Why ‘Outer Banks’ Is My Guilty Pleasure TV Show
Season 2 solidifies this as one of the most binge-able shows on Netflix
Courtesy of Netflix
“Guilty Pleasure — Something, such as a movie, television program, or piece of music, that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard”
Barry’s Bites Rating = 8.0
As the pandemic took over we were all looking for a way to escape. Netflix came to the rescue, with ‘Outer Banks’ season one releasing on April 15th, 2020. Featuring unsupervised teens, who seem to only own bathing suits, chasing treasure around a picturesque North Carolina island. It turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. Just one week after premiering on Netflix, the show quickly rose to become the most-watched series on the platform.
This show is tough to describe to a friend. It’s has a teenage theme, but with adult qualities, which allows it to be appealing to all ages. It’s goofy at times but also has serious segments that keep the plot moving. All while not taking itself too seriously.
“Can we drop the whole Pogues versus Kooks thing?”
Quirky Plot
Now that we’ve established that I wasn’t the only one who dove deep into season one. I’ll say it now. I quickly became hooked, despite the quirky nature of its plot. The teenage aspects of the show, paired with a treasure hunt combined to create a compelling plot. It’s fascinating that it can involve a goofy turf war between the “pogues” and “Kooks”, yet somehow remain grounded within the treasure hunt.
Courtesy of Netflix
The Acting & Script
Deciphering whether the acting is good or bad was another perplexing aspect of the show. On one hand, some scenes feel weird because of the acting. For example, the scenes between the “pogues” and “kooks” often made me want to hide behind my hands.
Maybe that is the point. The actors are playing high schoolers, who are embroiled in a rich versus poor turf war while chasing gold treasure. Nothing about that makes a whole lot of sense.
So maybe it makes sense for the actors to lean into the plot and script. Instead of trying too hard and pulling the show in the direction of taking itself too seriously. It’s hard to put into words other than to say, it freaking works somehow.
A treasure hunt! What more could anyone want than to chase $400 million worth of gold? Anyone would love to chase a stash of hidden gold around North Carolina. Especially if you’re living the sort of life that the “pogues’ have been handed.
There’s plenty of movies and shows that have centered around treasure, ranging from ‘Gold Rush’, ‘Treasure Planet’, and ‘Fools Gold’. However, none have romanticized the theme so succinctly as ‘Outer Banks’.
“Denial’s underrated. You should try it sometime. It’s highly effective, and it’s only denial if you’re wrong.”
Second Season = Better Season
Maybe ‘Outer Banks’ won’t take home any Emmys, but there is still something gripping about the show. To the point that it will make you want to binge the second season in one day, as I did this past Sunday.
The first season was the hook, while the second season reeled in the audience. Instead of perpetuating the same plot, it focuses more on the preeminent aspects of season one. By dropping the majority of the island drama nonsense that took place in the first season, it allows itself to become more of a serious show.
In the season two trailer, we see John B and Sarah Cameron trying to survive, while on the run in the Bahamas. They, along with the other characters, face difficulties that shape them into more dynamic characters. Resulting in fewer cringe teenage moments, and more adult-like attempts to capture what they see as their destiny.
“That’s JJ. Mild Kleptomaniac And A Future Tax Cheat.”
There is plenty to moan and groan about when you take a critical lens to the show. However, if you just sit back and enjoy what the creators are trying to bring to your doorstep you’ll enjoy the entire ride.
Take a look at the season 1 and season 2 trailers below. To point out the obvious here, if you haven’t seen season one then I wouldn’t watch the trailer for season 2.
