‘Black Sails’ Season 4, Episode 3 Spoilers: "XXXI." – Long John Silver Returns; Toby Stephens Talks Flint’s Complex Relationship with Luke Arnold’s Silver

‘Black Sails’ season 4’s episode 3, titled "XXXI," is set to feature the return of Long John Silver. Toby Stephens, who plays the main protagonist Captain James Flint, talked about his character’s complex relationship with Luke Arnold’s Silver as well as Silver’s rise to power.

The synopsis for episode 3 posted on TV Guide reads, “Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy) has a run-in with the law; Rogers (Luke Roberts) reckons with the past; Flint (Toby Stephens) and Madi (Zethu Dlomo) come to an understanding; and Long John Silver (Luke Arnold) returns.”

It seems that the upcoming episode will be an exciting one for fans of John Silver as he makes his triumphant return. The preceding episode, titled “XXX,” saw Silver getting captured after having made it to dry land alive. His captor turned out to be Israel Hands (David Wilmot), Edward Teach a.k.a. Blackbeard’s (Ray Stevenson) former first mate.

Israel was angry over Blackbeard’s treatment and wanted revenge. Silver managed to weasel his way out of the deal and bring Israel over to his side with mere words.

Season 4 is reportedly setting the stage for Silver’s rise to power. Although much of the series followed Captain Flint’s exploits and personal complexities, Silver may very well be primed as his successor. Silver became a reluctant ally to Flint in season 2 and eventually became a trusted confidante in season 3.

Luke Arnold hinted at Silver’s rise to power in season 4 during an interview with Paste. He said, “Season Four is a big one for John Silver. I have to say, I got to do a lot of things with the character that I never thought I’d get to do… Obviously, as well, his relationship with everyone in Nassau, both the pirate side and with the marooned, he kind of becomes central to all these relationships, and all these sides. So there’s a lot more pressure and responsibility on Silver’s shoulders than there ever has been before.”

During a separate interview with Inverse, Toby Stephens explained his character Flint’s relationship dynamics with Silver. He said, “There’s a need in Flint for Silver as a sort of alter-ego… As an expression or an extension of himself. That was interesting for me to play, especially this season where there’s a shift in power. There’s a sense that Flint’s star is declining, and Silver’s is ascending, and how that isn’t going to end well. Yet in a way, Flint makes it happen. He sort of gives away his power to Silver. Why does he do that? It’s interesting.”

He continued, “He finds a kindred spirit in Silver. It’s finding this balance between somebody who’s driven by pragmatism but also has this dark side — this anger that’s feeding it, these motivations that are emotional. Flint projects this on him. Because I don’t think Silver can ever live up to that. I don’t think anybody can live up to these things that Flint demands of them. It’s how that resolves itself which is where Season 4 really kind of comes into its own.”

‘Black Sails’ season 4’s episode 3, titled "XXXI," is scheduled to air on Starz on February 12, 2017. It was directed by Roel Reine. It will be followed by episode 4, titled "XXXII," directed by Marc Jobst and scheduled for February 19.