Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Outer Banks season 4, part 2.

Outer Banks season 4, part 2’s tragic and controversial ending lays the groundwork for a season that will be completely different from anything the show has done before. The Netflix action-adventure mystery teen drama series, created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke, follows a group of teens (the Pogues of the Outer Banks) consistently finding themselves in trouble and hunting for treasure. Unfortunately, the finale of Outer Banks season 4 features a devastating death that will completely change the show’s course for its fifth and final season.

Netflix renewed Outer Banks for a fifth and final season just ahead of the release of season 4, part 2, on November 7, 2024.

Outer Banks season 4 features the Pogues in desperate need of some quick cash to save their new home, meaning they must get back into the treasure-hunting business. Wes Genrette hires them to find the amulet of Blackbeard’s wife in Outer Banks season 4. However, like always, the characters’ mission turns complicated fast. JJ learns he is adopted (and his parents are Chandler Groff and Larissa Genrette), and the Pogues soon find themselves in Morocco trying to retrieve an artifact called the Blue Crown. But the last scene of Outer Banks season 4 signals a significant shift in the Netflix teen drama’s story.

Outer Banks Season 5’s Treasure Hunt Is Motivated By Revenge For JJ’s Death, Not Just Money

The Pogues Will Want To Avenge Their Friend

At the end of Outer Banks season 4, part 2, Groff stabs and kills JJ, his biological son. The Pogues (especially Kiara, JJ’s girlfriend) are completely and utterly devastated by their friend’s death, which is understandable, to say the least. They hold a funeral for him in Morocco, and the season ends with the Pogues’ loss and the villain’s (Groff) win. However, Outer Banks season 5 will feature the characters pursuing Groff, not only for the Blue Crown but also to get revenge for JJ.

JJ was undoubtedly a fan-favorite character in Outer Banks , which is why his death has been so devastating and controversial among fans.

JJ obviously meant a lot to each member of the TV show’s central friend group (John B, Kiara, Pope, Sarah, and Cleo). So, their treasure hunt in Outer Banks season 5 will be more dire than ever. When they first were in pursuit of the Blue Crown, they needed it for its monetary value. Now, JJ’s death in the Outer Banks season 4 finale will be the Pogues’ primary motivation to track down Groff. They want to avenge JJ, which makes the Pogues’ story arc in season 5 more tragic and emotional than it has been in previous seasons.

Outer Banks Season 5’s Pogue Treasure Hunt Won’t Be The Same Without JJ

JJ Was The Heart Of The Group

JJ was undoubtedly a fan-favorite character in Outer Banks, which is why his death has been so devastating and controversial among fans. He was a favorite for a reason — JJ was the heart of the Pogues, both for the fans and for the friend group themselves. Rudy Pankow’s character was easy to love, with his lighthearted, free-spirited nature, and backstory that many viewers could empathize or sympathize with. He will be sorely missed among fans and the Outer Banks characters in season 5. The next mission just won’t be the same without him.

JJ was John B’s best friend from childhood, Kiara’s boyfriend, and Pope’s very close friend. His dynamic with all three of them was special, which is why Outer Banks season 5 will be so different with him gone. Rafe might try to fill the gap left by JJ’s absence, but he’s nowhere near close to being a perfect replacement for JJ. Realistically, no one can replace JJ (and the writers shouldn’t even try to have someone take his place), and it will be hard to watch season 5 without him.

Outer Banks Season 5’s Treasure Hunt In Portugal Is Even More Dangerous With Sarah’s Pregnancy

Sarah Learned She Was Pregnant In Season 4, Part 2

Aside from JJ’s death setting up Outer Banks season 5, Sarah’s pregnancy will also play a major role in the show’s last season’s story. Sarah learned she was pregnant with her and John B’s baby during season 4, part 2 (a development that was foreshadowed in part 1). So, with her condition, the Pogues won’t be able to take the same risks they usually do in season 5.Sarah has almost died in all four seasons of Outer Banks, but in season 5, she (and the other characters) will have to be more careful concerning her involvement in the mission, thanks to the baby.