Last year's first season of Our Flag Means Death unfurled a big surprise. Made for HBO Max in the US and picked up by the BBC, it was a pirate comedy loosely based on 18th-century pirate history. It starred Kiwi comedy chums Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi as pirate captains Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard. The former was the bored aristocrat-turned-swanky swashbuckler who ran his ship with an oddly empathetic management style. The latter - a rare lead acting role for Waititi, who usually just cameos in his films - was the hirsute psycho of the high seas.
The two were set sailing on a collision course. One was sure to wind up on the end of the other's cutlass ... except well, surprise, they fell not on their swords but for each other.
After a shaky start in which a voluble Darby chewed up too much of the scenery, the left-field love story made the show into something of a gay nautical Blackadder.
Denne historien er fra September 30 - October 6 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra September 30 - October 6 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
