Despite the applaudable plot twist that led to the ending of the show, was it really necessary to let JJ die?

Even though fans have been speculating that offset drama caused Pankow to recede from the show, the cast directors have clarified that they knew one of the Pogues was going to die eventually. Whether Pankow left due to uncomfortable rumors, or to a planned write-off, the decision to kill JJ Maybank was not an intelligent one. Outer Banks can be dark, as the show is basically six teenagers who are constantly fighting for treasure, homeless, broke, running against the law and doing their best not to get killed. JJ was the character that gave us a sliver of hope; he was funny, lighthearted, loving, and an amazing friend. Without his goofy personality, Outer Banks will resume a dark state, without much of the positive vibe. After losing a friend, the Pogues predictably won’t be their usual selves.

Season five almost accurately predicts a chase between the Pogues and Groff, not only for the treasure, but also to avenge the death of JJ Maybank. Speculations also include the idea that Pankow will make a cameo through a sort of dream or vision. Despite his death and disposal of his character, he continues to make his mark. While it remains unsaid, fans could argue that John B was the sort of “ringleader” of the Pogues and the first three seasons seemed to highlight his adventures with his friends. However, in Season four, after he bet the last piece of El Dorado gold, JJ Maybank became the one to highlight upon. The rest of the show features many plot twists to make him even more favored. It’s possible that Maybank was featured to make us even more attached, so when his death comes in the last episode, it was even more of a stab in the gut. The directors wanted us to mourn for this comedic character.

For me, I know that JJ was supposed to get shot before I finished watching the season, but that didn’t get rid of the hope that we all had that it was all a lie, and JJ would survive. Sadly, it wasn’t a lie, and the beloved JJ Maybank got stabbed and killed by his own father. Despite only one character being terminated, the other characters won’t be the same. At the end of the show, Kiara was very bitter and angry, and the next season predicts her wanting revenge, along with John B. who lost his best friend.

In the end, JJ Maybank didn’t deserve to be eradicated from Outer Banks, and consequently, the show will never be the same.