First episode or two are a bit too arch/twee in tone, but the cast keep it watchable. Then their chemistry deepens as it goes along, and the show finally blossoms when Blackbeard fully enters the picture. Second half of season feels like the show finds itself in full, so continuously fun and inventive. And that penultimate episode is just flat-out great; the season has been building to that point all along, but I still haven't expected to feel knocked out by how real, sad, and romantic the whole episode is. Damn.

Finally gave it a try and I am not disappointed. I am fully invested. Great narrative subversion and such good cliffhangers for the next season. Can't wait for the second season to drop!

[HBO Max] A disappointing foray into the pirate genre by the usually successful Taika Waititi that feels spotty, sometimes too silly, sometimes too boring. And although it manages to include some notable cameos like Rory Kinnear and directors like Fernando Frías and Nacho Vigalondo, none take advantage of superficial characters and flimsy scripts.

Great first season, great cast, great writing and great production. Taika has been my number one and never seems to disappoint.