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Sons of Anarchy: A Primer
Season 6 of Sons of Anarchy starts next week. The premiere airs on Sept 10th, at 10PM on FX. I am sure it can also be found, erm, elsewhere if you don't watch live TV.
If you've always wanted to start watching, but didn't know where to jump in, or if you are unsure if you want to watch a show about a bunch of hairy, tattooed bikers, let me explain you a thing.

Why you should watch Sons of Anarchy
[From the Official website]
More than that, though, this is a show made for genre fans. A lot of people tell me they're not interested in biker gangs or scary, tattooed drug dealers. And then they watch an ep. This show is amazing for its world building. It's not a spaceship; there's no robots, but make no mistake: This show's world is so fully developed and real, you will try and go find Charming on a map. The characters are flawed and beautiful and brave and selfish and afraid and proud. They do things out of love, and for money, and because they are being coerced by bad guys (who are also the good guys, sometimes.)
There is no black and white, good and bad, separation here. The cops are initially set up as the 'bad' guys, sure, because our heroes are outlaws. But a few episodes in, you will see unexpected alliances, glimpses of good, surprising loyalties.
And then there's the reasons why this motorcycle club is a band of outlaws. This is part of the genius of the world building. The Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original (SAMCRO) is based on the Hell's Angels, and they share this in common: they hold onto the ideals that founded America. They're about self-determination and pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. They're about 'don't tread on me' and keeping the government off their backs. They're sort of libertarians, tbh. And if you're not American, this show is like every fantasy of the Wild West you've ever seen. It's America!porn. If you are American, you will immediately recognize the state of mind these guys share. The original members all fought in Vietnam and came back disillusioned and broken. The MC was forged in the crucible of an unjust, unwinnable war, government lies and the hippie ideology of the sixties. They just want to be free to live as they please.
And then that dream gets perverted by the everyday needs of taking care of families. They start running guns, and it's a slippery slope from there to racking up federal racketeering charges.
These guys are good husbands and fathers, trying to do their best. They maybe aren't geniuses; they're misfits and outcasts, who band together to form a chosen family, and their loyalty is tested beyond the ordinary bonds any blood-kin family would have to face. Bottom line: these guys LOVE each other.
For more about how and why the government is after them, you can read up on the RICO act. If you've ever seen any mafia movie, you know what this is. The US government put together a law to bring down organized crime syndicates, even if they couldn't get proof.
Tl;dr - Why you should REALLY watch this show:
Jax Teller
The main character, Jax Teller, takes his shirt off. A LOT. Played by Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim; announced as Christian Grey in 50 Shades of Grey, Queer as Folk UK--and seriously, can someone please write the AU that smashes ALL of these together plzkthx) who is British and you would never know it. His accent is amazing. Especially since it's not just American, but Californian dialect. He is pretty. And he has tattoos and, yes, manpain, but not the bad kind. His manpain is kinda legit, actually.

Do you see how talented he is?

And more tattoos.

Seriously, pretty sure you could watch this show on mute and it would still work.

His tattoos are...really well done.
Jax is the son of the original founder of the club. The first season is actually set up to be a lot like Hamlet. Yes, that's not a typo. Season 1 of SOA is Hamlet on motorcycles. If you have never seen/read Hamlet, don't worry about it. This version is much more entertaining and easier to understand.
And where would Hamlet be without his mother? The second reason to watch this show is
Gemma Teller aka HBIC

Her inappropriateness is a thing of beauty.
I never thought I would have any particular love for Katey Sagal (Married with Children, Futurama) but holy hell. This character was made for her. Literally. Her husband is the show runner. She is AMAZING. She gets into fist fights and schemes to fuck people over. She gets hurt and is surprisingly fragile, pulling all of your sympathy out of your guts until you can't help but love and understand her. She's the queen bee in an environment that is traditionally misogynistic. Women are not allowed to be members of SOA; they are 'old ladies' if they're lucky.
But Gemma would make Machiavelli look weak. She's got her husband, Clay, wrapped around her little finger. She runs the motorcycle club. Watching her interact with Jax gives me thrilling chills and uncomfortable squiggles in my belly. I'm not sure if I want to run away from her, bow down at her feet, or beg her to be MY mom. (idk, it's complicated. Just trust me.)

Katey and her husband, Kurt Sutter. Kurt can tell the heck out of a story. His vision of the show is comprehensive, and FX was smart enough to let him do his thing.
Complicated, badass women who don't need rescuing; POC characters who are allowed to be complex and who do not die first
Another huge plus to this show is that everyone is real. Women are not damsels in distress, even when they are. Yes, sure, we get to see Jax Teller take a handgun out of the waistband of his boxers and threaten people on behalf of his girl, but his girl is a surgeon. There is a fairly large supporting cast--always a new threat to the stability of Charming, California. The supporting cast is diverse, and the characters are fleshed out, with motivations of their own. They're never caricatures, even when they are recognizable archetypes.

Jax's girl, Tara, was his childhood sweetheart, who moved away and became a successful surgeon. Watch the fireworks as she comes into conflict with Gemma! And then watch as she learns how to be just as manipulative as Gemma. It is amazing.

Tara's arc on the show is fabulous. It rivals Wesley's arc on Angel, if you know what that means. She starts off as the prodigal daughter, a good girl resisting the pull of her outlaw ex-boyfriend. And then...well, no spoilers. :)

Juice! Oh Juice, your tears are so pretty.

Jimmy Smits plays Gemma's love interest. Who knew watching old people make out would be hot.

Damon Pope, erstwhile mentor to Jax. Tormentor, badass boss of Oakland.

New favorite crush Taryn Manning plays a lost little lamb. There are hookers, porn stars, drug addicts, yes. But they are all real people, that we care about.

June Stahl: okay, sometimes it's just fun to HATE the bad guy. haha, June Stahl was a formidable foe for Jax.
And something I am VERY excited about: CCH Pounder will be making an appearance. I hope that's not a bad kind of spoiler, so much as an enticement. I could watch that woman eating cereal and be entranced.
To Sum Up
Make no mistake, this show can be violent. Its humor can be dark and absurdist. It will leave your jaw on the floor. More than once, you will say, "wtf?" as the credits roll. But the hurt is worth it. Sutter's storytelling is competent. He knows what he's doing, and it's never for no reason. These characters live and breathe. (Until sometimes they don't anymore.)
How to catch up:
Netflix is streaming seasons 1 - 4 right now. Season 5 will no doubt be up soon. When I googled that, I also got this result: Netflix Sends Message To Check If Area Man Okay After Watching Entire Season Of ‘Sons Of Anarchy’ In Single Sitting. [The Onion] It's funny because it's true. This show will rip your heart out and steal your LIFE. You will not be able to stop, you will be swearing at your TV/laptop and yelling, "Noooooooo!" and then hitting 'next episode.'
And also these guys:

credit crimsonpunk
If you've always wanted to start watching, but didn't know where to jump in, or if you are unsure if you want to watch a show about a bunch of hairy, tattooed bikers, let me explain you a thing.

Why you should watch Sons of Anarchy
[From the Official website]
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.
More than that, though, this is a show made for genre fans. A lot of people tell me they're not interested in biker gangs or scary, tattooed drug dealers. And then they watch an ep. This show is amazing for its world building. It's not a spaceship; there's no robots, but make no mistake: This show's world is so fully developed and real, you will try and go find Charming on a map. The characters are flawed and beautiful and brave and selfish and afraid and proud. They do things out of love, and for money, and because they are being coerced by bad guys (who are also the good guys, sometimes.)
There is no black and white, good and bad, separation here. The cops are initially set up as the 'bad' guys, sure, because our heroes are outlaws. But a few episodes in, you will see unexpected alliances, glimpses of good, surprising loyalties.
And then there's the reasons why this motorcycle club is a band of outlaws. This is part of the genius of the world building. The Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original (SAMCRO) is based on the Hell's Angels, and they share this in common: they hold onto the ideals that founded America. They're about self-determination and pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. They're about 'don't tread on me' and keeping the government off their backs. They're sort of libertarians, tbh. And if you're not American, this show is like every fantasy of the Wild West you've ever seen. It's America!porn. If you are American, you will immediately recognize the state of mind these guys share. The original members all fought in Vietnam and came back disillusioned and broken. The MC was forged in the crucible of an unjust, unwinnable war, government lies and the hippie ideology of the sixties. They just want to be free to live as they please.
And then that dream gets perverted by the everyday needs of taking care of families. They start running guns, and it's a slippery slope from there to racking up federal racketeering charges.
These guys are good husbands and fathers, trying to do their best. They maybe aren't geniuses; they're misfits and outcasts, who band together to form a chosen family, and their loyalty is tested beyond the ordinary bonds any blood-kin family would have to face. Bottom line: these guys LOVE each other.
For more about how and why the government is after them, you can read up on the RICO act. If you've ever seen any mafia movie, you know what this is. The US government put together a law to bring down organized crime syndicates, even if they couldn't get proof.
Tl;dr - Why you should REALLY watch this show:
Jax Teller
The main character, Jax Teller, takes his shirt off. A LOT. Played by Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim; announced as Christian Grey in 50 Shades of Grey, Queer as Folk UK--and seriously, can someone please write the AU that smashes ALL of these together plzkthx) who is British and you would never know it. His accent is amazing. Especially since it's not just American, but Californian dialect. He is pretty. And he has tattoos and, yes, manpain, but not the bad kind. His manpain is kinda legit, actually.

Do you see how talented he is?

And more tattoos.

Seriously, pretty sure you could watch this show on mute and it would still work.
His tattoos are...really well done.
Jax is the son of the original founder of the club. The first season is actually set up to be a lot like Hamlet. Yes, that's not a typo. Season 1 of SOA is Hamlet on motorcycles. If you have never seen/read Hamlet, don't worry about it. This version is much more entertaining and easier to understand.
And where would Hamlet be without his mother? The second reason to watch this show is
Gemma Teller aka HBIC

Her inappropriateness is a thing of beauty.
I never thought I would have any particular love for Katey Sagal (Married with Children, Futurama) but holy hell. This character was made for her. Literally. Her husband is the show runner. She is AMAZING. She gets into fist fights and schemes to fuck people over. She gets hurt and is surprisingly fragile, pulling all of your sympathy out of your guts until you can't help but love and understand her. She's the queen bee in an environment that is traditionally misogynistic. Women are not allowed to be members of SOA; they are 'old ladies' if they're lucky.
But Gemma would make Machiavelli look weak. She's got her husband, Clay, wrapped around her little finger. She runs the motorcycle club. Watching her interact with Jax gives me thrilling chills and uncomfortable squiggles in my belly. I'm not sure if I want to run away from her, bow down at her feet, or beg her to be MY mom. (idk, it's complicated. Just trust me.)

Katey and her husband, Kurt Sutter. Kurt can tell the heck out of a story. His vision of the show is comprehensive, and FX was smart enough to let him do his thing.
Complicated, badass women who don't need rescuing; POC characters who are allowed to be complex and who do not die first
Another huge plus to this show is that everyone is real. Women are not damsels in distress, even when they are. Yes, sure, we get to see Jax Teller take a handgun out of the waistband of his boxers and threaten people on behalf of his girl, but his girl is a surgeon. There is a fairly large supporting cast--always a new threat to the stability of Charming, California. The supporting cast is diverse, and the characters are fleshed out, with motivations of their own. They're never caricatures, even when they are recognizable archetypes.

Jax's girl, Tara, was his childhood sweetheart, who moved away and became a successful surgeon. Watch the fireworks as she comes into conflict with Gemma! And then watch as she learns how to be just as manipulative as Gemma. It is amazing.

Tara's arc on the show is fabulous. It rivals Wesley's arc on Angel, if you know what that means. She starts off as the prodigal daughter, a good girl resisting the pull of her outlaw ex-boyfriend. And then...well, no spoilers. :)

Juice! Oh Juice, your tears are so pretty.

Jimmy Smits plays Gemma's love interest. Who knew watching old people make out would be hot.

Damon Pope, erstwhile mentor to Jax. Tormentor, badass boss of Oakland.

New favorite crush Taryn Manning plays a lost little lamb. There are hookers, porn stars, drug addicts, yes. But they are all real people, that we care about.

June Stahl: okay, sometimes it's just fun to HATE the bad guy. haha, June Stahl was a formidable foe for Jax.
And something I am VERY excited about: CCH Pounder will be making an appearance. I hope that's not a bad kind of spoiler, so much as an enticement. I could watch that woman eating cereal and be entranced.
To Sum Up
Make no mistake, this show can be violent. Its humor can be dark and absurdist. It will leave your jaw on the floor. More than once, you will say, "wtf?" as the credits roll. But the hurt is worth it. Sutter's storytelling is competent. He knows what he's doing, and it's never for no reason. These characters live and breathe. (Until sometimes they don't anymore.)
How to catch up:
Netflix is streaming seasons 1 - 4 right now. Season 5 will no doubt be up soon. When I googled that, I also got this result: Netflix Sends Message To Check If Area Man Okay After Watching Entire Season Of ‘Sons Of Anarchy’ In Single Sitting. [The Onion] It's funny because it's true. This show will rip your heart out and steal your LIFE. You will not be able to stop, you will be swearing at your TV/laptop and yelling, "Noooooooo!" and then hitting 'next episode.'
And also these guys:

credit crimsonpunk
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SONS OF ANARCHYYYYY
i'm so behind because i tried to marathon it and it was WAY too dark for me to do that, but i did love it and i should slowly catch up.
Also Opie is on another show i love, but looks soooo different
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Oh wow, yeah, see, I've watched it in real time, so I doubt I fully appreciate how dark it can seem, piling up all at once. (although i am a total angst whore. Prison? yes please! drive bys? sign me up!) but still. sigh. it's so good, right? like mad men with tattoos. ;)
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ahah right? and Gemma is queen of all.
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and yess Dichen Lachman
they are my number 2 reasons for watching, to be honest.
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I think I have the first season downloaded... I might try start it for the new season :D
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If I were Charlie Hunnam I possibly would not be in a movie called Pacific Rim considering my debut role...
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But it does get better after that. imo anyways. I'm with you, that was not its finest moment.
HA Oh man. I have dreams of his version of Justin with the US version of Brian Kinney...happy dreams.
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....and those NSFW pics helped too :P
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and who doesn't love a good hyperbole.
I'm trying to think of another as-powerful storyteller. I can't. Even if sometimes it HURTS
that right there is the best sell for it. When you can't express it.
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And they do such a great job of making us love these characters too. We're invested. We watch them deepen their ties to their chosen family (the club) and stick up for each other and for what they believe is right.
Which...is pretty much why I'm not running away screaming tbh. This first ep was brutal in a way that would turn me off of a less well done show, I think.
So yeah: not depressing; we always love the characters; there's plenty of "here, look at how much this family loves each other" stuff to balance it all. You may not always walk away with the warm fuzzies, but you never hate the show. At least, I don't. :)