TV Review: SONS OF ANARCHY, 3.2
After the sheer intensity of last weeks opening episode, it was a relief that things were a little bit quieter this week. Well... As quiet as Sons of Anarchy can be.
rating: 4
After the sheer intensity of last weeks opening episode, it was a relief that things were a little bit quieter this week. Well, as quiet as Sons of Anarchy can be. It still featured the usual macho action, brutal torture and murderous IRA priests. Actually that last one is new, but the introduction of Father Ashby (James Cosmo) certainly fits well into the show. His introduction in the opening of the episode, led the way for more scenes in Belfast, with Jaxs (Charlie Hunnam) son Abel now in the hands of Camerons (Jamie Mcshane) cousin, Maureen. We discover that Father Ashby, has close ties with both the IRA and SAMCRO, and is disappointed with Camerons handling of the situation. After the IRA are informed that Agent Stahl (Ally Walker) and the ATF are responsible for Edmonds murder, Ashby marks Cameron to be executed. This I have to say was a little unexpected, as I presumed Cameron would continue to keep the baby in his own hands for a longer duration of the season.
Elsewhere, the death of Deputy Hale (Taylor Sheridan) in the previous episode was sadly treated as something of a throwaway moment. There was a short exchange between Chief Unser (Dayton Callie) and Deputy Hales brother Jacob (Jeff Kober), but Id have liked his death to have had a little more impact. Its a little strange that Charming has now lost one of the only people who found themselves split between helping SAMCRO and wanting to put an end to their history of crime. Just as disposable was Jaxs stint in prison. Despite giving Edward Norton a run for his money with some textbook concrete head-smashing, he walks free before the opening credits have even rolled. Ill let this slide considering Jax doing topless push-ups in prison for the rest of the season wouldnt make for great drama. SAMCROs continued hunt for the whereabouts of Abel led to some very funny moments. Specifically, the moment SAMCRO created a distraction with everyones favorite serial masturbator, Chuck (Michael Marisi Ornstein).Then there was the torture of a Calavarez officer to gain information on Abel. We see him buried up to his neck in the ground, whilst a couple of the Sons ride their bikes perilously close. This seemed a little too elaborate. Id have loved to see the lead up to this, with Clay (Ron Pearlman) and the guys having to dig a giant hole. 
Gemmas (Katey Segal) plot line continued to unexpectedly be just as engaging as the search for Abel. Its kind of hard to pinpoint exactly how much of that was down to Tig (Kim Coates) this week, who not only had the episodes best line but a handful of great moments. His fear of the weird dolls kept by Gemmas father Nate (Hal Holbrook) was pretty funny, as was his seduction of Nates caretaker Amelia (Monique Gabriela Curnen). The sight of Tig in a silky ladies gown and scouting the house for lube, was undoubtedly an Emmy worthy moment. Despite almost being foreshadowed by Tigs sexual deviancy, the moments surrounding Gemmas relationship with her father continued to be engaging. Hal Holbrook does a great job of balancing humor and sadness in his portrayal of Nates dementia. The moment Nate heard orgasms coming from down the hall, it caused me to cringe. It was clear that he would believe the screams of pleasure to be coming from his dead wife Rose. 
What I wasnt expecting was for him to wander into the room with a loaded rifle and shoot Tig in the shoulder. It began as a slightly goofy and unbelievable scene, but quickly went from being funny to tragic. Gemma shouting at her father over the shooting, then realizing his inability to comprehend the situation was great. Although, fair play to Tig for keeping pretty cool about having been shot in the sholder by Nate.... It's no biggie. My main gripe with this episode was when Amelia discovered the wanted bounty on Gemma and tried to take her hostage. This moment felt predictable and I had hoped the episode wouldn't take that path. Without knowing much about her back-story, or any other reasons for Amelia to turn on the group other than bounty money, it felt like a moment tacked on for some added drama late into the episode. Overall though, this was another great episode, introducing some new characters as well as expanding storylines. I particularly enjoyed the Belfast scenes in this episode, with the introduction of Father Ashby and the other IRA members providing an interesting change to the usual dynamic of the show. There were a couple of contrived moments this week, but even then, the show remains as enjoyable as any other drama on television. Its easy to forgive any short comings in a program which includes the insult Do you think Im as dumb as you are fat? 
Sons of Anarchy continues on FiveUS Wednesday nights at 10pm