Why Rudy Pankow’s JJ Maybank Left Netflix’s Outer Banks

Netflix hits are available all types of styles and sizes. They are often true crime thrillers, high-concept dramas, or a number of the hottest actuality TV programming round. However, one particular recurs in probably the most beloved exhibits, although: large swings on their manner out, or relatively across the time Netflix tells them it is time to wrap issues up. Within the case of “The Outer Banks,” having Rudy Pankow’s JJ Maybank die on the finish of season 4 undoubtedly qualifies as one of many aforementioned “large swings.” “The Outer Banks'” sequence creators laid out why the choice was made, and so they selected to kill off one in every of their hottest characters to elicit a visceral response. It labored, as evidenced by the fan outcry such a high-profile demise was certain to provide.

Over the course of 4 seasons, “The Outer Banks” followers had grown to seek out Pankow’s character, JJ Maybank, as probably the most likable members of your entire ensemble, and that his demise simply twists the knife. Maybank was the beating coronary heart of the “The Outer Banks'” Pogues, the “downtrodden” youngsters from the south aspect of Kildare Island, North Carolina. They consistently feuded with The Kooks, who as you may think, are from the opposite aspect of the tracks. Maybank was nothing wanting essential in our protagonists’ seek for an enormous rating that can deliver them a brighter future than their lowly beginnings earlier within the sequence.

Pankow’s dramatic exit was a wild twist for”The Outer Banks” followers, however the inventive group behind the Netflix hit knew that JJ Maybank would not be round to see the tip of this journey. John Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke made the fateful choice with as soon as they knew that season 5 can be their final. There are zero exhausting emotions between Pankow and the creators due to the choice, and he was knowledgeable forward of time together with the remainder of the solid. A bunch of actually enjoyable, touching movies from the actors “saying goodbye” to their buddy after the episodes hit Netflix made followers extra emotional. “The Outer Banks” is primed for a dynamite season 5 and Maybank’s noble sacrifice is an enormous purpose why, nevertheless it was nonetheless a raffle to even float the thought of a beloved character and ascending actor biting the mud in such crushing style (taking a look at you Eddie Munson).

To catch you up, JJ Maybank is put into an not possible state of affairs when he and the Pogues go to seek out the Blue Crown, a treasure with some critical implications for the remainder of the sequence. Mercenaries intercept Maybank and his love curiosity Kiara as they’re making an attempt to get away with the Blue Crown. In a second of the Aristocracy, the boy surrenders the Blue Crown in alternate for Kiara’s security, and sadly for our hero, he is ruthlessly stabbed within the again regardless of honoring his aspect of the deal. It is gut-wrenching for the folks watching at residence, and the creators know that.

“The Outer Banks” group, Josh Pate, Shannon Burke, and Jonas Pate, advised TUDUM that this surprising second was at all times within the works. “It was a very exhausting choice as a result of he is such an incredible piece of the ensemble,” Josh Pate argued. “It units the stage for an epic fifth and ultimate season. We’re planning a narrative of redemption, and a season that embodies the friendship that JJ had come to signify … JJ’s demise was a tough however essential piece of the structure for the story, and we plan on honoring that as a lot as we will as a result of we love the character as a lot because the followers do. And Rudy’s an incredible buddy of ours.”

Netflix followers are well-aware of the meta-narrative surrounding the streamer at this level, primarily that the overwhelming majority of authentic content material is destined for about two seasons at most earlier than being unceremoniously canceled. However, for a number of fortunate exhibits, like “The Outer Banks,” there’s life past a season 2 finale. As a way to hold audiences hooked, there must be one thing to maintain them coming again, and dangling the carrot of unresolved drama like a shock demise suits that invoice. Sadly for viewers, the forms of surprising developments in tv that basically spur that visceral response are sometimes shock betrayals and deaths, which make up a number of the most iconic moments from the final 30 years of the TV panorama. You’ll be able to consider numerous examples of double-crosses, abrupt ends, and alliances that flip whole sequence with the airing of a single episode (and then you will get previous “Misplaced” and into another TV.)

Because it stands in the present day, “The Outer Banks” inventive group owes Rudy Pankow a debt of gratitude, with a lot of the present’s success linked to his efficiency and enthusiasm for the fabric. Now, their Netflix sequence will get to exit on a excessive observe, as an alternative of being unresolved like so most of the finest packages which have handed by way of viewers’ watchlists. “OBX” followers love a very good thriller, and do not thoughts being subjected to just a little little bit of suspense for good measure. Whereas it may not be probably the most authentic narrative tactic within the e book, killing off fan-favorite characters nonetheless will get the job accomplished, and Rudy Pankow, darkly, gave up his most-known function to assist his mates in a time of want, and what’s extra like JJ than that?