Outer Banks season 3 includes a major death, as one of the show's biggest characters dies, which sets up the likely villain of season 4.

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Outer Banks season 3!Ward Cameron's death in Outer Banks season 3 is among the biggest events to unfold in the finale, and it directly sets up Rafe as season 4's main villain. The father and son have long been at the center of the show's major conflicts, so it was hardly a surprise to see that continue in the newest season and create disagreements between them. This included Rafe hiring someone to kill his father, only to save Ward's life at the last second. Despite the eldest Cameron child returning to aid his father, he stays behind in Outer Banks as Ward travels with the Pogues as they search for El Dorado.

This ultimately paves the way for Outer Banks season 3's ending to include Ward Cameron's death. After he faked his death in season 2, the show delivers a more permanent ending to Rafe and Sarah's father's story. Following his attempt to betray the Pogues and acquire the El Dorado gold for himself, Ward sacrifices himself to help save Sarah. This included him taking multiple bullets to the chest and falling off the edge of a cliff. It looks to be a much more definitive death for Ward Cameron, and the significant Outer Banks season 3 death could be a way to set up season 4's villain.

Ward's Outer Banks Season 3 Death Sets Rafe Up As A Major S4 Villain

Although Ward and Rafe rarely saw eye-to-eye about anything, the father's Outer Banks season 3 death will have a huge impact on Rafe. He specifically asked the Pogues to make sure his dad stayed safe as they left Outer Banks. While the kids did attempt to keep Ward away from their search for the real El Dorado, Rafe will only know that Ward died in Orinoco. This should result in Ward's death being the catalyst for Rafe turning into an even bigger villain. In his mind, the Pogues did not keep their word to keep his father safe, leading to him doing whatever it takes to get revenge on them.

The impact that Ward's death in Outer Banks season 3 has on Rafe in season 4 is even greater thanks to recent events. They might have a very complicated relationship, but Rafe largely just wants his father's approval and the acknowledgment that he is proud of him. Ward finally gave Rafe a twisted sense of this once he was safely delivered to his private jet, as he told Rafe he was now in charge of the family's businesses. This would surely make Rafe even more committed to making his dad happy if he were still alive, so Ward's death happening shortly thereafter will not go well.

Rafe's Outer Banks Arc Sets Up For Him To Be The Show's Main Villain

Based on Rafe's arc through the first three seasons, it makes sense for him to become the main villain of Outer Banks season 4. He's consistently become a bigger threat to the Pogues, but he will now be out of Ward's shadow. The likely result will be Rafe becoming fully unhinged as he looks to get revenge on the Pogues, even though they were not directly responsible for his death. His anger towards them could even increase if he learns that Ward died in season 3 to protect Sarah, which will only make his jealousy worse as Rafe becomes Outer Banks season 4's villain.

More: Outer Banks Season 3’s 6 Biggest Unanswered Questions