Outer Banks season 5 primed for major cast shakeup after season 4 ending twist

WARNING: This article contains major spoilers from the Outer Banks season 4 finale.

After the events of the Outer Banks season 4 part 2 finale, Poguelandia has officially been declared under a state of emergency! The teen drama series delivered its most ambitious episode ever, which in turn included the show's hands-down most ambitious (and heartbreaking) plot twist ever. We're going to feel the aftershocks of this one in season 5 in a big, big way.

In Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, the Pogues — plus Rafe! — travel to Morocco in order to track down the Blue Crown and win their latest riches in the gold game. As with any Pogue adventure, very little goes according to plan while they're in Morocco, leading to a particular event that no one could have seen coming. And even if you did, you didn't want it to happen.

Without giving any major spoilers away until after the break, Outer Banks season 5 will see the departure of a series regular cast member who has played a vital role in the series since its very first episode. It's going to be an emotional ride moving forward.

Here's your last spoiler warning!

Rudy Pankow leaving Outer Banks after JJ's death

In the Outer Banks season 4 finale, JJ dies after his birth father, Chandler Groff, stabs him in the stomach. It's an act of revenge for Groff, who's angered that JJ didn't help him out of the well Rafe pushed him into. Because he's a murderous sociopath, Groff threatened Kiara's life and still chooses to murder his son, even after getting what he wanted: the Blue Crown.

All of the Pogues gather around Kiara to mourn JJ's loss, with the series ending on their resolve to follow Groff to Lisbon and avenge JJ's death. Sadly, with the most loyal and fearless Pogue of the bunch gone, his portrayer Rudy Pankow will no longer appear in Outer Banks. Netflix's Tudum confirmed Pankow's exit from the series with an interview.

Pankow shared a farewell statement to his OBX family and fans with Tudum:

"I want to leave the cast and crew with the biggest thank-you. It’s been such a pleasure to come to work. This is by far the biggest thing I’ve ever done in [my] experience, and to have this as my start is a start of a lifetime. I’m going to miss it. Thank you for so many fun memories I’ll have the rest of my life. To all the fans that show so much support and love for JJ, I just want to say thank you. It really did make an impact on me, playing him. It’s been an honor to bring him to life for you guys, and it’s been a joy to play him. And P4L!"

- Rudy Pankow

According to Tudum, co-creators and executive producers Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke had plans to kill off JJ at some point in the series since the beginning. When Pankow auditioned for the role, JJ was described as "loyal to a fault," a defining characteristic that rang true until the tragic end. He would put his life on the line for any of his friends.

No one wants to say goodbye to JJ, and it's never a good feeling when a fan-favorite character dies. How could it be? However, when it comes to the story, the Pogues now have solidly personal stakes to keep them motivated. This isn't something they will just get over and move past. JJ's death has overwhelming impacts on each of them individually and as a group that propels the final season.

Each of his fellow Pogues commented on JJ's death and Pankow's exit from the series. Madison Bailey, who plays JJ's girlfriend Kiara said, "This character is a huge loss and everybody’s going to feel it," while Stokes recalled living with Pankow during the filming of season 1 and building their on-screen relationship as best friends in real life. Madelyn Cline called JJ "the heart of Outer Banks."

JJ fully embodied the fighting spirit of a Pogue and never gave up. We're going to miss him a lot in Outer Banks season 5, but his friends will make sure that Groff doesn't get away with either the Blue Crown or the murder of his son. Wait until they link back up with Luke and find out Groff killed Larissa, JJ's mother, too. Rest in peace, Jackson. You deserved so much better from life.

Stay tuned for more Outer Banks news and updates from Netflix Life!