The sun-soaked beaches of Outer Banks have always been a playground for treasure hunts, romance, and high-stakes drama, but the Season 4 finale delivered a gut punch that no one saw coming: the death of JJ Maybank (Rudy Pankow), one of the core Pogues. Fans were left reeling as JJ, the heart of the group, was brutally stabbed by his biological father, Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane), in a climactic showdown over Blackbeard’s Blue Crown. With Season 5 confirmed as the final chapter of the Netflix series, the decision to kill off such a beloved character has sparked intense debate. Why did the creators make this choice, and what does it mean for the Pogues’ last adventure? Let’s unpack the reasons behind JJ’s death and its impact on the show’s future.
A Planned Exit: The Creators’ Long-Held Vision
The Outer Banks co-creators—Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke—have been vocal about their decision, insisting that JJ’s death was a deliberate part of the show’s architecture from the beginning. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Shannon Burke revealed that the idea of JJ dying in Kiara’s arms was floated as early as Season 2 or 3, though they weren’t sure when they’d “play that card.” Josh Pate echoed this sentiment on Tudum, stating, “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.” The creators envisioned a five-season arc that would take the Pogues from innocence to darkness and back again, with JJ’s death serving as the ultimate test of their resilience.
But why JJ, specifically? The Pogues—John B (Chase Stokes), Sarah (Madelyn Cline), Kiara (Madison Bailey), Pope (Jonathan Daviss), and Cleo (Carlacia Grant)—had faced near-death situations countless times, yet they always emerged unscathed. JJ’s death shattered that illusion of invincibility, as Josh Pate explained to Tudum: “The Pogues now know that they are not immortal, and that their luck has finally run out.” This shift in tone was intentional, setting the stage for a final season where the stakes are higher than ever. JJ, described by Madelyn Cline as the “heart of Outer Banks,” embodied the carefree, loyal spirit of the Pogues. His loss forces the group to confront their mortality and reevaluate what they’re fighting for.
A Catalyst for Revenge and Redemption
JJ’s death isn’t just a plot twist—it’s the emotional spine of Season 5. In the final moments of Season 4, the Pogues gather around a fire in Morocco, mourning their fallen friend. Kiara, played by Madison Bailey, delivers a chilling vow to hunt down Chandler Groff and seek revenge, a sentiment echoed by the group, including an unlikely ally in Rafe (Drew Starkey). Burke told Deadline that this loss will “affect them and be the emotional center of the rest of the series.” Unlike previous treasure hunts driven by dreams of wealth, Season 5 will see the Pogues motivated by a deeper, more personal goal: avenging JJ and honoring his legacy.
This shift in motivation aligns with the creators’ vision of a “story of redemption.” JJ’s selflessness—seen in his decision to trade the Blue Crown for Kiara’s life, telling Groff, “I already have everything I’ve ever wanted”—sets a standard for the Pogues to live up to. His death also raises the stakes for other characters’ arcs. For Kiara, who loses her soulmate, the journey becomes a quest for justice, with Josh Pate noting that she’ll be the “lead dog” in the hunt for Groff. For Rafe, who’s on a redemption arc, JJ’s death offers a chance to prove his loyalty to the Pogues, as he joins their mission to retrieve the Blue Crown and bring Groff to justice.
Fan Backlash and the Rumor Mill
While the creators insist JJ’s death was always planned, the decision has not been without controversy. Fans on X have expressed outrage, with some calling the death “rushed” and “gratuitous.” Posts on the platform highlight frustration over JJ’s arc, especially after Season 4 revealed his true parentage—he was born a Kook, the son of Larissa Genrette and Chandler Groff, only to be killed shortly after this bombshell. One user lamented, “Why bother with the storyline of JJ being the heir to a fortune and an island just to kill him off a few episodes later?” Others felt the manner of his death—stabbed by Groff in a seemingly petty act of revenge for being left in a well—was unworthy of a character known for his loyalty and heart.
Rumors of behind-the-scenes drama have also fueled fan speculation. Some on X have pointed to alleged tensions between Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, or their respective partners, citing social media unfollows as evidence. A DeuxMoi source even claimed Pankow asked to be written off early, and that his exit threw off the cast during filming. However, these rumors remain unconfirmed, and the cast’s emotional tributes to Pankow—shared in a Netflix memorial video—suggest genuine camaraderie. Bailey tearfully praised Pankow for bringing depth to JJ, while Stokes reflected on their real-life friendship, saying, “I’m forever grateful for the experience I’ve had with Rudy.” The creators have also denied any rift, with Jonas Pate telling Cosmopolitan, “I’d say never say never,” when asked about JJ’s potential return in some form.
A Critical Look: Did the Decision Work?
From a narrative perspective, JJ’s death makes sense as a turning point for the series. Outer Banks has always flirted with danger, but the Pogues’ survival often felt unrealistic. Killing off a core member like JJ grounds the story in a harsh reality, forcing the group to grow up. It also sets up a compelling revenge narrative for Season 5, with the Blue Crown—rumored to grant wishes—potentially offering a fantastical element to the Pogues’ quest. Fans on X have speculated that the crown might be used to bring JJ back, though this seems unlikely given the creators’ focus on honoring his death as a permanent loss.
However, the execution of JJ’s death has drawn criticism. The abruptness of his demise, coupled with the lack of buildup to Groff’s betrayal, left some fans feeling cheated. JJ’s arc in Season 4 was already emotionally heavy—losing the group’s gold, becoming a fugitive, and grappling with his Kook heritage—yet his death felt more like a plot device than a natural conclusion. Critics on X have argued that a character of JJ’s caliber deserved a more heroic end, perhaps sacrificing himself to save the Pogues rather than falling victim to a seemingly random act of violence.
What’s Next for the Pogues?
As Outer Banks heads into its final season, JJ’s absence will loom large. The creators have teased a season that embodies the friendship JJ represented, with the Pogues chasing Groff to Lisbon to reclaim the Blue Crown and avenge their friend. Whether JJ returns in flashbacks, visions, or through the crown’s rumored magic remains to be seen, but his spirit will undoubtedly guide the Pogues’ journey. With production set to begin soon in Charleston and a 2026 premiere on the horizon, fans are bracing for an emotional farewell to their favorite treasure hunters.
JJ’s death may have broken hearts, but it’s also set the stage for a finale that promises to be Outer Banks’ most epic yet. Will the Pogues find redemption, or will their quest for revenge lead to more tragedy? One thing’s for sure: the spirit of P4L—Pogues for Life—will live on, even without their most loyal member.
