Outer Banks returns with the first part of its highly anticipated fourth season, picking up right where the Pogues left off after discovering the legendary lost city of El Dorado. While their treasure hunt ended in riches, the group quickly finds themselves back in familiar territory—struggling to keep afloat both financially and emotionally. As Season 4 kicks off, it brings more adventure, drama, and character growth, though some storylines take time to fully engage.
If you’re a fan of the Pogues and their never-ending pursuit of treasure and friendship, here’s a detailed review of what Season 4 Part 1 has to offer.
Picking Up After El Dorado
The new season begins 18 months after the Pogues’ triumph of uncovering El Dorado. While they came into wealth, poor financial decisions quickly leave them broke once again. Despite their initial success, it becomes evident that money isn’t the solution to their problems. The real journey in Season 4 is not just about treasure hunting but about healing wounds, strengthening bonds, and navigating the complications of friendship and loyalty.
John B, Sarah, JJ, Kiara, and Pope find themselves back at square one—broke, disillusioned, and unsure of their next move. Adding to their troubles is the emotional blow of John B’s father’s death, which casts a shadow over the group, reminding them that their adventures come with real risks and personal losses.
The Pogues’ Next Big Adventure
Despite their initial setbacks, it isn’t long before a new treasure hunt draws the Pogues back into action. Season 4 introduces Wes Genrette, a new character who enlists the group to help find a legendary amulet that once belonged to the infamous pirate Blackbeard. With another ancient artifact to chase, the group’s adrenaline-fueled adventures resume in earnest.
As always, the dynamic between the Pogues remains the heart of the show. Their tight-knit bond, tested by both external forces and internal conflicts, continues to evolve. While they still retain the rebellious spirit that fans love, their growing maturity is evident as they confront the challenges of their dangerous lifestyle.
However, the show doesn’t shy away from exploring the toll that these adventures have taken on them. Their decisions now carry more weight, and the group struggles to reconcile the thrill of treasure hunting with the need for personal growth and stability.
Character Relationships: Some Hits, Some Misses
One of the most intriguing aspects of Outer Banks has always been the relationships between the characters. In Season 4, the show continues to explore these dynamics, though not all of them hit the mark.
John B and Sarah: Their relationship remains one of the show’s core storylines, and they seem more united than ever. Having been through so much together, their bond feels solid, though the emotional weight of John B’s father’s death hangs over their storyline, adding complexity to their interactions.
JJ and Kiara: While this pairing had been long-awaited by fans, the execution of their romance has been met with mixed reactions. In previous seasons, their chemistry was undeniable, and the tension between them added an exciting element to the show. However, now that their relationship has moved beyond the will-they-won’t-they phase, it has lost some of its spark. What once felt like a natural progression of their friendship now feels somewhat forced and less engaging.
Pope: Pope’s character continues to evolve, though his storyline takes a bit of a backseat compared to the others. He remains the level-headed and morally grounded member of the group, often serving as the voice of reason amidst the chaos. However, fans may feel that Pope deserves more screen time and deeper exploration in the second half of the season.
While the relationships between the Pogues are central to the show, Outer Banks Season 4 also reintroduces the ongoing rivalry between the Pogues and the Kooks. This tension provides a backdrop for the action, reminding viewers of the class divide that has always been an undercurrent in the series.
The Thrill of the Hunt: A New Treasure Beckons
As the Pogues embark on their new mission to track down Blackbeard’s amulet, the thrill of adventure is alive and well, though it’s tempered by a sense of weariness. The stakes have changed—no longer are they naive teenagers chasing gold, but rather individuals weighed down by their previous experiences.
Initially, the excitement of the treasure hunt feels muted, as the group grapples with personal issues and their faltering sense of purpose. However, as the episodes progress, the story regains momentum. By Episode 5, the series delivers some of the classic Outer Banks excitement that fans have come to expect, with unexpected plot twists, shocking betrayals, and new dangers lurking around every corner.
One of the season’s highlights is the deepening of Rafe’s character arc. Following the death of his father, Ward, Rafe struggles to carve out his own identity. His growing friendship with Sofia, a character introduced in Season 3, humanizes him in ways the audience hasn’t seen before. Rafe, once driven by erratic behavior and greed, becomes a more layered and sympathetic figure, grappling with his past and searching for redemption.
Final Thoughts: Strong but Familiar
Season 4 Part 1 of Outer Banks offers a satisfying continuation of the Pogues’ saga, though it starts a bit slowly. The characters’ personal journeys are given more attention, allowing for some emotional depth, but the series truly shines when it focuses on the high-octane treasure hunt that made the show a hit in the first place.
The slow buildup in the first half of the season may test some viewers’ patience, but the payoff is worth it. By the end of Part 1, Outer Banks has set the stage for an even more thrilling and dangerous second half, filled with new alliances, betrayals, and, of course, more treasure to be found.
For fans of the series, Outer Banks Season 4 Part 1 keeps the adventure alive, blending action, drama, and heartfelt moments. While some character arcs falter, the overall storyline remains engaging, and the Pogues’ journey is far from over.