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Advanced Chemistry is a fun comedy and a great vehicle for Samba Schutte, best known as Roach on Our Flag Means Death. Schutte played Allen, a biochemist who doesn't have much with the ladies, and so develops a drug that - with any luck - will remedy the situation.

Excellent supporting cast, including Chauntte Wayans, as Allen's bestie. Marcia, Kieran Deol, as Allen's work colleague, Lisa, and Sarah Burns, playing Marcia's wife, Sarah.

Written by Alec Moore and directed by Etana Jacobsen, Advanced Chemistry is the perfect film for a Rainey afternoon, when you just want to chill and have a relax.

As a fan of the original film, I was interested to see what Jemaine and Taika would come up with, especially given they're fans of the film themselves. I rewatched the film to re-familiarise myself, and as a sort of preparation for the series (spookily I watched the day before Shelly Duval died). As soon as the first 2 episodes were available, I checked in. I was not disappointed! The humour of the film remains the same, there's plenty of familiar actors (such as James Dryden, playing Mr Haddock, who is also in Deadpool & Wolverine), Lisa Kudrow, Tadhg Murphy, and of course, Jemaine, Taika, and the Kiwi contingent, including Rachel House, Oscar Kightley, Karen O'Leary, Mike Minogue, Jonny Brugh, Ben Fransham......and many more. The sets are gorgeous and sumptuously made, thanks to Ra Vincent and crew, the makeup and costuming is exquisite, and the storylines are thoughtfully and humorously crafted, with plenty for both kids and adults alike.

A shout out must be made to newcomer Kal-El Tuck as Kevin, he's perfect for the role, and brings all the charm of his predecessor in the film.

I'm excited for the rest of the series, and I'm really hoping they get picked up for a second season.

I first discovered Our Flag Means Death in 2022, shortly after its season 1 release. Since then I have lost count of how many times I've watched the show again; from then to now I've never once grown tired of it, and rather, I've found more things I've missed on previous viewings, as well as analysed elements of the script in a different way. When season 2 came out in October 2023, my fervour for the show only increased.

Our Flag Means Death has been promoted as a comedy, but it's much more than that. I like to describe it as a "romantic dramedy". First and foremost is the love story between Stede and Ed. Then there are other love stories, such as that of Lucius and Black Pete, who in so many ways are like a mirror to the leads. There's also the love story of Oluwande and Jim, in season 1, expanded in season 2 to include Zheng and Archie. The two couples are actually bonded into a polycule, and it's a beautiful sight to behold. Then there's Spanish Jackie and The Swede: we don't see much of their relationship but they have a positive and softening effect on each other that's really lovely.

Beyond the romance is the drama. There's a battle of good versus evil, and thankfully, good prevails. There's action aplenty, as to be expected in a show about pirates, with a little bit of violence (again, to be expected). If none of that is enough to attract you, then perhaps the humour will. It's certainly not your standard US in your face humour. With a cast made up of primarily British, Aotearoa, and Samoan actors, it's definitely a lot more wry and subtle than many audiences would be used to, but I challenge you to give it a go, and guarantee you'll soon b sucked in.

I can't finish without mentioning that Our Flag Means Death lifts the bar very high when it comes to positive representation. Gender, sexuality, race, colour, size, ability and disability - everyone is treated as the person they are, and nobody's distinct characteristic is called out as unusual or treated differently. It's a breath of fresh air and very welcome in this crazy mixed up world.