Sons Of Anarchy Review: “The Separation Of Crows” (Season 7, Episode 8)

Sons of Anarchy is on the back end of its final season, and the world as fans know it is starting to crumble. SAMCRO is no longer exempt from the consequences of their decisions, and as Jax’s (Charlie Hunnam) confidence continues to rise and fall in “The Separation of Crows,” so do members of his crew.

Ever since Tara (Maggie Siff) was killed off, SAMCRO has been on a downward spiral, and not just in the way that fans have come to expect. Sons of Anarchy has always been able to push past the bad times to pull off a spectacular season finale, which more than anything else, gives fans a reason to tune in season after season. But this season the narrative is more convoluted then ever.

Kurt Sutter is a master of creating perfect endings. Fans will look past any lulls the story might have along the way for the lasting satisfaction that watching the storyline converge on itself in that final “aha” moment brings – and this is his last chance to get it right (for SOA at least). With the episodes dwindling, there’s only so much time to set the stage for a series finale that’s worthy of the cult following that Sons of Anarchy has amassed.

As the main character, Jax has always earned the benefit of the doubt from viewers – even when perhaps he didn’t deserve it. Fans want to rally behind him regardless of the direction he’s moving in. But, it’s becoming more challenging to get on board with his cause when the consequences keep piling up. In past seasons, the damage has been limited mostly to the periphery, a core member of the show being caught in the crossfire only every once in a while. But as a viewer, how can you not be skeptical about every move that Jax has made this season?

Ultimately, the wild card this season isn’t Jax though, it’s his son, Abel. After overhearing Gemma (Katey Sagal) admit to Thomas that she was responsible for Tara’s death, his behavior has only gotten worse. His latest antics at school are just another example of his rocky emotional state. We’re talking about a child who has already seen more violence than most people ever do. Besides the tragic death of the only mother he’s ever really known, he’s been kidnapped, almost blown up, not to mention experiencing a plethora of other more minor unfortunate events over his young life. Gemma may not like anyone outside of her comfort zone pointing out the obvious, but she can’t blame Courtney Love’s character for noticing that something just isn’t right.