‘Outer Banks’ Season 4 Part 2 Review: Behind-the-Scenes Fractures Affect the Netflix Drama

Warning: This review contains major spoilers for Outer Banks Season 4.

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The first five episodes of Outer Banks‘ fourth season were a solid return to form for the Netflix drama, with an interesting storyline, an endearing set of character arcs, and vibes similar to its first season. However, Part 2 takes a disappointing turn, making choices that are in line with some of the show’s worst moments.

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Last Warning: There are major spoilers beyond this point.

Season 4 Part 2 Contains This Disappointing Departure

First and foremost, arguably the biggest disappointment for many fans was the shocking death of JJ Maybank (Rudy Pankow) in the feature-length season finale. The decision and its execution feel shallow, considering the speculated behind-the-scenes drama between Pankow and Madison Bailey, who plays fellow Pogue, Kiara.

While the details of what exactly went down between these two while the cameras weren’t rolling are unclear, what is clear is how this drama affected what we saw while the cameras were rolling. A moment from the finale that is going viral on X (formerly Twitter) shows an excessive amount of camera cuts between JJ and Kiara, despite Kiara lying on JJ’s shoulder. Eagle-eyed fans also pointed out that in a wide shot, Pankow has been replaced entirely by a body double.

While all of the drama is purely speculative, it’s painfully obvious that the chemistry between the pair is off, especially during JJ’s death scene. It’s disappointing not just for fans of JJ as a character, but especially for the loyal group of JJ and Kiara (Jiara) shippers who saw their initial chemistry in the first season.

Sarah and John B Are An Unexpected Surprise in ‘Outer Banks’ Season 4 Part 2

The other major reveal in Outer Banks Season 4 Part 2 has to do with Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline) discovering that she’s pregnant with her and John B’s (Chase Stokes) child. While fans were already theorizing this when the Part 2 trailer dropped, it was still a shock nonetheless.

However, this reveal was handled much better than anticipated. John B’s arc in the first half of the season revolved around him hoping to be less like his father, who would often let the thrill of the treasure hunt come first. This storyline is also helped by Stokes and Cline’s chemistry. In stark contrast to Bailey and Pankow, the pair are as electric as ever despite them being exes (the pair dated for over a year in 2020).

The reveal also makes way for a reconciliation between Sarah and her brother Rafe (Drew Starkey). While Rafe joins the Pogues on their transatlantic voyage to Morocco (much to their annoyance), he doesn’t interact with the group as much as he should’ve. Rafe deserved more of a redemption arc similar to Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender, as that’s what Part 1 was seemingly setting up. The moments of interaction we did get between Rafe and the rest of the Pogues, however, were some of the funniest moments in a usually action-packed show.

Plot Armor Saves the Day (Again)

When Outer Banks is at its best, it never lets its stakes get so high to the point where it’s challenging for the viewer to suspend their disbelief. Part 1 handled this issue expertly. But it’s back and more apparent than ever in Part 2, however. Aside from JJ’s death, the Pogues manage to get out of almost any situation almost entirely unharmed and without much consequence. This is an unfortunate example of plot armor, which brings the season down tremendously.

For example, Episode 9 of the show ends on a cliffhanger where both JJ and Sarah are thrown overboard in the middle of an ocean storm. When Episode 10 starts up, JJ and Sarah are both alive. They also magically appear on the same beach as the rest of the Pogues. This isn’t the only time this happens this season, either. When the chips are down, the Pogues almost always have a way out. Sometimes, it gets to be too much.

‘Outer Banks’ Season 4 Fails To Stick the Landing in Part 2

Part 1 and Part 2 of Outer Banks Season 4 feel almost like two entirely different seasons. While some of the controversial decisions are handled better than others, the show does not live up to the well-done Part 1.

What did you think of the big decisions made? How do you want the Pogues’ stories to conclude in Outer Banks’ final season? Let us know on our socials and follow Agents of Fandom for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.