As the Pogues hunt for the treasure in Netflix’s Outer Banks, their interpersonal dynamics become a highlight of the show. The bond between JJ, played by Rudy Pankow, and Pope, played by Jonathan Daviss, has especially grabbed viewers' attention.
JJ and Pope have been pretty close since the show's beginning and have always got each other’s backs. The two are willing to make any sacrifice for each other’s happiness and safety and do not shy away from expressing their feelings for one another.
Their closeness makes the fans wonder if JJ is in love with Pope in Outer Banks. However, JJ gets into a relationship with Kiara, while being best friends with Pope, showcasing that his feelings for the latter are platonic.
Outer Banks: JJ is not in love with Pope
In Outer Banks, JJ and Pope are best friends, but JJ has romantic feelings for Kiara, not Pope. He and Pope share a strong and friendly bond in their tight-knit group. JJ calls Pope his family and is extremely protective of him.
On the other hand, JJ is in love with Kiara. He flirts with her throughout the series, though he initially feels she is not interested in him. He still stands up for her against others, like when he nearly fights Rafe after he makes a rude comment about her.
Kiara also cares deeply for JJ and even risks herself to protect him in dangerous situations. Things get a little complicated when Kiara dates Pope briefly, and the three get entangled in a love triangle. However, after his break-up, Pope tries to help JJ with his feelings for Kiara.
JJ and Kiara's connection grows stronger as they go through tough times together. They finally kiss and express their feelings for each other in Outer Banks season 3. Hence, JJ loves Pope as a friend, but his romantic feelings are directed at Kiara.
Fans theories about JJ and Pope’s relationship
Despite JJ being in a relationship with Kiara, some fans believe that he has feelings for Pope. There are discussions on Reddit about whether JJ is actually in love with Pope.
“Kie and JJ are just friends too…” — u/Glass_Committee6978
One fan pointed out that fans started shipping JJ and Kiara together, which forced the creators to make them a couple. This theory states there is no attraction between the two initially, and their relationship feels rushed.
“Pope that nuzzles into JJ’s neck in the hot tub…” — u/Either_Ad5586
A viewer highlighted a scene in which Pope kisses JJ on the neck while sitting in a bathtub. Fans think that bromance is one thing, but kissing someone on the neck is not normal for people who are just friends. The scene is featured in Outer Banks season 2 episode 4.
“Their chemistry just seemed really natural…” — u/Glass_Committee6978
A theory also suggests that JJ and Pope have natural chemistry, which led to fans hoping they could be a couple in the future. JJ also asks intimate questions about Pope to Kiara, which further hints that he might be interested in him in more than a friendly way.
“People are constantly pushing for romantic ships…” — u/kindness_mischief
Another section of the fans think that JJ and Pope are better off as friends, and viewers are unnecessarily shipping them. A fan emphasized that people undermine friendships in the show to look for romantic angles.
“Just bros being bros…” — u/No-Eye-9491
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One fan said they never saw any romantic vibe between JJ and Pope, as the two seem like brothers. They have amazing chemistry and bromance which should not be looked upon with a romantic lens.
Outer Banks seasons 1 to 4 are streaming on Netflix.
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