Crossbones (NBC)

Edward Teach, the infamous pirate Blackbeard, has set up a ‘republic’ on the island of Santa Campagna. Naval surgeon and spy Tom Lowe has been sent to assassinate the dread pirate and recover the longitudinal device that will cement British control of the high seas. Suitably Machiavellian as Blackbeard, Jon Malkovich has an odd accent but is otherwise convincing as the complex pirate king with a very dark past and seemingly utopian dreams of the future. Richard Coyle is an interesting choice as Lowe and he complements Malkovich. Claire Foy is excellent as usual but does not have enough to do as Lowe's love interest Kate Balfour. Former Neighbours couple David Hoflin and Natalie Blair are among the entertaining supporting cast. Plot improbabilities abound but are largely swept away by the bloodthirsty action and the gorgeous tropical setting in the early episodes. The twists and turns become increasingly ridiculous as the series progresses and it becomes a blood-drenched Pirates of the Caribbean by the conclusion. The ludicrous ending leaves an opening for a sequel, but it is not surprising that none has yet materialised.