Soon, he finds an unlikely ally in the notorious Blackbeard ( Taika Waititi, who also directs), and the two captains strike up a friendship and eventual romance. Who knew that a ragtag pirate comedy would become one of TV's sweetest and smartest examples of queer representation? Our Flag Means Death is a swashbuckling delight, following 'Gentleman Pirate' Stede Bonnet ( Rhys Darby) as he ditches his privileged life on land to seek adventure on the high seas.