That heartbreaking Outer Banks season 4 death was always the plan

That heartbreaking Outer Banks season 4 death was always the plan

As a die-hard fan of the Outer Banks series, I must say that the season 4 finale was nothing short of a punch to the gut. The sudden and tragic demise of JJ Maybank left me reeling, with a mix of emotions that ranged from shock to heartbreak.


In simpler terms, the finale of “Outer Banks” season 4 left us stunned, tearful, and heart-stricken upon the demise of a cherished character. It was an unexpected twist as none of us anticipated the series and writers to follow this path, yet they did. If you’ve seen OBX season 4 episode 10, then you are aware that our dear JJ Maybank was fatally stabbed by his abhorrent biological father, Groff, due to resentment. Essentially, it happened because JJ didn’t toss him a rope to escape from the well. With everything he had done for Groff, one has to wonder what he thought would happen.

For a brief spell, Pogue held the Blue Crown, but for a heartbeat, he understood that with Kiara, his steadfast friends, and the home they jointly constructed, he possessed everything essential. Though their sanctuary was under threat, what truly mattered in the end was that they were united. The suddenness of this narrative choice might seem unforeseen, but the authors had meticulously planned it all along.

That heartbreaking Outer Banks season 4 death was always the plan

Why JJ is the one to die in Outer Banks season 4

As per Netflix’s Tudum report, creators Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke originally intended for JJ’s character to meet his end in ‘Outer Banks’. The actor who brings JJ to life, Rudy Pankow, expressed it was a significant privilege to portray such a captivating and selfless character. Josh Pate further explained why this tragic ending was essential for JJ as the story progresses in ‘Outer Banks’ season 5, which is the final season.

It was a really hard decision because he’s such a great piece of the ensemble. It sets the stage for an epic fifth and final season. We’re planning a story of redemption, and a season that embodies the friendship that JJ had come to represent. JJ’s death was a hard but necessary piece of the architecture for the story, and we plan on honoring that as much as we can because we love the character as much as the fans do. And Rudy’s a great friend of ours.

Burke had previously informed Deadline that the creative team decided from the start that one of the Pogues characters would eventually die. At the beginning, they weren’t certain which character it would be, but they figured out “quite early on” that it was going to be JJ who would meet his end.

The overarching plan was to begin with just some kids who wanted to have a good time all the time, and take them on a whole journey. One of them was going to end up dying, and pretty early on, we knew that was going to be JJ, he’s the most reckless. He is also the most beloved and, in one way, the most sacrificing and the most risk-taking. And this was going to be JJ’s year.

That heartbreaking Outer Banks season 4 death was always the plan

It’s ironic that Groff slays his son, JJ, at a time when he wasn’t being reckless. Quite the contrary, he had arrived at a mature understanding, making this event even more heart-wrenching. I’m still reeling from the emotional turbulence this has caused, and we fans are a whirlwind of feelings right now. Despite the dark and intricate aspects of JJ’s character, played brilliantly by Pankow, he managed to bring an air of lightness to the Netflix series with his humor, unwavering loyalty, and true Pogue spirit. He always made us chuckle, stood by his principles, and truly embodied what it means to be a Pogue.

JJ will definitely be missed. However, it sounds like the writers and creators do have a plan and that JJ’s memory is not going to be going anywhere in Outer Banks season 5. Hang in there fellow fans. Perhaps this statement Pankow shared with Tudum will help you cheer up a little:

To all the fans that show so much support and love for JJ, I just want to say thank you. It really did make an impact on me, playing him. It’s been an honor to bring him to life for you guys, and it’s been a joy to play him. And P4L!

Outer Banks season 4 is now streaming on Netflix.

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2024-11-08 05:57

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