When Does Sons of Anarchy (SOA) Get Good?
Most fans of the show Sons of Anarchy say the show starts off strong for several of its early and middle seasons, but feel that toward the end the show could have benefited from a shorter run. Their argument is that while the last few seasons are still good enough to watch, it’s the early exploration of morality and family that win over most fans early.
Fans argue that if by about halfway through the first season, once you’re starting to get a clear picture of the characters and the story arcs, if you’re enjoying it, it’s worth it to keep going through the rest of the series. For people that don’t enjoy those early episodes, it’s likely the show wont shift a direction suddenly that might win you over.
What Fans Say
Fans of Sons of Anarchy praise its intense storytelling, well-developed characters, and portrayal of complex family and moral dynamics. The show’s authenticity in depicting biker culture and the struggles of outlaw life, combined with its action-packed sequences, drew audiences to Jax Teller’s journey and the inner workings of the SAMCRO club. Many fans appreciate the series’ ability to blend emotional depth with gritty, suspenseful moments. They particularly enjoy the complex character arcs and the show’s commitment to exploring themes of loyalty, redemption, and the consequences of violence.
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What Haters Say
Some viewers criticize Sons of Anarchy for its portrayal of violence, which they feel can be excessive or gratuitous. Others find the series’ length and pacing challenging, as certain seasons introduce extensive subplots that may feel drawn out. A few critics feel the show occasionally loses focus on its core themes, especially in later seasons where storylines become more convoluted and characters seem to act out of convenience rather than genuine growth. Some also argue that the show romanticizes the outlaw lifestyle while glossing over its darker consequences.
Does Sons of Anarchy Fall Off in Quality?
Many viewers feel Sons of Anarchy experiences a slight dip in quality in its later seasons. While early seasons focused on Jax’s internal struggle and the moral complexity of his choices, the plot becomes more chaotic in the latter half as the stakes intensify, sometimes at the expense of storytelling coherence. Fans agree that the series remained engaging throughout, but some felt that the final seasons lacked the focus and depth that defined its earlier years.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics commend Sons of Anarchy for its bold storytelling, character depth, and unique exploration of outlaw culture. While some reviewers praised the show’s commitment to character-driven drama and its willingness to explore dark, morally complex narratives, others noted that it occasionally prioritized style over substance. Nevertheless, the show’s impact on TV drama is widely recognized, particularly in its ability to depict a specific subculture authentically. Critics agree that the performances, especially by Charlie Hunnam as Jax, Katey Sagal as Gemma, and Ron Perlman as Clay, are some of the series’ strongest aspects.
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 88% | 8.6 |
| 2 | 93% | 8.6 |
| 3 | 97% | 8.6 |
| 4 | 93% | 8.7 |
| 5 | 83% | 8.6 |
| 6 | 83% | 8.6 |
| 7 | 83% | 8.5 |
Overview of Sons of Anarchy
Created by Kurt Sutter, Sons of Anarchy follows the story of an outlaw motorcycle club in the fictional town of Charming, California. The show centers around Jax Teller, the club’s vice president, who struggles with loyalty to the club, his family legacy, and his own moral compass. As Jax navigates internal conflicts, power struggles, and family ties, he is faced with choices that pull him further into the darker elements of club life. The show explores themes of loyalty, brotherhood, violence, and morality, portraying the club’s often dangerous world with gritty realism. Running for seven seasons, the series captivated audiences with its blend of action, drama, and moral ambiguity, and it became a significant influence on biker-themed media and TV dramas alike.
Season Highlights
Season 1: The series begins with Jax discovering his late father’s manifesto, which questions the club’s direction and its original intentions. This discovery leads Jax to question his own role within SAMCRO and the legacy he wants to leave. Season 1 lays the foundation for Jax’s moral struggle and introduces the central themes of loyalty, power, and family bonds.
Season 2: Tensions escalate as SAMCRO faces threats from external enemies, including the League of American Nationalists, who target the club’s business and personal lives. This season raises the stakes for Jax, who continues to question the club’s violent approach and his future within it. The season is particularly notable for its darker themes and intense confrontations.
Season 3: Jax faces his most personal challenge yet as he travels to Belfast, Ireland, in search of his kidnapped son. Season 3 shifts the narrative setting and delves into the club’s origins and international connections, blending action with an exploration of heritage and identity. The season has a unique tone, with deepening family secrets and revelations that impact Jax’s worldview.
Season 4: The club returns from a stint in prison, only to find new dynamics in Charming and power shifts within SAMCRO. Jax wrestles with his loyalty to the club as he considers leaving the outlaw life for the sake of his family. Season 4 focuses on the tension between duty and desire, showcasing some of the series’ most intense moments as Jax confronts both internal and external challenges.
Season 5: Power struggles become more pronounced, and the club faces increased scrutiny from law enforcement and rival gangs. Jax takes on a leadership role, but this brings its own set of moral compromises. Season 5 is a turning point for Jax, as he finds himself increasingly drawn into a world of violence and betrayal, with consequences that strain his relationships.
Season 6: As the club’s activities attract more attention from authorities, Jax tries to push SAMCRO towards legitimate business endeavors. However, old enemies and personal vendettas make it difficult for Jax to escape the cycle of violence. This season is marked by a deepening of Jax’s internal conflict and features one of the series’ most dramatic and controversial endings.
Season 7: The final season centers on Jax’s quest for vengeance and redemption as he tries to set things right, both within SAMCRO and in his personal life. Jax’s journey culminates in a powerful and tragic conclusion, where he must confront the consequences of his choices and the cost of his loyalty to the club. Season 7 provides a resolution to the series’ central themes and Jax’s story arc.
Similar Shows to Sons of Anarchy
- The Sopranos – A classic that also explores themes of loyalty, family, and moral ambiguity within the world of organized crime.
- Breaking Bad – Follows the descent of a morally conflicted character into a life of crime, with a strong focus on character development and ethical dilemmas.
- Peaky Blinders – A historical drama centered around a gang in post-WWI England, known for its blend of action, complex characters, and family loyalty.
- Ozark – Focuses on the criminal underworld and a family caught in a web of crime, deception, and survival.
- Mayans M.C. – A spin-off from Sons of Anarchy, focusing on another motorcycle club within the same universe, exploring similar themes of loyalty, crime, and brotherhood.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like Sons of Anarchy
- Justified – Centers on a U.S. Marshal in rural Kentucky, exploring themes of justice, crime, and complex characters in a violent underworld.
- Ray Donovan – Chronicles the life of a professional “fixer” who solves problems for LA’s elite, blending crime, family drama, and moral ambiguity.
- The Shield – Another crime drama from Kurt Sutter, known for its gritty portrayal of law enforcement and complex moral conflicts.
- Power – A crime drama following the rise of a nightclub owner who leads a double life as a drug dealer, exploring loyalty, betrayal, and ambition.