‘Outer Banks’ Producers Say They Plan to ‘Explore’ the Rafe and Kiara Dynamic After [Spoiler]’s Death

Every Pogue is bound to feel some pain in the wake of the shocking season 4 finale death — but will it affect Kiara’s love life in season 5 of Outer Banks?

Warning: Spoilers below for Outer Banks season 4, episode 10.

The idea that Kiara (Madison Bailey) could move on after JJ (Rudy Pankow) died in her arms during the Thursday, November 7, OBX finale, is something that’s been “hotly debated” in the writer’s room, according to executive producers Shannon Burke, Jonas Pate and Josh Pate.

Burke and Josh told Cosmopolitan in an interview published Thursday that they are open to Kiara getting cozy with Rafe (Drew Starkey) next season — but Jonas isn’t exactly on board.

“I don’t know how much they’re thinking about each other at the end of this season,” Josh told the outlet, referring to Kiara and Rafe, who have a volatile history.

He explained that after JJ was stabbed by his biological father, Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane), during the final moments of the season 4 finale, Kiara descends into a downward spiral. (JJ handed over the blue crown to Groff and despite getting the treasure, Groff killed him. As JJ was dying, he told Kiara how much he loved her.)

“I think Kiara is really consumed with revenge, and so is Rafe,” Josh said. “He has different motivations, but he is more bonded with the Pogues than he’s ever been.”

Sarah’s (Madelyn Cline) older brother, Rafe, reconciled with the Pogues during the finale, convincing them to find Groff and avenge JJ’s death. (Earlier in the season, Kiara freed Rafe from the bottom of his boat before it sank.)

Despite being on good terms with the group, Josh added that Rafe is not going to be able to fill JJ’s shoes anytime soon.

“It’s a hard turn to go straight to a Rafe and Kiara ’ship given where they’ve been in the past,” Josh confessed.

Throughout the series, Pogue Kiara has butted heads with Kook Rafe over his spoiled upbringing, loyalty to his father over his sister and his tendency to double cross everyone. However, during season 3 Rafe and Kiara appeared to have some sexual chemistry between them when they worked together in Barbados after their kidnapping — and many fans noticed.

“We also know how great Drew and Madison are as actors and how great they are together,” Josh teased. “So we’re definitely going to explore that relationship.”

When the reporter joked that the “enemies-to-lovers” story line is a “classic for a reason,” Burke teased that Jonas should listen up. Jonas, however, remained adamant that viewers will always be team Jiara.

“I think that y’all are in the minority,” Jonas said of the Rafe and Kiara connection, noting that the team is “aware” that there are some viewers who are shameless fans of the potential pairing.

While the EPs played coy about what will happen for Kiara next, Bailey told Netflix’s Tudum that JJ’s death was heavy to film and to understand for her character moving forward.

“This character is a huge loss and everybody’s going to feel it,” she said in an interview published on Thursday.

Pankow recalled the tough day of filming, telling the outlet that he sought comfort with his scene partner, Bailey. “I knew everyone was on board to bring their all, and I felt that from everyone. Bailey and I brought it, and I know that we crushed it,” he shared. “It was emotional, but I think deep down, everyone was on the same page … ‘Let’s make an impact.’ And I think we did that.”

Looking toward season 5, Bailey said she’s aware of the hole JJ’s death will leave among the Pogues. “This is going to rock my character’s world,” she revealed, adding that JJ’s legacy and spirit will remain a symbol of “never giving up and not letting your circumstances affect how you love.”

Outer Banks season 4 is streaming on Netflix.