I’m not exaggerating when I say that Outer Banks is even bigger and better in season two. While many shows, especially teen dramas, fall victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, the Netflix series actually does the complete opposite by completely outdoing its first season. From the very first episode to the season two finale, there are so many twists and turns that left me on the edge of my couch and begging for more. Seriously, the new season premiered on July 30, and I’m still thinking about that cliffhanger ending. My only critique about this season is that it’s not long enough! As we wait for Netflix to renew the show, read ahead for the wildest moments from season two.
Related: Here’s Where You Can Catch the Outer Banks Cast Leading Up to – and After – Season 2
Netflix / JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX
Sarah Cameron Gets Shot and Almost Dies
Following an altercation with Ward and Rafe, Sarah ends up getting shot by the latter. The whole ordeal is super intense as John B rushes her to a doctor, but nothing is more intense than her near-death experience. After the doctor operates on her, it seems like she isn’t going to make it. No really, she is essentially pronounced dead before miraculously coming back to life. That entire scene is excruciating to watch and left me on the edge of my seat as I wondered what was going to happen next.
Netflix / JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX
Pope Finds Out His Family Has Connections to Another Hidden Treasure
After Ward takes control of the gold in the season one finale, I wondered how Outer Banks would keep the treasure hunt exciting this season. The answer: add another treasure into the mix. During a trip to Charleston, Pope finds out that his family actually has connections to the Royal Merchant. His ancestor Denmark Tanney was the ship’s cook and the only survivor of the shipwreck. Apparently, there was another piece of valuable treasure on the ship: a bejewelled cross called the Cross of Santo Domingo. As the Pogues seek out the cross, the hunt becomes much more personal for Pope as he tries to honour his family’s legacy by finding the treasure Denmark buried before his death.
Netflix / COURTESY OF NETFLIX
John B Gets the Death Sentence and Is Sent to Prison
Just when you think things can’t get worse for John B . . . they do. As John B states in a voiceover, “The thing about hell is there’s always another one below.” After turning himself over to the cops, John B stands trial and is shockingly given the death sentence. As if that wasn’t dramatic enough, episode five also shows John B almost getting murdered by a prison mate – at the request of Ward – and an elaborate ruse from the Pogues to get him out of prison. This is truly one of the biggest turning points in the season as the stakes get even bigger.
Netflix / JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX
Ward Fakes His Death
Obviously, Ward’s sudden death in episode six is one of the most shocking moments of the season, but throughout the rest of the episodes I couldn’t help but wonder if it was actually real. My suspicions were eventually proven true when Ward reveals himself as alive to Sarah Cameron at the very end of episode nine. Even now, I can’t help but wonder how this will play out in a potential third season. After all, he did cover for Rafe and confess to the murder of Sheriff Peterkin before faking his death.
Netflix / JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX
John B's Dad Is Alive and Well
Not gonna lie, Outer Banks really got me with this twist. After convincing us over and over again that John B’s dad was dead, the very final scene of season two reveals he’s alive after all. And even more surprisingly, he’s actually working with Limbrey, who tried to get the Cross of Santo Domingo for herself. Has she been trying to help the Pogues this entire time or is she double-crossing everyone? And where exactly is John B’s dad anyway? I have a sneaky suspicion that the island the Pogues washed up on is actually the same place where John B’s dad is living.
