Ep 1. The Devil's Dominion

Set in 1729 in the Bahamas, Crossbones follows the story of notorious pirate Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard. In the premiere episode, titled "The Devil's Dominion," we are introduced to the main players of the series and the volatile political climate of the time.

The opening scene shows Blackbeard (played by John Malkovich) as he is captured and taken to the governor of the Bahamas, Woodes Rogers (played by David Hoflin). Rogers hopes to strike a deal with Blackbeard, offering him a pardon in exchange for his assistance in ridding the area of marauding pirates.

Blackbeard is initially reluctant to accept the offer but is soon enticed by the possibility of a large sum of money and the chance to reunite with his long lost daughter, who he believes to be in the governor's custody. Little does he know, the governor has other plans for him and his crew.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to Tom Lowe (played by Richard Coyle), a well-educated English spy who has infiltrated Blackbeard's crew. He is tasked with gathering information that will help the British authorities capture Blackbeard and end piracy in the Bahamas.

Lowe's secret identity is threatened when he is confronted by a fellow spy who works for the governor. In a tense standoff, Lowe's true intentions are revealed, but he is given one last chance to complete his mission.

As the episode progresses, we see the political intrigue and power struggles within the Bahamas come to the forefront. The governor's wife, Selima (played by Yasmine Al Massri), is revealed to have her own agenda and is willing to do whatever it takes to gain more power and influence.

Blackbeard, on the other hand, is shown to be a complex character with a deep sense of honor and loyalty to his crew. He is not just a bloodthirsty pirate but a man with a code and a sense of justice. This is seen in a scene where he confronts a former crew member who has turned to piracy and offers him the chance to rejoin his crew and live an honest life.

The episode ends with a dramatic twist as Blackbeard discovers the governor's true intentions and the two engage in a tense confrontation. The stage is set for a thrilling season as Blackbeard and his crew navigate the dangerous waters of the Caribbean while trying to stay one step ahead of their enemies.

Overall, "The Devil's Dominion" sets the stage for an exciting adventure series with a mix of action, drama, and political intrigue. The writing and performances are top-notch, and the stunning Caribbean landscapes add to the immersive atmosphere of the show. Fans of pirate tales and historical dramas will definitely want to give Crossbones a watch.