Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 3 ‘The Lupine Corsairs’ throws the Pogues in the middle of a new adventure, gives us more romance than we’ve had all season, and ups the stakes considerably with a cliffhanger that puts something other than money on the line. It is, perhaps, the best episode of the season so far, despite being the shortest, and it is also the most nerve-wracking because things are now happening, and that means our favorites are in danger.
But then again, isn’t that the Outer Banks way? We got one blissful episode of the Pogues living the life we all wanted them to live, but a show is not made out of happiness. So here we go, back to the adventure. And follow them we will.
MORE: Here’s our review of Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 1! And our review of Outer Banks Season 3, Episode 2!
A FIRST DATE (ALL THIS TIME LATER)
It’s kind of hilarious to be getting Jiara’s “first date” in Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 3 ‘The Lupine Corsairs’ considering they’ve been dating for over a year at this point, and have had plenty of chances to go on a date, even a bad one. But at the same time, it kinda tracks, doesn’t it? Kiara and JJ are not really ‘date’ kinda people. They’re ‘I pick you and you pick me and now we’re going to be together forever kinda people’ instead.
That Kiara verbalizes what is, deep down, a desire for a normal moment with her boyfriend, and that JJ indulges her, is a big moment for their relationship. Because JJ has already proven time and time again that he’ll go out on a limb for Kiara. He’ll literally lay down his life for her. It’s the little things that are harder for him, the ones that come from believing that he’s worthy to have her, to walk around on a pier in the middle of the day holding her hand. And he’s doing that now. He might not fully believe it yet, because there’s still growth to be done, but he’s there for her and with her.
And Kiara, well, she wants that life with JJ. She’s always wanted it with him and no one else. Not because she wanted to run away from being a Kook, but because this is who she always was. This carefree person whose true partner is the boy who never had a home that wasn’t with her. What they built from now on, the life they create, the home they make …it’s gonna be both of theirs.
MORE: Did this season deliver any of the things we wanted from Outer Banks Season 4?
MARRIAGE? MARRIAGE
Do these crazy kids really need a legally binding marriage? They’re living in their own version of Poguelandia, we’re going to go with no. However, I will also say that, at some point, they should stop by a courthouse and sign some actual documents, if nothing else because if anyone feels forever about anyone else it’s John B. and Sarah, and also because imagine Rafe’s face when he finds out. I’d do it just for that reason.
But Sarah and John B. don’t need the documents to feel married, and so their only concern in Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 3 ‘The Lupine Corsairs’ is that they haven’t exchanged proper wedding rings. And for them, proper wedding rings don’t mean gold or fancy metals, it just means something they can wear on their fingers to prove they belong to each other, that’s about it. It’s just about declaring to the world they’re together — not about showing off anything else.
The thing Sarah and John B. have always wanted, the thing they found in each other, was family. That person who would choose you above all others, who would be there for you no matter what. That person who would have your back, through thick and thin. That’s what the rings represent. And that’s why they are as precious to them, no matter what they’re made out of.
MORE: How were the special effects for Outer Banks Season 3 done? We’ve got answers!
A FEW STANDARD DEVIATIONS OFF THE MEAN
Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 3 ‘The Lupine Corsairs’ showcases the best Pope, and the best Cleo as well – though it is fair to say that Outer Banks Season 4 has done that for the two of them consistently, in a way the Season 4 has truly done for all six main characters. This isn’t someone’s season to shine above all others, but if we have to give someone his dues, it might just be Pope, who has never really felt as comfortable in his own skin and in his relationships as he feels in Outer Banks Season 4.
Maturity looks really well on Pope, and even if he has always been the one to carry the singular brain cell in this group for over 95% of the time, this episode showcases the best of Pope and even gives him and Cleo a chance to be the cute couple that Sarah and John B. and Kiara and JJ get to be as well. It also gives Pope a chance to be the one to get the information they need and set them all on the right path towards another treasure.
Because that’s what they’re doing here, of course. Going for treasure, once again. And the thing is for sure, if I were going to look for treasure, I’d want Pope and Cleo on my side.
MORE: What did we think of Outer Banks Season 3? Our review!
Things I think I think:
- The interrogation scene is kinda hilarious. God bless Shoupe, he’s always good for some hilarity.
- “We’re a few standard deviations off the mean.” POPE.
- Yeah, this Groff dude is creepy.
- How could JJ possibly have broken that hyperbaric chamber?
- Why are they just going to this guy’s place? Does anyone have common sense around here?
- Ok, look this entire silly pier scene was worth it for the whole “first date” banter between Jiara. The first few episodes were a little light on ship moments, but this was top-tier.
- And then we get Pope and Cleo too.
- Only Kiara and JJ would think jumping off that pier was something you’d do on a date, though.
- Look, Sofia, I could have told you ages ago not to trust Rafe.
- Oh yay, we’re gonna get a Blue Crown, I guess.
- This cougar lady is giving me the creeps. She and Groff belong together.
- Is John B. really worried he’s going to become his dad? And what is Pope’s issue with the “I love you”?
- IS ANYTHING CUTER THAN SARAH AND JOHN B. EXCHANGING RINGS?
- Leave my baby Cleo alone!
- Terrance?!
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 3 ‘The Lupine Corsairs’? Share with us in the comments below!
Outer Banks season 4 is now available to stream on Netflix.
Need more? Read our other reviews below:
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 1 Review: ‘The Enduro’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 2 Review: ‘Blackbeard’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 3: ‘The Lupine Corsairs’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 4 Review: ‘The Swell’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 5 Review: ‘Albatross’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 6 Review: ‘The Town Council’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 7 Review: ‘Mothers and Fathers’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 8 Review: ‘Family Plot’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 9 Review: ‘The Storm’
- Outer Banks Season 4, Episode 10 Review: ‘The Blue Crown’
