Outer Banks Season 1 Review: More than just a soppy teen drama
The American streaming television series Outer Banks was created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke. It premiered on Netflix on April 15, 2020.
Synopsis
Outer Banks is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The main plot surrounds a tight-knit group of teenagers from the wrong side of the tracks called the “Pogues” and a wealthy and superior group called the “Kooks”. After a series of unusual events occur on the island, The Pogues, embark on a mission. This mission is about the missing father of their charismatic leader called John B (Chase Stokes). In the process, they stumble across a treasure map that unearths a long-buried secret.
Interpersonal relationships
Love
What would a teen drama be without a decent love story? Or even better, a love triangle? Sarah (Madelyn Cline) is in some kind of toxic relationship with a guy called Topper (Austin North), but it all changed when the mysterious surfer boy John B appeared. This sounds quite stereotyped, but I can assure you it’s not. You can clearly see that Sarah isn’t truly happy with Topper. She doesn’t want her future to be planned ahead already.
You don’t love me, Topper. You love the idea of me. You love being seen with me, but you don’t love me.
With John B, Sarah is getting a new perspective. She’s able to leave her own little bubble and can finally be “free” again. There’s so much more for her to see and experience.
Friendship
It’s not all about love. Friendship is one of the main topics as well. The Alpha and Omega of the series, which is determining the life of the “Pogues” Without friendship John B, JJ (Rudy Pankow), Kiara (Madison Bailey) and Pope (Jonathan Daviss) would be nothing. They always stick together like a family. Going through thick and thin together, no matter what. You really want to be a part of this group while watching it.
Abuse
Life in Outer Banks also has it’s darker side, and no one knows it better than JJ. He has an alcoholic father (Gary Weeks), who keeps beating up. You can see that JJ is truly broken. His dad is the only family he has since his mother died. One of the best and biggest scenes of the series is the hot tub scene. JJ is letting it all out with the text and dialogue. You can see where all of his heartbreak and pain is coming from. There’s a lot of improv stuff and one can definitely say, that Rudy did an excellent job playing this breakdown scene.
I just couldn’t do it. I can’t take him anymore. I was gonna kill him.
Final review
All in all, I was really amazed at how good the show actually was.I have to honestly admit, that the promo picture on Netflix actually scared me off at first.
I wasn’t in the mood for any more sappy teens. But “Outer Banks” has so much more: a treasure hunt, the search for a missing father, the class struggle, friendship, love, overpowering enemies and, above all, incredibly good characters. Really.
Supporting roles are well written and don’t seem out of place. The actors are refreshing and immersed in their roles and the story is not exaggerated. With Outer Banks you are getting a lot, but not too much.
My tip: Don’t let the first impression put you off. This series is definitely worth a watch.
Some good news: In July 2020, the series was renewed for a second season.
We would like to hear your opinion. Let us know in the comments or via social media, and don’t forget to join us when we will be back reviewing Season 2.
If you need to catch up, don’t worry! Season 1 is available on Netflix
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Follow Outer Banks Online:
Instagram | #OBX
