Madelyn Cline reprises her role as Sarah Cameron in Outer Banks season 4, and while she’s technically a main character in the first five episodes, part 2 must fix a glaring issue regarding Sarah’s arc. Originally a Kook, Sarah joins the Pogues in season 1 of the Netflix teen drama when she falls in love with John B. Sarah has all but left her life of luxury behind to live among the Pogues, who make her the happiest. Although Cline’s character has been at the forefront of the narrative in many episodes, her story differs in Outer Banks season 4.

Netflix split Outer Banks season 4 into two parts each featuring five episodes — part 1 releases on October 10, 2024, and part 2 drops one month later, on November 7.

After discovering El Dorado at the end of Outer Banks season 3, Sarah and her friends return to North Carolina in season 4. They use their newfound fortune to buy the Maybank property, where they build a home and business. Unfortunately, the Pogues soon find themselves strapped for cash, forcing them to revert to their treasure-hunting ways. Sarah and her friends attempt to retrieve the amulet of Blackbeard’s wife, Elizabeth, but run into trouble when another group of dangerous individuals seek the same thing. Through it all, Sarah seemingly fades into the background while others are brought to the forefront.

Outer Banks Season 4 Part 1 Largely Sidelined Sarah Cameron

The First Five Episodes Mostly Focus On Other Characters

Following the death of Ward Cameron in Outer Banks season 3, Sarah has been sidelined in season 4, part 1. Aside from assisting the Pogues in their Blackbeard adventure, Sarah doesn’t have much of a story in the first five episodes of season 5. Sarah doesn’t do all that much in part 1 (in terms of her individual arc), which is strange because of how significant her role has been throughout the entire TV show. It appears that now that her father is (truly) gone, Sarah’s story has taken a backseat so that Outer Banks can focus on other characters.

Sure, Sarah and John B have the sweet scene of them exchanging rings they made for one another, and episode 5 ends with Sarah and Pope stuck in the crypt underneath the church. But aside from that, Sarah’s arc doesn’t actually progress by the end of Outer Banks season 4, part 1. Cline’s character also isn’t all that important to the narrative despite her history in the Netflix action-adventure mystery teen drama, and that must change in part 2.

Outer Banks Season 4 Part 2 Needs To Give Sarah A Bigger Role With Rafe’s Story

Rafe Wants To Reunite With Sarah

The good news is that Rafe Cameron’s story in Outer Banks season 4, part 1, sets the groundwork for Sarah to have a bigger part in the story in part 2. Rafe initially blames Sarah for their father’s death. However, his mindset concerning his relationship with his sister changes after signing a deal with Hollis Robinson to purchase a share of land on Goat Island. Rafe wants to be like his father, leaving the past in the past and bringing the Cameron family back together. So, Rafe wants to make amends with Sarah.

Rafe doesn’t get a chance to reunite with his sister by the end of episode 5 as she is busy getting stuck in a crypt in Charleston. However, part 2 will undoubtedly show him trying to make things right with Sarah. Of course, she and Pope need to somehow avoid drowning in the crypt first. Once she escapes, Sarah’s new storyline with Rafe can give her a more substantial role to play in the storyline in Outer Banks season 4, part 2.