Warning: spoilers ahead for External Banks season 4.
In a surprising way External Banks Season 4 twist, Rep. Shoupe switched allegiances, becoming a surprising ally of the Pogues. Sheriff Victor Shoupe has traditionally been more of a hindrance than a help. Branded as someone who cannot be trusted, he is always on the outside and often wrongly blames the Pogues for a Kook’s crimes. Even though the External Banks The end of part 1 of season 4 suggested that Shoupe would continue in his usual role, as he was heavily investigating the Pogues for the murders of Omar and Wes Genrette, part 2 saw him deviate from his usual approach.
Although the appellant External Banks character has always targeted the Pogues, this season shows that he does this as a precaution, as he wants them to build a better future for themselves than the one marred by crime. After serving as a lot of external pressure for JJ’s larger character arc, the deputy finally began investigating the real criminals. Burdened by past guilt and failure, Sheriff Shoupe allows the Pogues to go to Morocco and pursue international swindler Chandler Groff.
Shoupe Knows He’ll Probably Never Catch Chandler Groff Without the Pogues
Shoupe feels the weight of his past failures and decides to side with the Pogues
Rep. Shoupe has always been two steps behind when it comes to External Banks‘ treasure hunt, letting all justice fall into the hands of the Pogues. Notably, he led Season 2’s manhunt for John B, and only too late realized that the Camerons were behind Sheriff Peterkin’s murder. As the deaths pile up in Season 4 of External Banks, Shoupe becomes desperate to change the Kildare Police Department’s record of losing criminals.
As he is unaware of Groff’s motives and location, the External Banks the sheriff knows he’s fighting a losing battle.
As JJ incites rioting downtown, all signs would have Shoupe 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 sheriff connects Groff’s tattoo and criminal record to the murders of Omar, Wes Genrette and Hollis Robinson. As he is unaware of Groff’s motives and location, the External Banks the sheriff knows he’s fighting a losing battle. Furthermore, people in Kildare accuse him of having lost control of the situation, threatening his chances of being re-elected.
Strangely, part of Rafe’s redemption in External Banks comes from convincing the sheriff that letting the Pogues go to Morocco is their best chance of catching the Kildare killer. As Rafe sells, “Solve the crime of the century and you’ll save your job.” Shoupe clearly realizes that the young people know more than he does about Groff’s intentions and whereabouts. Additionally, his guilt over not believing John B in the past seems to catch up with him. Inspired not to let JJ take the blame for Hollis’ murder, he changes history and decides to side with the Pogues.
Will Shoupe still be the sheriff in Outer Banks Season 5?
Outer Banks Season 4 Suggests Shoupe Will Lose His Position
The sheriff’s surprising final decision sets him up to become a key ally in the External Banks’ season 5 story, which will focus on the hunt for Chandler Groff. However, depending on how long it takes the Pogues to catch up to JJ’s killer, Season 5 could take them back to a different sheriff in town. As they leave, John B promises to call Shoupe when they find Groff. However, the fact is that the deputy who dismissed them will certainly affect their reputation in the eyes of Kildare. If the election comes, it is likely that the deputy will lose his position.
This would actually be External Banks fashion, raise the stakes for the Pogues’ latest mission. As Season 4 showed, other cops have no problem shooting at criminals. If the sheriff is replaced, Victor Shoupe will likely have to rebel for justice to be served, especially if he learns of JJ’s murder. Although this can be a fun path, The Pogues’ best bet is if Shoupe remains sheriff. Having him by their side is the support the Pogues need, as it ensures Groff’s crimes are known – allowing them to return to Kildare and retake Poguelandia.