On September 3rd it will have been 10 years since the season premiere of Sons of Anarchy. The show was arguably unlike any other and took a deep dive into a world and culture previously unknown to fans. Still the ties that bound this motorcycle-based show together were universal and easily understood themes of family and loyalty and while the show may have been Kurt Sutter's take on Shakespeare's Hamlet (a woefully ancient story) it still resonated strongly with fans.
In the TV Time app the show nets almost half a million fans, which is impressive considering the series concluded in 2014. With a never-ending shelf life due to Netflix, fans have also given spinoff Mayans M.C. a strong nod. Mayans, which takes place three years after the conclusion of Sons, earned the No. 5 position on our September Anticipation Report, proving that fans are eager to dive back into the M.C. culture. In honor of Sons of Anarchy's 10th anniversary, TV Time has pulled the top 10 most meme'd moments from the show's seven seasons that we thought fans might like to revisit.
A MAJOR WARNING -- SPOILERS ARE AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT FINISHED THE SHOW!
10. Season 7, Episode 12: Red Rose
Fans knew it was coming since the Season 6 finale when Gemma took Tara's life, but we were unsure how it would play out. Sutter clearly wasn't interested in coddling his fans and gave us a touching scene between Jax and Gemma in the rose garden of the house where Gemma grew up in, before she met her end. You knew it had to be done, but it wasn't easy to stomach.
9. Season 3, Episode 1: SO
Season 3 of Sons was a trying one for fans. The kidnapping of Abel and trip to Ireland was certainly polarizing and the season began was a death that conflicted us all. Deputy Chief David Hale was at times an enemy and ally, but having him run down in the street by a rival gang looking to hit the club when they were truly down, perhaps gave him the angel wings that were fitting. Not to worry, actor Taylor Sheridan went on to be a celebrated and prolific director and screenwriter (Sicario, Yellowstone) who we will be seeing a lot more of.
8. Season 7, Episode 11: Suits of Woe
We were unsure what to make of Nero (Jimmy Smitts) when he came on the scene. Certainly he was good for Gemma and sought to mitigate her more destructive qualities, but more importantly, he was the father-figure Jax was owed from episode 1. It may have come too late, but Nero provided the comfort Jax needed when everything was coming apart at the seams.
7. Season 1, Episode 12: The Sleep of Babies
The death of Donna Winston (Sprague Grayden) was really the event that set the entire series in motion. The fact that it was done at the hands of a club member -- Tig and that it allowed Stahl to sow woe in the club, created repercussions that reverberated throughout all of the seasons thereafter. It was a defining moment in the series and fans remembered it as such.
6. Season 6, Episode 11: Aon Rud Persanta
Aon Rud Persanta, which roughly translates to "nothing personal" in Gaelic, was an episode that was seared into viewers brains for just how brutal it was. In deep with the Irish, every member of the club is in conflict during this episode, which culminated in the death of Clay. Effectively neutered after he put the hit out on Tara in Season 4, it was time for Clay to meet his end and Jax meted out his revenge with a numbness that put everyone on edge.
5. Season 1, Episode 13: The Revelator
Jax attending Donna's funeral was a turning point as well in the series -- an acceptance of what he will ultimately become a part of. Gemma and Clay were put on notice that Jax was a member to be reckoned with and Tara solidified her position as an "old lady" and a de facto member of the club.
4. Season 7, Episode 10: Faith and Despondency
Sons of Anarchy often made reference to the innocence of children, so it's no surprise that Abel's bedtime confession to Jax, that he overheard Gemma confess that she killed his mother, resonated with audiences. From the mouths of babes makes it so much more profound.
3. Season 6, Episode 13: A Mother's Work
The episode titled "A Mother's Work" had many many references to the work of women on this show. Tara finally seeing her sons' futures sealed, was made that much more bittersweet when Gemma killed her for her presumed family disloyalty. Sons of Anarchy employed its own in-house band -- The Forest Rangers for the show's run and that allowed for some amazing covers and collaborations, but more importantly the creation of some tailor-made songs. For this episode, Noah Gundersen and Kurt Sutter collaborated on the lyrics for "Day Is Gone" (which was ultimately nominated for an Emmy) and played during Jax's discovery of Tara's body.
2. Season 4, Episode 14: To Be - Act 2
The season finale of Season 4, was an example of Sons really hitting its stride. Following a stint in prison and an attempt on Tara's life, the couple had ultimately decided to leave Charming, but as fate would have it, a new deal with the CIA pulled Jax back in (this time as President). The move ultimately forced Tara to become the virtual embodiment of her mother-in-law, which was perfectly transposed when she assumed the position at the head of the table with Jax, that Gemma had years earlier with John. The haunting lyrics of "The House of the Rising Son" would echo in the background as Tara moved into frame.
1. Season 7, Episode 13: Papa's Goods
It all came down to the bitter end and the fandom's final (and most meme'd moment). Audiences knew it would be a bloody end for Jax Teller and they were right, but ultimately he came to the decision on his own terms. After setting up the club, the law, and his family on what he deemed was the right path and killing many a foe along the way, Jax met Mr. Mayhem on the same road his father did. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the truck driver that ended Jax's life was none other than actor Michael Chiklis, who years earlier made Kurt Sutter a household name starring in Sutter's other show The Shield.
Ten years is a long time, but we remember it like it was yesterday. Tell us, were these your favorite moments, what did we miss (we know, we were surprised Opie wasn't on there too)? Tell us in the comments.
