In the explosive finale of Outer Banks Season 4 Part 1, Rudy Pankow’s character, JJ Maybank, faces a staggering revelation about his family lineage, leaving him grappling with his identity. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Pankow shared insights into how this bombshell will affect JJ moving forward.
The shocking twist reveals that JJ’s father is not Luke (Gary Weeks), but rather the late Larissa Genrette and Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane). Pankow explained that this revelation plunges JJ into a state of denial. “What the Pogues all deal with is: we can persevere,” he said. “Now, JJ is left questioning, ‘Where do I belong? Are my friends going to think differently of me?'”
JJ’s identity as a Pogue, the scrappy survivor often characterized as impulsive, is foundational to who he is. Learning that he is not technically a Pogue challenges everything he thought he knew about himself. “I think he’s still in denial about what this means for him,” Pankow elaborated. He noted that JJ might believe Luke is simply trying to exploit the situation for profit, a notion that frustrates him.
As Season 4 Part 2 approaches its premiere on November 7, Pankow hinted at some significant emotional fallout for JJ. “You can only contain the beast for so long,” co-star Chase Stokes, who plays John B., added, emphasizing that JJ’s turmoil will eventually erupt.
In addition to grappling with his newfound lineage, JJ is also navigating the complexities of his relationship with Kiara (Madison Bailey), which remains unsteady despite being explored in Season 3. Pankow acknowledged JJ’s struggle with relationships, pointing out that he lacks a solid role model due to his tumultuous family background. “JJ is trying to grasp what a relationship looks like,” he explained, while also recognizing that his desires often conflict with Kiara’s.
As the narrative unfolds, fans can expect JJ to confront his internal battles and the pressures that threaten to send him spiraling further.
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