7. Weaken SAMCRO
Killing members of the club just isnt enough to really portray a sense that the clubs power and influence has been nullified. Part of the aura of invincibility that surrounds SAMCRO is due largely to Charming being a small town. Since it isnt a larger city the club has really become a part of its history, a theme that pops up in various forms throughout the show. Kohn mentioned early on in season one that there is practically no commercialization in Charming, largely due to SAMCRO keeping a tight hold on the community. Bring in bigger business, you bring more political movers and shakers, the population grows, and the club loses its influence. What would happen if SAMCRO couldnt prevent this from happening? Weve seen them struggle in the fight, but weve never seen them really in danger of losing a large chunk of their power and influence. Season four showed the club at its most vulnerable following their release from prison, and Roosevelt and the Sheriffs department taking over Charming Police. This resulted in them losing one of their most powerful allies Chief Unser, without the local police on their side it made running a criminal enterprise very difficult. They still managed to take a page out of Ethan Zobelles book and adapt and overcome. That was all under Clays leadership though, so now what will happen with Jax at the helm? The club is already divided in the wake of the Jax and Clay fallout, their numbers have been thinned, and the Irish and Mexican connections have never been as fond of Jax as they were of Clay. What would happen if Charming and its community disowned SAMCRO? What if the club suddenly had to find a way to not just maintain their criminal earnings, but also their survival and relevancy in a town that is deeply engrained in their history? Which leads me to my next change.