Introduction
If you are a biker fan, then you might have probably heard of Sons of Anarchy. One of the biggest questions fans of the show ask is how many seasons there are in Sons of Anarchy? This question can be confusing and while some people believe the series ran for only six seasons, others say it ran for seven. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the answer to this question and much more about the beloved TV show.
Overview of Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy is an American television drama series created by Kurt Sutter and premiered on FX on September 3, 2008. The show lasted for seven seasons before coming to a final conclusion on December 9, 2014. Set in a fictional town called Charming, the show features an outlaw motorcycle club known as SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original).
Detailed breakdown of each season
Here is a breakdown of each season of Sons of Anarchy, highlighting significant moments and character developments:
Season 1
The first season of Sons of Anarchy premiered on September 3, 2008, and consisted of thirteen episodes. It introduces us to the main characters and their roles in the club. This season is all about Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) discovering truths about his father’s death. As the season ends, Jax learns that his stepfather, Clay (Ron Perlman), was involved in his father’s death, and works with the rest of the club to remove him from the leadership of SAMCRO.
Season 2
The second season of Sons of Anarchy aired on September 8, 2009, and involve SAMCRO’s new, more dangerous enemies. Here, the Sons feel the wrath of rival gangs like the IRA, the Mayans, and the League of American Nationalists, and the threats cause a rift amongst the club members. Gemma (Katey Sagal), Jax’s mother, is raped, and the aftermath of her rape sees her go through a serious nervous breakdown.
Season 3
Season three premiered on September 7, 2010, and returned to the theme of out-of-control street violence. The season also introduces the Sons to a new enemy in the form of the Italian mafia. In this season, Jax learns more about his father to a startling discovery, causing him to rethink his place in the club. Alongside all this, he is dealing with the fallout from his newborn son’s abduction.
Season 4
The fourth season premiered on September 6, 2011, and focuses on opportunities to strengthen the club’s illegal activities. With Clay’s leadership called into serious question, Jax also faces fallout from his dark dealings with the Irish. The season ends in a shocking cliffhanger when Opie kills Clay’s main ally, Agent Stahl (Ally Walker).
Season 5
Season five premiered on September 11, 2012, and brings an end to the Jax/Clay storyline. In the season’s premiere episode, Tig’s daughter is burned alive in a gruesome attack after SAMCRO took revenge on the daughter of the prison gang leader who killed Opie. The season also sees new, more palatable enemies of the club emerge, as Jax and other SAMCRO members find themselves targeted by a mysterious figure who is after revenge.
Season 6
Season six premiered on September 10, 2013, and depict SAMCRO™s legal business coming under attack. After losing a truck carrying one of their legal enterprises to rivals, the Sons are forced to employ more questionable tactics to protect their interests. The season ends with Jax in jail, and Tara (Maggie Siff) preparing to strike out on her own.
Season 7
The final chapter of Sons of Anarchy premiered on September 9, 2014. Season seven focused on SAMCRO’s attempts to recover from the fallout of the previous season. As the club attempts to deal with the loss of one of their own, it becomes clear that there is a mole within the club working against them. The season ends with Jax taking matters into his own hands, with a tragic end to the show.
Analysis of the show’s overall story arc
Throughout its seven seasons, Sons of Anarchy managed to deal with quite a few heavy themes. From familial loyalty to the dangers of life on the road, the series always had something to say through its characters. The show remains engaging the entire way through, no matter how dark the themes get. The show explores themes of loyalty, family, and identity, as well as how people’s choices impact the people around them. The captivating characters elevated it beyond other ordinary TV shows and made it one of the most watched dramas ever.
Retrospective on the most memorable moments
There were a lot of memorable moments over the course of seven seasons of Sons of Anarchy. From brutal violence to epic love stories, there was something for everyone on the series. In interviews with the cast and crew, they shared their favorite moments from the show. Iconic scenes include Agent Stahl’s death, the death of Opie, and Gemma’s confession to her son.
Controversial finale
Sons of Anarchy’s finale has proven divisive since it aired in 2014. The show came to an end in part because the storylines became too dark, and the show was expected to take a turn for the worse. The ending has been criticized by some fans and critics, who suggest it came too far out of left field for people to accept. The ending wraps up the main storyline, but leaves things with a bittersweet and uneasy impression.
Sons of Anarchy and prestige television
Sons of Anarchy managed to do what no other crime drama before it could – it made bikers look simply fascinating. While it might not be quite as groundbreaking as shows like Breaking Bad or The Sopranos, it definitely helped draw even more attention to the genre and helped it earn new fans.
Conclusion
Sons of Anarchy was a one-of-a-kind series that kept fans engaged for seven seasons. With its relatable characters, great storytelling, and sharp writing, it helped raise the bar for crime dramas. Its ending might divide audiences, but there’s no denying the show had an impact on tv history and will always be regarded as an iconic classic for those who enjoyed it.