Fans of Outer Banks are buzzing once again with season 4 dropping a bombshell on us regarding one of our favorite characters: JJ Maybank. The show, known for its wild plot twists and high-stakes drama, has everyone asking the same question: “Who is JJ Maybank’s real dad?”
The revelation left fans on the edge of their seats, especially as this new season digs deeper into JJ’s past and introduces new characters tied to his mysterious lineage. Let’s dive into everything we know so far about JJ Maybank’s real dad and the game-changing plot twists that unfold in Outer Banks season 4.
The Pogues Are Back in Action
Outer Banks season 4 kicks off with the return of the beloved Pogues — John B, Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo — as they embark on a brand-new treasure hunt. This time, the group is following clues from Wes Genrette, a descendant of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for
killing the legendary pirate Blackbeard. Along the way, a number of new characters make their entrance, including Larissa Genrette and Chandler Groff, both of whom play pivotal roles in JJ’s storyline.
But the biggest twist comes when we start to uncover more about JJ’s true heritage. Spoiler alert: things get messy, fast.
Who Are JJ’s Real Parents?
For much of the series, JJ believed his father to be Luke Maybank, the man who raised him, despite their strained and toxic relationship. JJ’s understanding of his family history was that his mother had abandoned him and his father when he was young. However, as season 4 unfolds, we learn that this isn’t the case at all.
JJ’s real mother is revealed to be Larissa Genrette, a direct descendant of the Genrette family, infamous for their role in Blackbeard’s death. Larissa’s life, unfortunately, ended tragically, and her fate is tied to a dark family curse. But there’s more to the story. Newspaper clippings from
the show’s storyline suggest that Larissa died alongside her infant son in a boating accident. However, as we now know, JJ is alive, which leads us to question the real events surrounding his mother’s death.
Who Is JJ’s Real Dad?
The bigger bombshell is JJ’s father. It’s revealed that Chandler Groff, Larissa’s husband, is JJ’s biological father. The truth about JJ’s paternity is kept a secret from almost everyone, except for Luke Maybank and, later, Wes Genrette. Luke Maybank, who raised JJ, was likely given custody of him by Larissa before her tragic death. Why? To protect JJ from Chandler, who is hinted to have been involved in Larissa’s death.
Luke, though abusive and distant, likely kept this secret to protect JJ from the dangerous truth about his real family. Meanwhile, Wes Genrette uncovers this mystery and attempts to alert JJ by sending him a letter, revealing the connection between Larissa’s death, the Albatross boat, and the Genrette family curse.
What Does This Mean for JJ in Outer Banks?
This revelation is earth-shattering for JJ, especially when he realizes that he isn’t just a Pogue — he’s a Kook by birth. As fans of the show know, the divide between Pogues and Kooks is central to the series, with the Pogues being the underdogs and the Kooks representing the privileged elite of the Outer Banks. For JJ, a proud Pogue, this twist is a huge blow to his identity.
Actor Rudy Pankow, who portrays JJ, shared that this plot twist was a complete surprise to him as well. He explained that the revelation of JJ’s true parentage added a new layer of complexity to his character, making the season even more exciting to watch.
Chandler Groff’s Role in the Plot Twist
As for Chandler Groff, the show hints that he may not know JJ is his son — at least not yet. There’s a strong possibility that Larissa hid JJ from Chandler to protect him, knowing that Chandler might be dangerous. In fact, fans are speculating that Chandler was involved in the deaths of both Wes and Larissa, which means he could be a serious threat to JJ once the truth comes out.
If Chandler discovers that JJ is alive, the stakes could be even higher in the second half of season 4, set to release in November. Will Chandler go after JJ to eliminate any claim he might have to the Genrette family fortune? Or will JJ use his newfound heritage to his advantage in the ongoing treasure hunt?
The Kook vs. Pogue Dynamic
One of the most significant aspects of this storyline is how it affects JJ’s relationship with the Pogues and his perception of himself. As someone who has always prided himself on being a scrappy underdog, learning that he’s actually from a wealthy, powerful family will undoubtedly cause an internal conflict. Will JJ embrace his Kook heritage, or will he reject it and stay loyal to his Pogue friends?
Co-creator Shannon Burke shared in an interview that this twist was one of the most extreme ideas they had for JJ’s character arc, as it completely flips his world upside down. Burke explained that the goal was to explore how such a revelation would “torture” JJ emotionally, creating tension between his identity as a Pogue and his newfound status as a Kook.
Conclusion
Outer Banks season 4 has delivered one of its biggest twists yet with the revelation of JJ Maybank’s real dad. The storyline involving JJ’s true parentage not only adds drama to the show but also sets the stage for even more intense developments in the second half of the season. As we wait for Part 2 to drop, fans are left wondering how JJ will handle the shocking news and what it means for his future with the Pogues.
Stay tuned, as November promises even more twists and turns in the world of Outer Banks!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is JJ Maybank’s real dad?
JJ Maybank’s real dad is Chandler Groff, the husband of Larissa Genrette, JJ’s biological mother.
2. Who raised JJ Maybank?
JJ was raised by Luke Maybank, who he believed to be his father for most of his life. Luke was given custody of JJ, likely by Larissa, to protect him from Chandler.
3. What happened to JJ’s mother?
JJ’s mother, Larissa Genrette, died in what was believed to be a boating accident. However, new evidence suggests that her death may have been part of a family curse or foul play.
4. Is JJ a Kook or a Pogue?
While JJ has always identified as a Pogue, it is revealed in season 4 that he is actually a Kook by birth, as his biological father Chandler Groff is part of the wealthy elite.
5. Will Chandler Groff try to harm JJ?
It’s possible that Chandler Groff could pose a threat to JJ if he learns the truth about his son’s identity. Season 4 hints that Chandler may have been involved in the deaths of Wes and Larissa, making him a dangerous figure.