Black Sails has to tack a particularly perilous course. Not only does it act as a prequel for Treasure Island, but it also weaves in a number of real historical characters from the Golden Age of Piracy.
The series is set approximately two decades before the start of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novel, and centres around two famous pirate monuments – the real port of New Providence Island, and the infamous Captain Flint played by Toby Stephens. The ten episodes of the first season largely focus on the hunt for a Spanish treasure galleon, and introduce the main cast including a number of relative newcomers. Principal among them is Luke Arnold as a young John Silver yet to lose a leg and gain literary infamy, along with Zach McGowan portraying the real Charles Vane.
With producers including Michael Bay, it’s not surprising that the show initially tended to impressive visuals. But it also hinted at deeper stories and character arcs which pay off with the more accomplished second and third series. Most notable is the backstory of the famed Captain Flint, explaining exactly why he seems determined to not only wage war as a pirate, but also aims to bring down the British Empire itself. We’re not alone in attempting to understand Flint – Silver and Billy Bones both need to figure out how to handle their leader, whilst the merchant rulers of the port of Nassau make claim to knowing his character whilst still being surprised by it.
Much like the Wild West, the Golden Age of Piracy was surprisingly brief, considering how it has lived on in history and the imagination. It began with the privateer Henry Every in 1696, and ended by the late 1720s. In addition to references to the founder of piracy, we also see interpretations of ‘Calico’ Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny. The relationship between Rackham (Toby Schmitz) and Bonny (Clara Paget) is one of the high points of the series, as they bicker, fight but remain loyal to each other even in the midst of a love triangle. In reality, it was fellow female pirate Mary Read, but Black Sails has substituted Max, who at a relatively tender age has ascended from prostitute to influential brothel madame and business owner.
It’s not giving too much away to say that other notable pirates make an appearance. One of the most vicious of all pirates, Edward ‘Ned’ Low made an underwhelming appearance in season two, squandering the talents of Tadhg Murphy. But when it comes to the notorious Blackbeard himself, it would be impossible to include Edward Teach without him having an a major impact on the tale. We also see a version of Benjamin Hornigold – notable pirate turned pirate hunter, and witness why he might have made the switch in the context of the fictional series, if not why it happened in reality.
What’s fascinating is how you can see events slowly unfolding towards setting the scene for Treasure Island, and knowing the fate of the historically-based and Stevenson’s fictional characters – whilst also being surprised at the twists and turns of the plot. Some fates are adapted from what is known from historical records, whilst the fictional creations of merchant-governor Eleanor Guthrie, the ascension of Max, and a whole separate world discovered in season three allow things to veer off in unexpected directions. When something does steer back in the direction of Stevenson, it’s an almost welcome return to the familiar. Especially when it’s presented as an almost unnoticeable addition to the crew or a seemingly small decision which only makes sense when you’ve read Stevenson.
If nothing else, it’s more likely to inspire you to read and research the real historical events than the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow. It’s extremely violent in places, as befits the subject. The modern cast are doubtless more aesthetically pleasing than the real prostitutes and villains of the age, but that’s a good thing given the fairly frequent nudity and sex scenes. And it has to be said that the combination of filming in South Africa and CGI do produce some amazingly beautiful and striking scenes.
And the opening credits, featuring an intricate sculpture crafted entirely from digital special effects and a theme by Bear McCreary will definitely transport you to a different time…
Black Sails is available to watch via Amazon Video/Amazon Prime
Black Sails Seasons 1 and 2 are also available on DVD, with Season 3 due for release in September 2016.
Obviously you can take your pick of the different version of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson