I had the privilege last year of reviewing Season 2 of BLACK SAILS, and I am very appreciative for the opportunity to do another review for Season 3. BLACK SAILS is probably the greatest show you are not watching right now. And for fans who are following it, I’m sure you will sing its praises along with me. It is epic in scope, and I rank it right up there with GAME OF THRONES and THE WALKING DEAD. If you’re looking for intense action, cutthroat intrigue, and stark realism, give BLACK SAILS a look.

If you are not familiar with BLACK SAILS, here is the plot synopsis for Season 3, courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment:

In the wake of the burning of Charles Town, all the New World lives in fear of Captain Flint. But when his campaign of terror crosses over into madness, and new threats emerge to challenge his supremacy, it falls to John Silver to locate the man within the monster, before Flint's war against the world consumes them all. Meanwhile, on the pirate island of Nassau, it's a new day. With Eleanor Guthrie facing judgment in London, Jack Rackham sits atop a fortune in Spanish gold, hoping to secure his legacy as a king among thieves. To do so, he'll have to compete with the return of one of history's most notorious captains, who holds a different vision for their home, as well as a complicated past with Rackham's chief ally, Captain Charles Vane. All will be tested when a new opponent arrives to claim Nassau, one the pirates could never have anticipated. It knows them. It understands them. And in the blink of an eye, it will do the one thing they never thought possible… turn them against each other.

This series keeps getting better and better. Just when I think I cannot be any more impressed, the show finds a new way to blow me out of the water.

BLACK SAILS continues its tradition of excellency with a gritty and grim portrayal of how real-life pirates probably fared and lived back in those days. Last year, I mentioned this dark realism is a big part of what makes the show so good, and that continues here in Season 3. This allows for a full immersion into each episode, and it makes for an excellent viewing experience.

Toby Stephens once again shines as Captain Flint, as does the rest of the cast. I have to confess I particularly like Zach McGowan’s performance as Captain Vane the best, though. For some reason, his onscreen presence seems to tower over everybody else.

The action is intense, and the plotline keeps the viewer enthralled. Even the smaller subplots are interesting, which is impressive, as some shows tend to wane when it comes to “filling time”. That is thankfully not a problem here.

BLACK SAILS Season 3 is another epic win for Starz, and I cannot wait to see how the series concludes next year. The conclusion will be bittersweet because I hate to see the show end, however it might as well go out on top. Regardless, pick up Season 3 and catch up on everything while you can; it hits store shelves tomorrow.