On February 14, I was invited to the Outer Banks Season 3 advanced screening here in Chicago and this was my experience from start to finish. For starters, I want to say that I was extremely honored and humbled to be invited to such a memorable event and it was a night I will never forget.
The viewing was at an AMC theater downtown and I got there around 6:15 and was given a free voucher for a small popcorn and soda or water. After gathering my treats, I entered the theater and found my seat. I sat a few rows back from the front which I knew was going to give me a head-ache, but it was worth it in the end. As people shuffled in, I took photos of my surroundings to remember this night.
After what felt like hours but was really just 40 minutes, a spokesperson came to the front and asked us what we would ask if Rudy Pankow and Chase Stokes were here and after a few members spit some comical and serious questions out, we all began to get anxious knowing what was coming.
Sure enough, minutes later, Rudy Pankow and Chase Stokes came into the theater with some introductory remarks before the show played. Honestly, I’m still star-struck over this moment and even if they were there for only a few minutes, it was something I’ll never forget.
(DISCLAIMER: Although I tried to avoid spoilers, there may be some in the following paragraphs so be aware)
Once they left the theater, we got to watch the first episode of the new season and as far as the show goes, I can confidently say that the Outer Banks fandom, or “The Pogues” are in for quite the adventure this season. As we left off in season two, the Pogues are stranded on an island and we see that some members of the group are growing keen on the lifestyle while the rest of them want to be rescued. JJ and Kiara learn how to fish for food while Sarah builds a shelter. With a fear of being “rescued” by her father or someone he hired, Sarah thinks every boat she sees is her family. John B assures her that it’s okay and that if they are rescued, it won’t be related to her family.
The group is awoken by a plane flying by and after starting a fire to create rescue smoke, the Pogues are rescued by a guy named “Jimmy”. Due to past traumatic experiences, the group is cautious and digs through some of Jimmy’s belongings to find out who he works for. The Pogues freak out as they find Jimmy is connected to Sarah’s revenge-seeking father and as a ruckus breaks out, Jimmy prioritizes fighting with JJ over flying the plane which results in a crash right off the shore of Barbados.
As the plane fills with water, the Pogues escape but Kaira decides to save an unconscious Jimmy and this decision ultimately creates the plot for the rest of the show. She brings Jimmy to shore and is welcomed by men with guns who throw her in the back of a car and drive off. The rest of the pogues are watching this unfold from a hidden location and must come up with a plan to save Kiara.
The Pogues spend the rest of the show searching for Kiara but she has gotten herself into a tough situation that will be unpacked in the second episode. With many twists, turns and surprises, this pilot sets the mood for the rest of the season perfectly.
I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the season soon! Be sure to take a look on Netflix on February 23, 2023 as Chase and Rudy take the screen with their co-stars! One piece of advice: buckle up! It’s going to be an eventful season for sure.
This is one last thank you to Her Campus for allowing me to have an amazing Valentine’s Night and for giving me such crazy opportunities!