Season 6, Episode 6
Air date: Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 10pm ET/PT on FX
Rating:
“It’s not working anymore…last couple of years, everything that SAMCRO does, comes back to haunt them, and everybody knows that now.” – Eli Roosevelt
It’s the day after the explosion that destroyed the SAMCRO clubhouse, and Jax (Charlie Hunnam) blames himself. As he surveys the damage, he appears to internalize how badly things have gone for SAMCRO. Will this latest act of violence finish the Sons? More importantly, will it push Jax into changing how he runs the MC?
A loyal friend: Chibs was the only MC member who stayed with Jax as the bomb was about to explode.
The Fire – A Chance for MC Renewal?
Due to the extent of the damage, many will find the beginning of “Salvage” depressing. Although lives weren’t sacrificed, so much is lost for SAMCRO. But do not despair as the usually quiet Chibs (Tommy Flanagan) steps up as a true leader in such a dark moment. He’s the one MC member who stayed with Jax as they both nearly missed being killed by the bomb the night before, and now, he’s the one pushing Jax ahead. After Chibs finds the gavel, he hands it off to Jax. “We’re going to face this brother, do you hear me?”
At that moment, it’s almost as if a switch flips on for Jax. Chibs’ loyalty leads Jax to remember what the brotherhood is really about. But Jax isn’t the only person impacted at an emotional level, the violent attack also appears to light a fire in the men’s hearts. For the remainder of the episode, it feels as if the old club is back! It was fun to see the guys riding, and laughing as they get out of a jam—things they haven’t done in a while. Heck, by the end of “Salvage,” I think Jax even gets his swagger back!
My favorite transformation has to be Juice’s (Theo Rossi). When the MC dealt with the crooked cops and Jax was unsuccessfully trying to diffuse the situation as if he were some Yoda of peace, who busts the lid open? Juice man! I was happy to see him reconnect with his long lost backbone and dish it back to the cops, beat down and all. Woo-hoo!
Is Jax at a Crossroad?
Dealing with back-to-back crises seems to knock Jax down a notch, restoring his sense of humility. I’ve haven’t been pleased with his decision making as of late but one of the things that makes me gain some respect back is asking Rat Boy (Niko Nicotera) to remain at the table. That poor prospect has gone through so much!
As we know, Jax excels when pushed into a corner. His speech to the Nor Cal charters is critical and he successfully paints a clear vision of the situation they’d be in if the Sons stay with the gun running business, outlining the options they have to make it financially. I knew he would convince the other charters; the speech is consistent with his character and seems to come from the heart.
The anticipation for the conversation Jax needs to have with Bobby (Mark Boone Jr.) had me biting my nails! I feared the worse: seeing them hang onto grudges. Instead, the two men finally have an honest discussion, one they should have had months ago! Bobby turns out to be the greater person in that convo, explaining his perspective of why he quit his VP role, while Jax shows significant maturity in accepting Bobby’s choices. Seeing them hug it out brought a big smile to my face.
Jax and Boone finally meet face to face.
Roosevelt – The Wise One
Every time Sheriff Eli Roosevelt (Rockmond Dunbar) puts multiple parties in their place while being the voice of reason, I rejoice so much that if I were a cat, I would have been purring! I thoroughly enjoyed how he dishes it out left and right while managing to remain diplomatic and professional, especially in his handling of San Joaquin County District Attorney Tyne Patterson (CCH Pounder). That woman reminds me why I hate politics —particularly the mentality some people have that someone has to pay.
I like that Jax understands Roosevelt is a straight cop and although not paying him, Roosevelt is certainly running interference. This is where Roosevelt is different from Patterson – his interest is seeing justice served regardless of the players, history, or affiliations. And to achieve that, Roosevelt demonstrates he’s evolved indeed. He is savvier in navigating politics and procedures, especially when compared to his previous dealings with Lincoln Potter (Ray McKinnon).
Is There a Crack in the IRA?
Gaalan (Timothy V. Murphy) and the Kings may turn out to be the catalysts of a transformation they never envisioned or intended. The fire stemming from the explosion seems to have purged the minds and souls of SAMCRO members. Rising from the ashes, just like a phoenix, SAMCRO’s individual members seem to return to basics – to all the things that made them love the brotherhood in the first place. The Kings better stay on alert and I think they know it. This “peaceful transition” with the Sons of Anarchy feels as comfortable and enticing as a colonoscopy, especially for Gaalan. I wouldn’t rule out Jax finding some way to hand them over to the Feds. Also, did anyone else get the sense that Gaalan’s footing with the Kings isn’t as strong anymore? Learning their comrades weren’t murdered by SAMCRO appears to have an impact on the Kings, almost as if they were misled by Gaalan. I’m wondering if Gaalan will be leveraged solely to set up the gun distribution deal and then, will it be sayonara?
Other Highlights
- Loved seeing Venus Van Dam (Walton Goggins) again! As usual, Goggins is fabulous and although we learn more about the character’s backstory, I would have preferred the sassy version of Venus. Venus’ perfect cleavage continues to impress me just as much as the first time around! The circumstances of her appearance and the way she bonded with Gem (Katey Sagal), as well as what everyone calls her now, aren’t what I expected but I think it’s in line with how Sutter is de-romanticizing everyone on the show this season.
- It really saddened me to see “guardian angel” Nero (Jimmy Smits) defeated in jail. It breaks my heart to see how patient and calm he remains in spite of the situation. He stays ‘controlled’ though (not to be confused with controlling), for a reason. I think he knows if he unleashes the beast inside again, he will lose the sense of humanity he’s fought so hard to maintain.
- Anyone else roll their eyes at Gemma making a scene at the jail to see Nero? How predictable is that? And she should have totally been charged with assaulting a police officer. To be honest, “Gem” has lost her magic for me. Sagal is a great actress but I don’t like the way her character is being written this season. It’s very predictable, plus I find her annoying. The supposed sympathy and bonding moment she has with Venus didn’t have a favorable impact on me at all. And, if have to hear the whole “he was with me the entire night” again, I may end up kicking my TV.
- DA Patterson continues on her mission to crucify SAMCRO for the school shooting but now, she has to be content with covering her tracks in regards to the antics employed by Lee Toric (Donal Logue). What this means is things are about to get more complicated for Tara (Maggie Siff) as she’s the only concrete lead Patterson has to get SAMCRO. Tara and her lawyer, Ally Lowen (Robin Weigert), should be concerned; Patterson is not only a seasoned DA who knows how to dig up dirt and play hard ball but what is worse, she’s totally going “hood” to put some massive pressure on Tara.
- Now that Tara’s real feelings have been revealed, what a roller coaster of turmoil this woman must be enduring. On the one hand, her lawyer advises her come up with her own plan to save herself, the DA is on her ass, and her exit strategy is ripping her apart for what she is doing to her husband. On the other hand, hearing Jax talk about how he thinks their next baby is a girl has to burn her and bad.
In such a violent season so far, “Salvage” offers a welcome pause for all the key players to reflect where they are, where they’re heading, and what their priorities are. I urge everyone to enjoy the warm and fuzzy feelings from this episode because as we ramp up to the finale, I can already smell the bloodshed that is coming our way.
Tune in to Sons of Anarchy Tuesdays at 10pm ET/PT, only on FX.
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Photos © 2013 FX Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
elleL
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