Written by Nynosha Vazquez Suazo
Outer Banks has become a break-out fan favorite on Netflix. Its previous seasons garnered significant attention, each ending in serious cliffhangers. At the end of Season 2, the audience is left with the second “death” of Ward (Charles Esten, Nashville), the loss of the cross, and the confusion as to what will happen to the pogues. Season three picks up right where they left off and packs a punch from the get-go.
The opening sequence of the first episode begins with a montage of scenes from the previous two seasons, almost as a review of everything the Pogues have been through until now. Then, it leads to the pogues stranded on an island, which JJ (Rudy Pankow, Uncharted) names Poguelandia. After being stranded for a month, they are rescued by an overpassing plane, yet they soon discover who they believed to be their rescuer is just another treasure hunter. The pogues are now back in Barbados running for their lives, but a new threat has entered the story.
Every previous season has had a focus on some sort of treasure hunt. In the first, it was the mountain of gold on the Tanny property, in the second was The Cross, and now it is Tanny’s diary which is supposed to lead to El Dorado, the city of gold. With every new treasure also comes a new threat, in season three we are introduced to Carlos Singh (Andy McQueen, Mrs. Davis), who may be one of the most powerful threats the gang faces. Not only is he potentially richer than their previous two threats, he is more dangerous and lethal.
As known from the previous seasons it is assumed that John B’s (Chase Stokes, Stranger Things) father is dead, after he had been missing for over a year. At the end of Season 2, we are shown that he is indeed not dead but in works with Carla Limbrey (Elizabeth Mitchell, LOST). At the beginning of episode three, we are given a glimpse of John B.’s childhood, which makes for an even more emotional reunion with Big John (Charles Halford, Constantine). As the father-son duo reconnects, we are told the truth behind Big John’s disappearance and his connection to not only Ward Cameron, but to Miss Limbrey and Carlos Singh.
Big John and John B. are not the only ones with an emotional family reunion. The gang’s shocking return to the OBX makes news headlines, and their reunions with their families is a real tear-jerker. As we saw in Season 2, Kiara (Madison Bailey, Black Lightning) stormed out of her family home in the midst of an argument with her parents. Her return was the most concerning as she thought her parents wouldn’t accept her. However, she is met with tears and open arms. Pope (Jonathan Daviss, Do Revenge) had a similar anxiety going back to his parents, but not for the same reasons. He now has to convince his family to let Cleo (Carlacia Grant, Roots), who helped them in Barbados, live with them; but, again, he is met with hugs and tears, and full acceptance of their new addition. This writer must add that Heyward (E. Rodger Mitchell, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) is one of the best characters; his wit and sarcasm add such a lightness to the already heavy story plot.
The emotional returns were not followed by emotional responses. The show does deserve credit for portraying these families in a realistic matter because while these parents were happy their children were home and safe, they also did meet the regular teenage consequences. Kiara and Pope are put on “lockdown,” and they also struggle to convince their parents of the truth. The dynamic shift between Kiara’s parents was a shocking but very well-executed performance, as her mother now becomes the more understanding parent, and her father becomes stricter. We also see another type of parental relationship, as JJ returns to an empty home with an eviction notice at the door. The return of Big John also gives the gang a shift in their trust, as he prefers to keep things between himself and John B.
Yours truly is quite excited for the character development of JJ. In the first episodes, it was made obvious that he would’ve rather stayed abandoned on the island, however in order to be there for his friends, he followed along and helped – even took lead – as much as he could. The new romantic relationship, which has been theorized by fans since season one, between JJ and Kiara is one to swoon over. However, how will this affect their connection with Pope, as in Season 2 we see him develop feelings for Kiara and act on them? Here’s to hoping they give Pope the happily ever after he deserves…maybe with Cleo?
Another aspect to highlight is Drew Starkey’s performance in the new season. Drew, who portrays Rafe, continues to prove he is one of the most incredible actors of our generation. Rafe is the character with the most shocking plot twist. You never know what his character is thinking about doing next, and it’s never easy playing a psychopath, especially when trying to make the audience sympathize with him. In the first couple of episodes, we see two sides of Rafe. Drew does a tremendous job with his character’s duality; it’s really award-worthy.
As this writer finishes the final episodes of Outer Banks Season 3, the ending is greatly anticipated. It’s a great show to binge-watch, and, as it also was just renewed for a Season 4, it’s clear there are many others who think so. It’ll be exciting to see what treasure they’ll hunt for next.
Outer Banks Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.
