“Outer Banks” contains explicit language and some graphic content. This article includes mild spoilers. 

Would you rather be a Pogue or a Kook?

This question has been swarming the minds of teens after binge watching the new Netflix series “Outer Banks” that was released on April 15.

If I could say one thing, I would emphasize that “Outer Banks” is like a modern day “Goonies.” 

Many fans of the new Netflix series have loved the adventurous plot and chemistry between the characters. 

“I find it to be a really good balance between the treasure hunting aspect as well as really digging deep into who each of the characters are and their relationships with [one another],” junior Aislinn McCarthy said.

The basic plot surrounding the action, crime, and drama revolves around a group of teenagers who stumble upon the “Royal Merchant” treasure map that later reveals a hidden secret. 

The whole friend group consists of JJ, Kie, Pope, and John B.

All in one summer, the four friends are determined to discover the $400 million in gold that the main character John B.’s dad had been searching for until he mysteriously disappeared.

Because “Outer Banks” was marketed as the new featured show on Netflix, I knew I had to give it a try to see what all the hype was about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC68w9tvv6I

As soon as I hit “play” on the trailer, the track “Left Hand Free” by alt-J blasted and I was hooked. 

I instantly felt submerged into the Outer Banks of North Carolina where four teens are seen cruising in a boat along the banks, when they suddenly discover a sunken boat that happened to belong to John B.’s father. 

John B. has been living alone alongside his friends ever since his dad disappeared. They made up a group known as the Pogues.

Unlike the Kooks who are born into wealth, the Pogues are the people who try to embody pure bliss and happiness as they make the most of their lifestyle, which is seen by some as run-down. As John B. says, “[the Pogues are] the home of the working class, who make a living busing tables, washing yachts, [and] running charters.” 

The Pogues aspire to overcome the highs and lows of love, friendship, drugs, and money. John B. is basically the leader of the Pogues. Teens have been obsessing over his scattered freckles, modelesque jawline, tan skin, and wavy hair. 

“John B. is just very determined, caring, and has a free spirit,” McCarthy said. “I guess I really like his character because there are just some aspects of him that I can really relate to.”

John B. encounters many obstacles throughout the show such as the Department of Child Services, which is trying to put him into foster care because he doesn’t have a parental guardian living with him. Later in the series, he gets adopted by Ward Cameron.

However, Ward Cameron has different intentions about adopting John B. He desires and wants more information about the gold associated with the crash of the ship known as the “Royal Merchant.” 

This throws the whole plot for a spin, as Ward Cameron tries to take over the gold and beat the Pogues to it. 

Throughout the show, the characters develop a better understanding of who they are and what they stand for, as they adjust to their own individual lifestyles and social groups.

The Kooks, however, are the wealthy class from Figure Eight, an island off the coast of North Carolina. Whenever a crime or mischievous event takes place and the Kooks are involved, they aren’t ever accused of anything because of their wealthy and rich status. 

Sarah Cameron, the daughter of a rich business owner, and a very charismatic and charming character, is popular among the Kooks. She has a brother named Rafe who has easily become one of the most hated characters on my list due to his unnecessary violence and aggression towards the Pogues. 

At the beginning of the show, Sarah Cameron is in a relationship with Topper, who is basically the king of the Kooks. Topper is wealthy and comes across as entitled, which is the main reason why he is disliked by the Pogues. 

However, watching Topper’s character progress slowly was one of my favorite developments because it looks like he is headed in a stable direction. 

Later in the show, the tension increases between the Pogues and Kooks when they realize that John B. and Sarah Cameron have crossed paths and have fallen in love with one another.

Due to the shocking twist within the last few minutes of season one, my jaw dropped and my heart was racing. That’s why this is such a great show.

Every episode kept me on the edge of my seat as the mystery unraveled. 

Season one concluded as John B. and Sarah Cameron got picked up by a boat that was headed towards the Bahamas. Then the show flashed to the credits, leaving the viewer unsure about how season two will workout.

Overall, the character development is really enjoyable to watch. I admired seeing characters come together in ways I wasn’t even expecting. 

This show had me aspiring to move to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and become friends with the Pogues. Their friend group radiated positive energy and modeled that teenagers should be living free and staying present in the moment. 

“Outer Banks” deserves a solid 8.5 out of 10 because of the adventurous and engaging storyline along with the characters. The storyline of the show was quite intriguing, but I felt that the actors made it even better. You can tell how genuine they are on and off the camera as well as how tight knit their friendships are due to some of them even sharing apartments. 

I would recommend this show to anybody who is in need of an adventure. This show has tended to gravitate towards more of a teenage audience, but has the potential to grab the attention of viewers of all ages, including my 57-year-old step-dad. 

So, if you need something to watch while quarantining, turn on “Outer Banks” and prepare to submerge yourself into the depths of North Carolina.