Many of us are spending time binging television shows during this quarantine. No matter how great a show, there are only so many times one can repeat an episode. With that being said, I’ve watched every episode of The Office a minimum of five times. By minimum, I mean that I’ve lost count. Now more than ever, people are searching for new content and sources of entertainment. This weekend, I found a captivating new show. It is filled with drama, romance, and buried treasure. Located in North Carolina, it features beaches, schools, and towns that I visited as a child. The sense of familiarity and the story line has kept me on the edge of my seat. So intrigued, the show inspired me to write a blog on some trends in the show. Don’t worry! There’ll be no spoilers.
As the title eludes, the show takes place in Outer Banks, NC. For those unfamiliar with the area, the Outer Banks is a linear formation of small islands parallel to the mainland of the state. There are toll bridges and ferry lines that carry tourists and occupants between the two. The beaches are full of various attractions such as lighthouses, surf, museums, and more. Recently, my family spent the Christmas holiday there. During our trip, I wondered what life was like for the locals especially during the off season. The show separates the locals into three distinct groups: the Pogues, the Kooks, and the Tourists. Pogues is a colloquial term for “pogies” or “small fish that are tossed out or used to catch bigger fish”. John B, the main character, states that pogies are the lowest on the food chain. Sadly, this term is used in reference to the lower income population. They are the ones working in the restaurants, museums, and other attractions. Their complete opposites are the Kooks, the island’s high society group. They own land, houses, boats, etc. Interestingly, there are no racial divisions. The groups are solely separated by socioeconomic status as the races are intermingled on both sides. The plot revolves around John B and his friends searching for buried treasure in hopes of elevating their status and improving their lives.
One commonality between the groups is that neither are happy. Extremely poor, the Pogues struggle to obtain basic necessities such as food and utilities. Their minds drift towards the lush lifestyles of their richer neighbors in dreams of a better life. On the other hand, the Kooks have what is called “old money”. Generations of wealth perpetuate comfort and opportunity. Despite their money, many seem disillusioned. Some are given to vices, such as drugs and alcohol. Others take pleasure in demeaning their poorer neighbors. Even more surprising, some envy the carefree lifestyle of the Pogues who are unbound to possessions. The irony is that each group wants what the other has: happiness.
So, the point is money doesn’t bring happiness. It cannot give peace or fulfillment. Most people spend their entire lives grasping at the wind hoping to catch a break. Some may succeed, but their lives still feel empty. They question: “There must be more to life?” And there is! God has placed eternity in our hearts. One day we will spend eternity somewhere. The things that we gather in this lifetime can’t go with us. We are to store up treasures in heaven. What does this look like practically? The answer is quite simple. It means living outwardly. Having a servant’s heart towards God and others will enrich your life in ways you could never imagine. As you pour into others, God will pour back into you.
Be encouraged! :)
Scripture References: Proverbs 11:24 (NLT) “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.”
Matthew 6:19-21 (MSG) “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.”
Photo Credit: I own no rights to this photo or story line. You can find it on Netflix.
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