Outer Banks

Plot Summary: A group of teens live in a town divided into two parts based on socioeconomic status. The rich part of town is called Figure Eight and the poor section is called The Cut.  In the pilot episode, the teens, who are based in The Cut, find a sunken boat after a hurricane. While the local police find a body washed up on shore, the teens found a hotel room key and after going to the room they find a safe with money. The main character, John B., doesn’t have a guardian. His friends come from different backgrounds on their island but come together to solve the mystery of the boat, the money, and the disappearance of John B.’s father. 

Writers Background: The Pate Brothers, Jonas and Josh, who were co-creators and writers on the show, grew up on the coast of North Carolina where the show was set (IMDb, n.d.-a and IMDB, n.d.-b). Shannon Burke produced the show. Her career in film began by helping make the political thriller Syriana, a film about the oil industry starring George Clooney and Matt Damon in 2005 (IMDb, n.d.-c).

Critical Evaluation: The production of the show is high, like most Netflix series. The writing is believable. The reviews depend on who you talk to. On Rotten Tomatoes (n.d.), the show has an average score of 70%. The different seasons have individual ratings as well. Season one has a 71% rating, season two has a 86% rating, and the Rotten Tomatoes rating for season three is 50%. The third season only has  eight reviews. The general consensus is that it’s generally a good show, but there are a lot of storylines that can make the show hard to follow and it can tend to be melodramatic (Rotten Tomatoes, n.d.). 

I have a lot of questions about how the show progresses. I am intrigued about how John’s father’s compass got on the boat they found at the beginning. Disregarding the reviews. I think it’s a good show. It was melodramatic at times. However, there are times when teens will be that way. If they acted rationally in all situations there wouldn’t be a show to watch. I wasn’t totally attached to the characters, even the main characters, at first but over time they grew on me.

Speed-Round Show Talk or Short Show Trailer: John B. and his friends find evidence of illegal activity that can make them money if they solve the mystery. John B. also finds a connection between the mystery and his absent father. To find out what happens watch Outer Banks!

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: The rating for this show is MA for mature. There was a fist fight and a boat chase involving somebody with a shotgun in the first episode. In my opinion that doesn’t mean teenagers shouldn’t watch the show. It’s possible that it is better material for older teens, ages sixteen to eighteen. This can cause some issues with parents. Even so, I don’t believe Outer Banks is made for adults given the background themes around friendship and parent/child relationships. Also, John B. doesn't have a guardian and acts rashly. However, themes of friendship, family, and community are important to teens. Also, I believe that John B. and his friends are trying to do the right thing.

Reason for Inclusion: Outer Banks is a fun show that has action, interesting characters, and an arresting storyline. A show that teens can relax with and enjoy isn't a bad thing to have.

References

IMDb. (n.d.-a). Jonas Pate. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0665321/?ref_=tt_ov_wr. 

IMDb. (n.d.-b). Josh Pate. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0665322/?ref_=tt_ov_wr. 

IMDb. (n.d.-c). Shannon Burke. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1223237/?ref_=tt_ov_wr. 

Rotten Tomatoes. (n.d.). Outer banks. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/outer_banks. 

Still Watching. (2022, october 9). Making of Outer Banks season 3 - Best of behind the scenes moments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEt0I3JGdNA.

Zero Media. (2020, March 31). Outer Banks trailer (2020) Netflix. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk_hFfUFXh4.