Top 10 Memorable Outer Banks Moments

“Outer Banks” kicks off with a bang, and the characters experience drama from the very beginning. While episode one has a lot of exciting moments, one of the most thrilling is when John B tries scuba diving in an effort to retrieve something hidden underwater. They’re trying to keep the operation covert however, so he ends up staying under after his air has run out, which makes for an anxiety-inducing scene. It’s all worth it though because in the end, he discovers his missing father’s compass, which moves the Pogues forward on their treasure hunt.

While a lot of “Outer Banks” focuses on the mystery that the Pogues are trying to uncover, they are teenagers after all and they get into some interpersonal drama as well. When John B starts dating Sarah, the friction between her and Kiara comes to a head and something clearly has to give between the two girls. The perfect bonding opportunity comes up when they’re left on a boat alone together and Sarah ends up being stung by a jellyfish. To help her ease the pain and calm down, Kiara offers her a joint and the two mend their differences while they’re under the influence.

When we first meet John B, we know that his dad is missing and feared dead. But he gets a boost of hope early on when he finds clues that point to his father still being alive. Unfortunately in the show’s eighth episode, the teen learns the truth from Lana: Ward thought he killed John B’s father and left him for dead, but he actually set up a shelter and managed to survive- at least for a little while. This confirms John B’s rivalry with Ward, and angers him enough to spur him on to seek revenge.

This is a scene that could easily be overlooked, but it's actually one of the most important and eye-opening in the series so far. Of course it goes without saying that the most shocking scene of the season was Rafe shooting the sheriff, but it's the aftermath of him breaking down to Ward, explaining why he did it and how all he wants is his father's love, that really hit us hard. It doesn't erase his terrible decisions, but it does help us to empathize with his character and understand him better.

#6: John B Exposes Ward "The Phantom"

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In an attempt to escape his false accusation and the authorities, John B and Sarah plan to flee to Mexico in the season finale. The problem is, the weather is not on their side and they have to sail right into a terrible storm. Ward attempts to reach him and urge the two teens to turn around before it’s too late. John B uses his last words to expose Ward for everything he's done, including murdering his father, while the police listen on. We can only hope that there’s a season two that gives Ward the consequences he deserves.

#5: The Hot Tub Breakdown "Dead Calm"

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KJ finally stands up to his father and tells him he's not afraid anymore after a violent fight earlier in the episode. He then takes the money he stole from pawn shop owner and drug dealer Barry and blows it all on a lavish hot tub and alcohol. Kie and Pope reprimand him at first but then he breaks down and reveals how he really feels. It's a great moment that brings the Pogues closer together. It also shows JJ's vulnerability and adds a depth of character that we hadn’t previously seen from him.

Although at the beginning of the series we were definitely shipping John B and Kie, it quickly became clear when she rejected his kiss that they weren’t meant to be. By the end of season one however, some feelings have developed between Pope and Kiara. At first she also spurns his advances, but when all is said and done in the final episode, they finally share a kiss that is definitely more than just friendly. We’re eager to see what happens with this potential couple if we get a season two.

In the show’s fourth episode, Sarah Cameron and John B find plenty of time to bond when she saves him as he’s trying to escape from social services. She helps to clean his wounds after he has a bike accident and gives him some important info about a member of the Royal Merchant. In an effort to get a hold of the archives in Chapel Hill, John B then uses Sarah's connections and they sneak over together. They go shopping and give each other alter egos in a sort of role- playing game. It’s all topped off with their first kiss, which of course takes place in the pouring rain.

#2: John B Finds the Gold "Parcel 9"

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In one of the most dramatic and yet rewarding sequences of the show, John B finds gold in the well in the basement. But before he can be safely pulled out, the blind Mrs. Crain begins shooting at the Pogues (and Sarah) as they try to escape. They manage to get out just in time with John B covered in muck and trailing behind. They’re all happy to just have made it out without being shot, but the big surprise comes when John B shows off a piece of gold that he managed to grab and they all celebrate by chanting "full kook!" The best part is that John B has officially finished what his father started and validated his life’s work. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. JJ Takes the Blame for Pope "Spy Games" The Pogues Crash Midsummer Celebrations "MidSummers" John B & Sarah in the Bell Tower "Dead Calm" Topper Helps Sarah & John B Escape "The Bell Tower" Finding the Royal Merchant "The Forbidden Zone"

#1: John B & Sarah Survive "The Phantom"

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When John B and Sarah sailed off into the storm en route to Mexico, it at first seemed like there was no way they would make it. Their boat capsizes due to the tropical storm and they’re logically presumed dead. When we see them wake up the next morning though, it's the biggest sigh of relief for the audience. What’s even better is that they are rescued by a fishing boat headed for Nassau in the Bahamas… straight to the gold! This sets things up for the adventure to continue in a potential second season.