Apart from Clay’s violent attack on a guard and fight between Nero and Jax, “John 8:32” focused primarily on revelation. Jax, while desperately working to keep the club safe through its transition into legitimacy, came face-to-face with the awful truth of Tara’s deeds. I wholeheartedly love when Kurt Sutter takes the audience on an action-filled motorcycle ride, but I adore the episodes that focus more on the complex character relations with limited action. There’s something quite remarkable about how he captivates the audience in a more revealing and personal way when he does this.
(Before going into Jax’s journey on this episode, I have to mention Clay’s “Sweet Holy Pussy” outburst. Incredible acting. Commendable writing. Honestly, I could sit here and describe it, but it’s one of those scenes you just need to see for yourself. So make sure you check it out.)
John Teller’s death allowed for an interesting insight into the episode. Nero learned the truth about John’s death. Gemma finally admitted she didn’t kill him, but she knew it had to be done. Bringing in John Teller’s death reminds the audience, as well as the characters, of a distinct parallel between Jax and his deceased father. John ultimately met his end because of his high hopes of legitimacy for the club. Jax is spiraling into a dark hole for the same reason.
“John 8:32” reminded me of just how noble Jax really is. As the episode progressed and Tara’s truth was revealed, I realized how ridiculously awful Tara’s actions have been. I’m not talking about just the action of faking a pregnancy and miscarriage. While that’s quite unforgivable in its own right, it’s more unforgivable that she didn’t trust him. The tense interaction between him and Lowen reminded me of how much Jax cares for his family, including Tara. I can’t help but wonder at what point she thought her only option of escape had to include such horrific lies. Maybe I’m being a bit optimistic, but I think Jax would have let Tara and the boys leave Charming if it meant keeping them safe and happy. He’s a self-sacrificing hero and Tara, in her head, has turned him into a sadistic criminal worthy of betrayal. If she was worried about Gemma’s role, surely Jax has proven in the past that he’ll choose Tara and his boys over his mother any time. Her actions aren’t even putting her kids in a safer situation. Just because by law the boys wouldn’t have an affiliation with Jax, Gemma, and, subsequently, the club, it doesn’t guarantee their safety. It doesn’t stop Jax from being their father and it certainly doesn’t mean they won’t be affected by the violent nature associated with the club.
Jax’s meeting with DA Patterson revealed just how far the club is willing to go to follow Jax into the legitimate Promised Land. While this was shocking enough, the end of the conversation was the most interesting. Jax commented on the righteous division between him and her when she questions letting the club off on all charges. He asserts, “You get your devil and you punch your ticket out of this cesspool. So let’s not get too lost in righteousness. I’m the scumbag outlaw and you’re the pillar of justice and neither one of us likes looking at ourselves in the mirror,” clearly commenting on how she and others like her manipulate law and order to find their own righteous way to politically-tainted justice. He’s illustrating the idea that they’re just different sides of the same coin.
It’s episodes like this that remind me just how beautifully complex Sons of Anarchy is. The series comments on the intricate relationship between law and order, as it explores the way in which matters of manipulation, personal relationships, desires, needs, and truths affect action. There’s a fine line between righteousness and selfish intent. Both can be innocent and both can be consumed by violence. Same coin, different sides.
image: FX/FOX
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