'Outer Banks' Season 4 Review: An Unexpected Breakout Star ...

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The new installment picks up right where part one ends, with the Pogues fighting to keep their land after a rezoning motion threatens to take it away from them. John B (Chase Stokes) and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) also must save Sarah (Madelyn Cline) and Pope (Jonathan Daviss) because the latter duo is trapped in an underground crypt. 

Needless to say, there’s a lot going on in the first episode. But if there’s one breakout performance from part two of Outer Banks season four, it’s JJ and his reaction to learning that Luke (Gary Weeks) isn’t his real father.

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In the beginning of part two, JJ experiences pretty much every emotion known to man. And the way that Pankow is able to shift back and forth from each feeling while his character processes what’s happening is truly impressive. 

First, he’s told that Luke isn’t his real father. Then, he learns that he’s the grandson of Wes Genrette (David Jensen) and his real mom, Larissa (Tommi Rose), drowned in a boating accident with her baby. The baby’s body was never found—because that baby is JJ.

When Luke explains that Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane) is JJ’s biological dad, JJ admittedly freaks out and refuses to believe it’s true. And the result is an acting performance for the books.

JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX

I will admit, I didn’t expect JJ to steal the show as much as he does. Previous seasons have focused so heavily on John B and Sarah that JJ has somewhat blended into the background. (He’s kind of like the little brother who always causes trouble but you keep him around for entertainment purposes.) 

Part two of Outer Banks season four shows an entirely new depth to the character that I hadn’t seen until now. And if there’s one takeaway from Pankow’s performance, it’s that an Emmy nomination is likely on the horizon.  

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