The Pogues are back! The Netflix phenomenon Outer Banks has returned for its third installment. With the first season debuting back in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, the show instantly generated a large fan base primarily among teenagers who were bored from sitting at home all the time. Over the three years since it first came out, Outer Banks has only gotten more and more attention and is now back with a bang. Let me say, it did not disappoint. Caution: there may be spoilers ahead!

The cast this season includes but is not limited to Chase Stokes (John B. Routledge), Madison Bailey (Kiara Carrera), Rudy Pankow (JJ Maybank), Jonathan Daviss (Pope Heyward), Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron), and Carlacia Grant (Cleo). Every single person in this cast really is incredible at what they do, and I think that they were all given time to shine. They all had at least one immensely emotional scene, and I think all viewers can appreciate an actor that can make them sympathize even with the worst of characters.

One of the high points for me this season had to be the romance between Kiara and JJ, or as the fans call them, “Jiara.” This relationship was one of the best and most exciting slow burns that I have ever seen on television. Ever since season one, fans, including myself, have been excited to see this friends-to-lovers trope, and I think it accomplished everything that we could ask for. From JJ setting off on a rescue mission for Kiara to Kiara defending JJ to her parents, everything about it was just perfect. The one thing that might’ve made it better would be for the new couple to get more screen time together after their first kiss (my favorite scene).

Something that I did find disappointing was the character Big John. Played by American actor Charles Halford, Big John is John B’s father who was thought to be dead throughout the first two seasons. I was excited when I saw the last scene in OBX season two where viewers were exposed to the fact that he was still alive. However, seeing him this season and his awful relationship with almost every single one of the characters, including his own son, I kind of wish he never came back.

Though I didn’t enjoy Big John’s character, his return and (spoiler) his death made for some of the most touching scenes this season. We really got to see how much John B. cares about him, even if he wasn’t always the best dad. We also got yet another example of Stokes’ incredible acting.

Even though he only appears prominently in one season, Big John somehow takes the title of the worst dad from Ward Cameron (Charles Esten) , Sarah’s dad. I didn’t think anyone could do that. Though what Ward has done in the past seasons is inexcusable, I personally think he redeemed himself in the end. Throughout the show, Ward has come back multiple times, begging for forgiveness from Sarah without ever truly changing until now. His selfless sacrifice in the last episode to save his daughter was honestly one of the best while also the shortest redemption arcs I’ve ever seen. I was in a puddle of tears while watching. I shocked myself by being ten times sadder about Ward’s death than I was about Big John’s.

As I mentioned before, I really enjoyed seeing an emotional scene from every one of the characters. Two of the most memorable scenes in my opinion showcased the acting abilities of Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, and Carlacia Grant. There was one scene in episode six where Pope had just about reached the end of his rope. We never have seen him quite like this until now. We got to see his rage mixed with anger in such an emotional and touching way while also seeing how close he and Cleo have gotten in their short time together as she calms him down. The other scene that stuck out to me was when Kiara was being sent away by her parents. I always knew Bailey was a good actor, but oh my gosh at that moment I was feeling for her.

Though nothing can match the nostalgia I get from rewatching season one of OBX, season three was everything that I could’ve wanted and more. I applaud Netflix for its ability to churn out yet another instant classic. I can’t wait to see where the Pogues go next!