Did you catch the latest episode of Sons of Anarchy. If not, be warned, I’m about to unleash a few spoilers. “Aon Rud Persanta” turned the intensity up to the max.
This episode was all about the past. Yes, the whole series has a tinge of nostalgia as Jax compares his father’s situation to his own. “Aon Rud Persanta” reminded us, as well as the characters, that the past is a murky, volatile wasteland that sits adjacent to the lives we lead, always finding a way to creep back in. In order to keep moving forward, we have to make peace with what is behind us. Sometimes, that peace just happens to come in the form of a couple of bullets into a couple unsuspecting heads.
First, Gemma’s been taking care of Wendy. She acknowledges that her past with Wendy has been less than savory and she’s trying to make up a bit for all of the hurt she’s put her through. It’s all well and good that she wants to help Wendy, but what about Tara? Unser and Nero encourage Gemma to try to understand how everything looks from where Tara stands. Gemma and Tara have both said and done unspeakable things. However, they’ve both done them out of some sort of fear. If only they could just sit down, have a cup of coffee (or bottle of whiskey), and actually talk, then maybe, just maybe, they’d realize their goals are actually quite similar. They both want a happy, safe family. Better yet, maybe if they actually just trusted Jax, then they’d realize that their volatile relationship is only hindering Jax’s happy-ending plan.
Okay, okay, okay. We all knew a big shock was about to come. We’ve all been waiting for a main character to meet the reaper. Bobby took a bullet and, at first, I thought Bobby would be the not-so-lucky winner of the one-way ticket for a trip six feet under. Then, I thought that was just a bit too obvious and, honestly, a waste of a death. No, there had to be something more. And, there was. First, it was a quick and easy bullet to Galen’s head. Then, the writing was on the wall (along with the Galen’s blood). Clay would be next. Earlier, Clay referred to the rescue cavalry as, “Angels sent by the God of Justice.” Too bad for Clay, these angels were there to make sure Clay was brought justice for his past actions. The Sons weighed their options, put Clay’s wrongdoings into context, and found him severely lacking. Judge, jury, and executioner, democracy-style. A somber silence took over after Galen met his fate and Clay realized the cavalry wasn’t there to save him. Clay’s realization that the only way to pay for his past sins was to be the club’s ticket out of guns. Unfortunately for Clay, this ticket wasn’t getting him to Belfast. It was something everyone knew had to be done, even Clay. Clay accepted his fate. Jax pulled the trigger. The club watched. Gemma cried for the man she once loved. Tara found a sliver of relief. The somber silence remained.
We’re quickly reaching the culmination of our Tuesday night thrill ride. It’s bittersweet when a series as commendable as SOA reaches the final leg of its season. Although I’m going to hate saying farewell, I’m anxious to see just how Kurt Sutter, in all his glorious madness, is going to push boundaries and break hearts all in the name of SAMCRO.
image: FX/FOX