This Is Happening

**This is Happening** is the seventh episode of the first season of *Our Flag Means Death*. It aired on March 17, 2022.

## Synopsis

A trip to St. Augustine reveals more about Jim’s past. Stede leads Blackbeard on an adventure.

## Plot

Complexities arise on the Revenge when it becomes clear that the Swede is suffering from a bad case of scurvy. As a result, Stede and his crew take a trip to St. Augustine to retrieve oranges which they hope will aid in the Swede's recovery.

Jim, however, is reluctant to go ashore when they arrive, but is reluctant to explain to the rest of the crew why they are so hesitant. Nonetheless, Stede buys a treasure map and is accompanied by Blackbeard and Lucius on a treasure hunt. The other pirates and Jim — who they have finally convinced to go ashore — search for oranges to help with the Swede's condition. They eventually happen upon some oranges in a church courtyard, but Black Pete gets a knife thrown at him when he attempts to pick an orange from one of the church trees.

It quickly becomes clear that Jim knows the nuns when they refer to one of them as "Nana". Oluwande soon learns that Jim lived with the nuns after their father was murdered, hence their hesitation to come ashore. The nun taught Jim to use knives and gave them the responsibility of avenging the Jimenez family — Jim admits that they have largely failed in this task, however, having only killed one of the mercenaries responsible.

Meanwhile, elsewhere on the island, Blackbeard becomes agitated on the treasure hunt. Stede tells Lucius that they need to have fun to lighten the mood, and have a cool, fun adventure. When the crew become hungry, however, they are forced to kill a snake and eat it together.

Not long after, Blackbeard and Stede talk by the fire and it becomes apparent to Lucius that the two are beginning to fall in love with one another. He tells Blackbeard that he must have fun for Stede's sake now more than ever. Troubles arise, however, when the map sets on fire and they are unable to find the treasure but do find a petrified orange under the tree planted under the Jimenez family tree.

As the pirates return to the Revenge, Jim decides to remain behind and finish the revenge in the name of their family.

## Cast

### Starring

* Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet
* Taika Waititi as Edward Teach/Blackbeard
* Kristian Nairn as Wee John Feeney
* Nathan Foad as Lucius Spriggs
* Samson Kayo as Oluwande Boodhari
* Con O'Neill as Israel "Izzy" Hands
* Vico Ortiz as Jim Jimenez
* Ewen Bremner as Nathaniel Buttons
* David Fane as Fang
* Joel Fry as Frenchie
* Guz Khan as Ivan
* Matthew Maher as Black Pete

### Guest Starring

* Rory Kinnear as Admiral Chauncey Badminton
* Leslie Jones as Spanish Jackie
* Selenis Leyva as The Nun

### Co-Starring

* Jonathan Medina as Papa Jimenez
* Allyson Juliette at Young Bonifacia
* Enrique Renaldo as Local Peasant
* Fernando Frias as Alfeo de La Vaca

## Trivia

* The teacups used by Stede and Blackbeard are from the Windsor Court collection by Muirfield.
* Vico Ortiz admitted that they broke character during a take of Nat Faxon's "the teeth don't go back in" scene.
* Samba Schutte revealed that the "Blackbeard Bar and Grill" scene was improvised by Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby.
* Vico Ortiz revealed that they and Samson Kayo kissed during a take of a Jim/Oluwande scene, but it didn't make it into the final cut, as it was decided it was too soon for the characters to kiss.

## References

1. ↑ Footed Cup & Saucer Set - Windsor Court by MUIRFIELD at Replacements, Ltd.
2. ↑ Kristian Nairn instagram live with Vico Ortiz at 15:28
3. ↑ Emerald City Comic Con 2023 *Our Flag Means Death* panel at 14:09
4. ↑ Kristian Nairn instagram live with Vico Ortiz at 27:42