Carlacia Grant Unpacks Cleo’s Enduring Strength, Pope’s Deepening Bond, and Rafe’s Terrifying Evolution in Outer Banks Season 4
The magnetic presence of Cleo has undeniably become an integral part of the Pogues’ vibrant dynamic. It’s almost inconceivable to imagine the treasure-hunting crew without her quick wit, unwavering loyalty, and strategic thinking. Actress Carlacia Grant has masterfully embodied Cleo, seamlessly weaving her character into the fabric of the beloved Outer Banks family. From her initial introduction, Cleo has brought a fresh perspective and a fierce protectiveness that quickly solidified her place among John B, Sarah, JJ, and Kiara. Her journey in season 3 saw her relocate to Kildare Island, finding an unexpected but deeply cherished home alongside Pope and his loving parents. This newfound stability allowed for a profound evolution in her relationship with Pope, a connection that blossomed into one of the season’s most compelling storylines.
One of the most defining moments of Outer Banks season 3 arrived when Cleo, with remarkable composure and strength, intervened to prevent Pope from making a life-altering mistake. In a charged confrontation with the volatile Rafe Cameron, Pope was on the verge of lethal retaliation. It was Cleo who stepped in, not only physically preventing him but also helping him confront and ultimately release the consuming anger that threatened to overwhelm him. This pivotal scene underscored the depth of their burgeoning relationship and Cleo’s profound impact on Pope’s emotional well-being.
The Evolution of Trust: Cleo and Pope’s Unbreakable Bond
Reflecting on that intense confrontation, Carlacia Grant shared exclusive insights with HollywoodLife, highlighting the significance of the moment for Cleo and Pope’s dynamic. “I think it’s a moment that really defines our trust within each other because Cleo and Pope have been building their trust and just really starting to figure out how this relationship works in the group especially because he’s fresh out of a relationship,” Grant explained. Their bond, initially forged through shared adventure and peril, deepened as they navigated the complexities of their individual pasts and their collective future as Pogues. Pope, still reeling from his previous romantic entanglements, found an unexpected confidante and anchor in Cleo, whose own personal history had equipped her with resilience and an innate understanding of struggle.
Grant further elaborated on the profound strength Cleo displayed, even in the face of her own fears. “I have my own issues with the past person that I dated that comes up in the show, but I think it’s a moment where we really learn that we have each other’s back no matter what. I think it just really shows sometimes the strength of a woman, sometimes that strength of what it takes to really just as much as Cleo wanted to really break down and cry, maybe out of just pure fear, she had to be strong in that moment and strong for him, and just part of the greater good.” This vulnerability beneath a tough exterior is a hallmark of Cleo’s character, making her all the more relatable and admirable. Her ability to see the bigger picture, even when emotions run high, is a testament to her maturity and her desire to protect those she cares for deeply. Meeting Pope’s wonderful parents further solidified her commitment, weaving her into a family unit she had long yearned for.
The weight of Cleo’s words to Pope—that he has “a lot to lose” before he has nothing—resonated deeply, revealing her understanding of true loss and her desperate desire to spare him from similar pain. Carlacia Grant delved into the extensive character work she undertook to portray Cleo’s profound longing for a stable family. “Pope and his family give Cleo something that she’s never had, but she’s always wanted,” Grant noted. “This was a lot of character work with me thinking about what it must have been like to be a child at 9-10 years old and not have a family, be living with your grandmother, and then your grandmother dies. So now you’re on the street and obviously seeing other kids with their parents.” This harrowing backstory provides crucial context for Cleo’s fierce loyalty and her appreciation for the stability Pope’s family offers, explaining why she fought so hard for Pope’s innocence and future.
Grant continued, describing the emotional impact of finally finding that sense of belonging. “But imagining like what it must have been like all those nights and days of envisioning or having a fantasy of what it would be like and now to see it, I think it just opens up something in her. I think that this is something that she wants. I think the parents respect Cleo. They see how much she cares about him and how she will never let anything happen to him.” This acceptance from Pope’s parents is not merely a formality; it’s a validation of Cleo’s worth and her place within a supportive unit, something she has actively sought and passively dreamed of throughout her turbulent life. It solidifies her resolve to protect Pope, not just as a friend, but as someone who is now part of her cherished, newfound family.
18 Months Later: What’s Next for Cleo and Pope in Season 4?
As Outer Banks season 3 concluded, Cleo and Pope stood as a formidable and united duo, their bond seemingly unshakeable. However, the tantalizing 18-month time jump introduced in the finale leaves “a million ways” their relationship could evolve in the upcoming season, as Carlacia Grant teased. The passage of time implies significant growth for all the Pogues, and for Cleo and Pope, this could mean navigating a more mature, perhaps even romantic, dynamic. While their initial connection was rooted in friendship and mutual support, the foundation has been laid for something deeper, fueled by shared experiences and an undeniable emotional intimacy.
Grant mused on the implications of this temporal leap. “I think the parents genuinely like Cleo, and I think Cleo genuinely likes his parents. But now we’re 18 months in the future, so what does that mean? Because now we’re older and like of age to not necessarily have to ask for things,” she noted. This newfound independence could grant Cleo and Pope the freedom to define their relationship on their own terms, away from the immediate parental oversight, even though their affection for Pope’s family remains strong. Fans are eagerly anticipating how this extended period off-screen has shaped their individual personalities and, crucially, the trajectory of their endearing connection. Will their bond solidify into a romantic partnership, or will their deep platonic friendship continue to be a cornerstone of the Pogues’ found family? The possibilities are rich for exploration in Outer Banks season 4.
Blackbeard’s Legend and The Pogues’ Next Great Adventure
The finale of season 3 didn’t just fast-forward their personal lives; it catapulted the Pogues into a brand-new, undoubtedly dangerous quest. Tasked with the formidable mission of finding the infamous Blackbeard’s ship, the crew is set to embark on another thrilling treasure hunt. This legendary pirate, a figure steeped in North Carolina folklore, adds a compelling layer of historical mystery to the series. Carlacia Grant admitted that she wasn’t familiar with Blackbeard prior to the season 4 tease, but her co-star provided some essential schooling.
“Madison [Bailey]’s from North Carolina, so she’s been kind of schooling us. She’s like, Blackbeard’s like a big thing in North Carolina. I’m looking forward to learning more about it,” Carlacia shared. This integration of real-world legends into the high-stakes narrative is a hallmark of Outer Banks and promises to deliver another season packed with intricate puzzles, perilous traps, and relentless adversaries. For Cleo, this new adventure means continuing to prove her invaluable skills as a navigator and strategist, further cementing her status as an indispensable Pogue. Her street smarts and experience from her past life are sure to be crucial as the team delves into the murky waters of pirate lore.
The Echoes of Loss: Ward and Big John’s Demise
While the prospect of new adventures ignites excitement, Outer Banks season 3 also concluded on a profoundly somber note. The dramatic deaths of both Ward Cameron and Big John Routledge in South America, following John B and Sarah’s discovery of the legendary El Dorado gold, sent shockwaves through the fandom and significantly altered the landscape of the show. Carlacia Grant reflected on these major character departures with genuine sadness. “It was sad. It was really, really sad,” she told HollywoodLife.
The loss of these two pivotal characters leaves a significant void, particularly for John B and Sarah, who both endured complicated, often painful relationships with their respective fathers. Grant praised the actors who brought them to life: “Charles Halford, he’s such an amazing guy. It’s just been so great getting to know him this year. Charles Esten has been with everyone since day one and has really been a father figure for everyone and always provides so many laughs. So just to think that we’re not going to have the funny guy next year is sad. It really is.” Their absence will undoubtedly reshape the emotional dynamics of season 4, forcing the remaining characters to grapple with grief, forgiveness, and the enduring consequences of their treasure-hunting pursuits. The emotional maturity Cleo has gained, especially in understanding loss and family, will likely be a vital support for her friends as they process these profound changes.
Rafe’s Vengeance: A Menace Unleashed in Season 4
However, the emotional fallout from the season 3 finale extends beyond grief; it signals a brewing storm in the form of Rafe Cameron. Before the Pogues departed for their perilous South American journey, Rafe issued a chilling warning to John B: he would pursue him relentlessly if anything happened to his father. With Ward now definitively dead, that threat looms larger and more terrifying than ever. Rafe, already a character prone to impulsive violence and emotional instability, has now lost his last significant tether to his family, however dysfunctional it was. His primary protector and enabler is gone, potentially unleashing an even darker, more vengeful side.
Carlacia Grant unequivocally believes that Rafe will not disappear quietly into the shadows. “No way. He doesn’t do anything quietly. He might be even worse I think in season 4,” she admitted. This prediction from an insider suggests that Rafe is poised to become the Pogues’ most formidable and personal antagonist yet. His vendetta against John B, fueled by intense grief and a deep-seated sense of injustice, could manifest in increasingly dangerous and unpredictable ways. Fans should brace themselves for a Rafe who is more unhinged, more cunning, and more desperate for retribution, posing an unprecedented threat to the safety and survival of the entire group as they embark on their Blackbeard adventure.
What Lies Ahead: Carlacia’s Hopes for Cleo’s Backstory in Outer Banks Season 4
Excitement is already building for season 4 of the hit Netflix series, which has been officially confirmed, much to the delight of its global fanbase. While Carlacia Grant admitted she hasn’t “heard anything” about when filming will commence, she is already brimming with ideas for Cleo’s character arc in the upcoming season. Her hopes center on delving deeper into Cleo’s rich and complex past, offering viewers a more comprehensive understanding of the resilient character they’ve come to love.
Grant articulated her desire to explore the origins of Cleo’s strength and vulnerability. “I would love to see more of Cleo’s backstory next year,” she shared. “I really want to bring to screen her close relationship with her grandmother because I feel like she references it so much. I would love to see that actually come to play.” This relationship, often hinted at as a foundational influence, could provide crucial insights into Cleo’s independent spirit and her deep capacity for loyalty and love. Furthermore, Carlacia Grant is eager to uncover another intriguing facet of Cleo’s past: her previous romantic heartbreak. “Also, she does talk about this guy that broke her heart. What does he look like? Does he want her back? I have a few theories that I think will be interesting to watch.” Exploring this former flame could not only offer character development for Cleo but potentially introduce new dramatic elements, challenging her burgeoning relationship with Pope or even complicating the Pogues’ treasure-hunting endeavors. These potential storylines promise to enrich Cleo’s character, providing deeper layers to her journey of finding a home and family within the Pogue crew. As fans eagerly await news on production, they can revisit all the thrilling adventures of Outer Banks, with season 3 currently streaming on Netflix.