This article contains spoilers for Outer Banks season 4 part 2 ending.
Outer Banks season 4 stars and creators address the major character’s death. With the confirmation that Outer Banks season 5 will be the end of Netflix’s treasure-hunting drama, the remaining five episodes in the fourth installment had to go big in some way. However, what was not expected was that audiences would see a shocking conclusion for one of the main pogues. But, devastatingly, that’s exactly what happened with the death of JJ. In the finale, JJ is stabbed by his biological father to protect his girlfriend Kiara.
In an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, following the release of Outer Banks season 4 part 2, the cast and crew opened up about the death of JJ. Rudy Pankow reflected on the death of the character he’s played since the start of the series and said that JJ wouldn’t have any regrets about what happened. Pankow also talked about JJ being loyal to a fault:
“For JJ, he has to judge every moment in his life, if it’s worth it [to take the risk], and I think it’s constantly, yeah, it is for him. Even throughout the pain and the suffering and the struggles for JJ, it’s worth it for him to go to that length. He lives his life to the utmost fullest, and I don’t think he regrets any part of it.”
“[JJ’s] loyal to a fault. When I first found out JJ was gonna risk it all and not make it, I understood it. And the risks got bigger and bigger, and the stakes got higher and higher. [It’s] a huge honor to portray a character so beautiful and selfless.”
As for the co-creators, Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke, they mentioned that the plan was always for JJ to die eventually. Still, the co-creators acknowledged that it was a difficult decision while also previewing how the death sets up the final season:
Josh Pate : “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.”
Madison Bailey, who plays Kiara, reflected with Pankow on the fact that JJ’s death was tough to film. Pankow adds that all the Outer Banks cast worked together to make sure the pivotal development was a success:
Madison Bailey: “This character is a huge loss and everybody’s going to feel it.”
Pankow: “I knew everyone was on board to bring their all, and I felt that from everyone. Bailey and I brought it, and I know that we crushed it. It was emotional, but I think deep down, everyone was on the same page… ‘Let’s make an impact.’ And I think we did that.”
“His death really does set up the future of OBX with the question, what is worth it? And when someone that close to you is gone, how do you navigate that?”
The creators also touched on how JJ’s death gets to some of the core themes that run through the Netflix drama in terms of the connection between the main group and how they’re willing to sacrifice for each other:
Jonas Pate: “At some point, this had to happen in order to justify P4L. There’s definitely a sense of mortality that runs through the show. John B talks about it all the time.”
Burke: “they’re willing to give up anything for each other, and this is the ultimate example of that.”
What JJ’s Death Means For Outer Banks: This Loss Gets To The Core Of The Series
While the cast and creators speak at length about the thought process behind JJ’s death and why it makes sense for the character, there’s also the question of what it says about the series itself. The central Pogues are always in danger, with the most recent batch of episodes seeing the group travel to Morroco to evade risk. Despite the threats that are always looming, there has remained a general lightness to the premise and the stories.
JJ’s death, already proving to be divisive, shatters that sense of lightness. For better or worse, after the Outer Banks season 4 part 2 ending, nothing is quite the same for the characters and the story. It is a bold choice for the show to make on its way out, but there will be lots of viewers who will respond with dismay, arguing that such a massive departure was ultimately not needed. Still, this will raise the stakes for season 5, which is expected to go on a revenge journey.
Our Take On JJ’s Death: It Attempts To Honor The Character
A lot of thought went into saying goodbye to JJ. With a spirited discussion about what it means for Outer Banks and what it says about the show, the comments from the actors and creators at least offer a window into the degree of thought and planning that went into killing off a key figure that will be sorely missed.
