Max and Eleanor’s Relationship in Black Sails
Overview
In Black Sails, the Starz historical drama and Treasure Island prequel, Max (Jessica Parker Kennedy) and Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New) share a passionate and complex romantic relationship that is deeply intertwined with the power struggles of Nassau. As two of the most ambitious and resourceful women in the series, their relationship is marked by intense attraction, betrayal, and shifting allegiances as they each navigate the brutal politics of piracy.
The Passion Between Them
Max, a cunning and ambitious prostitute-turned-businesswoman, and Eleanor, the de facto ruler of Nassau’s commerce, are introduced as lovers early in the series. Their relationship is depicted with a raw sensuality, and several steamy scenes between them highlight their physical chemistry. The most notable occurs in the first season when Eleanor visits Max at the brothel, and they share an intimate and tender moment that showcases their deep attraction. Their encounters are charged with a mix of love and power dynamics, reflecting their contrasting yet complementary personalities.
However, their relationship is far from smooth. Eleanor, driven by her ambitions to maintain control over Nassau, often makes pragmatic choices that put her romance with Max at risk. One of the most painful moments comes when Eleanor prioritizes her alliance with Captain Charles Vane over Max’s safety, leaving Max vulnerable to abuse at the hands of Vane’s men. This betrayal marks the beginning of a major rift between them.
Betrayal and Power Struggles
Max, deeply wounded by Eleanor’s decision, refuses to remain powerless. She uses her intelligence and charm to maneuver herself into a position of influence, aligning with Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny. As Max rises in Nassau’s social and economic hierarchy, she and Eleanor find themselves on opposite sides of several conflicts.
Despite their separation, there remains an underlying tension between them, fueled by both unresolved feelings and their shared history. Max, once the powerless victim of Eleanor’s ambition, eventually becomes one of the most powerful figures in Nassau, proving that she can not only survive but thrive without Eleanor.
Final Conflict and Conclusion
As the series progresses, Eleanor undergoes significant changes, particularly after aligning herself with Woodes Rogers, the governor seeking to bring Nassau under British rule. Meanwhile, Max becomes politically savvy, working within the system to secure her own future. Their final interactions are tinged with a sense of nostalgia and regret, as both recognize what they once had but also acknowledge that their ambitions and betrayals have made true reconciliation impossible.
Eleanor’s eventual tragic fate brings an end to any possibility of rekindling their romance, leaving Max to reflect on the choices they both made. Though their relationship did not have a happy ending, it remains one of the most compelling and layered romances in Black Sails, demonstrating the high cost of power, ambition, and survival in the ruthless world of Nassau.
