#ofmd meta analysis

[follows-the-bees]

Reading Ed's body language in this scene really gives us a lot of insight into what he's feeling.

The little hop is just adorable. And shows that he is still feeling light-hearted even while being guarded with more of the crew around.

His hands are clasped firmly on his belt cause he's still not all the way at ease with the crew. Especially Jim who is arguably the most skilled. They look like a more relaxed position to the outside eye but his hands are still close enough to grab either of his weapons. (This is just like the scene when he introduces himself to the crew in 1x4. One hand is constantly on a weapon, but with Stede, he not only doesn't touch his weapons, but exchanges them with him. He is literally giving Stede his only defenses.)

Ed looks down the whole time. He's already been vulnerable with Lucius, and while he isn't necessarily closed off, he isn't gonna show anyone else that side of him yet.

His jacket being back on is like shucking his armor back on around others — only Stede (and Lucius) get to see (t-shirt) Ed.

Ed also is whispering it because he doesn't want Stede to overhear. Ed just learned that his feelings are returned, and that Steed is doing this for him (how many times do you think that someone has done something for him, with no ulterior motive??) He wants Stede to continue having fun at the moment.

We see previously in this episode how open Ed became when he was with Stede. Even faking not finding something in his beard, so that Stede would touch him.

But once again, he becomes more hesitant, shucking that Blackbeard persona on a little more, while still being open. getting physically close to the crew so that Stede can continue being gleeful.

[follows-the-bees]

I wanna talk about Jim's journey. Their character arc is one of my favorites of the show.

In season one, Jim fits into two very well-trodded tropes and each one is subverted by the end.

First, we have the trope of a person (typically a woman) disguised as a man to go into hiding and also the old wives tale of no women on ships because they bring bad luck. We see some of this attitude through Frenchie's superstitions but the trope is subverted fairly quickly when Jim talks to them about wanting to be just Jim and the crew (and Nana) effortlessly use they pronouns.

OFMD has many, many ties to classic Western tropes and style of filmmaking. And Jim's whole character arc of season one fits the Revenge trope.

They have been trained to be a killer, hardened by life, only open to Olu but even that openness is just a sliver. When Jim is spurred on by Nana to complete that Revenge arc, they fall into it, leaving the safety of the ship, the community built there, from Olu.

But instead of more killing, Jim comes to an understanding with Spanish Jackie. They share a drink (which oftentimes in Westerns ends in a gunfight, unlike the show which starts with a knife fight and ends with communal drinking). Upon hearing that most of the men they are after are likely already dead, Jim decides to put down that knife and instead returns to the aptly named Revenge.

But in perfect subversions of tropes, Jim does choose Revenge, but not the type that eats at your soul and often ends in unhappiness or death. Rather, they are choosing community and softness.

Jim is one of Stede's loudest critics at the beginning of season one; Stede represents the opposite of how Jim was raised and once viewed the world.

But the beginning of season two shows how much Stede's way of piracy has influenced Jim. They no longer are following the Western Revenge storyline, but rather serving as the storyteller to the crew. (A direct parallel to the pilot.)

In fact Jim is reciting that same exact story that Stede told in the pilot. But it is different, darker. And that is because Jim is a different person, and in a different, darker environment at the moment. But invoking those good times that they remember. S1 Jim would have never told a story to try and make a crew member feel better.

We see Jim continue to choose kindness, mercy, grace with several characters. With Izzy, who is a dick but is their dick. And yes, also with Ed, until Ed's plan of suicide by crew now has affected and threatened their lives.

They also seem to be the first to realize what Ed is doing. And they refuse to kill Archie, who was drawn to them because of Jim's hope.

Jim's journey the rest of the season fills me with warmth. They get to be soft, they reunite with Olu, and form the cutest polycule with Olu and Archie. They also intervene and talk to the Pirate Queen about Olu, repairing their status.

The giant smiles on their moustached face during Calypso's Birthday, handing out drinks to the captain and Ed (showing the repaired relationship there), dancing with their lovers, and cheering on Izzy's singing shows how free Jim (and the whole crew) get to be now.

Jim is the embodiment of how Stede has tried to change piracy, of how Stede's effect has created a community.

Jim is the embodiment of the queer joy that this show unabashedly embraces.

[follows-the-bees]

I think it's important to remember that Stede didn't necessarily want to be a pirate. It isn't why he set out to a life at sea.

He is using theatre and stories and the tale of pirates that he read to get what he really wants:

A community.

He has never fit in his entire life and he left to find it (in his own unique way.) And he does! And he changes the people around him! He receives and gives love (in all forms) and acceptance, and a queer community that allows him to grow and become his true self.

Like Pinocchio, like Ed with Blackbeard/Kraken, like so many allegories of storytelling used in this show, piracy is just a vehicle and not the endgame.

Being a pirate was never the endgame. (Which is why Stede is not leaving piracy at the end.) Community and acceptance, a life worth living, that is the end goal.

[follows-the-bees]

Captain Frenchie!

I started writing a few observations in this post about small moments leading to Frenchie being captain. But it's time to do a whole thread!

Season One

We see Frenchie take a leadership role as early as episode two. He brings up the hostages and prompts Stede about doing something with them.

This is also the first example of Frenchie trying to raise the mood of the ship.

Of course the biggest one in this season is everything around the French dinner party. Frenchie is the one who finds the letter and presents it to the captains. Invited along by Ed, the two of them connect (leading the way to Frenchie being chosen to stay on the ship and also to be Ed's first mate.)

We see Frenchie's smarts and skills with the pyramid scheme and then utilizing his newfound deal with Abshir to get the information needed about the party-goers for Stede's passive aggression game. The only real background we have about Frenchie is that he worked in service. We also see his hospitality when he gives all of their money from the pyramid scheme to Abshir and Co.

The second half of the season has more little moments: Frenchie trying to get rid of the journal to protect Stede, not confessing to the piracy on board, etc. Go Frenchie!

Season Two

Frenchie's made first mate and this continues throughout the entire season. Fang has been with Ed for twenty years and he could have easily been given the rolle, but that's not what happens. Ed and Frenchie connected previously and when Frenchie is given this role, we still see Ed try to connect to him, but still doesn't let him see him too vulnerable: during the impossible birds speech Ed never turns around to let Frenchie see his tears.

When all the crew is reunited and standing around with blankets and soup. Stede is trying to get an answer of what happened with Ed, and all of them are evading the question. Stede can choose to ask any of them — Jim, Black Pete, Fang, and to a lesser degree Archie or Izzy — this question, but he specifically calls out Frenchie.

Frenchie leads or is a major part of four different crew talks this season.

First in Red Flags, they talk about Ed "getting better."

Then when the crew get back together in 2x4, while they all have their weapons drawn on each other, Frenchie brings up their arms and legs being tired, that along with Olu mentioning there might be a middle ground makes the crew put down their weapons and start talking to each other.

When Ed is voted off the ship at the beginning of 2x4, Frenchie is the one who delivers the news of how the crew voted.

Fourth, while the crew is talking in 2x6 about being bored, it is Frenchie who suggests that they throw a party. Another incident of Frenchie trying to raise the mood of the ship. He (and Jim) are the ones who go to the captains with the idea.

Last but not least, the numerous various moments in the finale.

While everyone else is getting dressed for the fuckery, Frenchie is on the steps, gun out Charlie Angels style, serving as lookout. He's on guard duty while everyone else is vulnerable.

During the big run across the beach to the dinghys, Frenchie spends the entire time looking around, making sure everyone is there. He goes back and help Ed carry the injured Izzy.

Go Frenchie part two!

Last but not least, Frenchie also directs part of the crew during this stage of the fuckery.

Overall, Frenchie is a smart, resourceful, and caring person and I love him and think he'll do amazingly at being Captain!

(I might be missing some moments but these were the ones that stood out.)

[follows-the-bees]

Ed's eyes close twice in only a matter of seconds. First when the officers tie his hands behind his back, it's a small glimpse of pain that he pushes back.

Second when he's talking to Stede, comforting him and confirming that he's there for him. Putting his discomfort to the side in order to make sure Stede is the primary focus.

Stede's eyes are large, always open, like if he blinks, Ed might disappear again. His unabashed "you came back" shows his main focus and his excitement of Ed coming back, after spending a night with Ed far from his mind due to the telescope.

And Ed continues offering comfort and himself to Stede in this moment. They ignore everyone around them, only have eyes for each other. Unable to touch him with his hands, give his usual *pat pat* Ed offers a foot, which Stede immediately accepts, moving his leg over on top of Ed's. For a few short moments, it's only them, even in a sea of violence and oppression.

I love that this is paralleled in 2x8, when they completely ignore all the violence around them and instead only focus on each other. They are reunited after Ed leaves "never left" but this time, they get to fight back against their oppressors. And they get to embrace, kiss, declare their love for each other.

[follows-the-bees]

Cinematography of light beams on Ed

The show never shies away from showing beams of almost overexposed light. The entire pilot Stede is shot with this lighting, along with lens flares. This lighting feels ethereal, otherworldly, and it's primarily used to emphasize the "fantasy" of the situation. The build up of what piracy is in Stede's mind - before reality sinks in.

I wanna point out the light around Ed in 2x5, Curse of the Seafaring Life.

After having the conversation with Stede in the hallway, both encouraging Stede to get the confidence of being a captain back again, and Stede giving Ed suggestions of repentance to the crew. (Sidenote: I know the cat bell and rice sack are hot and bring out sub!Ed, but have we considered the Catholic undertones of repentance this outfit can symbolize?)

As Ed leaves, on his way to enact the orders his captain gave him, the sun shines in large bright beams through the door. Ed walks right into that light, symbolizing the transition of Ed from the Kraken to just being Ed and making it up to the crew. Light has been used, particularly between Ed and Stede, to represent hope and love.

Gif source: @startreklesbian

After fixing the door latch - his first act - Ed offers Lucius an eye-for-an-eye approach. The sun still shines brightly behind Ed, flooding him with the repentance he's attempting.

This moment, particularly Ed falling off the ship is funny, but ultimately is not what was truly needed for Lucius to fully heal. Nor is it what Ed needs to do.

Gif source: @startreklesbian

When Ed really starts down the path of looking inward, of sitting with himself, he isn't in the light beams of earlier. He is in a greyish cloudy overcast reflecting his mindset and cloudy memory of the past (knife parade). He truly reflects on himself, starts to grow, and talks with Fang, the crew member he's been with the longest under realistic lighting. This is when he truly grows and learns how others think of the situation. Gets forgiveness of Fang "we're sweet" and gets to look inward at himself. The true healing journey moment - not the performing one of Lucius. ( He was really trying with Lucius, but it isn't what either of them needed.)

Bonus: The sun shining at the end, with hope and love of the future on the horizon, reflected in Ed's face. We also get to see that soft, shy smile that he makes at Stede after the "I love everything about you" speech.

This same lighting is used at the end of the first season when Stede goes back to sea. As he stands on the beach in simpler clothes and hair style, ready to get his crew, man, and new life back.

Double bonus: Shooting up on Ed makes him look menacing, powerful. The light behind him while he's wearing dark clothes shows the dark cloud over his thoughts/mood and the brightness of the past/hope is in the background.

[follows-the-bees]

I wanted to expand on @o-wild-west-wind post (read it here!) but felt like it was too long to just add on.

Ed and strangulation of/after father-figures threatening him

The first two times we see Ed actually evoking physical violence on someone in S1 it's no coincidence it's to his father (-like figures) that are actively threatening him and his loved ones.

And then when we see him strangle someone else, it's a British officer (and this is again right after another father-like figure, Pop-Pop, brings up all of Ed's father issues) and when Ed disassociates at seeing the blown up ships and possibly Stede and his family dead. It is also framed the same as when Ed kills his father, he is behind the officer and using another item as the catalyst.

It is also interesting how he "escalates" the violence. First, he uses the British officers own catalyst for violence against him — the musket. A perfect nod to what Stede does with Ned, using his instrument of torture, the violin, as a means to his death).

Ed then uses his own hand to kill the officers that are reading his love letter from Stede. One of Ed's hands holds love and acceptance and the other provokes violence that is only used to protect said love and acceptance.

The other violence evoked in S1 (and S2 - not including shooting the already dying man in ep1) is to Izzy: the toe cutting. Mentioned first by Calico Jack as "fun" about Hornigold, the violent father-figure who trained Blackbeard in how to be a pirate and a pirate captain.

Next, we have Ed in the gravy basket, and the multiple increasingly funny ways of killing Hornighost. But that first one is, you guessed it, strangulation. Right after Hornighost brings up Ed's deepest secret, strangling his own father. But unlike with his father, Ed is facing Hornigold.

Ed's violence on this show is very specific and calculated. That's because Ed is not a violent person at his core. He is forced into violence to protect himself and his loved ones. He only provokes violence on the older white, father-figures after being threatened. His motivation is the same, protection, but the target expands from personal father-figures to the whole industry of the British officers/white colonization.

At the end of S2, Ed learns to embrace all sides of himself, the Kraken, Blackbeard, Ed. The soft and loving, and the having to use violence to protect for love that he has tried to separate like a different identity. Instead he learns to embrace all of it, all of himself. All for love and acceptance, both from others and himself.

[follows-the-bees]

"Did everybody get cake?"

This small line tells us something important.

It is a parallel to the end of S1, where we see Ed turn into the Kraken, seemingly losing all feelings, only for the last shot to be him crying alone in the bed nook. This moment shows the audience that Ed is still in there.

In a previous scene, we see the crew raid the wedding, with full-on dead eyes, nine-guns Devil Pyrate Blackbeard leading the way — first time we see him shooting someone — before retreating back to his cabin.

And Izzy's reaction is the opposite; he was happy last season getting Blackbeard back, but now he looks physically and emotionally exhausted, his voice low as he affirms that yes, everybody got cake.

It's been months between these two scenes, but we can gather everything that has happened in between without having to dive in further. We know they are doing daily raids, that Ed's mental state is much worse, in fact the entire crew's mental and physical states are all affected.

But most importantly, underneath it all, Ed still cares. He makes sure that the crew gets cake. It is a sweet treat, a reward for them.

Ed may be suffering, but that doesn't mean he has lost all feelings or stopped caring about other people, his crew. And this simple line shows us that.