Sons Of Anarchy: Season 2

The classic stories created by William Shakespeare are so incredible well crafted that every generation has sought a way to make them their own, in the case of Hamlet the themes are so masterfully written, to complex in structure that it is rare to see any modernization work. A couple of years ago I heard that the ‘F/X’ cable network was attempting to bring this classic story of deceit, lust and power into this millennium. Since I had been a big fan of their other endeavors such as ‘The Shield’ and ‘Rescue Me’ I looked forward to how they would handle this difficult tale. Adding to my curiosity was when I heard the setting for this retelling would be a Californian biker gang I have to admit I thought this would be extremely difficult for them to pull off. Unfortunately due to a stroke I spent much of the first season in a hospital with five channels. Needless to say none of them were ‘F/X’ but I did manage to catch up, become a steadfast fan not missing a moment of the second season. It is hands down the best revival of Hamlet ever accomplished and although the use of language is definitely not Elizabethan all the force, drive and raw emotional power that has propelled the play through the centuries is present in full measure here. This is one of these most forceful series on the scene holding firm to the reputation they have built up over the years. The series does exemplify the new standards of acceptably afford to late prime time shows on basic cable. While full nudity and the most obscene examples of language are still relegated to the premium channels shows like this are definitely not for the younger or more sensitive members of the family. It has to be remembered that this is a series dealing with mature themes and are intended for adult audiences.

Jackson "Jax" Teller (Charlie Hunnam), Vice President of the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club is our Hamlet in leather jacket. He has had a turbulent time accepting his father’s death and the subsequent marriage of his mother, Gemma (Katey Sagal to his fathers’ former best friend, ‘Clay’ Morrow (Ron Perlman). Clay and Jax’ father where two of the founders of the global biker club the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club. All of the characters in this drama are members of the founding chapter referred to as SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original). They are the pre eminent charter of the club sand the top gang of the vicinity. Their base of operations is a quaint town, Charming. The local authorities mostly look the other way for the protection from drugs afforded by SAMCRO but recently the sheriff’s office is undergoing a major change with a ‘Sons’ friendly Chief Wayne Unser (Dayton Callie being replaced by the strict law and order Deputy Chief David Hale(Taylor Sheridan). This is echoed in a power struggle in the club between Clay, the president and Jax, the vice president. To complete the full effect the women of the club also are witnessing a change in the social hierarchy of the ladies. Gemma is the undisputed Queen of the club but now that Jax has a relationship with Tara Knowles (Maggie Siff), a physician in the local hospital. As the women of the vice president she is afford rank and privilege due to her man’s station in the club. While Tara balks at the ideas Gemma takes her to the side to explain how such a social hierarchy is necessary for morale and safety.

In this season SAMCRO faces a new nemesis; League Of American Nationalists (LOAN). Their leader, Ethan Zobelle (Adam Arkin) as set up their headquarters/front in a cigar store in Charming. They oppose the bikers for their willingness to sell guns with non-white gangs not just on ideological reasons pertaining to their Aryan beliefs but also the fact that the Sons are arming the very races than LOAN want to eradicate. The blood between the two groups is bad and steadily slides downhill. Each group makes attempts to interfere with the other but ultimately LOAN makes a fatal mistake; they kidnap torture and gang rape Gemma. In order to protect the club she tries her best to keep the incident from Clay and Jax but it does come to light forcing a showdown. At the end of the season the ultimate insult is thrown down when Zobelle kidnaps Able, the infant son of Jax. Let’s just say I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for season three to start. There is a level of excitement generated is virtually unparalleled on television today, there is an intensity that is utterly addictive. First of all language aside this is an amazingly well constructed story that may be based on the original premise of Hamlet but the writing staff is so talented that they managed to organically extended it far beyond the confines of the play. I think the illustrious Bard would find this retelling of his tale very entertaining. One thing that holds it all together is a surprising aspect of the proceedings. Underneath it all there is a love story. Gemma and Clay have a turbulent marriage but they do love each other. She also has strong maternal love towards Jax which is why Gemma finally softens her feeling towards Tara once she realizes that the love between her and Jax is real. Offsetting these tender emotions are themes of extreme brutality. This series displays the dual nature of passion the interplay of love, lust, hatred, prejudice and loyalty blend in perfect proportions here. The real added measure is the Blu-ray release. It is something else to watch this with such a degree of clarity and an audio track that fills the room encompassing you in the middle of the action. This is a series to get into if you want to move up to quality. Do yourself a favor; set you DVR for season three and get the first two sets to catch up. it is well worth the investment.

Posted 08/30/2010