Summary
Kie's romantic history is an important part of Outer Banks' storytelling, and her relationship with JJ is the most definitive and meaningful.
Kie had once been in a relationship with Pope and shared a brief encounter with her longtime love interest, John B. However, she ultimately chose to maintain a platonic connection with him.
JJ demonstrated his love for Kie by saving her from a behavioral camp, and the two are now in a romantic relationship. Their dynamic in season 4 reflects their similar personalities as they navigate their partnership.
Kie from Outer Banks has had an interesting romantic journey throughout the show's early seasons. Premiering on Netflix in 2020, Outer Banks tells the story of a group of working-class teens, known as the "Pogues," who live in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina. They battle against the wealthy summer residents called "Kooks" while also embarking on a quest to find lost treasure. The series received immediate attention for its multi-dimensional storytelling, seamlessly combining teenage romance, social commentary, and action-adventure.
Critics have moderately praised Outer Banks, highlighting its skillful portrayal of interpersonal relationships alongside its summery vibes, effectively balancing out its dramatic elements. This teen series is part of Netflix's concerted effort to enhance its young adult content, and Outer Banks is the culmination of that endeavor. One character, Kiarra "Kie" Carrera (portrayed by Madison Bailey), is fleshed out exceptionally well, with her dating history serving as an integral component of the show's narrative rather than mere decoration for an underdeveloped character. While Kie ultimately becomes involved with JJ (Rudy Pankow) in season 3, she had relationships with other individuals before they found each other.
Kie Has Dated Pope & JJ In Outer Banks
Despite the undeniable chemistry between Pogues leader John B (Chase Stokes) and Kie on Outer Banks throughout season 1, they quickly agreed to remain just friends, with John B acknowledging that every guy had a crush on her. However, Pope (Johnathan Daviss), who had harbored feelings for Kie for a long time, eventually confessed his love to her in the season 1 finale, episode 10, "The Phantom," and they shared a passionate kiss. In season 2, their relationship took a new turn when they slept together in episode 4, "Homecoming," but Kie eventually decided to keep things platonic.
Although JJ and Kie shared a simmering chemistry from the very beginning, they initially weren't a good match. While Kie showed interest in John B and later Pope, JJ was always present but criticized by Kie's parents. Among all of Kie's Pogue friends, JJ faced the harshest judgment due to his troubled reputation. The breaking point came when JJ stole money from Kie's father in season 3, episode 5, "Heists."
JJ Proved His Love For Kie In Outer Banks Season 3
After a major conflict with her parents in season 3, Kie was sent to a camp for troubled teens, causing a rift within the Pogues just as it was revealed that Big John was alive. In a pivotal moment in episode 9 of Outer Banks season 3 titled "Welcome To Kitty Hawk," JJ bravely went his own way and rescued Kie from the camp. During this episode, Kie openly declared her love for JJ, and he responded passionately, sealing it with a kiss.
In the finale of Outer Banks season 3, Kie and JJ were still together even after a year and a half had passed. This suggests that their relationship will endure. Unlike her previous connections which lacked certainty, JJ is Kie's ideal partner as he embodies aspects of her own personality. Kie aspires to fully embrace her Pogue identity following her time as a Kook, while JJ, although known for his troubled reputation as a Pogue, is determined to move beyond it. As Outer Banks season 4 unfolds, their relationship will likely take center stage, and their journey may not be without obstacles for this newly established power couple of the show.