Outer Banks Season 4: Blackbeard's Treasure – History vs. Hollywood

The hit Netflix series Outer Banks is back with its fourth season, and this time, the Pogues are on the hunt for the legendary treasure of Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach!

Blackbeard's Treasure Hunt:

This new season is shaping up to be another wild adventure! Outer Banks season 4 picks up 18 months after the thrilling events of season 3. We rejoin our favorite group of treasure-hunting teens! John B., Sarah, Kiara, Pope, JJ, and Cleo, embarking on an exciting quest. It comes in the form of a new alliance!

A character named Wes Genrette shows up as a mysterious new ally, ready to help uncover the treasure and adding an interesting, intriguing element to the treasure hunt!

He's got a treasure map: a captain's log from 1718!
The big mystery that this log introduces to season 4, is an exciting opportunity. The search of Blackbeard's wife, Elizabeth amulet!

Also Read: Outer Banks Season 4 Spoilers: JJ's Identity Revealed!

The Real Blackbeard Explained:

Taika Waititi as Edward Teach looking down in Our Flag Means Death season 2 episode 8 Image

To really get the gist of Outer Banks season 4, you have to dig into the history. Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was a very real and very famous pirate. We're not just talking about fiction. Blackbeard, was born in about 1680 in Great Britain and went on to leave behind his notorious mark in the history books as a truly ruthless and powerful pirate!

His "Blackbeard" moniker wasn't accidental. A legendary black beard is only one part of his scary persona. Blackbeard used this, alongside all his other tricks, to really build a huge, successful pirate crew. It helped create some very thrilling adventures that really give audiences that epic, dramatic flair. Some movies have also touched on his career. We know Taika Waititi has a few of these movies.

What was a little different in Outer Banks? Blackbeard's early life isn't very clear in history so that leaves the writers a lot of creative room.

We learn Teach started as a privateer. Pillaging ships for the British was the reality during War of Spanish Succession. After the 1700s and the war ended Blackbeard never quite let go! Then, there was his first captain named Benjamin Hornigold, and this helped Teach on his path to becoming captain!

Also Read: Outer Banks Season 3 Ending: El Dorado, Deaths & Season 4 Setup!

Blackbeard's Demise And His Treasure:

A composite image of JJ looking behind him over a seat and the cast of Outer Banks in black and white in the background Image

The adventure of Blackbeard certainly had many moments of terror and excitement!

He made it up and down the coasts of North and South Carolina! Then, Governor Alexander Spotswood of Virginia went out hunting Blackbeard.

Blackbeard and his crew had an amazing time, they did get away for quite a while, capturing ships and looting until, finally Blackbeard met his match. On November 22nd, 1718 in Ocracoke Island, North Carolina a group that came after him had a huge conflict! It looks like Blackbeard's journey ended as the legend was defeated by Lieutenant Robert Maynard, after that exciting fight!

The mystery continues!

Rumors that he hid a huge collection of gold really created a lot of interest!

While many tried there has yet to be proof of Blackbeard's lost fortune, making it the ultimate mystery. For anyone searching it really might be "John B., Sarah, Kiara, Pope, JJ and Cleo" from Outer Banks season 4. The quest starts with Wes Genrette's reveal, showing just what really makes Outer Banks season 4 so intriguing!

Also Read: Outer Banks Season 4: Wes Genrette's Death - Who's the Killer?

Blackbeard's Location - Ocracoke Island:

Blackbeard pointing a gun in Black Sails. Image

A location known as Ocracoke Island might be exactly where these treasure hunters are searching!

Many believe Blackbeard, at Ocracoke Island may have hidden the treasure that's driving so many to look!
There's an event back in June 1718 when his famous ship the "Queen Anne's Revenge" had sunk in a sandbar not too far from Beaufort, North Carolina.
His crew made their escape by traveling to Ocracoke Island to the "Adventure" where, soon after Blackbeard would be killed!

But how do you look for something that might just be a legend! If anything, its real wreck was discovered not that far from Atlantic Beach, North Carolina and they dug around!

This shipwreck, was eventually studied by experts and archaeologists
While the search brought back some artifacts like guns, cannons, glass and a sword
there was still nothing definitive.

However, that's where things get super exciting, because Outer Banks is making it a key element to its newest storyline! And that will capture plenty of audiences!

Also Read: Outer Banks Season 4: Everything You Need to Know

Outer Banks Season 4 And Its Fiction

Outer Banks Season 3 Death Ward Cameron Rafe Villain Image

Outer Banks season 4 is drawing from history to drive this latest story forward and capture attention!

Even the use of Blackbeard. Blackbeard spent some months near North Carolina, meaning that there is certainly room to tell more stories, but it appears, there is something that's a departure from what actually occurred in real history.

It looks like the Outer Banks creators came up with their own elements for their fictional narrative, which has been fun for fans!

Elizabeth, his wife doesn't really appear in accounts from the past
The same can be said for Wes Genrette's ancestor!
A character made to inspire the narrative!

However, that does make a good lesson! You've got to separate fiction from real history. The writers, creators and the actors in Outer Banks season 4 brought some very powerful performances but this is truly only to generate an interesting and awesome adventure, to drive this show!

There are even new names for characters such as Francis Genrette a character named to drive the narrative but not necessarily to portray what the real life people were named or who the people Blackbeard really faced when he made his mark! And that just means that if you're a true fan of these awesome treasure hunting series you've got to have patience and enjoy the ride as this Netflix hit makes its appearance. The release of season 4 will be broken into two parts. One to be aired on October 10, 2024. Part 2 will drop a little later on November 7, 2024, with both consisting of 5 episodes each! Get ready for the epic treasure hunt and see the real drama unfold with Outer Banks newest season.