How Our Flag Means Death Challenges Traditional Representation

ANASOFIA GIRARDOT & ZOEY LARSON | MAY 24, 2022 | OPINIONS

Sailing into the hearts of viewers with an underdog introduction in late March, the hit show, “Our Flag Means Death'' has exploded in popularity and is soaring on the charts. Being the most in-demand show for seven weeks and topping what appeared to be undefeatable competitors like Marvel’s “Moon Knight” on Disney+, the niche hit series has blown expectations away with an ecstatic boom. This uncontained ignition to fame may at first be credited to its cast of acclaimed comedians ranging from SNL familiar Fred Armisen to Oscar-winning Taika Waititi, but it is actually found in an often shunned factor: its great representation. It has especially attracted queer audiences and people of color because of its treatment of both said groups, garnering a large social media response. It challenges traditional representation, earnestly delivering on its queer love stories – yes, plural – and maintaining its comedy while being respectful towards minority groups.

An aspect of the program that has drawn in viewers is its handling of LGBTQ+ characters. Through this show, audiences see queer love stories that are not burdened by traditional coming out stories. While these narratives are important to tell, as coming out is often a big deal in queer peoples’ lives and should be recognized as such, it is also crucial that simple queer love stories are told. “Our Flag Means Death” treats the gay relationships between its characters the same way they would be treated if they were straight ones, a much-needed angle that truly absorbs the viewer into the story and does not capitalize on queer struggles. Instead of basing interpersonal conflicts on homophobia or other forms of bigotry, they are created from other circumstances. This is extremely refreshing to see in media that constantly focuses on heteronormative stories and is a large step in working towards the normalization of queer relationships. With visible chemistry and clear romantic intentions, side characters Black Pete and Lucius’ relationship was naturally developed over the course of the show’s ten episodes, showing viewers one of the mutual gay love stories in which the men are vulnerable with each other and unabashedly affectionate.

Although the show already hooked in viewers by representing a genuine gay romance, it stunned viewers in its ninth episode when another love story became requited with a kiss between Ed and Stede, the main characters. Played by Taika Waititi and Kiwi comedian Rhys Darby, respectively, the two pirate captains turned friends-to-lovers automatically became fan favorites through their endearing friendship. But once they confirmed their status after sharing scenes with undeniable romantic tension, Ed and Stede were cemented as the undeniable icons of the show. Up until this point, “Our Flag Means Death” used all of the tactics that would normally be employed to queerbait audiences – the other characters assuming they were together, sharing romantic meals, being “co-captains,” etc. But, unlike in other television programs that shied away from delivering, they actually followed through on this relationship. Queer viewers are often reluctant to hope for a relationship between two characters of the same gender, especially if one or both is a main character, because of the general trend of these relationships not being realized on-screen and merely existing in fandoms rather than explicitly in the show or movie. After having the popular main characters define the true nature of their relationship though, queer viewers were not only pleasantly suprised, but finally given a voice to candidly represent their experiences.

Beyond relationships, the character of Jim allows for healthy non-binary representation. Jim begins disguised as a man on the ship, and once their deception is revealed, the crew is at first confused about their actual identity. But a few episodes later, everyone is casually and unwaveringly using they/them pronouns for Jim. Having this show of non-binary joy, rather than suffering, is so validating for viewers figuring out their own gender identity because they see someone who is unquestioningly accepted by their community for who they are.

The show’s use of comedy is one that other programs should take notes on. Rather than “punching down” by using minorities as the source of their punchlines, they “punch up” at the racists and colonizers. A lot of programs tend to treat racial minorities and LGBTQ+ characters as comedic elements, making fun of these already disadvantaged groups for laughs. But this kind of comedy simply enforces the notion that these people are not to be taken seriously. On the contrary, “Our Flag Means Death” pokes fun at people like the British Navy and pretentious French aristocrats. They call out those peoples’ racism and classism and punish them for it, allowing the crew to take revenge on these people who have wronged them. That’s where the comedy comes from, not from putting down minorities.