Shoupe and JJ imagery from Outer Banks.In a surprising Outer Banks season 4 twist, Deputy Shoupe switched his allegiances, becoming a surprising ally to the Pogues. Sheriff Victor Shoupe has traditionally been more of an obstacle than any help. Marked as someone not to trust, he is always on the outside and often mistakenly blames a Kook’s crimes on the Pogues. Even if the Outer Banks season 4 part 1 ending suggested Shoupe would continue in his usual role, as he was heavily investigating the Pogues for Omar and Wes Genrette’s murders, part 2 saw him deviate from his usual approach.

Although the recurring Outer Banks character has always targeted the Pogues, this season shows he does it out of care, as he wants them to build a better future for themselves than one marked by crime. After serving as a great external pressure for JJ’s bigger character arc, the deputy finally started looking into the real criminals. Burdened by past guilt and failure, Sheriff Shoupe lets the Pogues go to Morocco and chase international con man Chandler Groff.

Shoupe Knows That He’ll Likely Never Catch Chandler Groff Without The Pogues

Shoupe Feels The Weight Of His Past Failures And Decides To Side With The Pogues

Actor Cullen Moss as Sheriff Shoupe in Netflix’s Outer Banks.
Actors Cullen Moss and Rudy Pankow as Sheriff Shoupe and JJ in Netflix’s Outer Banks.
Shoupe talks to the mortician in Outer Banks. Sheriff Shoupe in the Kildare riot in Outer Banks. Actor Cullen Moss as Sheriff Shoupe in Netflix’s Outer Banks. Chandler Groff's criminal records in Outer Banks. Actor Drew Starkey as Rafe in Netflix's Outer Banks. Shoupe, played by actor Cullen Moss, lets the Pogues go in Netflix's Outer Banks.Actor Cullen Moss as Sheriff Shoupe in Netflix’s Outer Banks. Actors Cullen Moss and Rudy Pankow as Sheriff Shoupe and JJ in Netflix’s Outer Banks. Shoupe talks to the mortician in Outer Banks. Sheriff Shoupe in the Kildare riot in Outer Banks.
Actor Cullen Moss as Sheriff Shoupe in Netflix’s Outer Banks. Chandler Groff's criminal records in Outer Banks. Actor Drew Starkey as Rafe in Netflix's Outer Banks. Shoupe, played by actor Cullen Moss, lets the Pogues go in Netflix's Outer Banks.

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Deputy Shoupe has always been two steps behind when it comes to Outer Banks‘ treasure hunts, letting all justice fall into the hands of the Pogues. Notably, he led the season 2 manhunt after John B, and only too late realized the Camerons were behind Sheriff Peterkin’s murder. As the deaths pile up for season 4 of Outer Banks, Shoupe grows desperate to change the Kildare Police Department’s record of losing criminals.

As he is ignorant of Groff’s motives and location, the Outer Banks sheriff knows he is in a losing battle.

As JJ incites the downtown riot, all signs would have Shoupe laser-focused on catching him. However, this seems to motivate the character to get to the bottom of things. After Rafe exposes the Goat Island scam, the town’s Sheriff connects Groff’s tattoo and criminal record to the murders of Omar, Wes Genrette, and Hollis Robinson. As he is ignorant of Groff’s motives and location, the Outer Banks sheriff knows he is in a losing battle. On top of that, people in Kildare accuse him of having lost a handle on the situation, threatening his chances of being re-elected.

Oddly, part of Rafe’s redemption in Outer Banks comes from convincing the sheriff that letting the Pogues go to Morocco is his best chance at catching the Kildare killer. As Rafe sells it, “Solve the crime of the century and you save your job.” Shoupe clearly realizes the youths know more than him about Groff’s intentions and whereabouts. Additionally, his guilt at not believing John B in the past seems to catch up to him. Inspired not to let JJ take the blame for Hollis’ murder, he changes history and decides to take the Pogues’ side.

Will Shoupe Still Be The Sheriff In Outer Banks Season 5?

Season 4 Of Outer Banks Suggests Shoupe Will Lose His Position

Actor Cullen Moss as Sheriff Shoupe in Netflix’s Outer Banks.

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The sheriff’s surprising final decision sets him up to become a key ally in Outer Banks’ season 5 story, which will focus on the hunt after Chandler Groff. However, depending on how long the Pogues take to catch up with JJ’s killer, season 5 might have them return to a different sheriff in town. As they leave it, John B promises to call Shoupe when they find Groff. However, the fact is, the deputy letting them go is sure to affect his reputation in the eyes of Kildare. If the election comes, chances are the deputy will lose his position.

This would, in true Outer Banks fashion, raise the stakes for the Pogues’ last quest. As season 4 showed, the other police officers have no issue firing at criminals. If the sheriff is replaced, Victor Shoupe will likely have to go rogue to see justice being done, especially if he hears about JJ’s murder. While this could prove an entertaining route, the Pogues’ best bet is if Shoupe remains sheriff. Having him on their side is the support the Pogues need, as it ensures Groff’s crimes are known — allowing them to come back to Kildare and resume Poguelandia.