At some point, every self-respecting streaming service releases a spectacular period drama that reimagines history. Netflix struck gold with Bridgerton, HBO released The Gilded Age, and Apple TV+ attracted fans of the genre with The Buccaneers.

Although the show did not achieve the same success as Bridgerton, it still received the green light for a second season.

And while the first half of the second chapter was chaotic yet enjoyable, the sixth episode, "Every Single Piece of My Heart" – an episode that single-handedly convinced viewers to abandon this sinking ship.

Richard's Death Just Killed 'The Buccaneers'

Was there any person on Earth who expected SUCH a plot twist in Episode 6? We don't think so.

Somewhere between the pointless love triangles, Nan's hysterics, and the complete lack of logic, the creators of The Buccaneers have lost the last vestiges of respect for the audience.

The sixth episode of the second season crossed all boundaries. The murder of Richard is not drama – it's a cynical, cheap trick that proves the show has become a parody of itself and there's nothing left to save.

Richard Was the Last Character Who Deserved to Be Killed Off

Richard was perhaps the only adult in the entire show. His internal conflict, attempts to connect with his family, and complicated relationship with his wife made his character come alive. But apparently, depth is forbidden in this show.

What did the writers do? They simply killed him off at the hands of the most despicable character, James. Not for the sake of a powerful climax or a meaningful ending to his story arc, but simply because "let's kill off someone so that people will gasp."

'The Buccaneers' Fans Are Furious, And Rightfully So

The audience gasped, but not from shock – they gasped in indignation. This is not drama – it's the cheap exploitation of emotions.

Reddit fans are furious, and they are absolutely right. Redditor sailtheskyx wrote:

“It's so nuts they killed Richard off. I'm failing to see how that's going to help the show at it's current state. Conchinta and Richard literally were the most stable relationship in the show rn while everyone else is a huge mess.”

Reddit user JoanFromLegal added:

“Single.

Most.

Infuriating.

Hour.

Of television.

Ever.”

'The Buccaneers' Season 2 Is a Total Hot Mess at This Point

Let's be honest, The Buccaneers have been going downhill for a long time now. Nan is not a main character, but rather a puppet thrown from one man to another, lacking any independence.

Lizzy is an impulsive traitor whose actions are completely out of character. Theo has transformed from a romantic idealist into a caricature of a sufferer.

While Richard was alive, at least there was the illusion of an axis around which to build a story amidst the chaos. Now, we only have a chaotic set of scenes quickly pieced together (what was even that edit in the finale of Episode 6?)

Richard's death doesn't add depth – it emphasizes that the series' writers have no idea where the plot is going.