What condition does Pope suffer from after killing Lightner in Outer Banks season 5?

Pope suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after killing Lightner in Outer Banks season 5.

The condition follows Pope’s violent confrontation with Lightner, an event that weighs heavily on him after the Pogues return to the Outer Banks. The season depicts his emotional distress as part of the consequences of the group’s increasingly dangerous adventures.

Pope’s trauma affects his choices and relationships. He struggles to function normally while the group faces financial pressure, legal danger, and the continuing search for the Blue Crown and Royal Merchant gold.

The storyline broadens Pope’s character beyond his role as the group’s researcher and strategist. It shows that surviving the Pogues’ missions has psychological costs, even when the characters technically escape alive.