A Damned Man (2022) User Reviews (62)

Some men are not built for adventure.......Stede is.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 13 January 2023]

Stede tells the crew a story, and with nobody at the wheel, the ship lands up in an unexpectedly place.

I am enjoying this show, it is wonderfully off the wall, incredibly zany, and just plain bonkers. It's nice to have a show on that's just a little bit silly, everything's is just so serious lately.

This was funny, unconventionally funny, buy a show the whole family enjoyed. I just love Stede, he's a cracking character.

I wondered if we were going to see any more of The Good Captain, Rory Kinnear was too good to write off after just one episode, I loved the way he returned.

Jim became a whole lot more interesting, that was a fun moment, Con O'Neill was really amusing as Izzy Hands, he really did look the part too.

8/10.

Episode 2

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 20 March 2022]

Really starting to get into the show. Some of the supporting cast is questionable, but they have the right lead and they're doing a good job trying to make the idea of the pirate ship matter and not just have this be an office place sitcom that happens to be set 300 years ago.

Who's steering the ship?

[magicalmrmistofelees · 8/10 · 4 October 2023]

I love, in particular, the way in which episode two introduces conflict. We know that there is internal conflict on Bonnet's part from the end of episode 1, but when this conflict becomes personified as the ghost of Nigel Badminton, we are gifted a one-two punch of humor and character growth that is so unexpectedly brilliant I cannot help but regard it as my favorite choice in this episode.

Of course, we also get the introduction of Izzy Hands, first mate of renowned pirate captain Blackbeard, whose apparent interest in Bonnet and his crew has us wondering where, exactly, this show is taking us...

Splendid

[glshopping · 10/10 · 31 May 2022]

A great episode! We see Stede making more mistakes, and how certain members of the crew consistently try to help him. The crew members' interpersonal relationships are also coming through. We are introduced to some new characters, it's witty with an air of mystery. As always it's hilariously and cleverly done.

Vacation time!

[annabaldwin-72844 · 10/10 · 17 September 2023]

A wonderful second episode that builds upon the foundations of the pilot, showing how our crew react when they wash ashore on a beach.

Again, Darby's comedic instincts are spot on, and the dynamic between Stede, Oluwande and Black Pete are a particular favourite.

We get introduced to more important characters and can see where the season may be heading.

Also, a very refreshing take on island natives, making fun of the racist tropes often seen in their media portrayal. The guest stars again are great and given their chance to shine.

A wonderful episode with some of my favourite lines and moments!

A bit better

[Joshumms · 6/10 · 3 March 2022]

Funnier and ramping up a bit. Stede is a great character and the wackiness is fun. I guess the show just isn't fully clicking with me even though I love Taika Waititi's other stuff, but I'll have to see where this goes.

This is the episode I truly fell in love with this show

[polagmaj · 10/10 · 15 September 2023]

This is the episode I truly fell in love with this show.

It is funny, it is witty, and full of excellent acting. Special shout out to Rory Kinnear, who steals a lot of scenes.

We get the beginnings of background stories for some of our pirates. We get to meet some other relevant characters. We get the sword fight of sorts.

Stede Bonnet the gentle man and the pirate is overcoming his crisis in a most comedic way but without being the ridicule. The crew of the Revenge gets to cooperate and learn even if some of it might not soak in.

It is excellent storytelling and lots of humor that defines this show.

A Damned Man

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 23 April 2023]

After re-establishing his supremacy. Captain Stede Bonnet is now haunted by the figure of Captain Badminton.

Murder ain't easy. Getting over committing the act of murder is even harder.

When the ship runs aground what looks like a deserted island. Captain Stede tells his crew to have a vacation.

Only for the two prisoners they had from Badminton's ship escape.

The island is inhabited by natives who distrust pale skins.

Izzy Hands (Con O'Neill) is from a rival pirate ship who takes some of Bonnet's men and prisoners.

The second episode had a more surer touch. It still deals with Captain Stede various issues as a novice pirate. It also continues with the side plots such as Jim being caught swimming in the sea.

It also got the basics right, almost gallows humour. Chief Mabo reflecting that native tribes were repeatedly tricked by their conquerors and they never learned from it.

Wait... who's steering the ship?

[snarkin-49989 · 10/10 · 16 September 2023]

This is both a workplace comedy and a found family story, and we get a solid basis for both in this episode. Stede's relationship to his crew (or lack thereof) becomes a little clearer, as we get to know the crew a little better, too. Episode 2 is a side quest, but it shows us what this crew of imbeciles is capable of, and just how far they have to go.

Stede meets Izzy Hands for the first time in this episode, and the scene does not disappoint. Con O'Neill plays the character very close to the vest, but he is positively bursting with potential -- though for what exactly, it's unclear.

Wonderful cameo by Gary Farmer in this one, too.

Pirate vacation time!

[givemebaretrees · 10/10 · 16 September 2023]

This is another episode that is definitely setting up the future of the show--of course Stede immediately leaps to having everyone go on vacation, he's still afraid of what "being a pirate" means at this point (as evidenced by the Badminton flashbacks and his fear of violence). However, he finds himself in a duel with a real pirate unexpectedly and outwits him, in a HILARIOUS scene with Con O'Neill as Izzy Hands. Guz Khan also merits a mention for stealing the scene with some hilarious line delivery as Ivan in the background of the fight. Also, the ship running aground and Izzy complaining about it is a nice historical nod to when that actually happened to the real Israel Hands.

The overall silliness of the show is just as delightful this episode, and it balances well between Stede's anxiety and the rest of the characters not understanding why he's upset. We also get introduced to the B-plot of Jim and Oluwande's relationship, which was a very delightful surprise the first time I watched this show.

The structure of the show starts to come together a little bit more, and of course the ensemble comedy continues to be really fun.

Funny and moving, both!

[denizb33 · 10/10 · 2 October 2023]

This show doesn't miss at blending humour with romantic and dramatic moments. Stede Bonnet's backstory and motivations come through clearly, and each member of the crew receives due attention/on-screen time. The slowly deepening relationships between the crew members are very well presented -- and with the other crew as well (even better on a rewatch, when the viewer knows whose crew it is). Once again, the musical choices blend perfectly. Each time I rewatch it, including based on comments from other fans, I notice new and intriguing moments and interactions -- and various titbits (the initials in the heart on the rock face!)!

Hilarious and adventurous fun

[erinsdodge · 10/10 · 16 September 2023]

An action packed and hilarious caper, the second episode of the series is such a FUN and satisfying adventure for those of us who love a good time swashbuckling and Odysseus-like outsmarting of stronger-than-you foes.

In "A Damned Man," Stede deals with the fallout from episode 1, while (as always) trying to prove himself as a pirate captain to his dubious crew.

Our Flag Means Death establishes its anti-colonial and anti-racist point of view, deftly subvert common racist tropes common in other, similar Adventure/Pirate Genre stories.

This episode contains some of my favorite back-and-forth banter between the crew members, who are constantly arguing about what "Real Pirates" do or don't do...

And we see the chain of events begin which will lead to the heart of the story.

They had it coming...they only had themselves to blame

[penniellington · 10/10 · 15 September 2023]

Ok, look. It's not entirely Stede's fault he got captured by the indigenous islanders. Well, okay, maybe he shouldn't have run his ship aground and then told his crew to take a vacation. Like Dowager Countess Violet was quick to say, "What is a weekend?"

I mean, Roach just wanted to torture the prisoners lightly, and was nice enough to let them have some privacy to pee in the jungle. How was he to know they'd run off?

And Izzy really had no right to just go and steal them out from under Stede! That just isn't done!

Glimpses of Blackbeard make this episode a delight. You know he's crazy and badass...and fascinated by Stede.

Eps get better and better as they go.

Oh Stede

[vthompsett · 10/10 · 2 October 2023]

Oh Stede, you wally. Although there are suggestions that the series only starts to pick up once Blackbeard arrives, I'd have to disagree. This episode combines psychology, comedy and gentle drama in order to make a rich, engaging narrative. I love that the issue of colonialism is addressed and not just swept under the rug in order to keep having fun: it's faced up to and acknowledged, and Stede and Pete are challenged in their thinking. Also love that Oluwande gets a pina colada! Huge props to Rory Kinnear, too, as the ghost/hallucination that won't quit. Already so many quotable lines from this episode, including 'what's a vacation?' and Izzy carving his name into Stede's shirt.

Honestly so funny, omg

[cathycherry-86004 · 10/10 · 16 September 2023]

This episode is a banger. It's full of flirty swordplay, punch-up at colonizers humor, a wonderful expanded cast of indigenous talent, and as always, is the introduction of the ever charming Con O'Neil.

Watching Stede start to come into his own as a pirate captain (and a man) is so lovely to watch.

And that first glimpse of blackbeard!? *chefskiss*

Again, full of hilarious content from the whole cast. Vico Ortiz as Jim is incredible. They really bring Jim to life!

The true talent of this cast starts to shine in this episode and it continues to grow until it is dazzling. A perfect follow up to episode 1!

A weary traveller wandering through

[jamienamine · 10/10 · 4 October 2023]

Though a lot of people consider Our Flag Means Death as a show with a slow start, this episode is actually one of my favorites. Stede is overwhelmed with guilt over leaving his family and spends his time on the island transferring that guilt over to the death of Nigel Badminton. It's amusing to see Stede, who was so horrified by violence in the first episode, clearly not feeling that much guilt over the act of killing itself-everything that he struggles with about Nigel all stems from guilt over other matters, even if he doesn't recognize it at first. Though he is a murderer in only the weakest of senses, his feelings throughout this episode leave a lot of opportunity for him to demonstrate a greater ability to face the horrors of piracy.

The introduction of Izzy Hands is also an exciting plot point, as it demonstrates both Stede's first introduction to the pirate community and his first attempt to truly prove himself with any kind of real attack.

Stede wrestles with his conscience and the crew with ... vacation?

[tedfordmargaret · 10/10 · 26 September 2023]

In this episode we get a deeper insight into Stede's character with the hallucinations of Badminton (wonderfully played by Rory Kinnear, whose line delivery is just hilarious). Rhys Darby's performance as Stede is so full of heart, he makes him so endearing when the character definitely could have been otherwise with poorer casting.

We get some time to see the relationships between the crew as they try to get to grips with the concept of 'vacation' while beached on an island. By the end of the episode I had become so fond of every one of them, which is rare in a ensemble cast.

The chemistry between Samson Kayo's Oluwande and Vico Ortiz's Jim is beautiful, while Ewan Bremner as Buttons is delightfully bizarre.

The addition of Con O'Neill as the perpetually irritated Izzy Hands is brilliant and plays off the silliness of the other characters so well. The dynamic between him and Darby is a joy to watch.

There's so much character development fitted into a short episode and it really sets up what comes after and makes you invested in this crew.

The final scene with Blackbeard's flag is a perfect way to finish the episode and leave you wanting more.

Here come the pirates!

[lizziemh · 10/10 · 18 September 2023]

This is where it all gets going. The pilot is fun, silly and charming but this is where we really start to see the action. The crew are so busy listening to Pete tell stories about Blackbeard (and not believing a word of it) that they manage to run the ship aground on an island. Stede is haunted by the ghost of Nigel Badminton, who has some pointed things to say about his competence at this point. They lose their hostages, some of them get captured by the islanders and put on trial, and then they encounter some real, actual pirates for the first time, who have bought the hostages from the islanders. Stede, along with Pete and Oluwande, manage to stage an ambush. It's a ludicrous ambush, but somehow it works and they manage to retrieve one hostage, despite their close encounter with one Izzy Hands (the superb Con O'Neill, with one of his very best performances). The episode is fun, funny and full of great characters!

Enthralling.

[brotherfckin · 10/10 · 15 September 2023]

In this episode, another cornerstone of the show's plot is revealed alongside the English Navy: Blackbeard.

The cinematography paints him as an enigmatic legend, something of folklore, and the crew are so absorbed with the tall tale that more humor ensues after they run aground. You get a great look at the piratical ruggedness of Stede's crew juxtaposed with Stede himself, still with an aversion to violence even after his mishap in the last episode, It does a beautiful job navigating Stede's guilt, and where its true source lies, and you can't help but fall in love with not just him, but all of the characters. Gus Khan, David Fane, and Con O'Neill also debut in this episode, and their characters offer a view of what 'real' pirates look like as opposed to Stede's crew. Stede is even able to let go of some of the weight he's carrying.

Episode 2

[Encaitare · 10/10 · 16 September 2023]

In episode 2, Stede Bonnet's inept captaincy continues. When the Revenge runs aground on an island, Stede offers his crew a vacation. They've never heard of such a thing, and Stede is quickly captured by the island's natives, who aren't sure whether he constitutes a threat or not. He continues to be haunted by guilty visions about his past actions and his own inadequacy.

This episode also introduces the first "real" pirates of the series, Blackbeard's crew. Con O'Neill, Guz Khan, and David Fane are leather-clad and foreboding, and Blackbeard's ship is festooned with spikes and skulls. Badass!

In for a ride

[feuerkindjana · 10/10 · 27 September 2023]

It seems Stede has a lot do deal with and there is a lot foreshadowing going on. His guilty conscience may be a rest for now but not for long. He struggles with many things and only time will tell where that leads.

I love how the show deals with queerness. It's all just so natural, doesn't really matter and doesn't need discussion. It just is.

The way any hint of racism gets called out immediately is refreshing and not something I've seen a lot on tv.

I also love how we learn bit by bit something about the crew, their backgrounds or characteristics. Buttons my beloved weirdo, you are a constant surprise and comedy gold.

A damned good episode

[rayintheshadows · 10/10 · 4 October 2023]

'A damned man' keeps the pirate adventure sailing smoothly, delivering another dose of heartwarming moments. This series continues to impress with its blend of wit, charm, and eccentric characters.

Rhys Darby's portrayal of Stede Bonnet continues to shine as he navigates the rough seas of piracy with delightful ineptitude. His interactions with the crew, especially the enigmatic Blackbeard (played by Taika Waititi), are nothing short of comedic gold. Waititi's charismatic and unpredictable performance as the infamous pirate captain adds a layer of complexity to the series.

The character development in this episode is noteworthy, as we get to know the quirky crew members on a deeper level. Each member has their quirks and backstories, making them endearing and relatable in their own right.

There's clever one-liners and absurd situations that will have you laughing out loud. Yet, underneath the humor lies a message of friendship and self-discovery, which gives the show a surprising depth.

As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that this pirate adventure isn't just about the quest for treasure but the journey of self-discovery and the bonds formed on the high seas.

If you enjoyed the first episode, you'll be thrilled with the direction this series is heading.

These men are idiots in the best way

[magickcrab · 10/10 · 4 October 2023]

What do you do with captive british soldiers??

Well the crew definitely has their plans while sweet innocent Stede plans to give them a more gentle approach.

Button and Roachs attempts to either eat the soldiers or just beat them are always comedic moments for me as they fit into the typical media out look on pirates.

Roach allowing captives to "go for a pee" always helps remind us that none of this crew are ready to be proper pirates but they are trying trully they are.

The commentary on white men killing the native people gives the perfect glimpse at the real world while still keeping to the comedy of the show.

The other big selling point of episode two for me is you meat Izzy Hands the first mate of blackbeards crew along with his boys Ivan and Fang. A lovely trio that you will want more of as the season goes on!

Introduction and Representation

[lopezalyssa-30748 · 10/10 · 3 October 2023]

In this episode, Stede and his crew accidentally run their ship aground on a small island. This leads to them being found by a tribe of native islands and another group of pirates lead by Izzy Hands, a character who will later propel the shows plot forward.

Throughout the episode, Stede is haunted by a hallucination of Nigel Badminton, a navy officer accidentally killed last episode. Stede is haunted by him because he feels guilty for his death and I think that feelings of guilt and PTSD were accurately betrayed in this episode in terms of being unable to forget what happened.

The native tribe that finds the pirates are accurately depicted in terms of costumes, from their masks to the headdresses of the tribe elders and their chief. I hope more directors, writers, and designers in the future will see this representation and get inspired to depict native tribes as accurately as possible.

such a funny development of so many characters

[mackenzieijams · 10/10 · 27 September 2023]

In this episode we meet izzy hands, fang, and ivan. We get to know pete and oluwande. We meet some extremely fun guest characters. We see more of buttons, lucius, roach, jim, frenchie and wee john! We get development of stede's background and his relationship with himself via badminton's ghost! There's even some lovable lines from officer hornberry's stockholm syndrome.

You can tell from this episode that there is an indigenous perspective on the production team. The costuming and dialogue is well done.

And of course, the establishing scene between izzy and stede is unforgettable. The intrigue building to the introduction of blackbeard mounts at a delicious pace in this episode.