Read with caution:

The wait for “Outer Banks” Season 4 is over. However, be careful what you wish for. After an emotional roller coaster of season 3, “Outer Banks” season 4 consists of twists and bomb-drops like never before. If you thought Ward’s fake death was tumultuous, just wait. There’s more where that came from. 

In the first season, released in 2020, the Pogues — the working-class kids who are looked down on — began their search for treasure in Outer Banks, NC. The group consists of John B. Routledge: the leader, JJ Maybank: the hot-headed comedic relief, Kiara Carrera: the activist and Pope Heyward: the brains. The four begin their search for gold after discovering a clue from a nearby sunken ship. 

In addition, Sarah Routledge, a Kook — those who are entitled under their daddy’s money — looking for a way out of her abusive relationship with her father and brother, takes a liking to John B and simultaneously joins the gang as an honorary Pogue. Cleo Anderson, also taken in by the group in season 3, begins a relationship with Pope. 

Now that you get the jist of the group, I’ll catch you up before diving into season 4. After three seasons of hunting for everything between gold and impossible answers, the Pogues have survived drownings, gunshot wounds, plane crashes and abusive fathers – and their deaths.  

As seen in the trailer which dropped Aug. 29, the Pogues have everything to lose this season. After finally finding the “City of Gold: El Dorado,” the gang is seen basking in their victory. In the trailer, viewers can assume that the thrill is far from over for the Pogues. Between JJ’s somewhat-recklessness and John B’s impulsivity, the Pogues are sure to get themselves into some more trouble.

In addition, just when you think JJ couldn’t get more reckless, he proves viewers wrong. After discovering the truth about his past, he goes on a spree of anger. Sarah also confirms a suspicion that will change the course of the Pogues’ dynamic. In addition, after season 3 confirmed the relationship between JJ and Kiara, viewers have been excited to see what season 4 will hold for the couple. 

Rafe Cameron, played by up-and-coming Drew Starkey, shows violence and hostility throughout the series, but season 4 seems to give his character a redemption arc. While he’s no saint, he and Sarah’s relationship at the end of the season takes a positive turn, following the death of their father in season 3. 

In regard to Starkey playing Rafe for four years, he noted in an interview with Cosmopolitan that it’s tough to stray from a role that has the potential to identify one’s career.

“[The show] starts to become your identity in a lot of ways,” Starkey said. “Your relationship to the audience is intertwined with these characters that we’ve been playing. That can make jumping out of this world scarier.” 

Season 4 tends to focus specifically on JJ and his background, starkly contrasting from the other seasons. In an interview with Forbes, Pankow said, “I think as the season has progressed, the stakes get higher because you can feel that these characters are growing up and making big decisions in life, like if you’re staying in the Outer Banks? A lot of those questions JJ is asking, and that causes a lot of anxiety.” 

As Outer Banks has done in the past, part one of the season consisting of five episodes dropped first, on Oct. 10, while the rest of the season was released on Nov. 7. Within those four weeks, I had the opportunity to spiral over part one’s cliffhanger ending. One thing is for sure — Outer Banks always knows how to evoke anxiety in their viewers. 

As for the second cliffhanger at the end of this season, I sobbed in my bed for about an hour, mourning the loss of a beloved character. Other cliffhangers this season include the state of Sarah and John B’s relationship, as well as Pope’s future. 

While hearts are heavy with the lingering suspense of the season 4 finale, viewers impatiently wait for season 5 and its accompanying closure and answers. Somehow, the hunt for treasure is just beginning. 

Edited by Alyssa Royston | aroyston@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Ava Mohror and Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com 

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com