Charlie Hunnam
Katey Sagal
Mark Boone Junior
Kim Coates
Tommy Flanagan
Ron Perlman
Maggie Siff
Drea de Matteo

Created by:
Kurt Sutter

2008-2014
Crime, Drama, Thriller
FX
TV-MA

“Sons of Anarchy” is a crime drama, created by Kurt Sutter, that stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, and Ron Perlman. It’s all about swagger, so it fits right in with other shows that air on FX. (“Justified” comes to mind.)

However, I don’t quite believe all of the actors; some, not all, of their acting looks too much like … well, acting. That interferes with the authenticity of the show. (Crime dramas are all about authenticity, right?) Hunnam looks the part, but he’s not convincing enough as the young leader of a criminal biker gang. He’s OK, but that’s not enough to carry this kind of show. He needs to go further and deeper. He should use silence to his advantage; linger in it a bit to take the air out of the room.

In contrast, Sagal, Perlman, and especially Kim Coates know what they’re doing. But their presence only highlights what every actor needs to be doing; some actors follow suit, others don’t. “Justified” doesn’t have this problem.

So, the writing will have to make up for the uneven acting. But the first episode doesn’t suggest that the writing will be able to do that; the writing’s merely adequate. I don’t know what to make of this yet. …

After the second episode, I’ve decided to pass on “Sons of Anarchy.” There’s just no rhythm; everything’s disjointed. I’d rather watch “Justified” or “The Sopranos,” instead. …

After viewing almost half of the 2 1/2-hour first episode of the seventh and final season, my opinion of “Sons of Anarchy” hasn’t changed (not even a bit). Actually, I wrote down the same observations that I had when I watched the first two episodes of this show.

Watching this feels like work. The acting’s uneven (the kiss of death for me); the beats don’t land consistently; and the beat changes are awkward. Also, there isn’t enough of a punch. This show needs more guts, more power.

Supposedly, the previous season did that. But, even if that’s the case, that’s not enough to warrant investing in the entire series. (Also, why in the world would they cast Malcolm Jamal Warner? Really? Don’t they want to be taken seriously? … Just kidding.)

For the last time, “Justified” does a much better job with a similar style.

Verdict: OKish

About: (Source: anarchy)

Sons of Anarchy is an adrenalized drama with darkly comedic undertones that explores a notorious outlaw motorcycle club’s (MC) desire to protect its livelihood while ensuring that their simple, sheltered town of Charming, California remains exactly that, charming. The MC must confront threats from drug dealers, corporate developers, and overzealous law officers. Behind the MC’s familial lifestyle and legally thriving automotive shop is a ruthless and illegal arms business driven by the seduction of money, power, and blood.

In season six, Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller (Charlie Hunnam) has finally solidified his leadership of Sons of Anarchy by murdering Clay Morrow, his stepfather, for past sins. Season Six ends with his formidable mother, Gemma, committing an unpardonable sin. Unbeknownst to Jax, she brutally murders his wife, Dr. Tara Knowles, thinking she’s protecting the club. Juice Ortiz kills Sheriff Eli Roosevelt to protect Gemma. Season Seven begins ten days later with Jax in jail on a parole violation, grappling with the loss of the woman he loved. With the club’s full support, he sets in motion the brutal machinations that will lead to complete and merciless retribution.