Outer Banks season four has landed on Netflix, and the latest instalment sees the Pogues embarking on an exciting quest to unearth Blackbeard’s hidden riches. But fans were quick to sense trouble after spotting something amiss in the trailer.
In the preview clip, viewers noticed a disturbing image where the gang is seemingly transporting a lifeless body, wrapped and concealed, across a pier on a barrow. With the noticeable absence of JJ Maybank (portrayed by Rudy Pankow) from the scene, suspicions arose that he might be the unfortunate victim.
Conversations erupted on Reddit as fans speculated on the potential grim turn of events. BuddyBoiBigfoot questioned: “What do we think is going on here??? Looks like all of the Pogues aside from JJ wheeling what looks like a body off the pier? It looks very somber which worries me. That BETTER not be JJ I stg…” [SIC].
A fellow Reddit user, Empty_Painting_5750, suggested a theory: “Im guessing that he is in there, but that they faked his death for some reason. And they’re going to take him on the boat and leave the island!”
The idea that JJ’s death might be a ruse gained traction, with Independencekind7227 further contributing: “Yes that’s JJ in the body bag but they are trying to get him away from the cops and trying to get to Morocco remember.”
Speculation regarding JJ’s fate in the series has been rife ever since the show’s second season, with @jiarafes ringing alarm bells on X: “JJ death rumours every damn season since S2 but I fear something is different in the water this time. If JJ dies I will hunt Rudy Pankow to the ends of the earth I am so incredibly serious.”
Buzz about actor Rudy Pankow leaving the popular teen drama due to reported off-screen tensions was swirling earlier in 2024.
However, there has been no official confirmation. Jane-23457 on Reddit expressed a feeling that JJ might “sacrifice himself” for a higher cause.
Echoing that sentiment, SuffficientNobody15 chimed in: “We may get a scare, like maybe he ends up in the hospital or something but he’s not going to actually die.”
Anticipating a turbulent season for the characters, they added: “I just know tho that this season is going to put JJ and Kiara through it, both as a couple and individually.” [Sic].
The topic of whether fans would prefer JJ to exit the show or for the series to conclude was raised by TTSTREAMS who speculated: “I know it’s not confirmed that Rudy is leaving, and I hope he is not. But personally, I’d be okay with season four wrapping the OBX world up, instead of Rudy being written off, and continue without JJ.”
This sentiment resonated with many fans, with MountainWaste9197 agreeing: “I’d be okay with it too. JJ really does play a huge part in the show and it wouldn’t be the same without him.”
Yellowdaisybutter expressed: “I agree. I’d rather them wrap it up than continue on. I don’t see the show working without JJ. He’s one of my favourites, and I think Rudy is the strongest actor out of the original four. It would fundamentally change the dynamic of the show.”
