Outer Banks: 10 Things That Need To Happen In Season 3

Netflix’s Outer Banks became an unexpected hit when it premiered on the streaming platform in 2020. The show’s second season picks up not long after the conclusion of the first, and the action-packed continuation of the Pogues’ escapades has performed even better than the first installment.

The show's third season is currently in production, but plot details have been kept under wraps. Season 2 leaves some loose ends to tie up, as well as a teasing cliffhanger ending that leaves viewers wondering what could happen in season 3. From the Pogues’ new relationships to the ever-elusive treasure, there are a number of avenues season 3 needs to explore.

10. Cleo And Pope

Many viewers picked up on the chemistry between Pope and Cleo. The two pick up an easy rapport from their first meeting on the ship and they seem to spend the rest of the season working together in their own little pair. Pope’s relationship with Kiara seems like a dead end, and he’s obviously interested in a romantic relationship.

At this point, it seems clear that Pope and Kiara aren’t going to last, so maybe he has a chance with Cleo. On Cleo’s part, she doesn’t appear to be looking for a romantic relationship and is very capable on her own. However, further development of these two characters’ bonds seems likely for season 3.

9. Time Jump

It’s no secret that the actors who play the Pogues are much older than their characters. To catch up with their ages, a time jump might not be out of the question. At the end of season 2, the Pogues are still dealing with a number of imminent problems, so if a time jump does happen, it would make sense for the characters to resolve their current issues first.

If Outer Banks is renewed for another season, the Pogues will undoubtedly face a number of challenges, and the plot will continue to take its twists and turns. However, a few hints of background stories have been sprinkled throughout the first two seasons; for instance, John B still has an uncle and a mother somewhere out there, and the fate of Sarah’s biological mom is unknown. The possibilities for the show’s future are abundant.

8. Kiara Reconciles With Her Parents

Like many of Netflix’s best teen series, Outer Banks explores the teens’ relationships with their parents. Of all the young characters in the show, Kiara’s constant back-and-forth with her parents is perhaps the most realistic portrayal of such a relationship. It’s also the one that gets the most screentime, as the other teens’ parents are either missing, negligent, or criminals.

While it’s easy to understand the Carreras’ concern for their daughter’s safety, it’s harder to reconcile their anti-Pogue stance, especially since Kiara’s father was a Pogue. The end of season 2 left this family’s relationship unresolved. In season 3, Kiara could either reconcile with her parents or, if they continue with their disapproval, gain complete independence from them.

7. JJ Finds His Place

JJ seems to be the odd one out among his group of friends; they’ve all found their romantic partners and have stronger connections with their families than he does. He’s either neglected or abused by his father, and it’s clear that he’s hopeless about his future prospects.

Many fans would like to see JJ find love, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be romantic love. Now that Luke is gone — whether or not this is permanent is unclear — the Pogues are JJ’s only family. In season 3, JJ’s arc could follow him coming to terms with this and feeling that this is enough.

6. Topper Becomes A Pogue

Even in the first season, it’s clear that Topper doesn’t share the other Kooks’ views on everything. Though he does still disparage the Pogues in season 2, he takes a firm stance against Rafe. He seems to have separated himself from his old friends, if only because he wants Sarah back.

When Rafe and Kelce try to wreak havoc on the Pogues’ peace, Topper is often the one to hesitate or question their choices. He’s not firmly on John B’s side, but he’s the most likely to back out of a plan that will threaten the Pogues’ safety — especially where Sarah is involved. Topper helps Sarah and John B escape the burning church in season 1, even if it isn’t totally for the right reasons. He has a kinder heart than most of the Kooks in the series, and seeing him redeem himself and even become a Pogue would be a great way to continue his arc.

5. Wheezie Joins Sarah

Like Topper, Wheezie is another character who could potentially switch sides. She doesn’t appear to be overly loyal to her family, and she often goes against her parents’ wishes to support Sarah in any way she can. Wheezie also shares a bond with Topper, mostly because of their shared love for Sarah.

As she grows older, Wheezie will start to adopt some stronger beliefs. Though her behavior in season 1 is all over the place, by the end of season 2 she appears to be more loyal to Sarah than her own parents. She helps the Pogues uncover the mystery of the Island Room, but doesn’t get to accompany them on their adventure. Going forward, fans would love to see Wheezie get in on the action.

4. Rafe Develops A Conscience

The way Rafe continues to evade the authorities in season 2 is nonsensical, but seeing the justice system do its job could be a core element of upcoming seasons. So far, the Camerons have gotten away with multiple crimes, and Rafe has taken no accountability for his own.

While Ward understands that he’s committed horrible deeds, his son doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of good and evil. In fact, Ward and Rose both express concern over Rafe’s state of mind in season 2. Going forward, if redemption isn’t on the cards for Rafe, he could at least take responsibility for his actions — or be found guilty for them.

3. Ward’s Conviction

Like Rafe, Ward has escaped all charges laid against him so far. At the end of season 1, it looks like he’s been caught, but somehow he gets away free in season 2. Unlike Rafe, Ward knows that he’s done some bad things to get what he wants, but that hasn’t stopped him yet.

Redemption seems unlikely for Ward, and he knows that he has to be all-in for his plans to work. Interestingly, he’s willing to take the fall for his children, so perhaps he could end up behind bars at some point in the future. In any case, Ward needs to pay for what he’s done.

2. Big John Gets His Revenge

If Ward isn’t convicted of any crimes, the next best thing would be for Big John to get his revenge on the man who tried to kill him. Though his resurrection hasn’t been confirmed, it appears that Big John is alive at the end of season 2. In any case, his appearance in the final moments of the season suggests that he’ll play an important role going forward.

In terms of story and character, Big John won’t be the better man if he kills Ward, but there are other ways he could get his revenge. Taking the cross from Ward could be one way to do this, but Limbrey’s role in his story isn’t yet clear. Also, the Cross of Santo Domingo rightfully belongs to Pope’s family. The possibilities for Big John’s return are plenty, and before he thinks about revenge, he has his son to reunite with.

1. Victory For The Pogues

At the end of season 2, the only victory the Pogues can claim is that they’re all together. This seems to be one of the key messages of the series, but it would be nice to see them stop running for once. They’re constantly failed by the corrupt justice system. This is something that both seasons touch on, but never fully delve into — hopefully season 3 can explore this further and tie it back to Peterkin’s death.

Whether it’s getting the cross back, taking Limbrey down, escaping Barry’s wrath, or even letting an adult take the lead, the Pogues could use a break. They’re getting older and need to focus on their futures, and finding lost treasure likely won’t solve all of their problems. Of course, any victory they achieve will be temporary for the sake of the plot’s continuation, but so far, the Pogues haven’t really won any of their battles.

[Originally shared via ScreenRant.]