JJ (Rudy Pankow) had a lot of close encounters on season 4 of Outer Banks, but his luck eventually ran out during the part 2 finale. This season has been a rollercoaster for fans, filled with suspense, action, and heart-stopping moments. As viewers followed JJ's journey, they were left wondering how far he would go to protect his friends and loved ones, culminating in a shocking and emotional conclusion.
In the finale, JJ's death was not just a plot twist, but a deeply impactful moment that resonated with fans. His relationship with his father, Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane), took a dark turn, leading to a tragic confrontation. This moment not only highlights the complexities of family dynamics but also the price of loyalty and sacrifice, themes that have been prevalent throughout the series.
The scene where JJ sacrifices himself to save Kiara (Madison Bailey) encapsulates his character's bravery and love for his friends. As he lays bleeding out in Kiara's arms, his final words reveal his inner peace and acceptance. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those who love fiercely and the lengths they will go to protect those they care about.
How Does JJ Die in ‘Outer Banks’?
JJ died at the hands of his own father, Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane). After Chandler set JJ up for Hollis Robinson’s (Brianna Brown) murder, leading him to have to evade the police and escape to Morocco as a fugitive, JJ returned the favor by refusing to help Chandler out of the bottom of a well amid their respective hunts for the blue crown.
However, Chandler was able to use his knife to dig crevices and escape. Once he did, he met up with JJ and the rest of the Pogues at the location of the crown. JJ climbed a statue in the middle of a sandstorm to retrieve the crown, but just as he was celebrating the victory, Chandler arrived and held Kiara hostage.
JJ gave up the crown to save Kiara, but Chandler hadn’t forgotten how he’d just been left for dead. After getting the crown in his possession, he stabbed JJ in the gut, leading him to slowly bleed out in Kiara’s arms.
“I never told you my wish,” JJ told his girlfriend. “I already got it. I already got my wish. Everything I wanted. Take care of the others. I love you Kie.”
Chandler escaped with the crown and began making his way to Lisbon, Portugal, where he had a buyer waiting. Rafe (Drew Starkey) knew of this plan from an earlier conversation and filled the Pogues in. Now, it would be their mission to track Groff down and get revenge for JJ.
What Episode Did JJ Die in ‘Outer Banks’?
JJ’s death took place during season 4, episode 10, which was the last episode of the season. He was killed with just minutes left in the episode. After his death, a montage of his greatest moments from the show played while John B (Chase Stokes) narrated a eulogy.
The show’s creators confirmed that JJ dying was always in the cards. “It was a really hard decision because he’s such a great piece of the ensemble,” Josh Pate told Netflix. “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.”
Will There Be a Season 5 of ‘Outer Banks’?
Outer Banks viewers will get to see how the Pogues get their revenge when the series returns for its fifth and final season. Ahead of the season 4, part 2, premiere on November 7, 2024, Netflix announced that the show would be coming back for season 5, but that it would be the last one.
“Seven years ago in the summer of 2017, we came across a photo of teenagers on a beach at dusk during a power outage,” the creators’ note read. “That photo sparked an idea for a story of four best friends who only want to have a good time all the time. From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship.”
The note continued, “At the time, seven years ago, it seemed impossible that we would really get to tell the whole five season story, but here we are, at the end of our fourth season, still chopping away. The fourth season was our longest and hardest – but most rewarding – to produce. The season ends with a feature length episode, which we think is our best, most powerful episode. We hope you feel the same way.”
In conclusion, they added, “Now, with a little sadness, but also excitement, we’re putting Season Four behind us, and are turning to Season Five, in which we hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago. Season Five will be our last season, and we think it will be our best yet. We hope you’ll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break.”
A release date for season 5 has not been confirmed.
‘Outer Banks’ Season 4, Part 2, Finale Recap
The finale of season 4 featured some other pivotal moments. JJ died a hero in more ways than one. Before retrieving the blue crown, he also saved Sarah’s (Madelyn Cline) life. When the boat the Pogues were traveling on to Morocco hit a major storm, a pregnant Sarah went overboard and JJ jumped in behind her.
When the rest of the Pogues – and Rafe – made it to shore, there was no sign of JJ or Sarah. It took a full day for them to join the others on the beach. This heart-wrenching reunion came after some tension in JJ and John B’s friendship, even after John B asked JJ to be the godfather of his and Sarah’s baby. However, they were able to put it all behind them once JJ and Sarah returned to safety.
Meanwhile, Cleo (Carlacia Grant) got revenge for Terrance (Terence Rosemore). With one round left in the Pogues’ gun, Pope (Jonathan Daviss) took one for the team and shot Lightner (Rigo Sanchez), the man who killed Terrance.
