The first five episodes of season 4 of Outer Banks...

Upon my first impression of the newest season of Netflix’s Outer Banks, only one word came to my mind: jaundice.

Despite the sometimes eerie setting that the show has encapsulated in prior seasons, there seems to be a blatant sepia hue throughout most of the daytime scenes. What once was a cast sunkissed by the Carolina summers now appears to be a slew of characters suffering from either liver failure or a bad self-tan.

Nevertheless, while ignoring their mysterious skin condition, season 4 of Outer Banks has returned the Pogues to our screens once more.

Since the advent of the first episodes mid-pandemic in 2020, the show has managed to grow increasingly relevant and successful since then, amassing around half a billion views culminating from the first three seasons. Filming for the latest season lasted predominantly through the winter time, with the frigid conditions washing out much of the cast (hence the use of heavy orange tones to compensate for such a dreary visual impediment). The first five episodes of season four were released on Oct. 10 after a long season of anticipation from the show’s fans, excitement that will most likely prolong until the release of the last five episodes set to come out on Nov. 7.

While past seasons centered around the Pogues—a group of lower-class teenagers living in Outer Banks, North Carolina—and their tumultuous adventure to find the long-sought-after gold of El Dorado, season four was able to take considerable liberties and explore varying storylines as the plot would embark the Pogues on an entirely new journey.

After concluding their scour for the gold, they wrapped up the last season with pockets full of over one million dollars—an expense that is spent within the first 20 minutes of season four. Bankrupt, crippled by debt from the property they had accumulated, and looking for quick money, the Pogues are offered 50k to find legendary pirate Blackbeard’s lost treasure. While perhaps seen initially as an easy cash grab for the gang, they quickly learn that—as with any hunt they partake in—the deal would soon be filled with an overwhelming amount of peril, turmoil, and encapsulating jeopardy.

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While perhaps seen initially as an easy cash grab for the gang, they quickly learn that—as with any hunt they partake in—the deal would soon be filled with an overwhelming amount of peril, turmoil, and encapsulating jeopardy.

With a newly introduced plotline, I was intrigued to learn what path the installments would take. Akin to the mindset of many viewers, it was inherent to me that the show would not stray from its nostalgic, summery vibe, an atmosphere that has been executed since the dawn of its first episode. I was pining for an entertaining moderation between action and lighthearted wistfulness that would evoke the same feelings past seasons had.

The first five episodes, as I have come to experience, only packed about half of that punch.

Almost every moment of these episodes seemed to be chock full of grave moments, but there was a minuscule number of scenes that felt refreshingly blithe. In previous seasons, there was a satisfactory balance between emotional evocations. Unfortunately, I felt there was little witty dialogue, jovial youth, and a much-needed insouciance that once made the show so enjoyable to watch. While I can confidently say that I was on my toes throughout most of my watching, I wish there was a greater sense of equilibrium.

From a different perspective, the weighty undertone provided many actors a chance to showcase their talent in a disparate, raw environment. I was fervent to see this change in two of the show’s most criminally underrated characters, the formidable Cleo (played by Carlacia Grant) and the intellectual Pope (played by Jonathon Daviss). Despite their cemented romantic relationship in this show, they have both perfected the art of simultaneously developing their own characters and their conjoined story. While some have critiqued earlier seasons for forcing every character into a relationship and putting their individual growth at a stagnant, Daviss and Grant, leave their distinct touching grip on the hearts of viewers in these episodes.

I was perhaps most pleased with the screenwriters’ decision to focus on antagonist Rafe Cameron (played by Drew Starkey) this season, exploring a deeper side of his intentions, pride, and empathy. As opposed to past seasons, Rafe appears in a healthier mental state, ready to make amends for the condemnable deeds of his past. The addition of his girlfriend Sofia, portrayed by Fiona Palomo, furthers his emotional depth and shows a new side to his compassion that has not yet been displayed previously. Alongside the rest of the cast, Starkey and Palomo add to the compelling realism and connection that makes the acting so unfailingly iconic.

As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these character arcs play out with every formulaic revelation of the story. With the last five episodes on the horizon, there’s still potential for the show to strike that elusive balance between richness, memorandum, and contest—an opportunity that will hopefully continue to kindle the magic that has earned Outer Banks a name among some of Netflix’s most popular shows.