Why Outer Banks’ JJ was always destined to die

As a film enthusiast with over two decades of immersion in the world of cinema, I must admit that JJ’s journey in Outer Banks has left me both heartbroken and captivated. His character development, marked by his turbulent past and tragic end, is reminiscent of some of the most compelling narratives I’ve witnessed on the silver screen.


In my humble opinion, embarking on JJ’s adventure in Outer Banks is like strapping yourself into a emotionally charged rollercoaster. His character is propelled forward by an impulsive spirit and a sorrowful history that leaves you breathless with anticipation for what twist comes next.

During season 4, his actions became more careless and self-damaging, leading him onto a dangerous and deadly trajectory that shocked the fans of the show deeply.

However, although his demise was initially heartbreaking, it also functioned as an appropriate ending – one that paves the way for a vengeful finale.

In the initial season, JJ came across as a hardened individual. However, as the story unfolded, we discovered his father, Luke Maybank, battled alcoholism and often subjected him to physical and verbal abuse. The rare moments of affection from Luke, which usually involved giving him money, led JJ to believe that love was something tangible or materialistic in nature.

In the seventh episode of season 1, he clarified that instead of a hot tub for his friends, he had gotten one for his family.

However, even with his difficult upbringing, by the fourth season, he had achieved all he’d ever desired: a home, a partner, and an adopted family. Yet, his contented existence started to disintegrate, as did the life of his companion, JJ.

Similar to Luke, JJ frequently resorted to drinking when confronted by challenging circumstances, such as when he believed John B and Sarah had perished during season 2.

When he learned that his biological parents were Chandler Groff and Larissa Genrette (making him part of the Kook clan), this revelation shook the core of his self-concept.

With Poguelandia at risk, the latest disclosure had driven JJ to the very edge of his resilience, an experience he’d never encountered before.

Thus, the red flags signalling JJ’s impending death become glaringly obvious. 

Although the series often maintains a playful atmosphere, it was almost certain that death would be a part of the storyline for some main characters. Given that the Pogues have been engaging in self-destructive actions for four seasons without significant repercussions, it was merely a question of when their reckless behavior would finally catch up to them.

As JJ’s identity crumbled, he acted more impulsively than ever before. He destroyed the courtroom and caused chaos in town, but remarkably, the sheriff showed mercy by letting him leave to find Groff. However, since Groff was his father, it brought a heavy burden upon JJ, and during a discussion with Pope, he made a desperate plea for death.

His last statement (“I’ve already gotten my wish – every single one”) can be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, it suggests that he genuinely believed his life was far from unaccomplished or empty. Secondly, it implies that unlike his companions, he had no future aspirations; this journey seemed to be the culmination of his life’s desires for him.

For JJ, living an ordinary life appeared to be perpetually elusive. The idea that following the Pogues’ final quest – locating the blue crown – he would return home to inherit Goat’s Island and amass fortune through the treasure didn’t strike him as a content ending for his character, even though it was enticing.

Born on the outskirts, JJ Pogue often found himself at odds with the privileged Kooks, a circumstance that significantly influenced his character. Despite yearning for material prosperity, he never coveted the status associated with the Kooks by birthright. Instead, his true treasures were his companions. It would be naive to assume that JJ could find contentment if his friends ventured ahead in life while he remained behind.

In simpler terms, JJ’s last statement expressed a heartfelt wish for a daring demise during an exciting escapade, instead of a peaceful passing. Although sad, it carries a certain elegance to it.

His heartfelt plea to Kiara (“Take care of the others”) captured why he was considered the most loyal Pogue. His heart was anchored in the friends who had become his chosen family. He would willingly die for them. 

This current storyline has been filled with hints about future events, such as Sarah’s pregnancy and JJ’s upcoming demise. It’s intriguing how close JJ was to putting on a crown that might have bestowed him eternal life, but instead chose to sacrifice it for his girlfriend’s protection.

 

Beyond simply supporting his story arc, JJ’s demise underscores Groff’s true wickedness. It shows us that someone with nothing left to lose can become the most formidable of adversaries. Groff is a narcissist, yet his behavior sets up an engaging plot for Kiara as she embarks on a quest for revenge, which becomes all the more compelling following a somewhat underwhelming Season 4 where her relationship with JJ overshadowed many of her scenes.

In many popular series, the demise of a cherished character can pose a significant challenge. Yet, the death of JJ not only overcomes this hurdle but infuses new life into the storyline and raises the tension for season 5, paving the way for captivating character growth among the remaining Pogues.

In the end, the demise of JJ will put the surviving team in a tough spot, making them ponder if the journey’s thrills outweigh its sacrifices.

Read More

2024-11-11 16:35