Netflix series ‘banks’ on tonal shift, interpersonal conflicts to draw viewers

Viewers have been perched on the edge of their seats, waiting for the hit Netflix show Outer Banks to return with more drama-filled action than ever. A warning to readers: spoilers and scandal lie ahead. Season two left off on a cliffhanger as the notorious Pogues were stranded on a remote island after escaping one of the show's many antagonists. The new season begins a month later, leaving some mystery about what happened on the island, especially with new romance brewing. The sudden romantic tension between characters Kiara (Madison Bailey, American Horror Stories) and JJ (Rudy Pankow, Uncharted) has proven controversial amongst fans, as some are thrilled at the prospect of their favorite pair getting together, while others feel the abrupt tension wasn't evident in seasons prior. 

However, Outer Banks’ writers can never leave well enough alone, as they throw scandal at the newly “married” couple with cheating and lies (or withholding information as John B would say). Could the newfound strain in Sarah Cameron and John B Routledge’s relationship have something to do with the fact that their actors, Madelyne Cline of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Chase Stokes of Dr Bird’s Advice For Sad Poets, ended their real-life year long relationship, or is it merely coincidence? Regardless, the relationship drama shocked viewers as their supposed bond was broken in a second due to Sarah’s infidelity in this season.

Although the new season brought more drama and action, it still comes up short, due to a plethora of distractions without any obvious connections or coherence. Possibly, this season has just evoked a different atmosphere than the first two. Past seasons brought about feelings of friendship, carefreeness, and the thrill of pure teen stupidity. Unlike preceding seasons, Outer Banks season three focuses far more heavily on treasure hunting and murder and less about partying and having fun with friends, the main appeal of the last two seasons.

Of course, Outer Banks isn’t Outer Banks without Rafe Cameron (Drew Starkey, Love, Simon) who arguably grew the most this season. The newfound character progress was mostly seen when he helped his father, despite everything he put him through. This relationship is one of the more realistic aspects of Outer Banks as any viewer can relate to the conflict and tension. Even more realistically, the members of the Cameron family showed up to help one another this season because, at the end of the day, everyone is tethered to their families in one way or another.

While the Cameron family isn’t the most stable, a strong family bond emanates through the reunion of Pope (Johnathan Daviss, Do Revenge) and his parents. Their relationship with their son may be the most stable out of all the characters, as they constantly show up for him. Rather than being angry with him, they are relieved to see him home. Not only did they welcome him back, but they allowed Cleo (Carlacia Grant, Greenleaf) to stay in their home. Since her introduction last season Cleo has become a fan favorite because of her street smarts and wit, and this season her character got even better. While impulsive, she was consistently able to steer Pope in the right direction and make sure he didn’t become someone unrecognizable, which may have happened if she wasn’t there. For high schoolers especially, Pope’s newfound struggles with school after being the “perfect” student before, was easy to empathize with. He only wanted to do the right thing and help his friends, all while finding out more about his ancestors, but it cost him the one focus for his whole identity. It really shows the importance of finding a balance between education and personal life, because everything could be at stake without it.

Kiara couldn’t seem to find this balance either, as she put her whole life into helping her friends, certainly an admirable trait. In the end, however, it led to her being sent to a “wilderness camp”, which may have been the writers tapping into the troubled teen industry, a system of youth residential programs, which are often abusive and don’t correct “bad behavior.” These places are cruel, neglectful, and harmful to residents, causing lifelong trauma, not healing or rehabilitation. Hundreds have died in them, and these deaths are often swept under the rug. It isn’t completely clear if Kitty Hawk, the camp Kiara was sent to, represents one of these abusive camps, but based on the solitary room she was put in and the fact that no outside contact was initially allowed, one can assume so. 

While this season didn’t necessarily have the same “summer vibe” as its antecedents, the more serious topics brought up in season three made it all the more real, despite the unrealistic caves and cities of gold. Overall, Outer Banks’ didn’t disappoint, managing to whet the appetites of viewers for the next installation.

Grade: A

by Emma Toney

Published March 17, 2023

Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue VI