Review Guide:
Episode 7.08 The Separation of Crows - Review
Episode 7.09 What a Piece of Work Is Man - Review
Episode 7.10 Faith and Despondency - Review
Episode 7.11 Suits of Woe - Review
Episode 7.12 Red Rose - Review
Episode 7.13 Papa's Goods (Series Finale) - Review
Farewell Article - Series Review - Best Moments
Sons of Anarchy - Papa's Goods (Series Finale) - Review
The Series finale of Sons of Anarchy aired last night, and what an episode it was. The finale delivered closure for us fans, tying up every major thing so that nothing was left open.
A good half of the episode was spent with Jax wrapping up business arrangements related to the club. He was also tying up loose ends that could potentially have caused problems for SAMCRO. In the last episode we saw Jax act as if he was a man waiting to die, this episode only furthered that with him taking out many big players. He wanted to leave the club in a better place than when he was president, so it was fitting that he decided to take out Mark's, the Irish kings and Barosky. Jax would under no circumstances make a move on any of them as the consequences would be too much for the club to bare, but since he was already a dead man he really had nothing to lose. I was actually pleased he decided to end the Irish kings miserable lives, they have annoyed me for seasons now.
Speaking of setting things right, Jax finally decided to honor Tara's wishes to see to it that the boys left Charming. We saw last episode the plan for them to go with Nero, but after seeing Jax sleep with Wendy I didn't think they would leave.
He didn't want to die without having his family well looked after; he did tell Nero he was leaving, but we all knew what leaving was in Jax's terms. Nero also got told that Gemma was dead, although Jax never actually said it Nero knew what he was going on about. This provided yet again another emotional scene between the pair, and as usual Jimmy Smits and Charlie Hunnam delivered exceptional performances. In fact for me their conversation was a highlight of the episode. Nero thought of Jax like a son, they bonded over the years, Nero was like the step father Clay should have been to him. Nero will definitely miss Jax, and Jax Nero.
I think everybody knew Jax was going to die this, some people even ruined it for themselves by reading the death spoiler about the ending, but the question was how he was going to die. When Jax and the rest of SAMCRO met up after Jax went on a killing spree it look set to be Chibs as the one to kill Jax. The way it was presented to us with Jax giving his president’s badge to Chibs, and Tig getting the VP badge, and everyone else standing around him looking like they were all about to draw their guns on him, it looked like it was the moment Jax was going to die, but it wasn't. Jax decided he couldn't let any of his brothers kill him, so he saved them the trouble. It has been really hard to root for Jax all season, but he has definitly redeemed himself a bit for me. Unlike Gemma he couldn't let someone he cared about go through the tramatizing experience of shooting him. He had a conscience. He then left on his dad's motorcycle. I also did think it was good for us to not hear Jax's confession to Chibs as it kept us guessing all episode what would happen to Jax.
Perhaps the only good thing to happen to the club in the finale was that T.O joined SAMCRO. He has been a great assest to them all series long, but even though no one ever said it, there was always a feel of racism between SAMCRO and the Grim Bastards. I think it was a bold move from the club, but the right one. What better way to move towards the future than to patch in someone who is black. Things I think will certainly look better for the club now.
As he is riding we get a fitting tribute to the show by giving us one last glimpse at all the characters that remain alive. The music again was perfectly chosen, and was a good choice to end the series with. When Jax sees a Papa's Goods lorry he releases his hands from his bike and closes his eyes and goes straight into it. It was very sad to see Jax finally die, but it had to happen at some point. He was broken beyond repair, but at least he managed to set everything straight and fix his wrongs. He redeemed himself, and had nothing more to give. At least his death was quick.
Summary
It has been an outstanding show over the course of seven seasons, and I am sad to see it come to an end. It has had some bumpy seasons, with episodes lacking quality, but the final season really showcased the show at its best. The actors and actresses have been phenomenal all season long, and have truly delivered some ground breaking performances. If this show doesn't win an Emmy for best drama series, then I have lost faith in TV.
As always thank you for reading! Let me know in the comments what you thought of the episode!
What did you think of the series finale?
ReplyDeleteDidn't like it. No surprises. The first 45 minutes were expected but the last half consisted of Jax riding around and shooting people in the forehead. The cliche-riddled end sequence with the O.J. chase scene was just plain bad. Plus he may have killed a civilian in offing himself (Although it was Vic Mackey!) even in the slowest moving police chase in history.
ReplyDeleteThey should have showed him dying like he lived.
I don't think Jax really redeem himself. He killed Unser. He continued to kill people left and right while being fueled by his obsessive desire to protect the club which he done more on their behalf than that of his own family. Yes, he did leave the kids under the care of Nero and Wendy so they'll be raised right.
ReplyDelete'Jax decided he couldn't let any of his brothers kill him, so he saved
ReplyDeletethem the trouble. It has been really hard to root for Jax all season,
but he has definitly redeemed himself for me. Unlike Gemma he couldn't
let someone he cared about go through the tramatizing experience of
shooting him. He had a conscience'
Argh. I keep seeing everywhere how noble and wonderful it was that Jax wouldn't put his brothers through the trauma of actually killing him BUT it is perfectly fine and acceptable that Jax run his motorcycle into a semi, thus causing a perfect stranger to have to live with killing someone? I've never known anyone who ran over someone who was running from the police, but I do know a couple people who were involved in fatal car accidents, and that isn't something you just shake off, whether it was your fault or not. Jax should have said his good-bye to JT at the cemetery like he did with Opie and Tara, then crashed into the rock wall where the JT memorial thing was. THAT would have been more symbolic to me.
I will agree that there could have been other ways for Jax to die without someone else getting scared for life. Although it wasn't fair on MIlo to have to suffer now because of Jax I am just glad none of his brothers had to deal with killing him. The main reason being that he has put them all through enough heartache and pain to last them a lifetime, and I don't think they neede to add another traumatising experience to their list.
ReplyDeleteWhilst I thought this was another great episode, I think that the last episode had more of a series finale feel to it as there were a lot of surprising moments. This episode was just a wrap up of all the ongoing storylines do I wasn't expecting some really jaw dropping stuff. I will admit that Jax killing them all did feel a bit rushed, and wasn't as shocking as they could have been if they were killed in another episode. The pushchair woman showing up again was very stupid, and seemed a bit to convenient especially as she saw Gemma before she died as well.
ReplyDeleteOn the whole, I thought it was awesome. While they were maybe just a wee bit heavy-handed with some of the symbolism (homeless woman/last supper) and convenient getaways (courthouse steps), I truly loved how Sutter brought the character of Jax full-circle. And in many ways, that very symbolism made his character's sacrifice even more powerful. I especially liked the coincidence that Milo and his "Papa's Goods" truck delivered the final blow -- perhaps their paths crossed at exactly that moment simply because he'd stopped to help Gemma?? I also loved that final, sad-but-hopeful anthem that Sutter penned, "Come Join the Murder," with the seven crows (murder of crows) flying upward into the sky. Perhaps representing the seven remaining members of SAMCRO, plus Jax in spirit? Or maybe the seven members we've lost? Either way, such a poignant touch. And I can't even get started on all the moments that choked me up -- Jax's "I got this" nod to Opie, his rooftop confession to Chibs, his final talk with Nero (the subtlety of Jimmy Smits' acting is borderline brilliant), and of course the final goodbye to his boys, where I just lost it completely. Also liked how they showed the crows nibbling the bread by the roadside at the end -- just like the scene from the first ep, but in daylight and with blood flowing in from off-camera.
ReplyDeleteFinally, as a musician myself there's another aspect I kind of liked: the "crescendo" came in last week's episode, and this week's finale was quieter, more thoughtful, just wrapping up all the loose ends in a very apt, thorough, and satisfying way. All in all, it reminded me of a cross between "Goodfellas" and "Hamlet" -- and that final Shakespeare quote was both perfect and heartbreaking. Really, really appreciated all the thought and care that was put into this series arc, and the phenomenal actors who ultimately drove it home. Bravo.
"Doubt thou the stars are fire;
ReplyDeleteDoubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.
”
What can I say? This journey, this show, this story will always be a part of me. Always. Kurt Sutter choosed the direction and he followed it. I accept it. I accept everything. I knew it. Since "I'll see you later, brother". Coherent. What I feel right now is the greatest gift he gave to me. Bruce Springsteen, I can't help falling in love with you and the final montage. That song, goddammit.
Sweethearts & Motherfuckers, it was a journey I will never, ever forget. Thanks so much, Robert. You have been amazing to read!
"A good father and a good outlaw can't settle inside the same man". So true.
Now, I know that I will be able to follow Justified and Mad Men wrapping up their own beautiful stories. With a serene heart.
You got to love a bit of Shakespeare!
ReplyDelete"This journey, this show, this story will always be a part of me"
It will go down as one of my favorite shows of all time, I will really miss seeing it on TV. It doesn't matter that the ending wasn't as good as it could have been it is for me about the past 7 years of the show, and like you said the journey.
I loved the ending, I have replayed it a dozen times, I just loved the song choice for it, and for me it was the perfect way for the show to bow out.
The men he killed in the episode, were no saints themselves. I am glad he killed them, especially Mark's as he killed Bobby. I agree with you that he has put the clubs needs other his own families, and maybe if he was focused a bit more on his family his wife may not have ended up dead they could have moved away like she wanted.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this was the best finale I have ever seen, but it is one of the greatest shows. I also think Season 7 wasn't it's strongest season by any means. The first 8 episodes were not that good, but I felt it picked up a lot in the later half of the season. Red Rose for me has been the standout episode this season.
I adore Shakespeare. Kurt knows him very well and he shared him with all of us. Not only: he shared his passion for music and storytelling. That quote is very important to me.
ReplyDeleteThe ending was very good. Maybe there have been flaws and bad corners along the road. It felt coherent and right.
I have practically lived in Charming the last two Autumns. I feel so empty but grateful. To everyone. Vic Mackey taking Jackson T. Teller's life. In that way. Wow. Just wow.
Thank you for sharing some of the things I have didn't even pick up on like the bread and the wine relating (last supper) I didn't even realize. I think it was a coincidence that it happen to be Milo the man who helped Gemma; run Jax over.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure what to make of the crows, but I think they were symbolizing all of the brothers that have died, as the crows slowly flew off right before Jax is about to die. It is as if they were telling us right then that Jax is about to die.
His talk with Nero was a brilliant scene, it was one of the best from the episode. After not having too much to do during the first half of the season, Jimmy has really showed how much talent he truly has. He has been outstanding in this episode, and the previous two. I would like to see him, Katy and Charlie receive nods for an Emmy, but since they tend to overlook FX shows I doubt it will happen. They deserve it though.
A lot of people didn't like the finale, whilst I think it wasn't the best it could have been. I still think it wrapped everything up perfectly, it was an emotional episode which is what it should be. A series finale shouldn't focus on action, it should focus on the characters, and how far they have come over the seasons which is exactly what this finale did.
That's very true, and I'm glad that his death wasn't put on his SAMCRO family either. Sorry, I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I'm glad that burden didn't fall on any of the remaining members; I just wish it hadn't fallen on an innocent.
ReplyDeleteAnother symbolic 7 for the crows would be the 7 seasons.
ReplyDeleteAfter this series, whatever Kurt creates you can count me in to me watching it. He told the perfect story over the seasons, and also chose the best music that made the scenes ten times better.
ReplyDeleteNo need to apologies for anything, you are expressing your opinion and I welcome that.
ReplyDeleteI think I will write another article for the show, highlighting my top ten moments from the shows run.
ReplyDeleteThe standout episode of Season 7, to me, was Suit of Woes. That was the one episode this season that I watched completely from beginning to end without feeling bored or annoyed.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more, Robert -- Jimmy Smits' acting always seems to function the way really good seasoning works for food. Even a tiny bit can go a very long way, and it just pulls everything together perfectly. I absolutely have to believe that *somebody's* gonna get an Emmy nod on this show. Just too many fantastic elements at work.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, doesn't it seem that series finales always divide fans to some degree? I can't ever recall seeing a unanimous upvote for the final episode of any specific show. But I guess that's how it should be, in a way. Partly, it's just being so bummed that this is the last time we'll ever get to spend with these characters. But I think it also shows just how invested, loyal, and outspoken the fans of any well-written/well-acted show can become. And while SOA had a few stumbles, it was definitely all that.
Thanks for a final, great review.
ReplyDeleteI was determined not to be bothered by whatever happened but I am. I liked the finale as much as I could like SOA these past few years. I wasn't terribly surprised by anything that happened and as much as I know it needed to happen, it made me angry that Jax's epiphany came too little, too late. I am not a fan of Kurt Sutter as a showrunner and if he starts another project, I doubt I'll be on board. That said, he does have his moments of beauty. Jax's final ride was beautiful. I don't care that it didn't make complete sense (what did on this show?) I don't care that the crows were overdone. I don't care about anything but that ride that was like a slow moving funeral procession with a smiling Jax. I care that he finally, no matter how late, realized that "he is not a good man" that his actions in choosing that club over family, killed him just as it did Tara and John. I care that for those final moments, Jax was free. He was free of burden and a lifetime of bad choices. The weight was gone and he died smiling. He died like John. My heart broke for S1/2 Jax, who was so full of optimism and hope. The Jax who had never killed anyone. The Jax who wanted to be a good father. I will never forgive Sutter for taking what could have been one of the greatest male characters in TV history and turning him into a killer with excuses. He can call it Shakespearean, he can call it drama. He can call it whatever he wants but the truth is, Sutter got so caught up in the hype and love for the early seasons, he was overwhelmed and he had no idea what to do to keep the story going. I don't care what he says. He had no clue. I understand most don't agree with my thoughts on Sutter and that's ok. I just think his idea's outgrew his talent.
There were things that I loved, like the Jax/Nero scene and Wendy and the boys making it out. I still have lots of thoughts and favorite moments. I just need to regroup to gather them all.
Honestly, I thought they would have had Jax crash over the bridge like the promo's from S5. Until I saw the Semi and Michael Chiklis. http://youtu.be/5n5P_Di5AAQ
ReplyDeleteI hope somebody does, as it will be an injustice if nobody does.
ReplyDeleteNeither can I, series finale's always create really good discussion's mainly because nobody can agree on anything. Eveyone has their own separate ending pictured for a show they have spent years watching, but like everything nothing can be perfect.
To this day people still moan about how my favorite shows LOST ended.
You're welcome!
ReplyDeleteI liked the finale, and I too was glad when Jax realized he wasn't a good man. Whilst Jax had his moments over the seasons we have seen him kill and kill again, and it didn't get him anywhere. He killed to try and protect those he cared for, but really the killing only made things work.
I did like the Jax who didn't want to kill anybody, but it was bound to happen eventually even if Stutter wasn't showrunner. There was too many people influencing him, and him being part of SAMCRO didn't help either. With everyone around him killing people, it was kind of inevitable he would use violence sooner or later.
YES! I'm beginning to think it's semi-genius on the part of the showrunners. Viewers continue to debate about groundbreaking shows like LOST and The Sopranos years later -- all because of a divisive ending.
ReplyDeleteIt felt as a long goodbye & I was a blubbering mess during most of it. I loved it. Might have been able to see a few things happening differently but all and all it was just brilliant and Kurt Sutter; I bow before you, you genius!
ReplyDeleteSmits' performance was one of the better ones on network TV I've seen. He was in agony the entire episode and you could just see him being pulled in different directions. I wish he'd have gotten with Wendy so his situation wasn't so all-encompassing and he had someone close to help deal with the loss and the mountain of crap Jax dumped on him.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it was really fair of Jax to do that to Nero, especially as he doesn't really have anyone left. I wouldn't liked Wendy to find out about Gemma before the episode ended, that way she and Nero can work through their grief together.
ReplyDeleteI think as we have invested seven seasons into the show we are all bound to have our own vision for how the series should have ended.
ReplyDeleteLOVED IT! What a wonderful finale. Right up there with Breaking Bad and Boardwalk Empire finales
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed the finale as well! I thought it was really good.
ReplyDelete