TV Review: Sons of Anarchy 1.1

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on September 5, 2008

Sons of Anarchy, FX, Airs Wednesday 10/9c

Episode: “Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1)

Synopsis: The journey of Jackson “Jax” Teller and the boys of the Charmin, CA motorcycle club known as the “Sons of Anarchy” begins with two discoveries; his son’s harrowing premature birth by Wendy, his crank-addicted ex-wife, and the discovery of a life-altering document written by his father who died fourteen years earlier. As well, the gun-running gang faces trouble when a group of thieving Mayans threatens to delay one of their precious shipments.

Review: Bikes, babes and big guns — when you think of motorcycle gangs, easy riders and Hell’s Angels, that’s what comes to mind. And in the series premiere of “Sons of Anarchy,” we get it all, along with a heavily emotional hour-long journey into the world of Jax Teller, the club’s hot-headed vice president. To start a series like this one with such a heavy, complex episode is certainly a statement from the show’s creative team — this isn’t your average, fluffy drama about a bunch of bad boys and their toys. Then again, the fact that the show calls FX its home should have tipped us off to that. What we are really left with after the series’ opening frame is a few thoughts: this show is bound to become more complex, more intriguing and more twisted in the way its characters weave back and forth, searching for power over the gang; it also leaves us with an unmistakable sense of excitement. A great new experience has begun, and we all have the rare privilege of seeing it from the beginning. In an episode marked by great performances all around, including those of star Charlie Hunnam and vet Ron Perlman, “Sons of Anarchy” has come crashing through the wall of primetime TV to tell it’s audience that it is here, and it is here to stay. If you missed this pilot, you’ve already got some catching up to do.

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Did you see Sons of Anarchy this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.

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Jonathan Mince

I did in fact see the pilot episode of "Son of Anarchy" and I thought it was difficult to grasp
at first, not in terms of following the story, but as we all know pilot episodes either turn you
completely off or vice versa. But when I remembered that the creator is Kurt Sutter, I
realized this show has serious potential. Kurt Sutter, of course from "The Shield" fame. The
man is one, extremely talented writer and producer. I know he'll take this show where it
needs to go. Just look at "The Shield." Hardly anyone watches it religiously as I do, and it's
probably one the best shows on TV. Too say it's grounded in reality is an understatement.
That's where I firmly believe "S.O.A." needs to go. This show has the potential to push the
envelope in ways that could prove to be a huge success. Hopefully it stays on course.
Looking forward to next Wednesday.

Will C

I also watched the first episode of this show. I really liked what I saw, the show started off like it had always been on the air and was gripping and interesting. The acting was great and I'm really looking forward to next Wednesday's episode.

Curtis F

FX is the place for all the best shows.

Freddy

FX is definitely the spot for some quality shows, especially ones like this that seem to perfectly mesh action, drama, crime, suspense...heck...there were even a few tense-filled hospital moments in there, as well.

Great series, thus far...can't wait to see more!!

cpineda

I DVR Sons of Anarchy, I love it! True to reality and the episodes are reality that are faced daily. keep it coming, finally a show that I can look forward to watching!

TV Review: Sons of Anarchy 1.1

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