If you’ve been keeping up with Outer Banks for the last six years (yes, it’s really been six years), then watching the Pogues embark on their final adventure was probably bittersweet. Season 5 serves as the show’s series finale, wrapping up storylines, bringing character arcs full circle, and showing fans how all our favorite characters have come a long way since we first met them in high school. The Netflix series premiered its final season on Aug. 20 and, in my opinion, wrapped up the iconic series almost perfectly, giving each character a unique ending that felt true to their development throughout the series. One of the most notable and fan-favorite characters, Kiara, is a prime example of this, especially when it comes to how she dealt with her grief throughout Season 5. Spoiler alert: Spoilers for Outer Banks Season 5 follow.
ICYMI, Outer Banks Season 4 ended on a tragic note, with JJ being stabbed and killed by his own father, Chandler Groff, while the Pogues searched for and found the fabled Blue Crown in Morocco. Season 5 picks up immediately after this, with the Pogues grieving and seeking revenge for JJ’s death. And while the entire group is struggling with the loss of one of their close friends, Kiara’s grief is a major part of her storyline in the final season.
From the very first episode of this season, it’s clear that Kiara is struggling to accept what happened to JJ. While all the Pogues are on a mission to get revenge on Groff, there are several moments that show Kiara is especially determined and willing to do anything to get her version of justice. She attempts to take on Groff by herself several times throughout the season, wanting to stab and kill him like he did to JJ, and even goes as far as to team up with criminal and mercenary Anton Finch to do so.
With her willingness to cross so many lines, it’s apparent that Kiara is still holding onto all her emotions surrounding JJ, unable to accept he’s really gone. And then, she gets the chance to do something she never thought possible: bring JJ back.
After losing the Blue Crown to Groff and heading back to Kildare, the Pogues attempt to find some sense of normalcy. But, unsurprisingly, Kiara can’t come to terms with what happened in Morocco and begins researching everything she can about the Blue Crown and its ability to resurrect the dead. And, unable to resist another treasure hunt, the Pogues set off on their final adventure.
Fast forward several episodes (and a lot of chaos), and Kiara finally gets her hands on the Blue Crown and recites the incantation that is fabled to bring back the dead. The desperation on Kiara’s face is clear when nothing happens after her first attempt, leading her to use the Blue Crown a second time. And then, something happens.
What follows is a series of flashbacks — from the moment Kiara and JJ first met as kids to their final moment together in Morocco. The flashbacks aren’t just a reminder of what she’s lost; they give her the chance to “see” JJ again and allow Kiara to fully let go. Now, was this actually a result of the Blue Crown, or Kiara’s mind finally processing her grief? That’s up for interpretation. Either way, the moment was a turning point for her, as she finally comes to terms with the fact that she’ll never see JJ again.Â
From there, Kiara appears to be in the last stage of her grieving process. But she still has one final act of revenge to carry out, forcing Groff overboard into hurricane-ridden waters, but there’s a noticeable shift in Kiara after her encounter with the Blue Crown. She’s not trying to bring JJ back or refusing to accept what happened to him anymore. She knows she can’t change what happened, but she can do what JJ would want — carry his memory with her and move forward.