10 Amazing TV Action Set-Pieces That Rivalled Cinema

8. Black Sails - Naval Ambush

Black Sails
Starz

This under-seen Starz show filled a void for viewers that wanted to have their pirate stories served up without a kiddie friendly rating and Johnny Deep prancing around like a drunk hobo. Shame so much of the show got bogged down by drawn-out conversation pieces - but when it came time to get to the action, the producers spared no expense at delivering.

This was displayed strongest in the Season 4 opener that featured the pirates at all-out war with the British government; Captain Flint (Toby Stephans) has his convoy suddenly ambushed in an act of betrayal - cannon balls, debris and bodies begin swiftly flying every which direction.

Some stunning practical production value and jaw-dropping underwater photography commence in a sequence that was filled with immediate and satisfying action - no goofy CGI Kraken need apply.

Contributor

is a working dad by day and a determined gamer by night. He’s paid his dues in both the gaming and film industries, and this year his first feature film as screenwriter, the Polish slasher flick "13 Days Till Summer", played at Fantastic Fest and Sitges Film Festival.