Spoilers for Season 4, Part 1 of Outer Banks are ahead.
Ultimately, in Season 4, the Pogues are more grown up, and, as John B. says, they have everything to lose this time.
Throughout the first three seasons of Outer Banks, John B. found himself in numerous near-death situations, but, he was always on the hunt to find the treasure and get closer to his dad.
So, for instance, when JJ bets the last bit of their fortune on a race, John B. is genuinely upset and scared.