Sons of Anarchy (season 1)

Sons of Anarchy (season 1)

Season 1 DVD cover
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 13
Release
Original network FX
Original release September 3 (2008-09-03) – November 26, 2008 (2008-11-26)
Season chronology

The first season of the American television drama series Sons of Anarchy created by Kurt Sutter, about the lives of a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club operating in Charming, a fictional town in California's Central Valley. The show centers on protagonist Jackson "Jax" Teller (Charlie Hunnam), the then–vice president of the club, who begins questioning the club and himself.

Sons of Anarchy premiered on September 3, 2008, on cable network FX.

Cast and characters

Sons of Anarchy is the story of the Teller-Morrow family of Charming, California, as well as the other members of Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original (SAMCRO), their families, various Charming townspeople, allied and rival gangs, associates, and law agencies that undermine or support SAMCRO's legal and illegal enterprises.

Main cast

Special guest cast

Recurring cast

Guest stars

Production

Although Sons of Anarchy is set in Northern California's Central Valley, it is filmed primarily at Occidental Studios Stage 5A in North Hollywood. Main sets located there include the clubhouse, St. Thomas Hospital, and Jax's house. The production rooms at the studio used by the writing staff also double as the Charming police station. External scenes are often filmed nearby in Sun Valley and Tujunga.[1] Interior and exterior scenes set in Northern Ireland during season 3 were also filmed at Occidental Studios and surrounding areas. A second unit shot footage in Northern Ireland used in the third season.[2]

Originally, Scott Glenn was cast in the role of Clay Morrow and an entire pilot episode was filmed with him. However, series creator Kurt Sutter decided to go in a different direction with the character and re-cast Ron Perlman in the role, and Clay's scenes were re-shot.[3] Additionally, Emilio Rivera was originally cast as a Sons of Anarchy club member named "Hawk," who eventually evolved into the character of Tig Trager.[4] Also, the One-Niners street gang who buy weapons from SAMCRO first appeared in The Shield, which Sutter produced.

Episodes

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Pilot"Allen Coulter & Michael DinnerKurt SutterSeptember 3, 2008 (2008-09-03)1WAB792.53[5]
When a rival club cleans out and then destroys their illegal arms warehouse, SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original) executes their own sense of justice in retrieving their guns. Meanwhile, family issues take center stage with a medical emergency involving Jax Teller's newborn son.
22"Seeds"Charles HaidKurt SutterSeptember 10, 2008 (2008-09-10)1WAB012.20[5]
As the club deals with the aftermath of their illegal arms warehouse attack, the Deputy Chief of Police poses a new threat to SAMCRO's reign over Charming. Jax continues to worry about the fate of his newborn son and begins to question the club's rough way of doing business. Opie's financial struggles leave him with a difficult choice.
33"Fun Town"Stephen KayKurt SutterSeptember 17, 2008 (2008-09-17)1WAB022.10[5]
When the young daughter of a prominent Charming family is assaulted during a visiting carnival, SAMCRO races the authorities to capture the assailant. Meanwhile, a new shipment of guns arrives from their IRA connection with an additional price.
44"Patch Over"Paris BarclayJames D. ParriottSeptember 24, 2008 (2008-09-24)1WAB032.25[6]
The club travels to Nevada to store arms with a brother club, The Devil's Tribe. When the Mayans pose a threat, Clay decides to "patch over" the Tribe, making them an official SOA charter. An ATF agent begins investigating SAMCRO.
55"Giving Back"Tim HunterJack LoGiudiceOctober 1, 2008 (2008-10-01)1WAB042.19[5]
Gemma hosts a town fundraiser, which brings the ex-club member responsible for Opie's arrest back to town and into direct conflict with Jax and Opie. Clay deals with protecting a perverse parolee who can lead to a big payoff. ATF agent Kohn continues to investigate SOA.
66"AK-51"Seith MannNichole BeattieOctober 8, 2008 (2008-10-08)1WAB052.09[5]
A small favor for Piney's old war buddy turns into a big problem for SAMCRO. With Clay detained, Jax must step up to handle the situation.
77"Old Bones"Gwyneth Horder-PaytonDave EricksonOctober 15, 2008 (2008-10-15)1WAB061.87[5]
When old bones are discovered on the outskirts of Charming, Clay is forced to deal with secrets he buried long ago. Meanwhile, the club sets its sights on prize money, backing Half-Sack in a bare-knuckle brawl. ATF Agent Kohn's investigation turns personal when his true intentions are revealed.
88"The Pull"Guy FerlandKurt Sutter & Jack LoGiudiceOctober 22, 2008 (2008-10-22)1WAB072.14[5]
With the IRA gun payment looming, SAMCRO scrambles to come up with the cash. The Mayans and Nords take a drastic step in strengthening their alliance. And Jax finds himself in a dangerous position with Tara.
99"Hell Followed"Billy GierhartBrett ConradOctober 29, 2008 (2008-10-29)1WAB082.06[5]
SAMCRO plans retaliation on a rival MC while dealing with a wounded ally in the clubhouse. Meanwhile, Jax, Bobby, and Opie aim to put an end to the gun debt for good.
1010"Better Half"Mario Van PeeblesPat CharlesNovember 5, 2008 (2008-11-05)1WAB092.14[5]
With ATF Agent Stahl pressing the women of SAMCRO, Jax sees Chief Unser as the key to the club's salvation. Tara still reels from the Kohn situation. And Cherry reveals some interesting information about her past to Gemma.
1111"Capybara"Stephen KayKurt Sutter & Dave EricksonNovember 12, 2008 (2008-11-12)1WAB102.22[5]
When one SOA member is arrested for murder and another goes missing, Jax must choose between friendship and the club. Meanwhile, Abel grows stronger and is soon to be released from the NICU, but he is not the only one coming home.
1212"The Sleep of Babies"Terrence O'HaraKurt SutterNovember 19, 2008 (2008-11-19)1WAB112.46[5]
In need of cash to fund Bobby's defense, Clay's solution leaves SAMCRO in a vulnerable position. What is supposed to be a happy homecoming for Abel ends in more turmoil for the club.
1313"The Revelator"Kurt SutterKurt SutterNovember 26, 2008 (2008-11-26)1WAB122.48[5]
In the wake of a great tragedy, the club must reevaluate their bonds of brotherhood.

Reception

The first season received generally positive reviews from industry critics. Matthew Gilbert of The Boston Globe said the first season had "real potential".[7] The New York Times’ Gina Bellafante spoke highly of the cast's acting ability, particularly Sagal’s portrayal of Gemma. Brian Lowry of Variety gave a mixed review, admiring Sutter’s creation of the club and the town of Charming but observing the early episodes lacked direction.[8]

Home media release

The first season was released on DVD on August 18, 2009.

References

  1. "Sons of Anarchy Filming Locations". Internet Movie Database.
  2. "First pictures Sons of Anarchy". Chicago Tribune. June 8, 2010.
  3. Hunnam, Glenn and Sagal in FX's Anarchy
  4. Emilio Rivera Talks SONS OF ANARCHY, a Guest Spot on THE MENTALIST, and Feature Projects
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Berman, Marc (January 30, 2010). "Sons of Anarchy Ratings". Mediaweek. Archived from the original on April 18, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  6. "FX Orders A 3rd Season Of Sons Of Anarchy". Seat42f. December 3, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  7. "Biker Gang Saga Anarchy, has Sopranos Appeal". Boston Globe.
  8. Lowry, Brian (August 29, 2008). "Sons of Anarchy". Variety.
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