A middle aged gun running Southern California biker gang? Yup, that's story. They so thoroughly dominate the small town of Charming that we must presume that they've blocked cable access. Otherwise they would have learned from the History Channel that border state outlaw gangs making the most money deal drugs, not guns.
What brought this show to my attention was the news that FX has signed it up for a 2nd season. For shows about middle aged bad boys the AMC show "Breaking Bad" actually deserved another season, but it just slipped away. That was the show about a hen pecked high school teacher with cancer who became a meth cook, drug king pin and murderer. Now that was a mid life crisis.
The "Sons of Anarchy" gang boss is played by Ron Perlman, and he's convincing enough. Katey Sagal does a pretty good job playing his old lady. She's got some great lines and gets to drive a beautiful product placement. The story line is supposed to be a modern day "Hamlet," according to one reviewer. So the goal has been set high, and maybe that accounts for this Shakespearian exchange between Katey Sagal's character and a 20 something bimbo who wants to make whoopee with Ron Perlman's character, to wit:
Katey Sagal: "You so much as flash a pretty grin at him? I will jam my fist so far up your bony a** your cup size will double."
Bimbo: "Is that how your rack got to be that size?"
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, watch you backs.
We kinda have a 3 episode rule: Watch at least 3 episodes before you dismiss a new show. Well, after 4 of "Sons," we called it quits. (Sadly, I couldn't even stomach 2 full episodes of Sci-Fi Channel's new "Sanctuary" before I nuked it out of my DVR's recording list.)
We are glued to the set catching every last minute of "The Shield," however.
Posted by: Rob O. | October 22, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Rob O., the irony is that SOA was supposed to take up the slack after this final season of "The Shield" ends. They overlooked the fact that "The Shield" has interesting characters, well written dialog, and enough suspense to keep us wondering how the heck it's going to end.
Posted by: Geo | October 23, 2008 at 05:52 AM
George, I had a couple of things that led me to watch the first episode. One of those was the lead-in for that debut episode, a broadcast of the film, "V for Vendetta" ... the other reason was the presence of Ron Perlman - someone I've long admired, even without lots of makeup - on the cast.
That got me through the first episode, but I haven't gone back for more.
The one new show to which I DO keep going back - for now, at least - is ABC's "Life on Mars."
Posted by: Jeff | October 23, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Jeff, I watched the first SOA and intended to write about it. But I procrastinated, and along came the second one. Not wanting to write about the show without having seen the latest episode I watched that one too. Before I knew it I had watched three of the darn things before finally going to the keyboard with it. Lesson learned: Don't procrastinate!
I've seen one of the "Life on Mars" episodes and plan to watch it again. Yes, it does seem to be worth going back for. Reminded me of "Journeyman," a good show that got the ax.
Another good one is "My Own Worst Enemy" in which Christian Slater is very convincing as a guy with two different personalities -- a regular fellow and an international assassin. Sounds weird, but it works.
Posted by: Geo | October 23, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Thanks for taking the hit so I didn't have to George.
Now, if only I could stop watching Big Bang Theory...
Posted by: Les | October 23, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Les, I haven't watched "Big Bang Theory" and just now read a summary of it. Looks like it could have some potential. I'll make a point to watch or tape it the next time it comes on. Thanks.
Posted by: Geo | October 23, 2008 at 03:32 PM