Published by Mason Oldridge, 8 March 2023
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
The Pogues’ treasure-hunting moves in a whole new direction as we return to OBX and beyond.
Season 3 begins where the Season 2 finale left off, with the Pogues stranded on a deserted island: the self-proclaimed Poguelandia. Unfortunately, this is one of few moments we get this season of our favourite gang altogether due to the revelation that Big John is still alive. Where this provided a shocking twist to close the second season, it damaged the content of Season 3. Big John’s return sees John B abandons his friends to go treasure hunting with his newly-returned dad, causes a rift between him and Sarah, driving her into the arms of Topper and sees Big John put the treasure before his son, taking the lead on a project that should really be led by Pope. Furthermore, John B learns his father is not the hero he thought he was and his return devalues the previous exploration done in his memory. However, this means Big John got to see the completion of his life’s work before his death, dying of a gunshot wound.
The compelling villains of Rafe and Ward Cameron are back too. Lying low in their new life in Guadalupe, Ward attempts to make amends, starting by donating the Cross of Santo Domingo. Conflict arises between the father and son as Rafe steals and sells the cross from under him and Ward denies his intention to run the family business back home. They reconcile before Ward tags along on the hunt to protect Sarah, eventually sacrificing himself for her safety in an emotionally-charged scene for which Charles Eston deserves great praise for his performance.
The danger levels rise this season when a new villain is introduced: Carlos Singh. The Pogues’ rescue from Poguelandia is actually a kidnapping as Kiara is taken hostage and we learn Singh is searching for El Dorado. This all culminates in an epic season finale which takes John B, Sarah and Big John deep into the South American jungle on a perilous quest, leading to them finding the gold city. There are several gunpoint moments too in an episode which is truly cinematic.
The season ends with a time jump to 18 months later as the Pogues are officially recognised for their discovery. It may be nice to see the gang finally succeed though this means we never got to see Pope finally retrieve Denmark’s treasure back from the Camerons after they came so close back on the boat. The season closes with a man approaching them to help locate Blackbeard’s treasure, hinting at the plotline for the already commissioned fourth season.
7/10