Alright, Outer Banks fans—let’s talk Pope. If you’ve been glued to the screen since season 1 (I’m talking to you, the ones who already rewatched the entire series twice and still haven’t gotten enough), then you know Pope’s story has been a rollercoaster. From navigating his dad issues to surviving life-threatening treasure hunts, it’s clear this guy’s got layers. Now that we’re heading into season 4, there are more theories flying around than I can count. But here’s the kicker—will Pope keep his moral compass in check, or is he about to snap?

Who the Heck is Pope Again?

First off, a quick refresher for anyone who might be joining this rollercoaster late (no judgment, but also, how?). Pope, aka Pope Heyward, is one of the core members of the Pogues. He’s the smart one, the guy who actually reads books, does math, and generally knows how to get things done. Plus, he’s got this knack for keeping the gang together with his rock-solid sense of right and wrong. If John B. is the dreamer, Pope’s the realist who holds it all together. Kind of like the glue, but with a lot more treasure-hunting involved.

But, if we’re being honest, Pope’s been through some pretty rough patches—his family life’s been a mess, and let’s not forget his disastrous history with the Royal Merchant treasure. Still, the guy’s loyal. Loyal to a fault, maybe.

So, What’s Pope’s Deal in Season 4?

Will Pope’s Family Be Part of the Drama?

Okay, let’s start with the elephant in the room—Pope’s family. You remember his father, right? Yeah, that guy who showed up out of nowhere and stirred up a ton of emotional chaos in season 3. Well, here’s the thing: season 4 might just be all about Pope figuring out who he is in relation to that complicated family dynamic. Will Pope make peace with his dad? Or will he go the way of every dysfunctional family story and find out more secrets than he bargained for? Trust me, he’s going to be wrestling with his family issues like someone trying to break up a fight between two drunken uncles at Thanksgiving. And I mean drunken.

It’s also possible that Pope will finally understand more about who his dad really is. You know, like how we all find out way too much about people we thought we knew after they leave and their dirty laundry gets aired out. Pope’s been dealing with some unresolved trauma, so if season 4 gives us some closure, I won’t be mad about it.

Personal Theory: Pope’s father might not be the villain we think he is. I’m calling it now—he could turn out to be the unwilling hero in Pope’s journey. But that’s just my gut talking. My gut has also convinced me to eat way too many tacos at 2 AM, so take that with a grain of salt.

What About Pope as the Brainy Guy?

Let’s talk Pope’s role in the group. I mean, he’s the brains. The guy who’s always got a plan, but no one ever listens until it’s almost too late. If you’re like me, you’ve been waiting for Pope to step up and take charge. And here’s where it gets interesting: season 4 could finally make Pope not just the brain, but the leader. Y’all, I can already hear him going full “Captain, my captain” with his crew. His character arc could evolve from the quiet thinker to the guy who says, “Alright, I’ve had enough, let’s do this my way.”

And let me tell you—if Pope starts taking control like that, I’m going to lose it. He’s the low-key hero, and season 4 might just be his time to shine. Maybe he gets thrown into physical action, not just solving puzzles and spouting trivia. After all, who else is gonna solve the puzzles and deal with the real-world dangers the gang faces? Pope for president of the Pogues, 2025.

Romantic Subplot? Maybe… Pope and Kiara?

Hold up. You thought we were gonna get through this without touching on the Pope and Kiara potential? Not a chance. It’s been simmering since, like, season 1. Fans have been begging for them to make it happen, and season 4 might just be the time. Let’s face it: Pope’s had his moments with Kiara, and their friendship is basically built on mutual respect and years of surviving life-threatening situations together.

But wait, Pope’s in the friendzone… right? Yeah, he’s been there. But here’s the thing—friendships get complicated when you’re trapped on a boat in the middle of nowhere, hunting for treasure. Feelings get weird, y’all. Pope’s probably had moments where he’s caught himself looking at Kiara a little too long, wondering if this is the moment he finally admits what’s been brewing underneath.

So, will Pope and Kiara finally act on those feelings? Or will Pope keep dodging them like he dodges every moral dilemma ever? I don’t know. I’m rooting for them, though. Here’s hoping season 4 brings some romance, even if it’s just a kiss that makes all of us scream at our screens.

What’s Pope’s Big Challenge in Season 4?

Alright, so we know Pope’s got a lot to work through in season 4. But what exactly is he up against? First off, y’all know there are always bigger stakes in Outer Banks. Season 4 is gonna crank up the tension, and Pope’s gonna be right in the middle of it.

Dangerous Enemies

You know how this goes: the more treasure you uncover, the more enemies you make. By now, Pope and the gang have ruffled more feathers than a chicken in a bar fight. And the season 4 enemies? Wicked. Probably not the kind of people you want to share a beer with—unless that beer is laced with something way stronger than hops.

Pope’s gonna have to decide how far he’s willing to go to protect his friends, and that could mean getting into some gritty situations. I’m talking life-or-death type stuff. The stakes are high, and Pope’s moral compass is about to be tested harder than it ever has been before. He may need to choose between staying true to himself or doing what’s necessary to survive. I’ve seen enough TV to know that survival doesn’t always align with doing the right thing.

The Family Drama Continues

You know what they say: family drama never really ends. In fact, it might just get more intense in season 4. Pope’s already dealt with his father’s disappearance, but he might soon realize there’s even more to the story than he thought. I’m calling it—season 4 could be very family-heavy, and not in the “let’s sit down and have dinner” kind of way. We’re talking about some deep-rooted secrets and moral dilemmas that could tear Pope apart.

Fans Can’t Get Enough of Pope’s Journey

Let’s be real—fans have strong opinions about Pope. Some are all about him being the group’s moral backbone. Others think Pope is too good for this crazy ride and deserve to get a little something back.

The Backstory We Want: Pope’s Early Years

Many fans are hoping that season 4 will finally give us some juicy details about Pope’s past. You know, the stuff he doesn’t talk about at parties. Like his childhood. What was he like before the treasure hunts and betrayals? Some fans have even speculated that Pope might find out some shocking truths about his heritage—like a twist that changes everything. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see a flashback episode where we learn all of Pope’s deepest, darkest secrets. Maybe he wasn’t always the “good guy,” after all.

Will Pope Evolve Into the Ultimate Leader?

It’s possible that Pope will find himself stepping into a leadership role that goes beyond just solving puzzles. If I had to guess, season 4 will challenge Pope to rise above his “brainy” status and take charge in a way we haven’t seen before. The guy’s been through a lot, and now it’s time for him to lead his crew to the next big adventure.

What Will Pope’s Big Moment Be in Season 4?

As much as I’d love to see Pope become a treasure-hunting legend, I think we’re looking at a more personal journey for him. He’s going to have some tough choices to make. Whether it’s about his family, his friendships, or his place in the world, Pope is about to face some challenges that will change him—and maybe the entire Outer Banks universe.

Anyway, season 4 is coming, and we’re all going to be here for it. Whatever Pope’s future holds, you can bet it’ll be a wild ride.