Throughout October and November, Netflix released season four of the hit show “Outer Banks,” a Netflix original series, in two parts: the first part was released on Oct. 10 and the second part was released on Nov. 7. The season’s finale sparked outrage and heartbreak among fans, leaving many questioning the show’s future.
“Outer Banks” follows five teenagers in the Outer Banks, South Carolina, who find themselves swept up in a high-stakes treasure hunt one summer. The show is led by main character John B. Routledge, an adventurous and determined teenage boy searching for answers behind his father’s mysterious disappearance.
What first started as John B’s quest to uncover the truth behind his father’s disappearance quickly spiraled into a thrilling journey that captivated audiences for over four seasons. The show soared into popularity during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, unexpectedly becoming an iconic quarantine pastime as viewers sought escape and adventure from their homes.
Many viewers were drawn to the show’s high-risk, high-reward plot and its dynamic characters. Fan favorites include the Pogues: a ragtag group of teenagers from different backgrounds on the island. Some, like Kiara Carrera and Sarah Cameron, come from wealth, while others, such as John B, JJ Maybank, Pope Heyward, and later Cleo Anderson, a season three addition, have only known a life of hard work and poverty. This economic disparity fuels their relentless pursuit of treasure, adding depth to their quest for gold and highlighting the show’s underlying themes of class struggle and ambition.
Each season of “Outer Banks” revolves around a common theme: the high-stakes pursuit of riches that frequently puts the teenage characters in dangerous situations, with the rewards consistently slipping away due to their lack of financial means or experience. Despite this recurring pattern, the show has captivated a large and dedicated audience eager for more. Fortunately, the fans year and a half worth of anticipation was rewarded with the two-part release of the latest season four, offering another thrilling chapter in the Pogues’ relentless quest for treasure.
However, not all fans were pleased with the two-part release format. Centennial sophomore Jessica Ladson, an avid “Outer Banks” fan, is a strong advocate for binge-watching an entire season in one go. “Just release the whole thing so we can binge-watch it, we can see it, we can spend more time with it,” she mentioned. “Part one and part two give us more time to process, but it’s better to have it all out at once so we don’t have to be left in suspense.”
Despite some backlash over the two-part release, the new season still managed to claim the top spot on Netflix’s Most-Watched TV list, racking up over 8.8 million views. Fans went into the season with high expectations, especially after season three which aired in February 2023, which left them craving more. Major events from the previous season, such as the deaths of both Sarah and John B’s fathers and the long-awaited confession-turned-kiss between JJ and Kiara had viewers eagerly anticipating what would come next.
The first part of season four kept fans hooked with a gripping opening, featuring the beloved character JJ making disastrous financial decisions that resulted in the group losing their gold in a risky bet. This setback propelled them into yet another dangerous treasure hunt, reigniting their search for riches. Meanwhile, Rafe Cameron—Sarah’s older deranged brother—has his own mixed-up subplot of love and money. As he slowly falls more deeply for his girlfriend Sofia, a new character introduced this season, Rafe also juggles the possibility of investing in real estate.
The season takes a dramatic turn when it’s revealed that JJ’s abusive father, Luke Maybank, isn’t his biological father. Instead, Chandler Groff, a wealthy man whose wife mysteriously died in a boating accident two decades ago, is revealed to be JJ’s true father, adding a shocking twist to his already complicated family dynamic.
The tension continues to escalate in part two, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with a nonstop stream of dangerous events, many involving Chandler Groff. The stakes continue to grow, and Groff’s involvement adds a new layer of suspense and intrigue, such as familial betrayal that leads to a new common enemy.
In the rest of the season, several major events alter the plot, including JJ’s multiple near-death experiences, the convergence of Rafe’s storyline as he discovers his real estate agent is undermining him with Groff’s help, and an unexpected pregnancy between fan-favorite couple Sarah and John B.
The season culminates in Morocco—thanks to a decoded treasure map—where the Pogues seek the Blue Crown, a legendary artifact tied to historical figures like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. However, they encounter fierce competition from an older, more experienced group of treasure hunters, led by Groff. This rivalry escalates into life-threatening challenges as both sides race to claim the coveted crown.
In a heartbreaking twist to end the season, Groff sabotages Kiara and JJ right after they find the treasure. With Groff’s arm tightly around Kiara’s neck, JJ agrees to give Groff the treasure in exchange for Kiara’s safety but as he hands it over, Groff decides to stab JJ, leading to his tragic death.
This harrowing ending has left fans across the world in tears, with much of the backlash directed at the showrunners for allowing such an important character to meet his end so soon. Ladson, echoing the sentiment of many viewers, expressed her frustration, saying, “This is the worst decision in the history of Netflix TV shows. I was crying—they made the whole world cry, and I do not agree with [their choice].”
Ladson isn’t alone in her feelings. Many fans share her skepticism about the show’s future, especially given that JJ was such a pivotal figure, consistently driving the plot forward. His loss leaves a gaping hole, and fans are left wondering how the show will evolve without one of its central characters. “I don’t know if a lot of people are gonna watch it after he died,” Ladson admitted. “They’re just still gonna be processing.” The uncertainty about the show’s direction and the emotional toll of JJ’s death may leave some fans hesitant to continue following the series.
Having watched all of “Outer Banks” myself, I found season four to be a pivotal turning point for the series. The unexpected reveal of JJ’s true father added a new layer of intrigue, but I feel like the payoff didn’t fully justify the complexity of the twist. JJ’s connection to Groff felt rushed, leaving some viewers—myself included—disappointed with how the subplot was handled. Even so, it’ll be interesting to see how the show adapts without him. While some may hesitate to watch the next season, the show’s emotional depth and suspenseful twists keep me hooked, curious to see how the Pogues will cope with their grief.
Although season four may have concluded with a devastating loss, it’s clear that the show has made a lasting impact and indelible mark on its fanbase. While some viewers might find themselves questioning the direction of the series without JJ, the emotional depth and thrilling plot twists have proven that “Outer Banks” has the power to captivate its audience. Already approved and greenlit for a fifth and final season, the show will undoubtedly continue to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the Pogues navigate their most perilous adventure yet—one that will shape their futures and the legacy of the treasure hunt they’ve been chasing for so long.
ar/bu/ar
For more breaking news and photos, follow The Wingspan on Instagram and Twitter @CHSWingspan.
