OBX Season 4 poster.

The popular Netflix series, “Outer Banks,” was released in the middle of the pandemic in April of 2020 giving a newfound joy during a time of despair. The show follows a group of teens, the Pogues, on a treasure-hunting journey with a deeper meaning than just treasure. “Outer Banks” starts with John B. trying to find his father, Big John, and later turns into a more dangerous, tumultuous treasure hunt the farther they search. Every season the Pogues find themselves in a new adventure seemingly finding more good than bad.

Until this season. Warning Spoilers ahead.

“Outer Banks” takes place on an island in North Carolina, as stated in the first season. The island is split up into two parts, Figure Eight and The Cut. The Kooks vs. the Pogues. One group is known as the elite and wealthy while the others are known as those who work for them. This teen mystery drama just shies away from the controversy of “Riverdale” by keeping fans intrigued with romance, friendship, drama and loss. The loss of a father, the loss of a friend, the loss of a loved one. To quote John B, “Here’s a fun fact: Everyone you know will die.”

Part one of the fourth season was released on Oct. 10 with just five episodes and follows John B., Sarah Cameron, JJ Maybank, Kiara Carrera, Pope Hayward and Cleo on their way back to Kildare County to resume a life of normalcy. After finding the gold and John B’s father and gaining many mixed reviews of season three, the Pogues decided to buy JJ’s father’s home and turn it into a bait shop. This bait shop tended to cause a plethora of issues between the Pogues, the Kooks and even the police, who this group of teenagers are far too familiar with.

Now the psychological confusion will begin.

To describe the show, “Outer Banks,” I would use the word friendship. Friendship and loyalty are the two things that hold this show together. The bond that the Pogues share has undoubtedly been the strongest thing about “Outer Banks” as a whole. While friendship isn’t the whole theme of “Outer Banks,” in season four it mainly is.

The first part of season four was a whirlwind of bike races, zoning laws, double lives, the Coast Guard, a pirate named Blackbeard and his infamous treasure. The Pogues embark on another treasure hunt, searching for Blackbeard’s blue crown, but in pure “Outer Banks” fashion, the Pogues are not the only people looking for this crown. A dangerous mission breaks out on not only the island but on international waters as well. The Pogues and the Kooks continue their wage gap war when JJ’s house becomes the talk of the town with the city’s new rezoning law while the Pogues are looking for the treasure. I know, it’s confusing.

The second part of the season was released earlier this month and was a lot more action-packed as viewers finally started to realize who the villain is and who is slowly starting to become an unlikely ally. With the loss and creation of life, “Outer Banks” season four was devastating and annoying all at once. A lot was going on. There were plot holes, strange character arcs, and many decisions that were completely unnecessary. While yes it may have been caused by the on-set drama that left many fans angry and looking for someone or something to blame. Much of it could have been avoided by leaving personal life outside of work life, especially when it comes to such a popular show as “Outer Banks.”

A recurring topic that has become the subject of controversy within the show is the actor’s ages. An issue in a lot of media recently has been twenty to forty-year-old actors playing teenagers. Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline play nineteen-year-old love interests John B. and Sarah Cameron, in reality, Stokes is thirty-two and Cline is twenty-six. Yes, with laws prohibiting minors from working certain hours and doing certain scenes, it makes sense. But, the internet and media, being so influential on younger age groups, can lead to impossible beauty standards and expectations. Even though “Outer Banks” is primarily a fantasy drama show, it is unrealistic for the age demographic they are portraying and reaching. Age can become a touchy subject among critics with adults playing teenagers. However, I personally think it gives the cast and directors more room to expand on the plot, with the unrealisticness of the show creating an admirable feeling to it.

The Pogues, at the end of the season, are left in a different country with a morose that even the fans felt. While it may be viewed as unnecessary, cringy or angering, “Outer Banks” season four was highly anticipated. The actors, the scenery and the main plot were generally good for the unwelcome timing. The friendship that the Pogues have has been proven, throughout the seasons, to be stronger than blood. Treasure hunting is slowly starting to become repetitive and seems to be the same each season. If the show wasn’t so visually appealing, the plot would need to be more thought out and somewhat different. From being the hottest television show to loads of new memes each season, and the creation of indestructible friendships, the show’s fanbase remains impenetrable. At the end of the day, the episodes will keep you on the edge of your seat, feeling thrilled and excited for what’s to come, whether you want to admit it or not. The future of the show seems to be uncertain, but whatever it may be, I know it will be exciting.

Bring it on home John B.