Series review: If I Were a Pirate, director: Taika Waititi, 2022

In the 18th century there were a lot of pirates around the sea. It was one of the best times they had. Working in their ranks was Stead Bonnet (Rhys Darby), a strange chicken who was the son of nobles, who wanted some thrills in life. He had a lot of money, a wife and a child, but he decided to indulge in thrills instead of living a comfortable life.

It's hard to define him as a particularly successful pirate, but he made contact with Edward Tietz (Taika Waititi), known as Blackbeard. Titz was one of the menacing pirates who operated in the Seven Seas. Their relationship will inspire many stories and exploits.

Bonnet is an educated and humane aristocrat, who turns the captain's cabin into a library. His crew is vulgar, violent, stupid, greedy for money and blood. The combination of them, of different worlds, creates quite a funny and sophisticated comedy. Contrary to the initial instinct, the series does not focus mainly on action and brutality, but on relationships, tension and comedy.

The first episodes of "If I Were a Pirate" are quite mediocre and I have seen better ones. There are some good jokes, but the characters are quite bizarre and hard to relate to. However, when Blackbeard enters the picture, the series improves dramatically. The violent pirate is presented as a tortured soul, with homosexual tendencies, and the combination between him and Bonet is simply a delightful experience to watch.

The dynamics between the characters and the intrigues that lie in wait for them, make the series particularly enjoyable. The episodes are short and quite fun, half an hour at most. Watching is a light and not agonizing experience. The series "If I Were a Pirate" has already been renewed for a second season.

Those who have patience and manage to get through the first episodes, will be able to enjoy a sarcastic British historical comedy. Along with many sleazy series, the series "If I Were a Pirate" manages to stand out with its grace and the unique characters it presents. The series has already been renewed for a second season.