The FX series Sons of Anarchy is a tumultuous exploration of brotherhood and the destructive nature of power. The show’s narrative revolves around Jax Teller’s struggle with the motorcycle club’s illegal activities, going into the theme of structural violence. Jax’s journey is eerily reminiscent of his father, John Teller, who founded the Sons of Anarchy with the idealistic goal of providing a safe haven for outcasts.
John, a World War II veteran, was disillusioned with the country’s politics and his experiences in the 25 Infantry Division of the United States Army. Along with his friend Piney, he created the motorcycle club, which rapidly expanded due to John’s revolutionary ideals. However, as time passed, some members began to seek financial gain, leading the club to engage in criminal activities such as gun trafficking and weapons smuggling.
As the club descended into chaos, John’s ideals were slowly consumed by the darkness he had once sought to escape. He lost faith in the club and eventually took his own life, a tragic consequence of his inability to stop the club’s corruption. Prior to his death, John had become disillusioned with the club and spent more time in Belfast, Ireland, trying to distance himself from the organization he once loved.
John’s wife, Gemma, was having an affair with Clay, the club’s president, and John knew that the club was beyond redemption. He attempted to extract the club from its illegal activities, a decision that ultimately led to his downfall. Clay, with Gemma’s blessing, sabotaged John’s brakes, leading to a fatal accident.
A Still From FX series Sons of Anarchy (Photo: Sons of Anarchy)
The stories of John and Jax Teller are intertwined, as Jax’s journey is shaped by his father’s struggles and failures. Jax’s efforts to take control of the club and clean up its illegal activities ultimately lead to his own tragic demise. John’s legacy lives on through Jax, who is forced to confront the darkness within himself and the legacy of his father’s failings.
The series explores themes of brotherhood, violence, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Sons of Anarchy’s tragic descent from its founding ideals serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the corrupting influence of greed and ambition. The show raises questions about the nature of morality and the consequences of one’s actions, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of the Teller family and the morality of the Sons of Anarchy.
All seven seasons of Sons of Anarchy are available to stream on Hulu, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
