Black Sails: Season 1

Oh, I love this show and am quickly due for a rewatch soon! The music, the cinematography! It's beautiful and horrific. There are characters you'll fall in love with and characters who you'll want to rip their hair out strand by strand.Oh, did I mention it's a prequel to Treasure Island?

Black Sails, season one, is rather slow in developing as the introduction of the characters, their development, and their relations are made, as well as establishment of important geographical locales.One “vehicle” overused throughout season one, and which will continue into following seasons are complex plot twists, intrigue and double crossing. Some of this is fine, but the acting is good enough to forego all the chicanery. These practices were also used very liberally in Starzz Spartacus series. The series plays a bit like an 18th century soap opera, but perhaps that’s what keeps the viewer coming back for more.There are plenty of battles, plenty of sex/nudity, and graphic fighting, so viewer be warned. I was intrigued enough to get through the first few episodes, and the series has picked up momentum as it progresses. If one is a fan of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, a number of the characters from Black Sails will be recognized. It is also informative in regard to piracy was not all about buried treasures, but high seas thievery by the pirates, who also required the fencing of their stolen goods taken during their raids. So, in a sense, what we have is 18th century organized crime with all the associated bells and whistles.My advice is, give it a shot.

So I bought Black Sails on a whim, just to give me something to watch when I work out, and this show and series is so much more than cheap entertainment. It truly captures the era of Nassau 1700s, and then it mixes in a whole lot of action and humor to boot. Don't watch with your kids! But do enjoy.

I will start by saying I AM purchasing both Season 1 & 2 of this series. I have also WATCHED all the seasons on Starz. It is interesting to research and cat h small things youay have missed the first time. Plus, I am hoping for fun extras! I read through many other reviews and most point out the plots well, so I am only going to give opinion here.The show is cinematically fantastic. Every episode feels as though you are sitting in a theater ready to watch Capt. Jack Sparrow swash and buckle across the screen -- ONLY BETTER! WAY BETTER, due to well researched historical information. The costumes, sets, and small details are top notch. They have done a marvelous job of casting (both in looks, beauty, and TALENT).After watching, I picked up a copy of Treasure Island just so I could catch some of the little "nods" to that classic. It is intriguing what 20 years might do to a person. I also find myself occupying Google to look up various info on many of the battles and historical figures. Call it a treasure hunt of my own. The writers are clever as they weave fact and fiction, marvelously. As myself, and others, have said the characters are very complex. Many have creative and captivating back stories. In particular, I enjoy some side characters like Ann Bonny, Mr. Scott, and Billy Bones. (Tom Hopper fans will LOVE Billy. He does a wonderful job with the character employing a talent for wit that is a surprise for someone who is often stereo-typed due to his looks. Don't get me wrong NOT complaining about his looks, either!)Finally, I will remind this is STARZ. Nudity and SC abound in the first few episodes to create a bit of a shock value. I admit to being 40 and have seen a few things. So ladies, especially, enjoy a few guilty pleasures. If this isn't your thing, then get through it with a few blushes and an "Oh, my!" because the series story is entirely WORTH IT. I was also a fan of Starz Spartacus if that helps.I am a true fan and already anxiously awaiting Season 4! Hurry up and get here!

I am very much enjoying these episodes. There aren't many films or shows about pirates, so I'm really super glad that Black Sails was created. I love the characters and the pirate-y world. The acting is great, there's a high production value, the sets are gorgeous, and the costumes are fun, although at times a little off (you've heard about the sunglasses I'm sure). It's a fun show! There are some quotes and actions that have me laughing out loud with glee, and moments of dark suspense that keep me on the edge of my seat.But I do have a couple of problems which detract from the enjoyment:1. The lavish use of the F-word. I have no qualms with curses when used effectively, but it is used excessively to the point of it being ridiculous - especially from Eleanor Guthrie, who uses the word like a child who has heard adults using it, and is repeating it without understanding or conviction. It doesn't make her look tough - it makes her look stupid, weak, and unbelievable. But it is also used excessively by most of the characters. It's not even that the F-word wasn't used that way in the 1700's (from all accounts), but that it is just used so many times that it takes me out of the moment and "dumbs down" the dialogue. I am hoping that they give it a break in season 2.2. The gratuitous sex and nudity, which is annoying but has become so present in modern entertainment that I just have to sort of glaze over those scenes. When will the industry realize that sex scenes are not really sexy? Leaving things to the imagination would be much better.That being said, I really like the show and hope to see many future seasons.Edit: And may I send kudos to whoever is responsible for the inclusion of Marcus Aurelius!!

Brilliant! Often described as Game of Thrones on the High Seas. Strong characters, a lot of action, but also a very exciting story. Highly recommend it. Having watched the extras, they spent months building the ships and training the actors to carry out their own stunts. Some episodes are slower than others, but it all builds up to a great story.

Worth the money.

OMG! This is a violent but thrilling ride on the seas! Already in the middle of season 2 - shiver me timbers!!

BLACK SAILS IS THE BEST SERIES OF PIRATES EVER

Love this series, not for those who are easily offended as is fairly realistic of the times it depicts.