Chris Bryant | On 07, Jan 2015

One of the most notable things about Sons of Anarchy’s sixth season is how busy it is. Sutter, Barclay and co. have packed in an abundance of ideas, beauty and death into 13 episodes.

Opening on a chilling school-shooting and continuing in that manner, it’s clearer than ever that Sutter’s brand of realism combines elegant relationship drama and staggeringly bloody crime until the two are barely discernible. Jax’s binding to the act of revenge goes deeper this time around, firstly giving him the chance to finish off the oldest business he has, but also forcing him up against some of his toughest foes. This begins with a masterclass presented by ex-US Marshal Lee Toric (Donal Logue). Logue gives Toric a soulless quest for vengeance beyond that of the excellent script. Throughout the show’s history, SAMCRO have faced powerful, resourceful enemies, but rarely one who holds such similar values, and such righteous ruthlessness.

In balance with the ethically disturbing violence, the production team are still displaying an arguably unparalleled talent for adding a unique style of dark comedy. Episode 6, Salvage, is a fantastic example: bookended by episodes memorable for a phenomenal explosion and child molestation, it revolves around a spat between the club and some corrupt cops. Witty and wonderfully fun, it’s an important moment in a season that is predominantly represented by family betrayal and the murder of loved ones.

For those binge-watching Sutter’s biker epic, the show clearly takes a turn for this penultimate run: it’s as dark and as heartfelt, but produces an air of finality usually reserved for final episodes. Episodes 11, 12 and 13 of Season 6 manage this especially well, not only because of their content but because knowing the seventh season is the last puts extra weight on the scenes, which strive to haunt an entire audience.

Sons of Anarchy is a distinctive and grief-stricken journey. Introducing several new faces (notably Jimmy Smits as lovable OG Nero Padilla) and burying a few of the old ones, Season 6 shows a series in its stride. Sons has always been a great TV show. Here, it comes across as mature, wise and heartbreaking as ever.

Sons of Anarchy Season 6 is available on Netflix UK, along with Seasons 1 to 5, as part of a £7.99 monthly subscription. Season 7 is currently available on pay-per-view VOD.

 

Where can I buy or rent Sons of Anarchy Season 6 online in the UK?

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