JJ Maybank is a member of the Pogues and John B.'s oldest childhood friend on Netflix's Outer Banks. JJ stands out among his friends because he's energetic, impulsive, and the one behind most of the group's wild decisions. He's also the show's comedic relief, as Outer Banks is quite thrilling and tense.

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However, beneath the jokes and the Yolo attitude, JJ is deeply troubled.  Some of the saddest things in Outer Banks don't happen to John B. or Sarah - they happen to JJ. From his disturbing upbringing to the town hating his existence, JJ is one of the saddest characters in the Netflix series.

JJ Lived In An Abusive Household

JJ and his dad fight on an episode of Outer Banks

To start, JJ lived in an abusive household with his dad. His dad lived a hard life surrounded by drugs and alcohol, and it affected JJ. As a young adult, JJ needed a father figure to turn to, and his dad was never that man. In the few times viewers saw JJ at his home, he was typically walking into an aggressive situation with an unlikable character. This is why he spent the night at John B.'s so often — because it was a soft space to rest his head. It's sad to think that, although JJ had a dad in his life, he was never actually present.

He Longed For His Dad's Affection

JJ and his dad hug it out on OBX

It's an unpopular opinion to want JJ and his dad to reconcile because of the amount of abuse JJ suffered in his dad's care. And although his dad treats JJ like he's worthless, there are small moments where JJ misses him. It's a manipulative situation, because JJ's dad can sometimes be the fun-loving man that JJ needs, but he's too wrapped up in his own problems to give JJ the love and stability that he requires.

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It was upsetting to see the wheels turn in JJ's head when he thought of killing his dad. On one hand, his dad was abusive. But on the other, this man was his dad and he knew he could never pull the trigger.

He Was Constantly Bullied By The Kooks

Rudy Pankow as JJ Consoling Kiara in Outer Banks Season 2

The Kooks and the Pogues supposedly have a long history of hatred for each other. The Kooks are those who are wealthy and well-off while the Pogues live in The Cut and are the working class. Because of the Kooks and the Pogues' disdain for one another, they are constantly going after each other whenever they see each other in the Outer Banks. And, sadly, because of JJ's outgoing nature, he is constantly bombarded and bullied by the Kooks. In "Midsummers," they jumped him in the locker room, later getting him fired.

The Deeper Reason To Why JJ Carries A Gun

JJ holds up money and a gun on a boat on OBX

When Scooter Grubbs went missing after a hurricane, the Pogues were shocked to find his boat sinking in the bay. With Scooter nowhere to be found, the Pogues dove into the water, grabbed what they could, and tried to find him. The one key they found led them to a motel room, which had a loaded gun in the safe. JJ took the gun with him as he was leaving and kept it on him at all times. The Pogues hated that JJ carried the gun, because it was dangerous. However, there's a deeper reason for carrying the gun.

JJ lives in an abusive home and is constantly being attacked by the Kooks. Having a gun wasn't just a statement for JJ, it was a way to keep him safe and something that would protect him if all else failed, which in itself is incredibly sad.

He Might Be In Love With A Girl Who Doesn't Love Him Back

JJ and Kiara coming up with a plan on Outer Banks

At the start of Outer Banks, it's suggested that Kiara and John B. both had crushes on each other. This bothered JJ because he had a crush on Kiara for years and always wished something would happen between them, but Pogues didn't date Pogues.

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When Kiara and John B. admitted they were better off as friends, JJ seemed relieved, but it got worse for him. Pope soon made a move on Kiara and the two developed feelings for each other. JJ, a very proud man, never made his feelings known on the matter but it's obvious how much he adores Kiara.

JJ's Mom Is Absent

JJ sitting in his car and looking behind him on Outer Banks

It wasn't just John B. who didn't have his mom and dad around - JJ also didn't have his mom around. And, surprisingly, not much is said about her. JJ's dad blamed him for his mother leaving but it's never been said where she went.

Knowing how badly JJ needed someone to care for him at home, it's devastating that he doesn't have a maternal figure around. There's even an Outer Banks theory on Reddit suggesting that Rose (Ward Cameron's second wife) is actually JJ's biological mother. It's presumed she left life as a Pogue to marry a Kook.

His Meltdown When John B. "Died"

The Pogues carve a tree in memory of John B on OBX

When John B. and Sarah were being chased by the cops, they stole a boat and took off to sea. But when a nasty storm came, everyone assumed they died at sea. The Pogues were devastated by the senseless loss of their friend John B. — especially since he was being chased by the cops for a crime that he didn't commit. It was Rafe who was the true villain and framed John B. for his murderous ways.

Nevertheless, JJ took John B.'s loss hard. John B. was his longest friend and the only one who understood what it was like being without loving parents. His sadness was upsetting to watch.

Everyone Assumes He'll End Up In Jail Like His Dad

JJ is stopped when going to see John B in jail in Outer Banks

Because of JJ's father's history with the law, the town's police force were aware of JJ's upbringing and lifestyle. Sadly, they saw how unruly JJ could be at times and made comments throughout the show that he would be behind bars soon enough just like his dad.

JJ made some emotional quotes about wanting more for his life but felt like he was destined to end up in jail because that's what the town expected of him. JJ had his first dose of jail when he took the blame for a crime that Pope technically made and was arrested for it. JJ was released on bail but everyone assumed he'd be back soon.

No One Takes Him Seriously

Kiara, Pope, and JJ sitting on a beach on OBX

When the Pogues go on the treasure hunt—and later on the hunt for John B—many of JJ's ideas are shot down by the group. Kiara and Pope found JJ's ideas to be too dangerous or outlandish and often ignore him. However, there are a few instances where JJ's ideas were the only options they had. Without JJ and his go-getter attitude, who knows if they would have ever found John B. and Sarah when they were on the run in Charleston? What JJ needed was support and trust from the Pogues instead of being pushed aside. Because of his dedication to his friends, he was one of the best characters.

NEXT: Outer Banks Characters Ranked From Best To Worst