Outer Banks was the breath of fresh air the world needed when it premiered amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions ate up this teen adventure set in North Carolina. On its face, it’s about class division and the dangerous search for buried treasure. Dive a little deeper and there’s so much more to it than that.
Season 3 was hit-and-miss for some fans who criticized the pacing issue, but there were many reasons to be hopeful for season 4. Unfortunately, the early consensus is that this two-part season dropped the ball. From weird character choices, questionable plot decisions, and dull writing, season 4 did not leave many satisfied. Here are 10 valid reasons why superfans of this beloved show didn’t like its latest season.
10Everyone’s Coupled Up
One of the reasons fans fell in love with the show in season 1 was thanks to the group’s dynamic. The Pogues are the ride-or-die friends so many people wished they had. The entrance of Sarah, John B’s Kook love interest, was a major plot point at the start because of how it would change things.
Too Much Love in the Air
Of course, fans knew changes would occur when Kie began dating Pope and later JJ. However, now everyone is paired up. John B and Sarah, JJ and Kiara, and Pope and Cleo. It’s not about hating any of these characters or the couples themselves. But many viewers miss the days when friendship trumped romance.
9Too Many Characters
The setting is a vital element (of course, the show’s named after it!). Part of nailing this small-town setting with a larger-than-life premise is creating a community of people who feel real. Each season fans are introduced to more and more Outer Banks residents and those related to their treasure hunt. Pogues, Kooks, cops, teachers, businessmen, and more.
Can’t Keep Track
Season 4 took it to an entirely new level. In the first few episodes we’re introduced to so many new characters it’s hard to keep up. New villains, new love interests, new long-lost family members. Since fans now know the show will end in season 5, some believed we’d make things more insular with the people we know. Nope.
8Rafe’s Love Life
Rafe is one of Outer Banks‘ most beloved villains and characters. Viewers understand he’s unhinged but actor Drew Starkey’s portrayal of him makes us unable to look away. In season 4, Drew found a romantic interest in the form of Sofia (played by Fiona Palomo). Unlike Kiara and Sarah, Fiona is a Pogue who wants to infiltrate Kook world.
7Kiara’s Lack of Development
Kiara has been a source of frustration for fans. She has so much potential and is a different type of Pogue given she’s technically a Kook. However, even since season 1 fans disliked that she had a “thing” with each of her male friends. But each character has grown and evolved since the start and many fans held out hope for Kie.
No Evolution
Unfortunately, that did not come. For some, the Kiara we got in season 1 is the exact same Kiara we got in season 4. Her fraught relationship with her parents is the same, for example. Apart from a few uncharacteristic moments, Kie has shown little growth despite all the trauma she and her friends have been through.
6Baby Pogue
From their first scene together, we knew Sarah and John B would end up together. They’ve been through a lot over the four seasons: the death of their fathers, life-threatening injuries, cheating, and murderers being out to get them. It’s bound to bring two people together.
Should’ve Seen This Coming
A previous plot point of them calling each other husband/wife was cringe, to say the least given they are teens. Now, the show took that a step further when Sarah finds out she’s pregnant. The “unexpected pregnancy” trope is a polarizing one, with some believing it’s a cheap way to add in drama. Who knows what the fate of Baby Pogue will be in season 5, but many fans aren’t happy about it.
5Recycled Storyline
Many viewers believe the writers ran out of steam in season 4. Not only does some of the drama feel overly manufactured, but it also feels reminiscent of past seasons’ conflicts. Season 2 is a fan-favorite where Pope really had a chance to shine. We learned about his family history and how he’s tied to the treasure of Denmark Tanny.
Been There, Done That
In season 4, we get a similar storyline with JJ. Kiara’s ongoing struggle with her family has been driven home. Topper’s never-ending obsession with Sarah and the Pogues is getting a bit sad at this point. While fans love these characters and want to watch them forever, many viewers would rather it end than see it retread old ground.
4JJ’s Familial Plot Twist
JJ’s family history is one of the things that endears him to viewers the most. We learn little about his mother and witness how terrible and abusive his father is. The scene from season 1 where JJ breaks down in a hot tub is one of the most emotional of the entire show. Fans wanted to learn more about his family and see how he overcame his past.
A Prince in Disguise
Fans didn’t think the writers would go full-on soap opera. His dad is not his biological dad and he’s perhaps an heir to a fortune. It could’ve been exciting if we hadn’t already done that before with Pope (see previous point). Fans already have to suspend their disbelief with this series. The inclusion of this storyline stretches viewers further than they’re willing to go.
3No More Barry
Barry is undoubtedly the goofiest antagonist on the show, but viewers still wouldn’t dare cross him. He’s not a side character people will forget. His accent is distinctive, he nicknamed Rafe “country club,” and looked sane in comparison to his frenemy Rafe at times. Sure, when the Pogues got the one-up on him, we all cheered, but we loved the screen time he received.
Where You At, Barry?
Season 4 had a massive Barry-sized hole. The fiery drug dealer has a brief appearance toward the end of part two, but it wasn’t enough. With the introduction of so many new characters, fans were disappointed by the lack of one they enjoyed.
2The Jiara Disappointment
Fans have been painstakingly waiting for JJ and Kiara to get together. JJ’s fear of commitment made this a true slow-burn romance. However, season 3’s ending gave fans what they were looking for: a love declaration and their first kiss. Nothing could stop this romance from flourishing in the following season… right?
Fell Flat
Turned out, lots could happen. Rumor has it that behind-the-scenes drama led to the dissolution of Jiara. Not only are the two not endgame, but fans didn’t even get many cute Jiara scenes. The chemistry between the characters was noticeably off. After all the build-up, it was a total letdown.
1Death of a Pogue
The series has not shied away from killing off important characters. Rumors had been swirling that one of the core group could be axed, but fans ultimately didn’t believe it would happen. Unfortunately, JJ was killed and it left fans angry. Many believed JJ deserved a happy ending more than anyone and his death left a bad taste in their mouth.
An Abrubt Ending
Additionally, fans think the way he was killed was mishandled. The reactions of the other characters didn’t fit the gravity of the situation. Did the Pogues even care? Leading up to his death, JJ had been even more reckless than usual. Nobody wanted to say goodbye to JJ, especially not in this rushed way.