6.5/10
“Outer Banks” season three had mixed receptions from audiences, and it’s not hard to see why. I’m in the same boat: I enjoyed it, yet I simultaneously found it annoying at every turn.
With plots that felt contrived and unnecessary romantic conflicts, it didn’t quite live up to the hype of the first two seasons.
The treasure hunt aspect of the show was just as fun and outlandish as it has always been, but some of the other choices left a lot to be desired. 
The main reason this season was not as immersive as the former was the lack of time actually spent in the “Outer Banks.” The season started slowly, because the characters are still deserted on the island that they found in the season two finale. Some are happier about this than others, but it takes too long to get back on track, even after they leave the island. 
One of the more common negative opinions of “Outer Banks” is the repetitive plot. In every season, there are multiple instances where the pogues, a word used in the show for the working-class people, work to find a clue that leads them closer to the treasure, only for someone richer and more powerful to steal it from them. While realistic, watching the characters we root for constantly face the same setback is frustrating.
Even more frustrating, the pogues can make decisions that are so stupid and reckless that your anxiety spikes while watching them. 
The return of John B’s dad was also an unpopular addition to the newest season. When it was revealed that he was alive in the season two finale, I had high hopes for his return. However, he took up too much screen time when you consider the lack of payoff from his character. Sometimes, it felt like his only purpose was to drive a wedge between John B and Sarah.
John B and Sarah, my favorite couple in the show, had their bumpiest season yet as a couple. While their relationship has never been simple because of their dads’ conflict, this season was the first time we ever saw them turn on each other.
While I didn’t like a certain aspect of the conflict between them, I also can see the reasoning behind its inclusion.
The good news, though, is that despite all of this, they’re still my favorite couple in the show. 
Speaking of romance, the execution of JJ and Kiara was laughable, even for those rooting for them. This might have to do with rumors that the actors have an awkward dynamic in real life. The line delivery was questionable, and the kiss was lacking. 
Cleo and Pope were my favorite new ship this season. They were hinted at in the last season, but they were even more enjoyable with more screen time. It may also be favoritism, because Pope is my second favorite pogue after Sarah.
Speaking of the Camerons, there was a lack of consideration for Rose and Wheezie. Rafe and Ward are constantly whining on screen, but the two female Camerons that aren’t Sarah are so underutilized it’s starting to be insulting. 
The strongest parts of the season are the last few episodes, where South America and El Dorado are the main focus. Our favorite found family, the pogues, are finally in the same place at the same time. It’s a miracle.
If anything, the third season’s strong ending just makes me excited for a fourth. It came out of left field, and I won’t be satisfied until I have more information. Still, I had to suffer through the slow start to get to this point.
All in all, this season was better than mediocre, but not by much.