“Outer Banks” Season 2 is packed with twists, turns, and hidden treasures – both literal and figurative. While audiences were busy trying to decode the clues to find the gold, eagle-eyed viewers picked out something extra special: a clever nod to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby.
Did you catch it?
Hidden within the opulent world of Ward Cameron, one of “Outer Banks'” most complex villains, is a symbol that directly connects him to the charismatic Jay Gatsby himself – the green light.
A Symbol of Longing and Lost Dreams
In The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock represents Gatsby’s desperate yearning for the past and his unattainable dream of winning her back. The color green, throughout the book, symbolizes wealth, hope, and ultimately, illusion.
Sharp-eyed fans noticed a very similar motif in “Outer Banks”. Throughout Season 2, Ward Cameron frequently gazes across the water towards a distant green light shining from Figure Eight, a community on Hatteras Island known for its exclusivity and affluence.
Is this simply a coincidence? Perhaps. But given the deliberate nature of “Outer Banks'” storytelling, it’s hard to ignore the possible parallels between Ward and Gatsby, both men driven by ambition, wealth, and a longing for something just out of reach.
Unpacking the Parallel: Did “Outer Banks” Intentionally Draw Parallels?
The inclusion of the green light raises some fascinating questions about Ward’s character motivations. Like Gatsby, is he chasing after an ideal that may be ultimately unattainable? Is his pursuit of wealth and power fueled by a deep-seated longing for something more – perhaps status, acceptance, or even love?
What do you think, “Outer Banks” fans? Does the green light signify a deeper connection between Ward and Gatsby than just mere symbolism? How does this Easter egg change your perception of Ward as a character? Let us know in the comments below! Do you see other literary connections hidden within the world of “Outer Banks?”
