It's not everyday that you are given 4 full seasons of a television series. Nor is that you have the time required to watch said seasons. Further still, one could argue, it's not everyday that you get to bear witness to one of Fox Network's most successful series to date. I am talking, ladies and gentlemen, about my life for the past 2 months which has been completely, utterly and totally consumed by the amazing Sons of Anarchy TV series.
I first discovered the show thanks to a good friend of mine who assured me it was a winner. I was not convinced. The brief he gave me was the series followed a group of bikies in California who's days were filled with selling guns to the IRA, fighting off rival gangs, whilst also dealing with some pretty nasty American government agencies. You're typical outlaw day. I had no interest, despite my obsession with all things out of the ordinary, purely on the basis that it was about an MC (or motorcycle club for you non-conformists). It is amazing how quickly my tone changed. Kurt Sutter's brilliance in his creation of SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original) stems from his ability to balance the violent, messy world of underworld crime with the heavily relatable Government vs. Individual, Family vs. Career type conflicts that most of us have probably experienced now and again. Even if you know nothing about Harleys, haven't touched ink since you last picked up a pen, and couldn't fathom the idea of burying a guy in the ground only to try knocking his head off with you front wheel, there is still PLENTY for you to get excited about with this series.
Firstly, you've got Jackson Teller, or "Jax" as he is more widely known. Those dirty, long blonde locks. That grubby golden goatee. Those gorgeous blue eyes. And THAT attitude all make the insides of this passionate fan quiver with delight on sight. From Soprano to House, we've all had our fair share of anti-heroes. But Jax's charm (pun intended for those who know where the show is set) and genuine heart of a lion hold him out above the rest.
So we have our sexy star. What else? Try tons and tons of naughty, ooh-I-shouldn't-be-watching-this honest to goodness action. From bloody fist fights, to gyrating porn stars, Sutter pushed all the boundaries that the Fox producers would let him and probably gave the old farts at the FCC a few hearts attacks (and stiffies) whilst he was at it. The timing and editing, performances and deliveries of every action scene I can conjure in my head for all seasons were brilliant executed meaning that you are literally on the edge of your seat like you would be were you watching a Jason Statham movie. Action like this on TV is usually heavily confined to one or two scenes, if that. But Sutter gives us one punch after another after another until you're dying for breath at which point, he brings you that too. Which leads me to my next point.
Sutter and his writing team have got their dramatic timing down to a tee. Thanks to having access to all 4 seasons (legitimately I promise), I was able to analyse the progress of each episode in relation to the last and look at the way the writers have managed to sustain their audience. A general tool that is used really well I feel is the "cool-down period". It happens every now and again within a season just after something heavy is about to happen or has just happened. Sutter understands his audience well and knows how a break in action can be just as effective as an acceleration. Because of this, action-whores have a chance to build their suspense, schoolgirls and stay-at-home mums get a chance to go change their underwear, and the newly-acquainted get a chance to catch on. In a nutshell, you have one very well-balanced first season; a very-hectic, edge-of-your-seat, thriller of a second season; a much slower, more contemplative third season; and a round-house kick to the head of a fourth season which finished off with an awesome cliffhanger that has everyone counting down the days till Sutter premieres Season 5.
I can come up with a thousand other reasons why you should watch this show. From the Son (member of the club) who has a doll phobia and sex addiction, to the bent cop with a penchant for the President's Old Lady, to the general detail of this world that Bikie gangs around the world have so successfully kept away from prying eyes. You'll fall in love with each and every member of the crew, laugh when they laugh, cry when they cry, and want to punch the f***ing balls out of any guy that steps in their way. I seriously suggest you get to your local Blockbuster now, set aside 36 days of solid TV viewing, and open your eyes to the amazing world of the Sons of Anarchy.
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