Outer Banks season 4, part 1 contains many surprises, the biggest of which pertains to JJ Maybank’s family history, which was unveiled at the end of episode 5. In the Netflix action-adventure mystery teen drama series, JJ (played by Rudy Pankow) is the most reckless, carefree, and fearless member of the Pogues. He comes from a rough home life, and his trauma has shaped him into the character he is in Outer Banks season 4. However, JJ’s life could have (and should have) been very different if one pivotal decision hadn’t been made when he was an infant.

When Outer Banks season 4, part 1 premieres, JJ and his friends (John B, Pope, Kiara, Sarah, and Cleo) are basking in the afterglow of their El Dorado discovery. The Pogues use their newfound fortune to buy the Maybank property, turn it into a home, and build a shop. Unfortunately, thanks to JJ, they spend almost all of their money way too quickly. Consequently, the Pogues cut a deal with Wes Genrette — find Blackbeard’s wife’s (Elizabeth) amulet, and he’ll give them $50,000. They accept, but the group (especially JJ) couldn’t have predicted what truths would be revealed during the treasure hunt.

JJ Is Actually The Son Of Larissa Genrette & Chandler Groff

Luke Isn’t JJ’s Birth Father

While Outer Banks‘ fan-favorite couple JJ and Kiara search for Elizabeth’s necklace in Blackbeard’s sunken ship, Wes dies in Outer Banks season 4. The Genrette family’s curse seemingly gets Wes as he sees Elizabeth’s ghost prior to his death (or the more likely option, someone strangled and murdered him). However, before he dies, Wes writes a letter, which the audience learns during episode 5 is to JJ.

In the letter, Wes tells JJ to ask his father about Albatross. So, JJ sets out looking for Luke, who has been AWOL since Outer Banks season 2 because of his warrant, but JJ eventually finds him. After running from Deputy Shoupe and the police, Luke explains that he’s not JJ’s father by blood, as Larissa Genrette is his birth mother, making Chandler Groff, Larissa’s husband, JJ’s birth father.

Consequently, Wes is also JJ’s grandfather, which is why he tends to focus on him throughout Outer Banks season 4, part 1. Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether Groff is aware that JJ is his son. But Groff’s line about believing in JJ in episode 2 may suggest he knows the truth.

The World Thinks JJ Died With His Mother As An Infant

People Believe JJ Drowned With Larissa

The Pogues, along with Wes and Groff, briefly discuss what happened to Larissa all those years ago in Outer Banks season 4, part 1. She drowned and died, but there is more to the story. Rumors claim that Larissa and Groff’s infant son drowned with her, killing both of them. However, the audience knows this isn’t true because if JJ truly is the couple’s son, JJ’s status as a living human being proves their baby did not drown with Larissa.

Netflix split Outer Banks season 4 into two parts each consisting of five episodes, with part 1 premiering on October 10, 2024, and part 2 dropping a month later on November 7, 2024.

Since JJ did not know the truth behind his parentage, and seemingly no one did except for Luke, it makes sense why the world thinks Larissa’s baby died with her that night. JJ thought he was a Maybank, and so did everyone else in the Outer Banks. There was no reason to believe otherwise, especially when reports claimed that Larissa and Groff’s son drowned with her. Now that the secret is out, though, everyone will be questioning what really happened the night Larissa died in Outer Banks season 4, part 2.

What “Albatross” Is & Why Luke Maybank Raised JJ As His Son

JJ Was Given To Luke After Larissa Died

Since Wes writes in his letter that JJ should ask his father about Albatross, Luke starts with that before telling his son Larissa and Groff are his birth parents in the fifth episode of Outer Banks season 4. Luke tells JJ that Albatross was the name of the boat Larissa was on when she drowned. That will likely come back into play in Outer Banks season 4, part 2. But for now, all that is known about Albatross is that it was the last place Larissa was before she drowned, allegedly with her baby.

As for why Luke assumed the role of JJ’s dad, that information isn’t shared by the ending of Outer Banks season 4, part 1. Luke reveals that when he “took [JJ] on” he was “just trying to help,” but that is all JJ gets out of him. One would think Groff would get custody of JJ after Larissa’s tragic death. Nevertheless, Luke (unfortunately) raised JJ as his own son, consistently abusing him, getting drunk, and using drugs. He led JJ to believe that his old girlfriend was his mother who left them. In reality, Larissa, who Luke said was a good person, is JJ’s mom.

What JJ Being A Direct Genrette Descendant Means In Outer Banks

JJ’s Real Identity Was Hidden For A Reason

Now that the cat is out of the bag, JJ is undoubtedly in danger in Outer Banks season 4, part 2. His true identity was a secret for a reason. Larissa probably wanted to hide JJ from something or someone (or both) to protect him, which is how Luke ended up with JJ and raised him as his own son. Perhaps Larissa wanted to ensure that JJ wouldn’t also succumb to the Genrette family curse. Or, given the nefarious vibes Groff is giving off, Larissa (and possibly Wes) hoped to protect JJ from his birth father.

If Groff truly is a villain, he easily could have been the one who murdered Wes. Knowing that he is working with Hollis Robinson suggests Groff wants to own Goat Island, and Wes being dead makes that a lot easier. Whatever the case, JJ’s identity being revealed raises many concerns. Firstly, if the curse from Elizabeth is real, JJ could die. Or, JJ might be in danger if Groff finds out (if he doesn’t already know). Hopefully, JJ’s Outer Banks story doesn’t get any sadder, and season 4 ends with him happy and healthy.