OBX's JJ x Kiara Relationship Told Through Tropes
The wait is over for OBX fans. Everyone's favorite ship—Jiara—is finally canon! In true Netflix fashion, we have waited for this moment since season one. After the recent release of season three, we can officially celebrate the journey of how these two beloved characters got here. We’re here to highlight the tropes in Kiara (Madison Bailey) and JJ’s (Rudy Pankow) relationship after three seasons of waiting.
Best Friends to Lovers
The most obvious of the bunch is the “Best Friends to Lovers” trope. Kiara and JJ have been established best friends since season one. They are literally half of the OG Pogues—the core of the show's protagonist. It’s not a surprise that they would end up as one of the cutest couples in the show after watching their dynamic for three seasons.
Old Married Couple
Before the pair got together, they seriously radiated “Old Married Couple” vibes. You know, the characters who are very comfortable with each other to the point where it seems like they've been married for just as long. Usually, it is noted by their constant arguments—playful or not. During many of JJ’s creative plans, Kie is almost always the one to call him out on his ridiculous ideas.
Partners in Crime
This trope describes a pair of characters who are each other's companions in whatever they do, usually a mischievous act or crime. During the dangerous hunt for legendary treasure worth 400 million dollars in gold—El Dorado—JJ and Kie find themselves and the other Pogue’s in more than enough illegal activities.
Boy Falls First
Anyone that's ever watched Outer Banks will tell you JJ has had a crush on Kiara since the very beginning. If you don't believe me, rewatch season one, episode one. The sligh comments, side glances, and smirks all can confirm that JJ fell hard while Kiara was dealing with relationship changes between her and John B and soon after, Pope.
Best Friend’s Girlfriend
Unfortunately, we did find our favorite couple in a predicament before they were official. In season one, Kiara was romantically involved with John B, a member of the Pogues, and JJ’s childhood best friend.
Though JJ respected their relationship, we as fans knew his feelings for her. In season two, Kiara and Pope were also involved which practically made JJ “give up” on the possibility of being with Kiara. Again, JJ stood by their relationship, even though he made it abundantly clear it was awkward for him.
Rich Girl x Poor Boy
JJ Maybank has a troubled home life. His father is an alcoholic and a drug addict. He can't hold down a legitimate job and has insinuated that he is a part of nefarious deals around the OBX. Located on the south of the island or “The Cut,” are the working-class citizens who make living by bussing tables, washing yachts, and running charters.
Kiara Carrera is from a rich family which means she is technically a ‘Kook’—the elite and wealthy members from the north of Kildare Island or “Figure Eight.” Her mother Anna was born into money and from the north, while her father Mike came from south when he started a very successful local restaurant.
Protective of Each Other
With any angsty teen drama story, there are bound to be parental/authority issues. Kiara constantly defended her friends and their “Pogue” ways to her parents who disapproved. When she would gather with the crew in a less than enthusiastic mood, JJ was always there to remind her, they love her for who she is.
JJ had an abusive relationship with his dad, and when he would brush off the trauma or reveal his many bruises from a physical fight with his dad, Kie let him know it's going to be alright. Whenever one is hurt, the other is constantly there to make sure they are safe.
Slow Burn
The relationship between JJ and Kiara was a long time coming. Between many factors such as mutual pining, unresolved sexual tension, and the overall plot of the show—we were forced to wait 30 episodes for them to finally have their moment.
Which one was your favorite trope? Let us know in the comments below.