In our view, 'Our Flag Means Death' prioritizes identity-based storytelling over traditional character arcs or pirate realism. The show features heavily diverse casting, identity themes, and several characters whose roles appear chosen more for representing modern perspectives than historic accuracy. Narrative sometimes plays second fiddle to social issues and overt messages, occasionally at the expense of tension and character depth.

The series frequently subverts norms around masculinity and gender, with many moments poking fun at traditional masculine archetypes. Core themes revolve around chosen family over blood ties and narrative elements that reinterpret historical pirate lore through a contemporary lens, removing much of the gritty or faith-driven context you’d expect from the era.

Alternative worldviews and traditional perspectives are largely absent or lampooned. Most characters reflect modern progressive values with little disagreement or challenge. More conventional roles are limited, and when they appear, they’re commonly played for ridicule rather than serious engagement, leading to a lack of ideological balance or debate.