Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the HBO show Our Flag Means Death.
The first season of HBO's gut-busting new show, Our Flag Means Death, introduced fans to a lovable crew of wacky pirates, with Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard being at the center of it all. The surprisingly complex narrative and shocking conclusion of the period romcom have left fans with some burning questions that future episodes will hopefully address.
From Jim's revenge against the Siete Gallos to Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet's uncertain futures, there are a number of storylines the series has left unresolved. As viewers eagerly wait for details about a potential second season, it's the best time to think about these unanswered questions that have prompted fans to discuss and debate their own theories across various online platforms.
Will The British Still Go After The Revenge?
Following the gruesome death of Captain Nigel Badminton, the British empire allows his twin brother, Captain Chauncey, to use the full force of the royal navy to pursue Stede on the Revenge. Fans already know this still ends badly for Chauncey later, who suffers a similar fate thanks to Stede's blind luck.
With two servants of the crown dead and Stede and Blackbeard clearly violating their contracts to serve the empire, it's possible that British officers will once again chase the pirates in season 2. After all, they would only have to track down the Revenge to find Ed or Stede.
Will Oluwande Ever Get His Shot At Being The Captain?
A moment in the first season highlights how Oluwande is more than another crew member, as his fellow pirates consider him worthy of becoming a captain. When both Blackbeard and Stede aren't available to "co-captain" the Revenge, Izzy Hands quickly assumes control, much to the disappointment of the crew.
In the secret meeting they hold, Oluwande proves that he's the most capable of leading them since, as Buttons eloquently puts it, "the only good captains are the ones that hate being captains." His reign is short-lived, though, as Ed is back on board even before Oluwande completes his first official act as captain – throwing Izzy overboard. Some fans are likely wondering if he'll ever get a leadership role again, as he could actually be a fair and strong leader of his own ship.
Is Jim Still Going After The Rest Of The Siete Gallos?
Jim Jimenez has one of the most tragic story arcs on the show, as viewers now know the trauma that the pirate has been carrying since childhood. The entire Jimenez family was wiped out by the ruthless Siete Gallos, which prompted Jim to live with the nun, Nana, who taught trained the pirate and reminded them to one day seek revenge.
Jim confesses to Spanish Jackie that two of the seven members of the gang are already dead before asking for information about the remaining killers and their leader. Jackie explains to Jim that holding onto hatred isn't a good thing and before viewers know it, the pirate is back on the Revenge. Does this mean Jim has abandoned Nana's mission, or is there a bigger plan for the storyline?
Can Buttons Really Talk To Birds?
Buttons' vague but hilarious quotes almost always have a touch of magical realism, as he seems to be the only one on the Revenge who can communicate with birds, specifically with Karl the pigeon and (presumably) his wife, Livy.
The series even goes as far as adding subtitles to his interactions with Livy, who seems to follow Buttons' instructions about sabotaging Calico Jack to avenge Karl's untimely death. This could all be a figment of the pirate's imagination, but fans won't know for sure until the series confirms it.
How Is Stede Bonnet Going To Save His Crew?
After being deserted by Blackbeard and left to die on a tiny island, Oluwande is overjoyed when he spots Stede on a tiny boat going towards them. It's a hopeful scene until fans consider how the island is in the middle of the sea, and Stede's small vessel can only carry so many of the starving and dehydrated crew members.
Stede is definitely a smart character, but it's not clear how he'll get the pirates out of this one. There's also the issue of the Revenge being gone, so he'll have to find a new ship or devise a plan to catch up with his old one.
Is Lucius Really Dead?
Lucius has rightly become a fan favorite, as the Revenge's scribe and self-proclaimed expert at breakups always seems to know exactly what to say at the right time. He even gives Ed insightful advice during his darkest moments, which is unfortunately not effective enough to counteract Izzy's influence.
The last time fans see Lucius, he's excitedly telling Blackbeard all about the talent show the crew is planning. The captain is not entertained, however, and doesn't hesitate to throw Lucius overboard. Since viewers don't really see him drown, could there be a chance he's still alive? Or was that truly the end for the lovable character?
Why Did Blackbeard Want Jim To Stay On The Ship?
Taika Waititi's Blackbeard goes back to his character's original persona after his breakup with Stede and intense conversation with Izzy. He makes a few key decisions after the change, with the first being to abandon the majority of the crew on an island, and the second to keep a few key members.
He explains why he wants Frenchie to stay onboard, as he's good at sewing. It's not clear why he wants Jim there, though, and even more confusing why Jim has to be restrained and locked up, unlike Frenchie. There's no telling what his plans are for the pirate, but knowing Blackbeard, it's likely nothing Jim should look forward to.
Will Edward Teach (Blackbeard) and Stede Bonnet Get Back Together?
Undoubtedly the biggest question on every fan's mind – will Ed and Stede find their way back to each other? The adorable couple's journey together had only just begun before Stede decided to run away and go back to his old life with Mary, leaving Ed waiting for him by the boat they were supposed to take to leave together and start over.
The heartbreaking scene and Ed's devastating reaction have left many viewers wondering how Blackbeard will react to Stede coming back into his life. There's bound to be a huge confrontation and understandable hesitation on Ed's part, who likely feels betrayed and abandoned. Fans will have to wait and see if the couple can overcome this in a potential second season.