When not out searching for treasure or sticking it to the “Kooks”, Kie from Outer Banks has had an interesting romantic history through the show’s first few seasons. Premiering on Netflix in 2020, Outer Banks follows a group of working-class teens (known as the “Pogues”) who live in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina and fight against the wealthy summer residents known as “Kooks” while also searching for lost treasure. The series gained immediate attention for its multi-faceted storytelling and the way it deftly blends teen romance, social commentary, and action-adventure into one accessible package.
Critics gave Outer Banks modest praise (via Rotten Tomatoes), and the over-the-top melodrama was largely balanced out by the adept interpersonal stories and summer vibes. Netflix’s best teen series represent an obvious push by the streamer to beef up its young adult content, and Outer Banks represents the culmination of that idea. Kiarra “Kie” Carrera (Madison Bailey) is especially fleshed out, and her dating history is an important part of the show’s storytelling as opposed to just being window-dressing for an underdeveloped character. Though she finally got together with JJ (Rudy Pankow) in season 3, she dated a few other people before they found one another.
Kie Has Dated Pope & JJ In Outer Banks
Chemistry Was Tested Between Multiple Pairings
” No Pogue on Pogue macking ” goes out the window as relationships formed between John B and Sarah (Madelyne Cline) and Kie and Pope (Jonathan Daviss).
Though there was obvious chemistry between Pogues leader John B (Chase Stokes) and Kie on Outer Banks from the outset of season 1, the two quickly agreed to be just friends with John B mentioning that every guy had a crush on her. It’s made very clear from the beginning that Kie’s chemistry with John B was more friendly than romantic, despite the two taking a brief detour to see if there was anything more there in the early episodes of the show.
At the time, there was even a “no Pogue on Pogue macking” rule among the friends, meaning that none of them would attempt to act on any feelings they might have for one another. That didn’t stop JJ from shamelessly flirting with Kie or Pope from developing a bigger crush though. “No Pogue on Pogue macking” goes out the window as relationships formed between John B and Sarah (Madelyne Cline) and Kie and Pope (Jonathan Daviss).
Barely able to hide his feelings for his longtime crush, Pope eventually professed his love for Kie in Outer Banks season 1, episode 10, “The Phantom” and they kissed each other while embracing. In season 2 their relationship went to a new level after they slept together in episode 4, “Homecoming”, but Kie eventually decided to keep things platonic.
Simmering since the pilot episode, JJ and Kie had obvious chemistry, but they initially were not a good fit. While Kie was expressing interest in John B, and later Pope, JJ had always been around but was especially frowned upon by Kie’s parents. Though Kie’s folks were unhappy with all of Kie’s Pogue friends, they looked down on JJ even more because of his bad reputation and his family being known criminals. The final straw came when JJ stole money from Kie’s father in Outer Banks season 3, episode 5, “Heists”.
JJ Proved His Love For Kie In Outer Banks Season 3
JJ And Kie Officially Start Dating In Season 3
Following a massive blowup with her parents in season 3, Kie was sent away to a camp for teens with behavioral issues, which completely fractured the Pogues right as Big John was revealed to still be alive. Finally putting a cap on the long-running question of will-they, won’t-they between the two, JJ struck out on his own and rescued Kie from the camp. In Outer Banks season 3, episode 9, “Welcome To Kitty Hawk”, Kie professed her love for JJ, and he said it back emphatically, followed by a kiss.
Outer Banks season 3 ended with Kie and JJ still together even after an 18-month time jump, which seems to suggest that the couple will truly work out. Unlike her other relationships which were much less definitive, JJ is the perfect match for Kie because he represents a reflection of her personality. She strives to truly be a Pogue after her year with the Kooks, while JJ’s bad reputation as a Pogue is something he is trying to escape.
What Happens To Kie’s Relationships In Season 4?
Kie And JJ Are Going Strong
JJ is trying, even when his impulsivity gets in the way, to make sure things work out for them.
Kie and JJ might not have time for typical teen dates, but their relationship is stronger than ever. When Kie’s parents tell her she can’t come home if she’s still with JJ, she chooses JJ and her friends to make a new life with. The group uses their earnings to build a place for them to work and live, though their earnings from their last treasure hunt don’t last forever.
Even as JJ spends the last of their money and Kie reprimands him for it, he doesn’t get mad or even raise his voice to her. JJ is trying, even when his impulsivity gets in the way, to make sure things work out for them.
When the duo do get the chance to have a pseudo date while trying to get information on someone coming after him, it’s clear that the weight of the world isn’t on their shoulders anymore. As much as they might feel that the world is against them, they clearly help to lighten one another’s load. Even while in the middle of something that might be dangerous, they have fun, grabbing snow cones and jumping off a pier.
They also save one another’s lives repeatedly during the season. Their world might be full of danger, but they have one another.
Who Would Be Best For Kie To End Up With?
Kie’s Strongest Relationship Has Been With JJ
Kie has very strong friendships with all of the Pogues, but her strongest relationship among them all seems to be with JJ still. While the series wouldn’t necessarily need to end with characters paired off, if it did, JJ would be the best option for Kie of the current cast and the relationships she has already formed in the series.
Kie and JJ offer one another a support system they have never really had before. While Kie’s parents care for her, they’ve never understood her, and their dislike of her life with the Pogues drives more than a simple wedge between them. JJ is there for Kie without reservation when that happens, putting her welfare above any search for gold. He pulls her out of a camp for troubled teens, he saves her life on a dive for treasure, and he is willing to put himself in danger to help her save baby sea turtles.
Likewise, Kie offers JJ a similar system of support. When she sees the bruises given to him by Luke Maybank, she doesn’t hesitate to offer him comfort even though it’s not something the Pogues usually talk about. She lets him be vulnerable with her and cry on his shoulder. She also saves his life as often as he saves hers. They’re equal partners in their relationship, which is what makes them such a strong pairing.
It’s possible that by the time Outer Banks draws to an end that same relationship might not be happening, but it seems unlikely. The show would be wise to allow JJ and Kie to continue to grow with one another and support each other.
