Review: National Geographic: Wicked Pirate City

Wicked Pirate City tells the story of the rise and fall of Port Royal, Jamaica — home of the original Pirates of the Caribbean — which catastrophically sank in an earthquake in 1692. An expedition team of archaeologists and scientists dive to the underwater site for the first time in 20 years, to create an accurate 3-D computer model of the ruined city. To bring Port Royal to life, historical experts dig deep into the world's archives to piece together the fascinating story of Port Royal's most swashbuckling character, Sir Henry Morgan, whose life is inextricably linked to the fortunes of the town. Alongside the unfolding diving expedition, Morgan's story is retold in high-quality action drama, seen through the eyes of a fictional privateer, Thomas Blakeway.

I loved the subject for this documentary! It was very interesting, and something I didn't knew much about before I saw it. I didn't know that the British government cooperated with pirates only to harm Spain, I was honestly a bit surprised over that. Well may it have been other ethics in the 17th century, but cooperating with criminals have never hit me as something a monarch would do. So wrong could I take, because that was exactly what they did – at least for a period, before it ended eventually. But when the British governor at Jamaica banned the french government was ready to take over the lucrative business.

I must also say that I really liked the concept for this documentary, and hope they will use it for others in the future. I loved to follow the story about Blakeway, parallel with the excavation team, and I think they had done a very good job making the story about him believable. Another thing I really liked and was new for me seeing in a NGC documentary, was internal conflict in the team of archaeologists. It may have just been acting, but I did the work for me. I thought it was a very nice touch, because you feel that you're coming a lot closer on the portrayed people when its showed some real feelings.

On the negative side, I have to mention it is a bit long. One and a half-hour to be prosily. But they use their time well, and does surprisingly enough, not repeat them self annoyingly often like it's standard for NGC-programs of this length. Still, it was a little boring in the end to be honest. One and a half-hour, is simply half-hour too long for me to find it meaningful to watch.

Over all, a great documentary I recommend. I was very in doubt wether I would give it a 4 or a 5, but I think I will have to end on a very strong 4, and a highly recommendation.