Since playing the inept manager on Flight of the Conchords, I’ve never found Rhys Darby especially amusing. This time he stars in the series loosely based on the adventures of a gentleman landowner who leaves his family and wealth to become a pirate in the 1700s. Darby bumbles about continuously, ranting with pomposity but never being funny. The supporting cast is filled with potentially comic types, but none of them goes far enough. Taika Waititi is co-creator (and plays Blackbeard), but his skills with left-field humor can’t rescue this. Even Leslie Jones, who can be hilarious with a look, is just dull. The pace never lags and everyone is doing their best to amuse, but the lack of witty writing simply sinks the series. (Review based on the first 3 episodes. The final 3 released 3/10.) 
(1.5 / 5)
