It’s sophisticated, well-acted television for a warm-weather series.

By the time the three episodes available for review end, a plot is thickening suspensefully, Blackbeard is exhibiting still more interesting propensities, and nobody can possibly mind not being able to figure out which woman in the Commodore's court is doing what with whom.

Crossbones rises and falls on Malkovich’s inspired delivery and is under­cut by the show’s joyless, convoluted plotting, especially in next week’s episode.

All in all, Crossbones is about as believable as Casanova in a seminary. But there’s some fun to be had and some Malkovich to behold.

Even this adventuresome idiosyncratic actor [Malkovich] doesn't seem to be having much fun. [2 Jun 2014, p.46]

Every time Crossbones threatens to completely disintegrate, Malkovich brings some of his talent to a show that doesn't really deserve it.

Malkovich has always possessed a rare gift for conveying a still sort of menace, but the series is too lifeless to capitalize on those talents.

This is one of those shows that really just entertains me. I won't bother repeating any of the appellations or the denigrations you have already heard. If you just want to be entertained it's not a bad show. My score is commiserate with my requirements. I am entertained = 10.

A little hard to follow, but otherwise an okay show. It had a nice plot, and some good pirate action scenes. I would recommend watching it, at least the pilot is worth watching.

So-So show with John Malkovich as Blackbeard. It is funny how two shows, with essentially the same premise, show up on two networks. Think about how many Pirate television shows have you seen in the last 10 years? Anyway, this show is a little better than Black Sails, and Black Sails is pretty darn BAD! This show can at least hold your attention for more than 5 minutes.

I tried to like it, but there's just too much cookie cutter stupidity. Why is it that in every single show that has married main characters, their spouse will cheat on them with their best friend/confidant? Can anybody use ANY OTHER plot device to have a character turn on their friend? Moreover, why does every character in shows set in this time period have a British accent? The black female character is supposed to be an escaped american slave. Why the hell would THAT character have a British accent? Not to mention the way that Malkovich talks in this. What the friggin' hell kind of accent is that supposed to be? He sounds ridiculous! Like a cross of British and **** with a mouth full of maple syrup. The acting is weak all around. I did kind of like the whole tre-panning plot line, but otherwise it's just generic soap opera nonsense with the odd bit of swashbuckling thrown in for good measure.

If you watched an episode or two of Crossbones then do your self a favor and watch Pirates of the Caribbean or read about who Blackbeard actually was. It's simply forgetful material put in a tropical setting. It doesn't deserve recommendation but instead simply ridicule.