Black Sails Wiki
Advertisement
Miranda Barlow
Barlowpro2
Vital statistics
Gender Female
Status Deceased (killed by Rhett)
Ships None
Relationships Thomas Hamilton (Husband)
James Flint (Lover)
Lambrick (Liaison)
Alfred Hamilton (Father-In-Law; deceased)
Abigail Ashe (Family Friend)
Peter Ashe (Friend/Ally/Enemy; deceased)
Eleanor Guthrie (Ally/Rival; deceased)
Appearances First: II.
Last: XVII. (Alive)
Last: XVIII. (corpse)
Last: XXIII. (Hallucination)
Portrayed by Louise Barnes

Miranda Barlow was a resident of Nassau. Unknown to most, she and Flint had a relationship, but even those who knew about it were unaware of its full extent.

Biography[]

Background[]

Barlow was originally from London where she was known as Lady Miranda Hamilton. Her husband, Thomas, was the eldest son of Lord Proprietor Alfred Hamilton, a very powerful noble. However, there were many rumors that Miranda was cheating on her husband[1].

In 1705, Thomas was tasked by his father with formulating a plan with the Royal Navy to pacify the port of Nassau in the Bahamas, which is becoming an increasingly lawless pirate den. The skeptical Lieutenant James McGraw is assigned as his Liaison to the Admiralty. McGraw takes Thomas to a hanging in Wapping in order to demonstrate the obstacles their endeavor will face. Miranda arrives in a carriage to meet them, and strikes up a conversation with McGraw. As they watch Thomas giving a poor woman money, Miranda tells McGraw that she remembers what it was like when she met Thomas, and there is an indescribable feeling one gets in the presence of truly great men. When McGraw seems hesitant in his response, Miranda asks if he questions Thomas' motives. McGraw answers that he is pessimistic about the outcome Thomas will be able to achieve, for politics is a brutal and unforgiving game. Miranda replies that great men are not made so by politics, prudence or propriety, but solely by the relentless pursuit of a better world, and that makes them invincible[2].

Thomas and James continue to work on their plan to restore order to Nassau. After spending many hours locked in the study, Miranda goes to check on them. Thomas tells her that James just told him that the only thing standing between them and a prosperous Nassau is the Atlantic, 100 years of history and human nature. An amused Miranda asks McGraw if Thomas has been like this all day, and he answers yes. Miranda then gifts McGraw one of her favorite books, Don Quixote, and tells him that he will find it helpful in dealing with her husband. When Thomas points out that that edition is in Spanish, Miranda says that McGraw should learn, as he may find it helpful in his profession.

A while later, Miranda knocks on the door to McGraw's apartment, and a shirtless James answers. He is surprised to see her, and she explains that she’d asked the carriage driver for his address. As the two state awkwardly, Miranda asks to come in, saying it’s cold in the hallway, and McGraw bids her welcome while he puts on a shirt. Miranda surveys the apartment and compliments it as “tidy.” McGraw thanks her for visiting but says he should return her to her carriage. Miranda then invites him to view Duke and Duchess Jonathan and Margaret Grey's collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts. James is concerned about the propriety of it all, for Thomas would not be joining them. Miranda then asks if James is happy, and explains to the confused lieutenant that in her experience, there is an inverse relationship between one's happiness and one's concern about appearances. She assures him that both she and her husband have heard the rumors about her reported infidelities, and neither of them care.

James gets dressed and joins her in the carriage. On the way, Miranda notices that they are not heading towards the Grey's, and James admits that he told the driver to head back to the Hamilton Residence. Miranda scoffs at his "propriety" and James tells her that in his world, if people acted as they pleased with no regard convention, Christopher Columbus would be sailing in circles off the coast of Spain. Miranda then posits that there are two types of men who try to make a life at sea, those whose sense of duty forces them to leave behind any sense of permanence or identity, and those who find that idea attractive. James bemusedly asks which she thinks he is, and she answers that he is very good at managing how he is perceived and getting what he wants. She then adds that he seems more concerned with what people may say they are doing behind closed doors, than with what they actually will be doing. The two then kiss and embrace.[3]

Lieutenant McGraw arrives at the Hamilton Residence and is greeted at the door by Miranda. McGraw nervously notes that Thomas said it was urgent that he come. Miranda assures him that it has nothing to do with them. Miranda brings him to Thomas, who informs James that his father, Lord Alfred Hamilton, will be arriving that night to hear about their progress. That night, the four sit down for dinner, the bulk of which is spent discussing the plans that Thomas and James have outlined for Nassau's rehabilitation. Alfred finds the proposal agreeable, but notices they have not said what their plans are for dealing with the pirates. Thomas reveals that he intends to offer the pirates a pardon in exchange for their allegiance, renunciation of violence and labor. Lord Alfred finds this preposterous and demands to know how Thomas attempts to accomplish this. Thomas states that he can get enough votes in parliament to achieve a blanket amnesty act. When Lord Hamilton asks McGraw his opinion on the matter, Barlow chimes in and is interrupted by Lord Hamilton who states that she has done enough to damage the family name and that he suggests that she keep both her mouth and her legs shut. Flint answers Lord Hamilton that he does indeed support the amnesty plan and also requests that Lord Hamilton leave the house at once. Thomas later gathers the regulars at his salons, including members of Parliament and their wives, and presents his amnesty plan. When he asks which of them will help him, the only who stays and offers help is Lord Peter Ashe.[4]

After that dinner, James and Thomas begin a relationship with each other. As the months go on, Thomas and Peter engage in a bitter political campaign opposed by Lord Alfred in pursuit of the pardons. While Thomas and Peter are discussing their legislation, Miranda pulls her husband aside and informs him that she intends to depart for the countryside that night. Thomas is surprised, but she explains that she will be a liability for their campaign, especially now that Lieutenant McGraw has returned from the Bahamas, rumors about them will begin to circulate again. Thomas says he does not care about her relationship with James or rumors, but Miranda worries that the scrutiny will unearth something more damaging.

When James returns, Peter, Miranda and Thomas all greet him, and Thomas asks him if he was able to get Governor Robert Thompson of New Providence Island to support them. McGraw informs them that due to a bribe dispute, the pirates demanded Thompson depart Nassau. When he refused, they overran the Governor's Mansion and killed his wife and son, but let him live to spread the tale. As of his departure, there is no law in Nassau. However, he suggests going to the Admiralty and making the case to them, believing that if they come out on their side, it would swing the vote in Parliament in their favor. Miranda then asks to speak with him in private. The two go to the study, where Miranda says it is clear that they are on the road to ruin, and asks him to stop this endeavor before they've gone too far to turn back.

James tells her that it will be alright and he sees a way through this. Miranda replies that she loves Thomas for his ability to only see the principle and the right, while she loves James because he sees the world as it is. Miranda tells him she needs him to protect Thomas from the world, for the danger is too great. James declares that anything worth doing has been worth doing even in the face of a little danger. Miranda says that she knows enough to differentiate between a little and mortal danger. James is not worried about a little scandal, but Miranda warns that men can be hanged for what James and Thomas have been doing, especially when politics is a motive. Miranda further warns that Lord Alfred will find out and exploit it, but James does not believe he would do that to his own son. Miranda asks why take the risk, and James replies that he saw the promise of Nassau, and once the pirate issue has abated they should move to Nassau and install Thomas as governor. James says he is going to seek Admiral Hennessey's advice, for it's too important not to try.

After it is revealed that Lord Alfred informed Admiral Hennessey of James and Thomas' relationship, James and Miranda are ordered to go into exile, or charges will be brought against them. McGraw returns back to the Hamiltons' and finds the place emptied, and Miranda ready to depart London. She informs him that Thomas has been taken to Bethlem Royal Hospital, an insane asylum, and that the story will be that her affair with James drove him mad. James prepares to rescue Thomas but Miranda says it is futile. Ashe offers to set them up with his friends in Continental Europe, but James refuses and instead takes them to Nassau, where he becomes the pirate Captain Flint[5].

After their arrival in Nassau, Miranda moved to a small estate in the interior of New Providence Island, going by Mrs. Barlow, while Lieutenant McGraw quickly reinvented himself as the pirate Captain Flint. Years later, Lord Alfred was traveling to the New World on the Maria Aleyne under an assumed name. A former servant innocently mentioned this to Miranda in a letter. She convinced Flint to go after him. Flint tracked the vessel and attacked it, and personally cornered Alfred and his companion in their cabin. Lord Alfred tried to beg for mercy, promising him his fortune, but Flint promptly murdered Lord Hamilton and his Young Mistress in cold blood[6].

Season One[]

Following Flint's successful duel against Singleton and the capture of John Silver, the thief who stole the Urca de Lima schedule, Flint rides to the estate. When Flint arrives at her home, she is playing her clavichord, but she stops when he comes in. As she says that she'll boil some water, he collapses against the wall, exhausted[7].

Miranda and Flint

When Flint wakes, he is happy to be back home, however Miranda notes that he is dripping blood across her kitchen floor. Miranda cleans his wound with gin and redoes his bandages, commenting that whoever wrapped them the first time was either blind or drunk. When Flint glibly replies "both," she dabs his wound again, causing him to wince. Miranda then tells him that he was spotted by her neighbors, and Flint asks if it was the Crooked-Nosed Crone, but she passed away and Miranda tells him that Mrs. Archer now keeps an eye on her on behalf of Pastor Lambrick. Flint then reveals that he found Parrish's Ship and the Urca Schedule. Miranda asks when he'll set sail and he answers soon, and then remembers that he has a gift for her from Parrish's Ship: a book by Thomas Middleton. Miranda wryly admits that she thought Flint would have given up chasing Parrish because of all the time it took. A concerned Flint notes that she seems disappointed, and she says she had hoped to have him to herself for a bit. The dogs outside, prompting Flint and Miranda to go to the porch. There, they see Gates arriving in a wagon with a wounded Richard Guthrie in the back, and Flint admits he needs a favor.

Eleanor Guthrie and Mr. Scott arrive to see Richard, and Miranda takes them to his room. When Richard wakes up, Eleanor wipes his face with a towel, and noticing Richard's look at the Guard Slave, tells him that Flint wants him guarded to ensure he does not interfere with the hunt for the Urca de Lima. Eleanor asks for Richard's help in securing a business partner with ships and legitimacy who would not cross them, and for his faith in her to accomplish this. When he remains silent, Eleanor says he has two choices: help her or flee to Boston where his father and brothers still live. Richard remains staunch and continues to say nothing.

Later, Miranda arrives with a meal of salted meat, cornbread and broth, and tells him to ask if he needs anything more. Richard asks who she is and she introduces herself as Mrs. Barlow. Richard clarifies that he is asking who she is to Flint. Miranda then asks him if he has read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, one of her favorite books. She tells him that she thinks he will find it helpful, and that they should discuss it when he's finished.

Miranda prepares tea on her porch when Pastor Lambrick arrives, but upon seeing the tea, says he assumes she is busy and offers to come back another time. Miranda replies that he has "happened" to stop by her house every Wednesday for months and having grown tired of acting surprised, decided to properly host him. A bashful Lambrick worries that he has become a burden, Miranda corrects him and says that she looks forward to their conversations. Miranda looks over Lambrick's Easter sermon at his request, which says that the truest form of love is through suffering, which Lambrick stands by as being a gospel truth of God. Miranda counters by quoting a verse from the Holy Bible's Song of Solomon to counter his point. She tells him that true love shouldn't require suffering, and he doesn't have to take her word for it.  Lambrick confesses that there's an ulterior motive to his visit, He also informed her that his congregation is talking of the Royal Navy preparing to retake the island, and that there would be judgement on the pirates in this world not just the next. He says he is worried for Miranda when the navy arrives. When he asked if "He is keeping you here", she didn't answer, and wished him a good day, and he leaves. Miranda brings her dishes inside and checks on Richard, whom she finds asleep.

That night, Richard tells Miranda that she was right, the book is remarkable. Miranda then picks up the book and reads a passage from it. When she is finished, the two see an enraged Flint standing in the doorway[8].

The next day, Miranda has sex with a disinterested Flint. Afterwards, as they dress, Miranda asks if he will be staying long, but Flint tersely says he has to get back. Barlow asks him why he is upset with her. Flint asks her why she had to read Richard that particular book when they have a whole shelf full of them. Miranda angrily responds that she is not willing to bury it on a shelf and pretend it has no meaning. The book was something she shared with Thomas, and she misses him and her life when he was alive. She feels herself forgetting it and does not want to. She adds that their life in Nassau does not feel like living anymore, and thinks Flint feels the same. Flint tries to comfort her and promises her that things will improve.

Later that day, Mr. Scott arrives to help prepare Richard for his meeting with Captain Dyfed Bryson, whom Eleanor is asking for his 12-pounder cannon to give to Flint. Guthrie brags to Miranda about what a fine man Mr. Scott is. He states that at one time Mr. Scott was his personal houseboy and that Scott worked his way up into eventually earning an education, which he then passed on to Eleanor. Miranda questions why Guthrie is taking part in the attempt to get Bryson's guns. Guthrie responds that he must present himself as still in command of the functions of the trading company as opposed to being a wanted criminal. Were Bryson to find out that Guthrie was a wanted man, then Bryson would take him back to Boston in shame. The two then depart for town.

Richard returns from the meeting in town while Miranda is playing her clavichord. Guthrie sits down and begins to converse with Miranda, who he calls "Mrs. Hamilton". He calls Miranda out for being the former Mrs. Thomas Hamilton, who was the grandson of Alfred Hamilton, the former Lord Proprietor of the Bahamas. Richard then begins to tell how he'd always heard a story about Mrs. Hamilton. He heard that Mrs. Hamilton, long rumored to be the cheating type, had begun an affair with her husband's best friend, a young Royal Navy officer. Upon finding out about the affair, Mr. Hamilton was so overcome with grief that he killed himself. Mrs. Hamilton is then said to have fled London with her lover, who Richard surmises must be Flint. Richard then offers to return her to civilization by taking her to Boston where she can find a fresh start.

Miranda then fetches the Pastor. When Lambrick arrives, Richard asks if Lambrick knows who he is, and the Pastor answers that Richard is the reason New Providence is infested with pirates. He adds that God teaches not to cheer when others stumble, but admits that he finds it difficult not to in Richard's case. Richard then asks for his sins to be forgiven, as he wanted to clean his soul of what he had done. Lambrick says that if Richard accepts God's love he will find it. Richard promises to go further and do penance by ensuring that the pirates are cast out of Nassau[1].

Under Richard's instructions, Bryson departs with his guns, forcing Flint to give chase. En route, Billy Bones asks Flint who Mrs. Barlow is, and Flint glibly replies that she's a witch who anoints him with the blood of infants to keep him safe in battle. An unamused Billy asks for the real answer, and Flint says that she is a nice Puritan woman with whom he makes a home, but that isn't as fun for the crew to tell stories about. They eventually catch up the Andromache, but Bryson and his men retreat to a bunker belowdecks. While searching the captain's cabin, Billy finds a letter written by Miranda and pockets it[9].

That night, as the stalemate continues, with the added danger that the HMS Scarborough is waiting nearby, Billy reads the letter he found. In it, Miranda asks a magistrate in Boston to offer Flint a pardon, saying that he wishes to repent for his misdeeds. However, she urges speed, warning that he is trapped in a plot with dangerous men who will kill him when they learn of his betrayal.

Lambrick rides to Miranda's house, in the middle of the night. Miranda greets him on the porch, remarking that it is later than she is comfortable receiving visitors. Lambrick explains that he has come to talk to her about her relationship with Flint, as now that she had apparently betrayed him, he feared for her safety. He warns her that Richard Guthrie was granted sanctuary on Underhill's well defended estate. He begs her to do the same, afraid of reprisals against her by Flint, and Miranda agrees to explain. Miranda tells him that before she lived on New Providence, she lived a very different life, and her husband, whom she describes as a man of ideas who would have loved to talk and debate with Lambrick. She says that he would have picked apart everything Lambrick held sacred out of a desire for Lambrick to not feel shame, confusing Lambrick. However their happy life engendered jealousy, and after her husband died, Flint, a friend of her late husband's, brought her to Nassau after his death and looks after her. She then pointed out that the Pastor was seeking more than just to protect her, and that he had arrived late at night knowing she was alone. She then kissed him and removed her robe. The two then had sex on her porch, ending moments after they began[10].

Miranda is informed by a Horse Riding Slave that Flint has returned to Nassau while gardening. Later, Flint storms in looking for Richard Guthrie. Barlow tells him that Guthrie has absconded and is now staying with Mr. Underhill. Flint then demands to know why Barlow sent that letter when it so obviously placed him in danger if the crew were to find it. Barlow tells Flint that her intent in writing the letter was to show Flint that there was a way out of the pirate life, to show him that they could be accepted in Boston if Flint were to accept the King's pardon. Flint emphatically states that he would never beg for the King's pardon and leaves[11].

Season Two[]

Eleanor Guthrie arrives at Miranda's home and Miranda sits down with her. She tells Eleanor that although they've never shared more than a few words, Miranda feels as if they are old friends, for Flint has spoken at length about her. and her accomplishments in Nassau. Eleanor replies that Flint has spoken very little about her, only a few words here and there. Eleanor is amazed that Flint, after being betrayed by her, tries to confront her but is destroyed by her instead. Eleanor tells her that she hears that Miranda has begun to forge new alliances with her's and Flint's enemies in the interior. Miranda admits to having joined Pastor Lambrick's congregation, and that Underhill is a member. Eleanor asks for Miranda to secure an audience for Eleanor with Underhill, and she promises to do what she can.[2] 

Flint arrives at Barlow's house to see her inside playing with some local children. He leaves a copy of a book on her doorstop, in which he inscribed "I'm sorry" on the front page.[3]

Eleanor arrives again begging Miranda help her stop Flint from attacking the fort. She refuses to again get involved with the pirates. She tells Eleanor that she tried her best with Underhil, but could not succeed. Eleanor asks to do this for Flint, and asks if she is not worried about the path Flint will go on if he attacks the fort. This angers Miranda, and she says that Eleanor has enabled him and encouraged his violence. Miranda then tells Eleanor to get out of her house. Later, Pastor Lambrick comes to Miranda's door in the early morning. Lambrick tells Barlow of what is happening in Nassau, including the fact that one pirate crew has the daughter of the governor of the Carolina colony held captive for ransom. Barlow then suddenly remembers the girl and remembers that her name is Abigail[4].

Outside her house, she climbs atop a cart in an attempt to find Flint and get him to stop the bombardment. Lambrick tries to stop her, telling her it's too dangerous. Miranda tells him that she has to try and stop Flint, for she it the only one who can and the only one who knows why he's doing what he's doing.  In Nassau, Mrs. Barlow tells Flint about the development regarding Abigail Ashe, and offers him a path towards reconciliation by returning Abigail to her father in exchange for a meeting where they work towards their original goal of pardons. They begin arguing about the reasons Flint is fighting. Flint argues he is fighting for the sake of his men. Miranda replies that Flint is fighting for the sake of fighting, for it's the only way he can live with himself. Flint yells at her, asking her what she is talking about, and she replies that it keeps the voice in his head quiet, the one ashamed about havng loved Thomas. Flint responds that the only thing he is ashamed of is not having rescued him when they had the chance. Miranda then leaves him, but before she does, she leaves him his copy of Meditations[5]

After Eleanor stops Flint's and Vane's fight, Miranda and Richard join them in a meeting. Flint begins to lay out his plan. He tells everyone that England is soon going to assault Nassau in an attempt to exterminate the pirates on the island. Flint states that there is a way that their downfall can be avoided and that Abigail Ashe is the key. Flint believes that if he returns Abigail to Peter Ashe, that Ashe will be more likely to promote the idea of providing pardons to all the pirates of Nassau. Vane demands that he will only hand Abigail over to Flint if he is given the Spanish Man of War. Flint states that he absolutely will not do this and Vane leaves the meeting.

While they wait, Flint approaches Miranda and says he assumes she fetched Eleanor and asks why she didn't just leave him. Miranda says she couldn't, and Flint thanks her. Richard then asks them what happens in London after they theoretically convince Lord Ashe. Richard points out that while Lord Ashe is making the case to Parliament for reconciliation, the ambassador to King Philip V of Spain will be screaming in rage about how those same men requesting reconciliation just stole five million pieces of the King's treasure, and it needs to be left for Spain. Flint says it is impossible to abandon that goal, but Richard says the goals of reconciliation and the gold are mutually exclusive. Eleanor returns and guarantees to Flint that everything will work out and that Vane will agree to the terms.

Before Flint leaves for the beach, he says it will take him a while to straighten everything out, but afterwards he will be back home, if she'll have him. Miranda says she is not going anywhere, pointing out that Abigail Ashe does not know him, and is more likely to go along with him if she sees a familiar face, therefore to ensure the plan will work she will be a part of it. Miranda reminds Flint that she too was dedicated to seeing Nassau set aright, and paid a heavy toll as well. She says if they are to be partners, they should truly be partners, and Flint agrees before going to inform his crew.[12]

Miranda writes a letter that Eleanor Guthrie takes with her to give to Abigail Ashe. While they wait for Eleanor to return with Abigail to The Tavern, Richard Guthrie approaches Miranda and asks her if it is true that she is joining Captain Flint and Abigail for the voyage to Charles Town. Richard warns that Charles Town may appear civilized, but Governor Ashe and the Carolina Militia brutally enforce the law. Eleanor then arrives with Abigail in tow, and Miranda introduces herself as Miranda Hamilton, asking if she remembers her. Abigail then collapses into her arms sobbing. After winning his election, Flint arrives, and Miranda tells him to introduce himself. Flint removes the sword from his belt and tells her not to be frightened and says he is a friend of her family's and of hers. Abigail, confused, asks if he is Captain Flint, and Flint replies that he is James McGraw.[13]

The Walrus Crew then sets sail for Charles Town. En route, Miranda gently wakes Abigail, who was having a nightmare. During the voyage, Miranda joins Abigail on deck, reading while the girl writes in her journal. While they continue doing the same in the captain's cabin at night, Flint walks in, startling Abigail, who stops writing and goes off to the side to read. Flint wryly observes that she was writing about him, and remarks that it is a credit to her that she can function at all after all she has been through. Miranda says when she first heard of her presence on the island, she pictured her as the five year old she remembered, but now she's a grown woman, reminding her of how long it has been and how unrecognizable to her former self she has become. Flint holds her hand and tells her he recognizes her, and asks if she does him. She answers yes, but says the question is whether Peter will recognize either of them.

Another night, Miranda sits down with Flint and Abigail at dinner. Billy Bones arrives and tells Flint that De Groot thinks they can gain some speed by adjusting the sails, but since this is to be done at night, it is riskier than usual. Flint tells him to go ahead and do it. As Bones leaves, Abigail asks about him, since his demeanor is not like the other pirates on the crew. Flint tells Abigail that Bones's parents were Levellers from Kensington who spoke out about the impressment of men and boys into the Navy. One day, Bones had been handing out pamphlets supporting the abolition of impressment when he was, somewhat ironically, taken by a press gang. When he was rescued by Flint many years later, Bones killed the man who had captured him. However, he refused to go home because he did not think his father would approve of his becoming a murderer.

The next morning, a funeral is held for Nicholas Irving, who fell from the rigging during the night. Miranda joins Abigail and Flint in attending. As they approach Charles Town, Abigail reveals to Miranda and Flint that her father became much more extreme in dealing with piracy after Lord Alfred Hamilton was killed heading to Charles Town by Captain Flint, despite traveling under an assumed name. Abigail appreciates what they have done for her, so she asks them to simply return her and sail away so as to not risk retribution from her father. Once they arrive, Flint pulls Miranda aside and says she'll be safe aboard. Miranda insists on going with him, reminding him it was her fault that he went after Alfred. Flint then speaks with the Boat Captain, and reveals that he is Captain Flint, and is ready to return Abigail only in exchange for a chance to speak with Lord Ashe.

The Boat Captain rows the three to the docks, where they are met by Colonel William Rhett, commander of the Carolina Militia. Rhett escorts them through the city, explaining how pirates used to harass them until Lord Ashe committed himself to fighting the problem. Rhett then has his men begin beating Flint and restrain Miranda as she tries to explain. They only stop when Abigail says that the two are friends of her father's and orders them to cease. Rhett then takes them to the Governor's Mansion, where Abigail is reunited with her father, who afterwards welcomes Miranda and Flint to Charles Town.[6]

 Captain Flint and Mrs. Barlow sit down with Peter Ashe and discuss Flint's proposal to move forward with his plans for reconciliation between England and the pirates of Nassau. Ashe makes it clear the only reason they are sitting down together is because Flint brought Abigail back unharmed. He then says although they knew each other in the past, he does not recognize the two people that sit before him. Flint encourages him to ask any questions and promises he will be truthful in answering. When the subject of Alfred Hamilton is brought up, Miranda admits she is the one who arranged his execution. As she stands to admit her guilt, Rhett points his pistol at her. He says while Ashe may know them, he does not, and if they get any closer to the Governor, he will shoot them where they stand. Flint then asks that Ashe not judge him for his past deeds and instead offer him redemption. Flint then outlines his plan, stating most of the pirates will agree to stop pirating and work legally as merchant sailors. Ashe eventually agrees to consider the plan.

Their talks continue well into the night. Ashe has various misgivings about the plan. When it was first proposed by Thomas Hamilton, there were half as many pirates on the island and it was still a failing colony, not a failed one. Flint counters by pointing out that he proposed reconciliation to his crew of 100 men, and over 70 of them are with him in support of it. Furthermore, the trade boss in Nassau is actively working to reform Nassau with them. Most importantly, if Ashe endorses the plan, the New World's most committed pirate hunter advocating for a plan to reform the pirates of Nassau would give it enormous clout in Parliament. Ashe says that Parliament will need a candidate for the governor, and asks Flint if he wants that role. Flint says he can do much to help the newborn colony, such as helping to establish and organize the militia and navy, but after that it would be time for him to retire into the interior with Miranda. Abigail then arrives and tells them that Mrs. Tyler says it is time to turn the room over for supper. Lord Ashe then instructs Abigail to tell Mrs. Tyler to find rooms for Flint and Barlow while they wait.

While they wait for dinner, Flint tells Miranda about where the name Flint came from. He states that when his grandfather was a young man, he worked as a deckhand on a privateer off the coast of Massachusetts. One night while he was on watch, a man climbed aboard his ship and stated that his name was Mr. Flint. The man then said that he had fled from another ship because he was accused of killing another man. He never stated whether he was innocent of the crime or not. He asked for some rum and then disappeared, never to be seen again. Flint tells Miranda he likes the idea of discarding his persona and says he is ready to retire Captain Flint back to the sea. The House Attendant then informs them that dinner is ready.

While Flint, Miranda, and the Ashes are having dinner, Peter orders Rhett, Abigail and everyone else to clear the room.  Ashe states that he has given it much thought and the only way for Flint's plan to work is that they both return to London together where Flint will confess his crimes and ask forgiveness from Parliament. He states that Flint must tell the whole truth including the relationship with Thomas Hamilton. Ashe believes that this will work because Parliament will see that the most feared pirate in the New World is not a monster, but a very flawed man. Flint agrees.

Ep17-6

Just then, Miranda realizes why the clock is so familiar to her: it belonged to Thomas and was in their home in London. Ashe admits that it was a gift from Alfred Hamilton. It is then revealed that Ashe was the reason behind all of their misfortune. Miranda realizes that James McGraw was well liked and had a good reputation among the Navy and that there must have been another reason why everyone believed the affair between him and Hamilton was true. She stands to confront Ashe with the accusations and states that he sold them out to become governor of the Carolina colony. Ashe says that he was forced to betray them because Lord Hamilton was threatening his family. Miranda becomes increasingly aggravated and says she would like Ashe to take responsibility for ruining her life and that he should be swinging from the end of a rope. Suddenly, she is shot through the head and killed by Colonel Rhett. Flint then attacks Rhett but is subdued and knocked out by Ashe's men[14].

The next morning, Flint is put on trial in the town square, having been accused of trying to kill Lord Ashe. Before the trial begins, Ashe approaches Flint, who is shackled on the dais. Ashe explains that Vice Admiral Lord Kensington is determined to gain the greatest possible exposure for the trial and to make it a spectacle. Once that begins, Ashe will have no control over how it proceeds, unless Flint gives him what he needs to stop it. He offers Flint one last chance to confess to the crimes he already admitted to him anyway, and the sentence will instead be carried out quietly and privately the next day. He begs Flint to spare himself and Miranda the humiliation, pointing to her arriving coffin. He promises to see Miranda interred with respect and have her name cleared, which is surely what she wanted. Flint angrily responds that what she wanted was for the truth to be known, and asks Peter why he betrayed his friends a decade ago. He asks if it really was over a bribe, or because Ashe was too weak to say no and too cowardly to do the harder thing and resist the Earl. He asks Ashe to tell him it was the latter, because he could forgive cowardice. Ashe can only stare in shamed silence, and Flint says he supposes he has his answer. The Town Crier then directs the crowd to Miranda's body, which has been put on display, and calls her Flint's minion who tried to help kill Ashe. The crowd then begins throwing rotten vegetables at her body.

During the trial, Captain Charles Vane launches a surprise attack to rescue Flint, with his men who took control of The Battery turning its cannons on the city. As chaos ensues, Flint takes the opportunity to go after Ashe, killing his guards and running him through. Flint then forces Ashe to look at Miranda's body, telling him that her word will be the last word for Charles Town. Ashe slowly bleeds out as he watches the city laid to waste around him, fulfilling Barlow's dying desire[15].

Season Three[]

During the Sack of Bath Flint executes the magistrate, Hazzard and subsequently shoots his wife. As he stares at the bodies, Flint hallucinates Miranda’s dead body in the place of Mrs. Hazzard. After the raid, John Silver, now quartermaster of the crew of the Walrus, attempts to get Flint to stop leading the raids on the shore and let someone else do it because they are getting more dangerous. Silver says that he understands how personal this is due to the loss of Mrs. Barlow, prompting Flint to cut him off and tells Silver that he may have wormed his way into the crew's heads, but he is not welcome in his. On the journey back to Nassau, the crew falls into a trap laid by Captain Benjamin Hornigold, now a privateer in the service of the Crown. Hornigold offers the entire crew Royal Pardons if they surrender, or he will sink them. An enraged Flint gives a speech encouraging the crew to reject the pardons, for the the British fear them and their pardons are the act of a coward. Flint refuses to surrender to the thing that took his woman from him, and so much from them. However, with fighting not an option, Flint elects to sail them into a nearby storm to force Hornigold to break off his pursuit[16]

As the Walrus sails towards a storm, Flint dreams that he is alone on the Straight Arrow. Miranda then climbs over the side of the ship, sopping wet as if she’d just emerged from the ocean and with her bullet wound in her head. She then begins mouthing a message to him. She then goes belowdecks, and he follows her, stopping by Hallendale's cabin, where he finds himself face-to-face with his body once again. As he follows her, he sees a mysterious figure go even further into the bowels of the ship. As he gazes down into the black hole, Miranda’s hand grabs his shoulder, and he is woken up by Billy Bones. Later, after he is knocked unconscious during the storm, Flint resumes his dream, descending further belowdecks and finds himself before Miranda, silently mouthing a message at him, while Death is seated at the table before them. As he stares, Miranda appears next to him, her mouth open as if screaming, and Flint wakes up[17].

While the Walrus crew starves in the Doldrums, two crew members, Palmer and Oates, are accused of stealing rations. After hearing their denials, Flint shoots Palmer. While Oates thanks him, he reloads and points his pistol at Oates’ head. Before he shoots, he hallucinates that Miranda is before him instead, and she says “forgive me.” He then shoots Oates too. While Flint dehydrates further, he imagines himself back in the Governor’s Mansion in Nassau when it was under British rule, and he meets Miranda at the landing of the stairs in the parlor. He tells her that when he lost Thomas, he raged and he wept, but with her, he is simply ruined over her loss. Miranda tells him that when they first met, he was so unformed. And then she spoke, and told him to cast aside his shame, and Captain Flint was born, a part of him that always existed but never surfaced. Miranda describes her self as a mistress to him when he needed love, wife when he needed understanding, and most of all: mother. She tells him that because she knows him like no other, she loves him like no other. She promises to guide him through his current state, but at the end, he must leave her and find the peace he cannot find. Meanwhile, Silver shares with Billy that he is struggling to get Flint to see him as an equal now that he is quartermaster, and Billy tells him that Gates and Mrs. Barlow figured it out. Silver somberly notes that they both ended up dead[18]

While imprisoned in the Maroon Camp, Flint rows a boat with Miranda. He tells her can’t see a way out of this, and can’t see a path that leads to an outcome other than death. He wonders if it is better just to accept that he has no choice. Miranda says he is curious again, ready to follow Miranda in death, feeling comforted by the fact that she awaits him on the other side. Flint tells her he misses her, and she him. Flint asks if  when they finally arrive at their destination, he’ll have to leave her behind. She says he will, but Flint asks what if he wants to stay[19]

During his continued imprisonment in the Maroon Camp, Flint tells Miranda in his dreams while they stare at Death of how he saw a dead dog once in his youth. While old in life, death seemed to restore her youth to her. That was the first moment Flint began to ponder death. Miranda tells him that he resents her because they were so close and she threw it all away and got herself killed. She asks him what would happen if she resented him for doing the same. Flint asks what he would be throwing away, and she reminds him that he is not alone[20]

Flint goes to check on Silver after he kills Dufresne. Flint admits that Silver was right about the toll playing the part of the villain took, along with losing Miranda and the things that that drove him to do[21].

Miranda's house is used as a hideout by Flint, Charles Vane and Anne Bonny, as no one will look for them there. However, Vane is captured during the rescue, and Billy stays behind[22]. Miranda's abandoned house becomes the headquarters of the fledgeling Pirate Resistance as they plan to rescue Vane[23]

The night before the Battle of the Maroon Island, Flint and Silver sit down and talk together. Silver reveals to Flint that he told Billy that he believed that Flint's darkest thoughts had a way of manifesting themselves into reality. His anger over Miranda's murder became the storm, and his despair over her death became the Doldrums. An embarrassed Silver then reminds Flint that he had not had anything to eat or drink in a while[24].

Season Four[]

Miranda's former estate is fully transformed into a fortress for the Pirate Resistance during the war for New Providence Island. When Flint arrives after the disastrous Invasion of Nassau, he finds a broken teacup and gazes longingly at it, reminiscing about Miranda[25].

After Madi's presumed death, Flint tells John Silver that Silver helped Flint when Flint was "drowning" over the loss of Miranda. Flint promises to return the favor and help Silver[26]

In a flashback to a few weeks before the pirate invasion of Nassau, Flint trains Silver in swordsmanship. During one session, Flint reveals that he knows that Silver's given backstory is a lie, an amalgamation of other crew members' stories. Flint is taken aback by how invested they are in each others' future, but Silver continues to try and maintain the lie. Silver insists that it isn't important, but Flint is still uneasy, noting how Silver knows everything about Flint, including Thomas and Miranda, and the role they play in his motivations. Furthermore, when told about them, Silver insinuated himself into it as the latest in a long line of ill-fated partners, thus positioning himself so that if they ever came to blows, Flint would be forced to hesitate. As an uncomfortable Silver prepares to leave, Flint tries to assuage him and says he is not angry, and Silver says that he does not want his story to be known, and they will resume tomorrow[27].

Memorable Quotes[]

"Thy navel is like a round goblet which wanteth not liquor. Thy belly is like a heap of wheat set about with lilies. Thy breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle. Thy stature is like that of a palm tree and thy breasts like clusters of grapes. I will go up the palm tree and take hold of its fruits."
―Miranda Barlow quoting Song of Solomon to Pastor Lambrick in III.
"I want to see this whole goddamned city, this city that you purchased with our misery, burned. I want to see you hanged on the very gallows that you use to hang men for crimes far slighter than this. I want to see that noose around your neck and I want to pull that fucking lever with my own two hands!"
―Barlow to Peter Ashe, her last words.[src]
"When I first met you, you were so... Unformed. And then I spoke and bade you cast aside your shame, and Captain Flint was born into the world... the part of you that always existed yet never were you willing to allow into the light of day. I was mistress to you when you needed love. I was wife to you when you needed understanding. But first and before all... I was mother. I have known you like no other. So I love you like no other. I will guide you through it, but at its end is where you must leave me. At its end is where you will find the peace that eludes you, and at its end lies the answer you refuse to see."
―Miranda Barlow to Flint in a hallucination in XXI.

Trivia[]

  • Louise Barnes, the actress who portrays Barlow, is married to Nick Boraine, the actor who portrays Peter Ashe.
  • The book that Flint gives Miranda in episode III. is by Thomas Middleton, who wrote several revenge tragedies: a genre defined by the pursuit and deadly consequences of revenge.
  • According to some eagle-eyed viewers on Reddit, the words that Miranda is mouthing at Flint during his hallucinations are her repeating two lines from episode XIII.: “I’m asking you to come with me so that I can save your life" and "I’ve come upon some information which changes things for you.”

Appearances[]

Season One
I. II. III. IV.
V. VI. VII. VIII.
Season Two
IX. X. XI. XII. XIII.
XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII.
Season Three
XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII.
XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII.

Image Gallery[]

References[]

Advertisement