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[Vlad]

the biggest sting to possibly ever occur and the CIA is just hearing about it through Jax? weak

Well, keep in mind that Potter was being super secretive about everything. It's possible that he kept it too well insulated, which kept the RICO sting off the CIA radar until the last minute.

As far as the finale goes, I didn't hate it as much as everybody else did. It was a little disappointing that nobody killed Clay, but I'm still interested to watch Jax try to lead the club while wanting to kill Clay (and trying to keep Opie from doing the same). Honestly, the thing that really bugs me about the season is that the whole plotline with Bobby calling for a vote for new leadership went absolutely nowhere. The first vote got interrupted by the attack on Teller-Morrow, but then it seems like everybody just forgot about it.

 

[Seanspeed]

This show is hitting nip/tuck trajectory in terms of quality. The scene at the end with Gemma and Tara showing up to the table and staring at each other was pure soap opera.

It was a climax of painfulness after watching a very painful show. It really was absolutely the worst episode of Sons I've ever seen. I'm usually one who can sit back and not nit-pick and just enjoy the show, but this episode was just so blatant about the laziness of it all. Not only were the plotpoints ultra-convenient, but they were also thrown at us really quickly and worst of all, they weren't exciting explanations, they were pure drama-killers.

And then yea, the scene with Gemma and Tara signifying the change in 'ladyship' was cringe-worthy.

There was a good 3 or 4 episodes worth of material flung at us here, all crammed into one episode that rushed plotpoints and then wasted massive amounts of time playing out dramatic moments like Jax and Clay in the hospital and then Tara and Gemma.

God, I hated this episode. It did all the wrong things for me to be excited about the next season.

 

[dead souls]

This show is hitting nip/tuck trajectory in terms of quality. The scene at the end with Gemma and Tara showing up to the table and staring at each other was pure soap opera.

Man, I get that some people really didn't like the finale but a comment like this just makes me think that you didn't really watch all that much Nip/Tuck. Nothing about SOA is anywhere near as bad as the latter seasons of N/T got. I don't think anything can top N/T for complete batshit insanity. They turned a main character into a mime robber after all.

 

[Entropia]

I'm so lost on this show. The season was so awesome up until this episode. Like nothing got resolved. :|

 

[Cornballer]

- Sepinwall's interview with Sutter *minor S5 spoilers, Shield spoilers*

"Sons of Anarchy" wrapped up its 4th season on Tuesday night, and I figured my review would be the last I'd have to say on the subject for a while. But the show's creator, Kurt Sutter, changed his mind about doing a season-ending interview with me, and we spoke for a little under an hour this afternoon about various developments and criticisms from throughout the season. Here's the Q&A; please note that Kurt talks vaguely about ways in which a few stories will carry over into the next season, and that we also talk about a story arc from the last few seasons of "The Shield," so read at your own risk.

 

[Dennis]

- Sepinwall's interview with Sutter *minor S5 spoilers, Shield spoilers*

Would like to read but the Shield spoilers are a no no.

I still haven't gotten around to watching Shield even though I hear good things.

 

[daw840]

Man, I get that some people really didn't like the finale but a comment like this just makes me think that you didn't really watch all that much Nip/Tuck. Nothing about SOA is anywhere near as bad as the latter seasons of N/T got. I don't think anything can top N/T for complete batshit insanity. They turned a main character into a mime robber after all.

Yeah, that's one of the only shows that I literally just stopped watching. I usually always stay the course on shows that lose some quality over time. I mean hell, I still watch Weeds!

 

[sk3]

Really great interview. The S5 spoilers are negligible, but absolutely do not read it if you intend on watching The Shield someday.

 

[Cornballer]

Really great interview. The S5 spoilers are negligible, but absolutely do not read it if you intend on watching The Shield someday.

Yeah, it's a good read.


Sutter added one more thing:

UPDATE: Sutter emailed me a follow-up thought on how the finale wound up being cut into two pieces at the last minute (which is a question I meant to ask but never got around to). Here's what he wrote:

in retrospect, seeing the reaction of some critics and fans, i think splitting the finale into two parts did not serve the show. i stand by the story and the twists, but i feel like somehow i assumed people would sew 413 and 414 together as a viewing experience. see it as first the half and the second half (that's why i called it act 1 and act 2). i realize now that i put the expectations of an entire season on an hour of tv that was really only half-structured. meaning, 414 was never written as an episode, so structurally it was off.

why did i do that? well, when you're sitting in post with a cut that's 28 minutes over, trying to figure out what story arc to gut, you look for solutions. i couldn't get a two-hour finale (it's a union thing, turns it into long-form tv which impacts every rate from the ground up), adding the extra episode seemed like a valid (and generous of the network and studio) solution. i found a natural break in the story and recut both of them as separate hours. 413 got the lion's share of action and energy, 414 got the reveal and slower emotional decisions. i think if i delivered 413 as a one 90-minute episode, although the story would be the same, the viewing experience of the finale would have been much more satisfying. honestly, and this is the truth, i just didn't want to cheat the fans -- i wanted to give them all of it. and critically, i'm paying for that. more lessons.

 

[gdt]

He has a point on that. Best case scenario would've been a multi hour finale, like Lost did every year. So something like that drives up union costs? I wonder why.

Edit: Ahh okay, long form tv. Makes sense that rates would be higher for that seeing as it's uncommon compared to regular length tv episodes.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Well, at least he understands that much.

He has a good mind for soap opera TV when he's not being defensive and stubborn about it. Sometimes you're just wrong, and it's best to consider that before you get angry.

 

[tokkun]

Tough to say if he really gets it. He's still saying "the critics are punishing me for it". Well, almost every normal viewer I know was unhappy with the ending too.

 

[BeeDog]

Tough to say if he really gets it. He's still saying "the critics are punishing me for it". Well, almost every normal viewer I know was unhappy with the ending too.

He's also saying "and this is the truth, i just didn't want to cheat the fans -- i wanted to give them all of it. and critically, i'm paying for that. more lessons." so yeah, might be a bit tough to get through to him, but it also seems he's not oblivious to the criticism.

Either way, despite his craziness, I think he's a fun writer. Rare to see someone so outspoken and, in a strange way, eloquent for being so angry so often .

 

[Cornballer]

- Jaime Weinman talking SoA, Sutter, and Critics: Sons of Internet Anarchy

 

[D23]

im addicted to son!!

watched all 4 seasons in a week lol!!
that finale was ok, i kinda wanted clay to die, hated that guy!
cant wait for seasons 5!!!!!

was wondering if i should watch breaking bad or the shield next? never seen either of em

 

[LukeSmith]

im addicted to son!!

watched all 4 seasons in a week lol!!
that finale was ok, i kinda wanted clay to die, hated that guy!
cant wait for seasons 5!!!!!

was wondering if i should watch breaking bad or the shield next? never seen either of em

Watch the Shield and then watch Breaking Bad

 

[dead souls]

Watch the Shield and then watch Breaking Bad

Agreed, plus the longer D23 waits to watching Breaking Bad the shorter the wait will be for the new season for him.

 

[Meier]

Been plowing along with the show.. I like it a lot but Season 3 seems kinda shitty in comparison. Is this the consensus? Sadly I was spoiled on Season 4 in a commercial recently.

 

[Cornballer]

Been plowing along with the show.. I like it a lot but Season 3 seems kinda shitty in comparison. Is this the consensus?

Yes. Most people were disappointed by S3. The pilot and finale are both pretty good, but the middle gets bogged down in a couple of plotlines.

 

[Meier]

I do miss the wish fulfillment of season 1. Nothing but shit has happened since.

 

[BeeDog]

I do miss the wish fulfillment of season 1. Nothing but shit has happened since.

Don't worry, some stuff should still make you happy.

 

[Avinexus]

Been plowing along with the show.. I like it a lot but Season 3 seems kinda shitty in comparison. Is this the consensus? Sadly I was spoiled on Season 4 in a commercial recently.

S3 finale is my favorite finale of the series, but the rest of the season was definitely lackluster.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

So in the last week I've watched the first three seasons of this (hey, it's Christmas - time to kill!) and I'm about to start season 4 tonight. Gonna be caught up pretty damn soon.

I absolutely loved the first two seasons, but I thought season 3 was really, really bad on almost every level. I'm hoping 4 is a lot better, otherwise it will be a lot of wasted potential. There was a handful of good moments in S3, but for the most part I was absolutely bored by it.

 

[Cornballer]

I absolutely loved the first two seasons, but I thought season 3 was really, really bad on almost every level. I'm hoping 4 is a lot better, otherwise it will be a lot of wasted potential. There was a handful of good moments in S3, but for the most part I was absolutely bored by it.

A lot of GAFfers (including me) were disappointed with S3, but S4 is a return to form. It's not quite at the level of S1/S2, but it's still entertaining and worth watching.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Good to know It wasn't even the fact the Ireland/kidnapped baby story was boring, it was the fact they seemed to stretch just how far the Sons could break the law with no repercussions etc. It no longer felt grounded in reality.

I'll have fun watching this season and reading this thread when I'm caught up. It's not as long as I expected for a show this good, but I guess it flew under the radar for a lot of people as it did for me!

 

[strafer]

Season 3 finale though is brutal.

Damn.

 

[Cornballer]

Good to know It wasn't even the fact the Ireland/kidnapped baby story was boring, it was the fact they seemed to stretch just how far the Sons could break the law with no repercussions etc. It no longer felt grounded in reality.

You're going to have some problems with S4 (like a lot of us did), but on the whole I think it's worthwhile and much better than S3.

Season 3 finale though is brutal.

I liked the first episode and the finale a lot. It just got bogged down in the middle.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Yeah, it feels like things are just going to get crazier to the detriment to the show. You can't really go back to that same sort of storytelling after what S3 did, I don't think.

Oh well. As long as it entertains me more than S3 did I'm sure I can overlook the silly aspects!

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Finished it. That's 4 seasons in 6 days. Good effort, I think!

Overall, this was a huge step up from 3. I still didn't like how the Sons so easily got away with so much, but when you ignore that it was a really interesting split between the Mexicans fucking shit up and the past coming back to haunt the club.

Like most people on the last two pages, I thought the finale was shit, though. Completely pressed the reset button which made the RICO thing pretty pointless, other than giving Juice something interesting to do, and Clay not getting his comeuppance just feels like they have a big star and they don't hate the guts to kill him.

It's finished on a sour note and I'm left wondering if it will be a show that will get stretched out too long, but I really like the show and for the time being I'm definitely on-board.

2 > 1 > 4 > AIDS > 3

 

[strafer]

According to Kurt Sutters twitter he has signed on for three more years.

closed my deal for 3 more years on SOA. no headlines, no pushed schedule, no stealing from paul. thank you FX and 20th for your generosity.

But..

the 3 year deal is for season 5, and then if we get picked up, for 6 &7. if there is more story to tell beyond that, then we'll decide then.

Can't get enough of SoA.

 

[Cornballer]

I saw that a few days ago. I don't see any reason why the show won't run for 7 seasons as long as the ratings don't fall off a cliff. Let's hope we see an uptick in quality for the last few seasons, though I'm not holding my breath that Sutter has learned from his mistakes. Sutter is stubborn and bellicose enough to ignore the constructive criticism that he's getting from a few different places.

 

[Cornballer]

- THR: 'Sons of Anarchy' Renewed for Two Seasons, Creator Kurt Sutter Inks First Overall Deal (Exclusive)

FX's highest-rated show has been renewed through season six, though those involved with the show assume a seventh and likely final season will be part of Sutter’s plan.

Much more via the link.

 

[Al-ibn Kermit]

I imagine that means Clay somehow survives for three more years.

 

[Nizz]

According to Kurt Sutters twitter he has signed on for three more years.



But..



Can't get enough of SoA.

- THR: 'Sons of Anarchy' Renewed for Two Seasons, Creator Kurt Sutter Inks First Overall Deal (Exclusive)Much more via the link.

Good news for me. Sutter's mentioned the story arc being meant for seven seasons so I think he'll get his chance to see it through.

 

[Cornballer]

A few tidbits from Paley Fest tonight:

- Creator Kurt Sutter Talks ‘Sons Of Anarchy’ Prequel, Season 5 Story Arc And Twitter

 

[Cornballer]

Two more reports on Paley Fest: *some spoilers for S5*

- THR: PaleyFest: 5 'Sons of Anarchy' Revelations From Kurt Sutter
- EW.com: 'Sons of Anarchy': Early intel on season 5. Plus, Kurt Sutter gives update on 'Sons' prequel

EDIT:
- Some video footage and a few more notes from the panel

 

[dead souls]

This should be good:

Deadline: Jimmy Smits Joins FX's 'Sons of Anarchy'

Now I'm even more excited for season 5.

 

[Cornballer]

Cool, I can dig it.

 

[dead souls]

Yeah, I've been a fan since he was on NYPD Blue.

 

[strafer]

From Sutters Twitter.

we are doing something for fans that airs as early as july. behind the scenes as each episode shoots. tentatively called: BEFORE THE ANARCHY

 

[Cornballer]

- Funny or Die: Grandsons of Anarchy

 

[ivysaur12]

Just got a job on Sons. I start 2 weeks. So excited.

 

[Cornballer]

Just got a job on Sons. I start 2 weeks. So excited.

Congrats!

 

[ivysaur12]

Intriguing.

 

[strafer]

Intriguing.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?



tell us

everything

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Just got a job on Sons. I start 2 weeks. So excited.

luckyyou

 

[strafer]

Sons of Anarchy Exclusive: Lost's Harold Perrineau Joins Cast as Big Bad Damon Pope

Yeah.

 

[lazybones18]

http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/24/sons-...ls-fight-motorcycle-club-kurt-sutter-sandman/

hilarious

 

[wenis]

http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/24/sons-...ls-fight-motorcycle-club-kurt-sutter-sandman/

hilarious

To be fair, I thought the same thing when I saw the ads

I just had the sense of mind not to tweet that shit (not that any bike clubs would fuck with me anyways).

 

[chris121580]

http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/24/sons-...ls-fight-motorcycle-club-kurt-sutter-sandman/

hilarious

Haha I've been watching that reality show...not very good but I definitely wouldn't want to mess with Sandman or Juice. I saw the tweet live when he posted it and figured it probably wouldn't have a good result :lol