Sons of Anarchy: Season Five

The fifth season of “Sons of Anarchy” is amazing. It continues throwing new obstacles at the characters as they attempt to resolve their problems. There may have to be a bit of suspension of belief that things work as they do, but they do work. Jax has critical decisions to make, and is he turning into the step father he despises? Opie makes critical decisions about what he can do for the club. The results of this are shocking and help guide the continuing storyline. We see sympathy when Tig rescues a defeated fighter dog, and that sympathy follows us as Tig faces more challenges. We see the heartache of Tig watching a most horrific event sees a daughter murdered.

Tara makes moves to solve her family problems only to see them become more complicated than before. This all leads to a suspenseful conclusion where the fates of Clay and Tara hang in the balance. This show continues leaving viewers on the edge. This is one of the most creatively constructed shows in history. Viewers should note that many scenes are violent. The heroes are criminal killers. Yet we see the humanity in these characters, and it makes viewers hope they find their way out of their dilemmas.

Sons of Anarchy: Season Four

The fourth season of “Sons of Anarchy” unfolds the tensions to a slower,more  deliberate rate than in past seasons. Then after a boiling point is reached, the struggles take off at rather exciting rates. A secret often alluded to in previous seasons peels away more and more information with serious consequences.  The resulting suspense produces very dramatic scenes. Relationships between characters shift swiftly and are well portrayed.

Unlike the third season, where the major conflicts were resolved by the actions of the characters, outside factors force many of the decisions. It is more satisfying when matters are the results of the characters. Major accolades are given to Katey Sagal whose acting presents a range of emotions as her manipulative character takes pursues critically important avenues. The whole cast makes for an excellent ensemble. It should be difficult to care these violent criminals, yet this series makes the audience feel for them. There are new leading “good guys” are with another who is very eccentric yet the the fourth season presents them as more sympathetic and decent. This series continues on an overall excellent route.

Sons of Anarchy: Season Three

The third season of “Sons of Anarchy” is remarkable in that it continues presenting a highly suspenseful show with lots of tensions that often leaves the viewers wondering what happens next and how situations will be resolved. Perhaps some things happen a bit too coincidentally, yet other things, especially the season conclusion, show both surprising twists as well insightful character development.

The third season presents greater depth and understanding of many characters. Important backstory enters the stories and how the characters respond is often fascinating. As the fate of a baby is at stake, the viewer is sympathetically drawn into the flow. The sociopathic behavior of some are creative developments which allows one to realize their arc is perhaps deserved. The acting continues to as great as in previous seasons. Subtle color and shooting differences, especially when in Ireland, accent the moods and are brilliantly presented. This is one of the series that improves over time as viewers are constantly wondering where things are headed.

Sons of Anarchy: Season Two

The second story of “Sons of Anarchy” is highlighted by excellent acting on all accounts. There are no weak characters and only strong performances. The characters are interwoven in intriguing situations. The stories are not for the faint at heart: there are portrayals of rape, violence, and death.

There is much tension arising from the stories. The problems increase and grab the viewer. One often does not know how situations can be resolved. A looming problem from season one is resolved over time, yet with much drama that nearly tears apart most of the characters. There are new white supremacist protagonists who are unsettling. A positive result is this makes the motorcycle criminals more appealing by comparison. These new villains create new conflicts from multiple angles which keeps the second season very interested. The friendships and defense of families among the criminal main characters allows viewers to root for them. One would probably want to familiarize oneself by viewing the first season before jumping into the second season.

Sons of Anarchy: Season One

It initially was difficult to like the characters in the first season of “Sons of Anarchy”. The criminals were violent with little about them to like. The surrounding characters seemed to have been drawn into their bad situations at their own choosing. Even the “good guy” law enforcement personnel were deeply flawed and generally despicable. As the season progresses, the story lines and conflicts became more intriguing. The season ends well with one wanting to find out what the future holds.

There are some general plot lines of “Sons of Anarchy” that are reminiscent of “The Sopranos”. Both series had mother figures with a strong presence where one realizes that, in a family feud, the mother has deliberately and potentially let her son be placed at risk. That is some wake up call for the main character. In both series, the main characters need to consider how to handle “a rat”, yet to give “Sons of Anarchy” great credit, their story line on this is gripping. This is a series that slowly grabs the viewer and pulls the viewer in.