The essential episodes of Black Sails

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Black Sails — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · January 25, 2014 · 1h

   I.6.8

   A chronicle of the adventures of pirate Capt. Flint, his mateys and his rivals in the early 18th-century Caribbean begins with Flint facing a mutiny, while buccaneer cohort John Silver keeps something of great value under wraps.

2. 02

   S01E02 · Season 1 peak · February 1, 2014 · 1h

   II.7.1

   Flint deals with a thief among his crew; Vane voices an objection to Rackham chasing a score; Silver and Max hide in a brothel; and Eleanor is faced with a difficult decision.

3. 03

   S02E10 · Season 2 peak · March 28, 2015 · 1h

   XVIII.7.6

   In the Season 2 finale, Flint acquires an unlikely ally; Vane's crew seeks a sea change; and Silver makes a sacrifice.

4. 04

   S03E01 · Top rated · January 23, 2016 · 1h

   XIX.8.0

   In the wake of Charles Town, the world lives in fear of Captain Flint. But when his campaign of terror crosses over into madness, it falls to John Silver to locate the man within the monster. Meanwhile, with Eleanor Guthrie gone, Jack Rackham and Captain Charles Vane struggle to secure Nassau for the ages. All will be tested when a new threat arrives. It knows them. It understand them. And in the blink of an eye, it will turn them against each other.

5. 05

   S03E02 · Top rated · January 30, 2016 · 1h

   XX.7.8

   The Walrus crew engages with the elements; Teach disagrees with Rackham; Rogers and Eleanor determine terms for their partnership; and Bonny worries about her future with Max.

6. 06

   S03E04 · Top rated · February 13, 2016 · 1h

   XXII.7.5

   Civilization returns to Nassau, and sets its sights on Vane. Flint, Silver and Billy encounter a new enemy. Rackham takes a stand against his crew. Scott finds a place in the new regime.

7. 07

   S03E08 · Top rated · March 12, 2016 · 1h

   XXVI.7.5

   Rogers comes under attack while moving a prisoner. Violence erupts on the Walrus. Silver and Madi are put to a test. Billy sees a new role for himself in the coming battle.

8. 08

   S03E09 · Top rated · March 19, 2016 · 1h

   XXVII.7.7

   Eleanor risks everything to save Rogers; Billy looks for allies; Vane faces judgment; Flint and Silver ready for war.

9. 09

   S03E10 · Season 3 peak · March 26, 2016 · 1h

   XXVIII.8.2

   Rogers and his forces come for the pirates. Rackham and Bonny face impossible odds. Silver demands answers from Flint. Billy crowns a king.

10. 10

    S04E01 · Top rated · January 29, 2017 · 1h

    XXIX.7.9

    The invasion of Nassau meets with catastrophe. Teach and Rackham seek revenge for the death of Charles Vane. Eleanor adjusts to her new role.

11. 11

    S04E03 · Season 4 peak · February 12, 2017 · 1h

    XXXI.8.3

    Max runs afoul of the law. Rogers reckons with his past. Flint and Madi reach an understanding. Long John Silver makes his return.

12. 12

    S04E04 · Top rated · February 19, 2017 · 1h

    XXXII.7.5

    Violence engulfs Nassau. Silver demands answers from Billy. Eleanor comes to Max's aid. Bonny and Rackham endure hell.

13. 13

    S04E06 · Top rated · March 5, 2017 · 1h

    XXXIV.8.0

    Nassau is delivered. Silver makes a painful amends. Flint and Madi are separated. Rogers searches for Eleanor.

14. 14

    S04E07 · Top rated · March 12, 2017 · 1h

    XXXV.7.6

    Flint urges caution on an enraged Silver. Max leads Rackham and Bonny up river. Billy finds a survivor. Rogers learns the truth.

15. 15

    S04E10 · Series finale · April 2, 2017 · 1h 11m

    XXXVIII.7.6

    Flint makes one last push to topple England. Silver seals his fate. Rackham confronts Rogers. Nassau is changed forever.Series Finale.