John Malkovich
Richard Coyle
Claire Foy
Yasmine Al Massri
Julian Sands

Created by:
Neil Cross
James V. Hart
Amanda Welles

2014
Adventure, Drama
NBC
TV-14

If you’re interested in a pirate show that features a bit of wit instead of clowning around, then NBC’s “Crossbones” may be for you. Based on its first episode, this is a well-paced Friday night adventure that’s not as convoluted as Starz’s “Black Sails” (it’s lighter on its feet than that show).

While it’s not great and while there’s nothing new here, “Crossbones” knows what it is. The music’s predictably rousing, and the writing includes enough banter to keep things just interesting enough. In particular, the dialogue between the two leads (John Malkovich, who wisely plays a version of himself, and Richard Coyle) moves at the appropriate rhythm. These two have a nice feel for the material. Plus, the pilot’s opening sets things up effectively; it’s brisk and has a pitch-perfect voice-over by Coyle.

As “Crossbones” progresses, its success will hinge upon its ability to keep things moving and to come up with ideas that aren’t too derivative. For now, this is mildly diverting for a Friday night, when you feel like staying in. …

The second episode of “Crossbones” is slower and lacking in interesting dialogue. It’s not bad, but it loses some of the spark of the pilot. We’ll see what happens in the next episode; I hope they get back to where they started. …

After the fourth episode, I’ve determined that “Crossbones” has lost its starting pace completely; it drags. However, it does have moments that provide a bit of a spark. The problem is that there’s no momentum to move us from interesting moment to interesting moment. Those moments are spaced out, which kills the momentum. The writers need to focus on Malkovich, Coyle, and Julian Sands; they’re the best things here. In addition, if they would just pick up the pace, then this show could be on the level of Starz’s “Da Vinci’s Demons”: entertaining and ridiculous (or, perhaps just entertaining, because this show takes itself too seriously to venture into the ridiculous). …

After the first season’s finale, “Crossbones” just doesn’t know where its bread is buttered. Malkovich and Coyle need to be in more scenes together. They should drive the plot with tense, witty exchanges that result in action being taken. Nothing else comes close to being as interesting as the dance between those two, but the writers barely address it. That’s a shame and a waste of time.

Verdict: OK

About: (Source: crossbones)

From Neil Cross, the award-winning creator of “Luther,” along with James V. Hart & Amanda Welles comes “Crossbones,” a compelling new one-hour drama filled with extraordinary action, adventure and intrigue – set in a world where one can never be sure just who is hero and who is villain.

It’s 1729. On the secret island of Santa Compana, Edward Teach, better known as the barbarous pirate Blackbeard (Emmy winner John Malkovich, “Death of a Salesman,” “Red”), reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and miscreants. Part shantytown, part utopia, part marauder’s paradise, this is a place like no other.

Blackbeard has designs on the longitude chronometer, an invention that will change the world. During a massive attack on an English vessel, his most trusted pirates attempt to steal the device. But on board is Tom Lowe (Richard Coyle, “Covert Affairs”), an English spy working undercover as ship’s surgeon. Lowe’s mission is to prevent the chronometer from falling into the hands of pirates – and to assassinate Blackbeard, should the opportunity arise.

Taken as prisoner to Santa Compana, Lowe must find a way to reassemble the precious chronometer, all while trying to uncover Blackbeard’s master plan – a plan that includes a greater threat to the English throne than merely pirates…