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Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated Black Sails - Season 1 in TV

May 30, 2017

Black Sails - Season 1

2014 | Adventure, Drama

7.2

(5 Ratings)

TV Season Rating

Great Cast (3 more)

Brilliant Action

Great Drama

Very Accurate (thought not 100%)

Game of Thrones with Pirates

I was unawares during my first initial viewing of this show that this was in fact a prequel of sorts to the famous classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island. Though I knew that I had heard the names Flint and John Silver among others. However, I must admit, I have never seen, nor read any adaptation of the classic (I know shameful) but I intend to as it is in my collection of books and has been for years. I collected the 'Golden Library' collection which contains nearly all of the most classic books that are must reads for any book worm, and though I do not claim to be a book worm nor a large reader of any kind, I take interest in anything to do with Pirates, Vikings, and most historical fiction.

This show is a great representation of the life and time of Piracy however, and I can review it from a point of view of someone who knows quite a bit about the golden age of piracy in actual historical facts. Unlike the previous pirate content I reviewed, Blackbeard, this show portrays pirates as scarred, dirty, bloody, and frightening in their own way. However, similar to the Blackbeard short series, the pirates and other characters all have near perfect teeth. It seems to be that only (in what I have seen anyways) the Pirate's of the Caribbean franchise has managed to nail the full historical accuracy of the look of a pirate from clothing, to makeup, to the teeth.

On the other hand, this does not cause much of a disturbance to the viewing of this show, because the drama is brilliant, if you can bare the somewhat slow plot lines unfold as there are many characters in this show, and each have a ship full of issues that all need resolving with very few of them actually being resolved. From love interests, to thievery, betrayal and all round general opposition between old allies and acquaintances. There is a lot of 'business' to deal with on the side of Eleanor Guthrie and her dealings with our main protagonists, among other important characters, some of which are based upon historical figures such as Captain Benjamin Hornigold, Charles Vane, Anne Bonny and Jack Rackham (known throughout history as Calico Jack). All portrayed as tough, cunning and sometimes (most times for Rackham) as humerous.

The production of this show is great, with beautiful sets, great looking props and special effects that make this a believable series to get lost in. It's one of the better pirate themed mediums that I have seen, and I personally really enjoy the drama and suspense of the episodes, as well as the twists and turns of certain scenario's which leave you wanting more.

The cast deliver great performances and make you believe that they are truly men or women to be feared, and not to be double crossed. From Charles Vane's tough exterior, to Eleanor Guthrie's power over trade in Nassau, and even Captain Flint's fear inducing presence, as we watch his secrets spill out into the hands of the wrong people.

This is a show I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the theme of pirates, with some fantasy and a lot of drama, but I should warn you, that it doesn't hold back with neither the nudity or the actions performed, during the state in which someone would be naked. Whether it's the whores in the brothel, or the few short term relationships between characters.

Minor Spoilers - nothing too important.

The first example you see of this extent of mature content, as well as some of the humour of this show, is when John Silver is taken into a whore house, and is told that 'Blackbeard' wishes to see him. When he enters, he finds a woman standing there, and as John Silver points out "You are not Blackbeard" only to discover that the beard, is revealed to be between her legs.

As I said, watch at your own risk but I would recommend it to anyone interested in the theme of Pirates during the Golden Age.

Kudos

A Captain's Duty

Richard Phillips

(0 Ratings) Rate It

Book

8th April 2009 was just an ordinary day for 53 -year-old Richard Phillips, captain of the United...

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2631 KP) rated Deadweather and Sunrise (The Chronicles of Egg, #1) in Books

Mar 9, 2018

When Egbert "Egg" Masterson leaves the family island unexpectedly, he never expects to find himself on his own and fighting to stay alive. Can he evade those who are after him long enough to find out why they want him dead?

This is an inventive middle grade series. It's not our world but not fantasy either, and I had no problem jumping into that world. There's lots of action for guys with Egg always on the run from killers and pirates. Definitely planning on reading the next one myself soon.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-deadweather-and-sunrise-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2631 KP) rated Blue Sea Burning (The Chronicles of Egg #3) in Books

Mar 9, 2018

The final book in this middle grade trilogy finds Egg struggling to find a way to bring down his arch nemesis, greedy slave trader Roger Pembroke. With pirates, sea battles, and romantic complications, he'll have his hands full trying to do it.

The series goes out with the same fast action and wonderful characters I've been enjoying the entire way through. The humor scattered throughout helps as well. All three books are highly recommended for kids and adults. Just be sure to read them in order.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/04/book-review-blue-sea-burning-by-geoff.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.