Season 6, Episode 1

Air Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 10/9c on FX Network

Rating: ★★★★★

In the Sons of Anarchy season five finale, Jax (Charlie Hunnam) emerged as the MC savior but as “J’ai Obtenu Cette” came to a close, it became apparent that this accomplishment would come at a steep price. Tara (Maggie Siff) was charged and arrested for conspiracy to commit murder, the club stands divided, and its members were left to lick their wounds no matter which side they chose.  August Maks (Billy Brown) and Lee Toric (Donal Logue), two very powerful men, sought to control SAMCRO, each with a very personal agenda to exact revenge.  This is exactly where “Straw” picks up, and the show returns with an intensity not seen before. To put a spin on an old adage, there is no rest for the wicked.

Sons of Anarchy returns for it’s sixth season with an intensity not seen before.

Much has been hinted about the dramatic events that take place in this season premiere, while hardcore fans of the show are dying to get their hands on any spoilers. Trust me when I say, this is an episode you need to see in full context to fully grasp the intricate awesomeness of the storylines coming your way. I urge you to pay close attention because there are strong hints about where Sons is heading and let me tell you, Kurt Sutter isn’t pulling any punches whatsoever.

What I loved

• Jax’s ongoing dedication to his sons. It’s a thing of beauty.
• The immediate payback for fans is “Straw” will answer most of the critical questions and cliffhangers left from season five’s finale.
• Building on the previous point, hats off to Sutter for not taking the easy route and dragging these issues out for a few episodes but instead, quickly rolling into the new season’s storylines.
• Nero’s (Jimmy Smits) return –Smits delivers every time he’s on screen. I agree with Tommy Flanagan, he’s the best choice for a recurring guest star ever! (Check out what else Flanagan had to say in my interview of him at this year’s SDCC.)
• Sutter doesn’t skimp on the payroll in “Straw”; fans will be delighted to see most of the previous season’s guest stars, along with the regular cast.
• Tara’s determination to stay strong.  Like Jax, she doesn’t make the best decisions but it’s refreshing to see her attempts to avoid milking the whole damsel-in-distress routine that gives me hives.
• Logue’s Toric is fascinating as an antagonist – he is so good at being bad! I’m still skeptical about how such a loose cannon can be so connected but the passive aggressive persona he’s concocting is captivating. Toric has to be the most complex and ruthless enemy SAMCRO has ever faced. And please don’t be stressed out by reading this; it makes for amazing drama. Personally, I can’t wait to see where this goes. I just hope Logue continues to cultivate his character in such twisted ways because it makes him one of a kind.

Jax (Charlie Hunnam) continues to be a devoted father to his sons.

In terms of things I didn’t quite enjoy, here are my top two:

• Given how intense the storylines are, “Straw” could have benefited from a bit more humor in the first half the episode.
• Is Jax getting overly confident as a shot-caller?

I can let go of the humor thing because this is an episode that deals with some serious issues but Jax’s decision-making was the aspect that made me most anxious when watching the episode. The feat Jax pulled last season to save the club was epic and he should feel confident as SAMCRO’s president. Having said that, one of the aspects that drew me to the show in the first place was Jax’s struggles to find his truth in spite of all the chaos and external factors working against him and SAMCRO. His actions have always come from a good place in his heart and although I don’t see him going to the dark side, it looks like Jax’s mind and heart are getting clouded.

Things to Look Out For

• The club is severely fractured and some members are struggling more than others.
• We’ll find out if Tara’s hand healed for real (or not!)
• We’ll learn the difference between Persia and Iran.
• Alienation is a big theme this season and it’s the cause of many of the characters’ actions.
• Two show constants remains true: things never go as planned and all actions have consequences.
• Those who missed Jax’s shower scenes will be in for a treat.

The season six promos and teasers don’t lie; fans should brace themselves for an intense, complex, violent season rife with conflict. Plus, in spite of all the controversial topics addressed, “Straw” has to be one of the best conceived Sons of Anarchy episodes I’ve seen. Everything in it – the dialogue, the actors, the situations, and the imagery – is purposeful and important to this season’s storylines.

For those who haven’t checked out my Sons’ Comic-Con interviews, I encourage you to read them here after watching this episode. Many of the actors’ responses will make more sense in terms of what to expect. Hell is about to break loose in Charming like never before on September 10 when Sons of Anarchy returns with a special 90-minute episode beginning at 10/9c, only on FX.

To learn more about the show, visit: http://www.fxnetworks.com/soa and http://www.sutterink.com/.

To check out Kurt Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy video channel on YouTube, go to http://www.youtube.com/sutterinksoa.

Follow @sonsofanarchy, @sutterink, and @FXNetworks, and tweet using the hashtag #SOAFX.

Photos © 2013 FX Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.