Outer Banks Character Opinions S2
I think I'm going to make these character opinions a seasonal thing. Please enjoy my messy, rambley, late night thoughts.
John B: Oh John B... John B... I've had my ups and downs with how I feel about John B, last season I said he was my least favourite Pouge and whilst I wouldn't say he's become my favourite I do find it hard not to sympathise and love who he is at his core. Last season I wrote about how John B's worst trait time and time again is that he's selfish. It's understandable and it's forgivable because he's young and lost and confused, but you can't deny this boy continues to display selfish behaviour. We saw it in season one which I've already discussed here and it continues, albeit to a slightly less degree in season two. Somehow though despite this selfishness, his charm and charisma and most of all his deep rooted loyalty to those closest to him make it impossible not to want to see him succeed. John B came a long way for me in season two and I think he'll only continue to grow with time. I will say that I enjoyed John B and Sarah as a couple significantly more this season than last, maybe because what they had felt more real and less rushed. Their problems weren't as surface level and you could truly see the depth of their connection, I'm excited for where season three might take them.
Kiara: Yeah I know, Kiara was annoying as shit in episode two basically ruining the recon mission which could have prevented a lot of issues but Kiara is literally the definition of ride or die and if you don't love her then I'm not here for you. I really enjoyed the fact that they seemed to utilise Kie as a character more this season than last because I definitely had a problem with the way her character was underappreciated in season one. My heart broke at every scene with her parents because I could understand both sides and it actually made me want to see more of these parent/pouge dynamics! I'm going to talk a little bit about the parents of OBX in a later post! Then there's the Pope or JJ of it all - The quick version of my thoughts are that I liked what they did with these relationships this season. I've seen some people say they felt Kie/Pope was dragged on for too many episodes but I thought it was perfect, it gave them the chance to properly explore things and realise they weren't meant to be without sweeping the connection completely under the rug. Meanwhile I got exactly what I wanted and needed from JJ and Kie - a few small moments and hints at a potential ship whilst not rushing into anything. Can we just take a second to appreciate how similar JJ and Kie are, not just in their hopes and dreams for their futures but in unwavering loyalty, their coping mechanisms, their wit....the besties to lovers vibe is strong with these two. ALSO Kiara Carrera Confirmed!!!
JJ: "Do you have any idea how special your son is" - You know what hurts about this is that not only is Luke unaware of how special his son is but I think JJ is just as incapable of believing it. Where John B is selfish JJ is selfless, he'd literally lay down his life for his friends and you can just see that he thinks it's a half life anyway, one that will end with him in prison or dead, as long as it's after his friends are happy and safe I don't think he'd care either way, sad but it's true. Despite how much I love Jiara my main ship for JJ is a happy and healthy life, that's what I want season three to bring him most of all. Now I've already talked a little bit about Jiara but I wrote a note in terms of Pope that said "Bro the way I don't even ship JJPope romantically and yet this hot tub neck nuzzle/wrestling scene got me feeling some kind of way".... and I stand by that, like woah they almost had me in the first half of that season. Also can we just appreciate JJ in that white shirt and backwards hat because man, he's fucking beautiful.
Pope: Pope deserves all the love, all the happiness, all the health. I honestly feel like Pope had the most growth this season, from a worried kid who stressed over everything to a brave and determined young man who was ready to risk it all, despite still being slightly on edge. Also I really appreciated the way he handled the whole Kiara situation, sure he was upset and probably angry with the way she lead him on a little but he never pressured her to be or feel anything other than what she did. Pope understood that Kiara was probably just figuring out her emotions (which is completely understandable at their age) and valued their friendship enough to put that first. The whole Limbrey/Tanney/Heyward thing was great!! We love to see complex black characters with deep rooted histories being explored!! The Cleo/Pope dynamic was fun and hopefully one we'll see more of next season! I don't know if I ship them yet as it's only early days but I certainly see potential and if Pope's happy then I'm happy!
Sarah: Dare I say it... Is Sarah Cameron becoming one of my favourites? I really really really enjoyed her character this season and honestly the less she was with John B the more endearing she became to me. Like I said it's not that I didn't enjoy her and John B as a couple, but seeing the dynamics she had with other characters just made her feel more complex to me. I think also seeing her stand on her own and at times against John B made her feel authentic in a way that 'heart eyes/Iove just walked in' Jarah didn't last season. Sarah and Kiara are the duo we always knew we needed and I also can't wait to see more of the friendship between Sarah and Cleo! Going into season three I'm excited to see the way she handles her life minus her family. Sarah is in the interesting position of having her life completely turned upside down and I think it will provide some interesting character growth next season.
