Sons Of Anarchy Season Premiere Review: “Black Widower” (Season 7, Episode 1)

As sad as it is to say, the season seven premiere of Sons of Anarchy fell a little on the flat side. Sure, there was plenty of anarchy and pending drama, but it was lacking the passion that fans are used to seeing associated with Jax and the other main characters. Jax’s delivery overall was lackluster, too. And, his ease at dismissing (or, more accurately, not even seeming to consider) any potential for his mother’s involvement off the bat, despite her sordid history with Tara, was a bit disappointing.

Jax was so quick to assume that it was an outside job, even though it was clearly an extremely personal kill, and that made it that much more intolerable to watch. Jax hasn’t always seen the truth that has been hiding under his nose (e.g. Tara’s “miscarriage”), but not even being suspicious when Gemma conveniently offered up the “killer” on a silver platter is going to be a sore spot down the road. Hindsight is 20/20.

Elsewhere, viewers received a preview of Marilyn Manson’s recurring character in a short scene with Jax just prior to his release from County Jail. There’s been a lot of hype around his guest appearance on the show, and so far he has lived up to it. Manson shed his rocker duds for a less appealing orange jumpsuit, and judging solely by this brief encounter, seems to have fully embodied his character. It’ll be great to see him integrated more into the show as the season progresses and his relationship with the Sons further develops.

Another huge plot point that was reintroduced in “Black Widower” was the relationship between Jax and Wendy (Drea de Matteo). In the last season, Wendy became a recurring character after having been mostly absent from the screen since her send off in season one. Tara made her a conspirator in her attempt to leave Charming, with the boys in tow, under the guise that is was in the best interest of Abel, Wendy’s biological son. Now that Tara is gone, Wendy has an opportunity to regain favor with Jax and eventually develop a relationship with her son, which is something she’s been vocal about in the past. Wouldn’t it be ironic if after all this drama Wendy and Jax ended up back together?

Considering the gravity of recent events within the constraints of the show, it makes sense that this episode would be heavy on the subdued side. Characters are walking on eggshells around each other, alliances are being called into question, the club is in the center of a volatile situation and Jax is playing a dangerous game, pegging gangs against one another. In his desperation for revenge, he’s failing to see the bigger picture which is more or less one of the greatest attributes of his character up until this point. His ability to see further than the immediate future and really analyze all the pieces on the board made him a great leader, and in his grief that certainly seems to have fallen to the wayside.

Overall, it’s great to see that Sons of Anarchy is back and I’m definitely looking forward to this one extended countdown to the end. Fans wants to know how Sutter plans to end his critically acclaimed series and are watching anxiously as Jax makes his final moves. Only time will tell how it all turns out, but you can bet that it’s going to be one hell of a ride!