I absolute love episode 5 "The best revenge is dressing well" because it could literally have been named "The unwitting seduction of Edward Teach by Stede Bonnet".
At the beginning of the episode, Blackbeard intends to kill this fancy man, disfigure him, take his ship and assume his identity. He sees Stede as a means to an end at that point, and he's desperate to stop living the life he is.
And then over the course of the episode, Stede does the following:
- Pays attention to and shows an interest in Blackbeard's life and skills
- Takes time to teach him etiquette while never being judgemental
- Encourages him not to let himself be angered by a racist bully and mocks said bully in a language he understands (not a single tureen, honestly).
- Makes an effort to check in with Ed to gently inquire about how he's feeling because he paid attention and noticed that Ed was hurt.
- Explained the type of bullying and empathized with Ed that it IS diabolical and he is justified in feeling upset.
- Agrees to go to a fancy party he's not interested in simply because Ed wants to.
- Lends Ed clothes and finery so that he may blend in.
- Escorts Ed into the party, making sure to check in with him and that he's comfortable and doesn't want to leave or isn't too overwhelmed. Warns Ed not to put too much stock in this crowds opinion of him.
- Excuses himself as he is just not comfortable in the party situation, especially after being laughed at, but stays close by so that Ed doesn't have to leave and has backup if he needs it.
- Is outraged on Ed's behalf when the rich people hurt his feelings, never once saying 'I told you so.'
- Though we have never seen Stede stand up to or defend himself against the upper crust society types, he tells Ed to stand down (probably to prevent further humiliation) and instead gets intel on and destroys the lives and reputations of the people who hurt Ed by exposing how unworthy of admiration they are. They could have just left the ship. But no. They hurt his friend and Stede's not gonna stand for that.
- Approaches Ed again to check in on how he's feeling and APOLOGISES TO HIM for the way the evening turned out. This gets glossed over but keep in mind Stede didn't even want to go to this. And yet he's apologising for those awful people's behaviour. Because he wants to make it clear that it's NOT ED'S FAULT.
- Makes sure to tell Ed that he's very sophisticated. Coming from Stede that means a lot.
At this point Ed is handling his red silk and earlier in the episode we saw him quickly hide it away when he heard Stede approaching. But not now. Stede has been nothing if not kind, considerate, caring and accommodating all episode and he defended Ed's honour. Subconsciously Ed doesn't feel the need to hide this secret thing from Stede anymore, the metaphor for his heart/hopes/weaknesses.
Then Stede compliments the silk.
Ed, defensively mocks it, saying that it's old and tatty. Unworthy of admiration.
Stede disagrees and asks respectfully to handle it, fashioning it into something Ed can be proud of and wear.
"You wear fine things well" is brilliant because it's a double compliment.
Stede is telling Ed: "Your heart, who you are, what you secretly want and hope to be is a fine thing. And I think it looks good on you."
No-one in all of Ed's life has ever told him that. Not even his own mother. For someone to accept Ed, not only as Blackbeard, but the quiet, private part of his heart that longs for softer, gentler things and yearns for connection and a life without violence.
It's the quickest and most thorough seduction and Ed is head over boot heels from that moment forward, so much so that he goes for the kiss.
And the best part is that Stede did this completely by accident and has absolutely no idea.
Poetic cinema. Chef's kiss.
