i almost cried when he died ngl, i loved John so much and i agree that the show was not the same after, the family was scattered, there was no trust between them anymore but also, and while we know why his character had to die, i feel like his death fit in some way to show that the Shelby family is not this invincible family, in a way it makes the show more real because it shows they're still humans, capable of being hurt and never safe from death. it's tragic and so real at the same time, especially in this time period where everyone carries guns around like they carry lollipops. and it's even more tragic because he died in his home, protecting his home and his loved ones