Is Rudy Pankow leaving Outer Banks? Why JJ's death was “always” the plan

Warning: Spoilers for Outer Banks Season 4 Part 2.

The Outer Banks The Season 4, Part 2 finale took fans on an emotional roller coaster as the Pogues traveled to Morocco to track down the Blue Crown and JJ's estranged father, Chandler Groff. However, the most shocking moment of the OBX finale was the death of JJ, and many fans are now wondering why the show's creators killed him off.

The heartbreaking moment unfolds Outer Banks Season 4, Part 2 finale, after JJ (played by Rudy Pankow) retrieves the Blue Crown and tries to escape with Kiara while the mercenaries are on their trail. Previously, Rafe caught Groff (J. Anthony Crane) by pushing him into a well, but Groff manages to escape and intercepts JJ and Kiara very intense scene.

Forbes'Outer Banks' Season 4 Tragic Ending Explained – Is This Main Character Really Dead?From Monica Mercuri

Groff grabs Kiara, holds a knife to her throat and threatens to kill her unless JJ gives her the crown. JJ tells his father that he doesn't care about the crown because he already has everything he ever wanted. JJ hands over the crown and turns to hug Kiara. But in a brutal twist, Groff betrays him and stabs JJ for no apparent reason, making his death seem even more senseless and heartbreaking.

Why did Chandler Groff kill JJ after he got the crown?

The creators told Netflix's Tudum that Groff killed JJ by using his son as a means to an end. “He's perfectly capable of killing him for absolutely no reason after he's gotten everything he needs,” said co-creator Shannon Burke.

Co-creator Josh Pate added that “Groff is a sociopath,” and they based his character on a sociopath they had read about in a nonfiction book. “Even when he lies, he lies to himself and thinks he is telling the truth. We looked for psychological profiles and thought, “How can we create the most sociopathic character?” Like sociopaths, he doesn't really feel that kind of empathy. Everything is just a kind of mask,” he explained.

At the end of the finale, Kiara, the Pogues, and even Rafe – who appeared as the honorary Pogue in this episode – mourn the loss of their best friend. Rafe tells the group that Groff is heading to Portugal, and they decide to follow him, determined to seek revenge for JJ's death. This sets the plot for the fifth and final season of the series, which Netflix officially gave the green light this week.

Why did the makers kill JJ Maybank? Outer Banks?

The creators of Outer Banks told Tudum that they had always planned for JJ to die on the show, calling it a “really hard decision.”

“It sets the stage for an epic fifth and final season,” Pate continued. “We are planning a story of redemption and a season that embodies the friendship JJ came for. JJ's death was a hard but necessary part of the architecture of the story, and we plan to honor that as much as possible because we love the character as much as the fans do. And Rudy is a great friend of ours.”

After discussing the decision with Pankow, the creators added that the actor accepted the “powerful way to end his character's journey.” Burke recalled that Pankow “immediately began planning” how to play his death scene.

Pate said filming the scene was so emotional for everyone that even “the sound guys were crying.” On the way Pankow managed it, he replied: “I knew that everyone was ready to do their best, and I felt that in everyone.” Bailey and I brought it with us, and I know that we smashed it. It was emotional, but deep down everyone agreed, ‘Let’s make a difference.’ And I think we did.”

Is Rudy Pankow leaving? Outer Banks Forever?

It seems that Rudy Pankow is leaving Outer Banks after the death of his character, JJ Maybank, in the fourth season finale. While there is a possibility that viewers could see JJ in flashbacks, Pankow expressed his gratitude for being on the show and said a warm goodbye.

“I would like to extend my biggest thank you to the cast and crew. It was a great pleasure to come to work,” he told Netflix. “This is by far the greatest thing I've ever done and having this as a starting point is a start to my life. “I'll miss it. Thank you for so many beautiful memories that I will have for the rest of my life.”

He continued: “To all the fans who show JJ so much support and love, I just want to say thank you. “Playing him really impressed me. It was an honor to bring him to life for you and it was a pleasure to play him. And P4L!”

Outer Banks Season 4 is streaming now. Watch the official trailer for Season 4, Part 2 below.