Guthrie
Louise Barnes as Miranda Barlow
Jeremy Crutchley as Morley
Patrick Lyster as Captain Benjamin Hornigold
Lawrence Joffe as Randal
Jannes Eiselen as Dufresne
Lise Slabber as Idelle
David Butler as Frasier
Dylan Skews as Logan
Karl Thaning as O’Malley
Winston Chong as Joji
Fiona Ramsay as Mrs. Mapleton
Patrick Lyster as Captain Benjamin Hornigold
Richard Lukunku as Joshua
Alistair Moulton Black as Dr. Howell
Richard Wright-Firth as Muldoon
John Herbert as Captain Lawrence
Graham Weir as Captain Naft
Alberto Nicolo’ as Spanish Officer