Spoiler Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Treasure Island Episode 1.
Treasure Island Episode 1 ends with a shocking discovery as Jim Hawkins and his mother, Bess, find Long John Silver aboard the Hispaniola. The pirate who pursued Billy Bones and his treasure map has somehow joined their ship as its new cook, leaving the Hawkins family trapped at sea with a dangerous enemy.
The six-part MGM+ series, based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, premiered on October 11, 2026. Its opening episode, titled “The Admiral Benbow,” introduces Captain Flint’s missing fortune and explains why several powerful people are determined to find it.
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Treasure Island Episode 1 Recap: What Happened to Billy Bones?
The story begins with Jim Hawkins (Tom Sweet) and his mother, Bess (Hayley Atwell), struggling to keep their inn financially stable. Bess earns money by accepting wagers involving Jim’s extraordinary photographic memory, which allows him to remember entire passages after briefly reading them.
Their lives change when Billy Bones (Tomer Capone), a former pirate, arrives carrying information about Captain Flint’s hidden treasure. He explains that Flint buried his fortune on Skeleton Island and created a map showing its location.
However, Billy’s former associate, Long John Silver (David Oyelowo), is also searching for the map. Their confrontation eventually leaves Billy dead, while Bess and Jim become involved in the dangerous hunt for the fortune.
Why Does Bess Destroy the Treasure Map?
Bess destroys the physical treasure map to prevent other people from taking control of the information. However, Jim has already examined it and can remember its important details.
This gives the Hawkins family a considerable advantage because they can locate Flint’s treasure without carrying the original document.
Jim’s unusual memory also introduces an important difference from Stevenson’s novel. As the Ready Steady Cut episode recap explains, the adaptation makes his ability central to the family’s involvement in the treasure hunt.
Meanwhile, the local squire suspects that Bess still possesses valuable information and alerts Admiral Grey, creating another possible threat.
Treasure Island Episode 1 Ending: Why Is Long John Silver on the Hispaniola?
After leaving the inn, Bess and Jim travel to Bristol, hoping to reach the Caribbean. They cannot afford the full passage price, but a mysterious merchant named Aaron Graham (Jack Huston) offers to help them board the Hispaniola.
Once aboard, they meet Captain Smollett, who introduces the ship’s newly recruited cook. To their surprise, the man is Long John Silver.
Silver’s appearance suggests that he remains determined to recover Flint’s treasure. His position as cook also allows him to interact with the sailors and potentially influence the crew.
The episode never confirms exactly how Silver secured his position or whether he knew Jim and Bess would board the same ship.
However, their shared destination and Silver’s earlier pursuit of the map strongly suggest that another confrontation is approaching.
Can Jim Hawkins Trust Aaron Graham?
Graham’s generosity initially appears to solve Bess and Jim’s financial problems, but his intentions remain uncertain.
His willingness to arrange passage for strangers raises questions about what he expects in return. Given the growing interest in Flint’s fortune, his involvement deserves attention as the voyage continues.
The ending leaves Jim surrounded by adults with competing interests, while his memory makes him one of the most valuable people aboard the Hispaniola.
According to the official Paramount+ series guide, the adventure will involve shifting loyalties, betrayal, and a dangerous race to recover the treasure.
With Silver already aboard and Graham’s intentions unclear, Episode 2 will explore how long Jim and Bess can protect their secret.
Treasure Island Episode 2 is scheduled for October 18 on MGM+ in the US, with the next UK episode arriving October 19 on Paramount+.
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