What a great season finale! The writers of this show are masters of setting up the pins, knocking then down and then setting them up for next year.

There were so many great moments that it’s hard to keep track of them all. From the dialog to the non-linear storytelling and the often breathtaking direction and production.

“You, they trust above any of us. Not to betray for money.”

“The irony was not lost on us.”

The night before the battle, Rackham, Flint and Silver are burying the treasure somewhere on hideout island. After Rackham goes to join Anne to handle their part of the plan, we get to watch a brilliant conversation between Flint and Silver that is woven through the entire episode. This night scene contains some of my favorite dialog in the season and touches on some great character growth that sprouts as the battle unfolds. Each section they show is better than the last. I feel dumb for not seeing how much Flint has rubbed off on Silver until it was laid out in front of me.

And then there is the battle! England taking the beach, jungle and fort fights, sea warfare, it’s got it all. Layers of pirate subterfuge to take on a much bigger invading force! Anna Bonny back on the hunt and strutting her stuff!

And then there is the movement led by Billy Bones back at Nassau! The amount of stealthy, smart and daring spy work is only matched by The Americans. The note that plants the seed, the surprise murder and the creation of a new boogyman for England in the place of Vane’s death. The planning that came together is simply delicious.

I love when Rackham is right. His vindication for how smart he is spits in the face of all the people that think he’s nothing but a pine-riding rookie. His time with Blackbeard is some of the best scenes for Rackham. The reflection of how bad he wants to be seen and revered like Blackbeard is fantastic. He’s got the confidence, but nowhere near the experience. Their pasts and futures are tied together because of Charles Vane. As Rackham discusses his new-found trust of Blackbeard with Anne, the only other person he loves and cares for:

“I will say this for him: in recent weeks, among the disturbing number of people who have tried to kill one, or the both of us, he is not among them. If Charles was in some sense a son to him and Charles was in some sense a brother to us, I couldn’t tell you what that makes us to him. But it’s something. Perhaps.”

“Gun crews at the ready!”

“See you on the other side.”

“Always.”

How beautiful is that? And then cannon balls go flying? This show rules.

Silver’s ascension is so cool and artfully done. Along with the parallels of Rackham and Blackbeard, there’s Silver and Madi. His conversation with Madi about her mother, The Maroon Queen, letting her go on the front lines is exemplary:

“She let me go because she knows if we survive this battle today, she will likely need to step aside. And make room for someone better suited to do what must be done.”

“It’s a hard thing to look your successor in the eye and know that their time is nearing while yours is almost through. But as far as successors go, your mother could to far worse.”

Finally, Horigold gets outclassed and the English do a 180 on their redcoats so fast they leave their dumb wigs behind as they flee. Captain Flint proves once more that he his immortal.

“Tell your governor! You tell him that I’m coming!”

The last scene is basically poetry in motion. Max’s narration of reading the note to the shellshocked English. Bone’s narration about the revolution  going after Eleanor as Silver, Rackham, Blackbeard, Madi and Flint sit down at their table. Artful storytelling. I can’t wait for season 4.

…until then I remain. Long John Silver.