Sons don’t kill themselves, men don’t kill themselves. That is a coward’s way out.
Jax is right, the club would vote Juice out, he can no longer be trusted. There is a big difference between thinking about hanging yourself and actually doing it. Nothing could, or should, ever make you want to be dead. Even if you were standing on a corner in the rain at three in the morning, strung out with a big dope habit, waiting on a dealer that is not coming cause he is watching a re run of a Lakers play off – it is still better that being dead. At least you’re still in the game, you can turn it around. Now Chibs is going out on a limb for Juice. He better keep a good eye on him. Juice is a liar, a rat and a coward and that is a fact.
Now it’s Clay reaching for straws. Very Presidential the way Clay is convincing Galaan to do the deal, especially when Galaan’s initial instincts are right about the cartels. They play a different game. The Irish are like classy arms dealers, going to church, respecting women and children. Cartels don’t respect anything. Although neither one should be messed with, unless you are also ready to go the distance.
That Sheriff blew Juice’s cover. How is he going to drop a bunch of burner phones on him in the middle of the yard? How could no one see? Insane.
That Hospital administrator is really hoping for Jax and Tara to split up. Tara and her bonded when they were kidnapped. Everyone is in everyone else’s business, everywhere.
Tara looked in that envelope and all the blood rushed out of her face. Now she does have something to worry about. Somebody got those letters, no good.
The US Attorney is as crooked as can be. Setting up Juice, and even going so far to set up the Sheriff. He is lying and manipulating Otto and everyone is just a means to his end. He doesn’t give a damn about the constitution or human rights. That shit goes on every day, everywhere.
Laroy is from the street, he ain’t scared. He knew enough to bring some soldiers to the meet way out in the middle of nowhere.
Gemma finding Piney dead is a big thing. That is like losing her big brother. It is easy for her and Unser to figure out that Clay did it. He lied the night before about being in the clubhouse. Gemma is always protecting Clay. He is all she’s got. Unser has a point though, Clay is beyond saving. He is on his path and he is going to see it through. Unser can clean it up, again. He might get another big kiss.
Now that’s a fire fight. The Cartel is straight militant and the Niners are full on street war fare. Lobo came prepared; they blew a hole in the wall and made an escape route. That’s preparation.
Jax pulled some Presidential shit saving the Niners. He’s right, this isn’t Mexico; they are not kings, these rules are different. When in Rome….or Stockton
Piney was bluffing and it got him killed. He never saw any letters. Tara never showed him. Clay isn’t taking any chances. Get in his way and you are dead, doesn’t matter who you are.
Tara was right not to show Jax those letters. Let him find them on his own. She doesn’t want to be the one to fuel that fire. That might create a bad feeling that won’t go away. Tara has an escape plan in motion. I don’t know why Gemma wouldn’t want her grandkids away from this mess. Jax is exactly correct in thinking to get his family as far away as possible from all of it.
Otto can not believe the charter lied to him again. This might push him over the edge. Linc has no boundaries, no morals, no code.
Bobby knows the club needs Jax to survive. He saw that today when Jax saved Laroy.
Jax let Clay know what’s up. Better not talk about his woman like that, and they need an exit strategy. If they don’t start planning an exit strategy, they will probably end up dead.
Juice flipped when he saw the war room the feds have. He’s a rat and so caught up in everything he is supposed to be against, that his head is spinning. He is dumb enough to believe the cops and think he can make things right, but he can’t. He crossed lines, and I think when Chibs and the club finds out he will be dead.
Gemma knew she had to confront Clay with Piney’s death to try and save Tara. Gemma can plead all she wants, but Clay is an evil bastard. He doesn’t give a shit. He will lie right to her face, and anyone else that gets in his way. And now Gemma gave Clay the info when and where to get her. Clay is the world heavy weight champion of liars.
Jax is going with Tara. This is a good thing. It’s time for him to take responsibility for his family.
Clay on the phone. I don’t wonder who he is calling, not at all, he is calling the Cartel.
Good thing Jax is going with Tara.
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Gemma should know by now that Clay will do anything to save his ass, especially since she knows he killed Piney. And how dare Clay talk about Tara like that. How is she clouding Jax’s mind? She’s claimed Abel as her own, given Jax a loving family, and has given him 3 reasons not to get himself killed.
It’s a good thing that Jax is going with Tara and the boys. I really hope that the 4 of them come out ok. If anything happened to Tara and the boys, Jax would lose his mind and who knows what he would do. We saw that last season when Cameron took Abel and when that punk kidnapped Tara.
Clay is an evil bastard and he better remember…..karma’s a bitch and one way or another the truth comes out.
By Deanna on November 2nd, 2011 at 7:59 pmIt’s going to catch up to Clay eventually. He is gettting in way too deep with that catrtel. He won’t be able to implement any exit plan now that he put that hit on Tara via the cartel. They will use that against him.
AUSA is just as Greasy as Clay.
By KDUBYA on November 2nd, 2011 at 8:14 pmAmen! Another great episode! Can’t wait for next week! I knew as soon as Tara told Gemma where she was going Gemma would tell Clay.. She has a big mouth… Jax looks so happy with his family in the car in next weeks episode… won’t last too long..
By UTfan on November 2nd, 2011 at 8:57 pmAwesome retell! I am glad to read the end as the DVR cut the final part of the episode! I made sure to change the settings to extend 30 minutes at the end, but I know I can come back her for the info I need! Thanks!!!
By Lynette on November 2nd, 2011 at 9:07 pmGood to have you back. Missed your thoughts on Episode 8, which had some huge implications on everything that goes on from here on out.
My first thought, one I’ve had for a couple episodes now, is that Chibs has more of an idea of what Juice is into than he let Jax know. He may not know the specifics, but I’m pretty sure he knows there’s more to this than Juice’s guilt over Miles.
I was a bit disapointed that the Sons (apart from Clay) haven’t found out about Piney yet. His death is going to hit everyone differently, but Jax and (especially) Opie are going to want blood.
Tara leaving was a forgone conclusion, but I wonder about her motive in telling Gemma where she’s going. Gemma can’t be trusted, and she knows that.
At the same time, Gemma’s trusting Clay seems more and more desperate. She knows he’s lied to her; Piney being dead is proof of that. So why she tells Clay Tara’s going to Oregon, I just don’t get.
Beyond that, Bobby’s in trouble. Chibs is trying to protect someone who’s beyond protection. Opie’s life is a mess, and he doesn’t even know his dad’s dead yet. Otto is just getting salt poured in his wounds.
How’s anyone going to make it to season 5?
By Jimbo on November 2nd, 2011 at 11:32 pmWhere is the recap for episode 8?
By Sarah on November 3rd, 2011 at 7:38 amI enjoy your blogs Fat Bob… Keep’r up….
By Ron on November 3rd, 2011 at 9:49 amPiney was running a semi-bluff. He thought he could use the letters to get Clay to pull back on the deal with the cartel. He understood he was in danger but at some level had to believe Clay would draw the line at killing the last of the First Nine. He was wrong. Clay is a pure sociopath. Opie is now the wild card.
Sure the call was to the independent contractor. Of course, his “promise” to Gemma allowed it: “I won’t hurt Tara.” Kind of like Don Corleone telling the others at the big meeting “I will not be the one to break this truce.” No, I won’t do it but I’ll have someone else do the job. What Gemma needed to make him promise was “Nothing happens to Tara.” But everyone, including Gemma, continues to underestimate what a rabid dog Clay really is.
Loved Jax’s response when Clay referred to “Doctor pussy”. There has always been tension between the two of them. Jax will be able to take Clay on when he sees what has really happened.
Gemma’s bit with Unser was beyond weird. They have known each other since she was a child. That kiss was almost incestuous.
SOA has to get out of this muling trade. Put them, the Mayans and the 1-9ers together and you don’t have half the army you would need to take on the cartels. What’s worse, this deal has brought the cartel wars to Charming and that curses the town. I’m not sure what the alliance has to be, but SOA needs out ASAP.
You’re right: the way the Lobos handled the ambush was pure pro and shows how far out of their league the Sons are in this situation.
Be interesting to see what happens with the hit on Tara (that Clay cannot call back) now that Jax is with her. That’s something Clay did not anticipate. The pieces are in place: Piney’s death puts Opie and Jax together and the hit on Tara puts Jax squarely against Clay. Gemma will see it as a betrayal by Clay; I can only hope this is the one she cannot forgive.
By Deuces Wilde on November 3rd, 2011 at 12:01 pmOK – here’s the season end – my prediction: Jax comes after Clay once Portland goes bad. Gemma torn between son she trusts and husband she doesn’t. Club split on both sides.
Season ends with guns drawn- thinking Jax is about to put a bullet into Clay – but it is actually Gemma who shoots Clay to save Jax – season 5 starts w/ Clay in critical condition – Tara saves his life in the operating room, etc…..
And everyone falls in line and back in club love again.
By BigDaddy on November 3rd, 2011 at 12:32 pmWhat do you think? Possible?
Tara hid the original letters in the storage unit. Glad to have you back with your take on things. Missed you last week
By Kat1950 on November 3rd, 2011 at 2:33 pmIs this where I buy the Men of Menace product placement stuff?
Just kidding.
It’s to bad what has happened to this season. This has turned into another “outlaws are idiots” program. No one is that stupid to pull all the BS that is going on.
Clay’s dead. Anybody can put a bullet in him, any time now. He’s stupid, and dead. How he ever got to be President of a Club would have to be explained so a child could understand it. I don’t get it.
Then we have a cartel, who has it’s first run of product, all messed up by an idiot bunch of bikers, with a drug turf war to boot, but Oh Yeah, we’ll kill the old lady of your VP. WTF?
Which brings me to the Irish, Bob, because you make a good point. The Irish are all old school. So if JT made the pact, JT has an Irish daughter, JT lived in Ireland, how does Clay end up doing deals when JT turns up dead? Clay’s bedding the State side wife of JT. How are the Irish trusting him to pick up the deal?
Let’s also not forget the Russian mob mess that has yet to be resolved, but the Irish are going to sit down with a cartel capo, just because Clay says so. Come on!
If so many people didn’t die each show this would be a comedy.
By David Losh on November 3rd, 2011 at 8:04 pmJust guessing you’re not the go-to guy on the depth of depression one reaches when they contemplate, let alone try suicide. It’s a TV show. You probably get read by somebody who might be suicidal and now thinks, “The SOA dude thinks I’m worthless so … ” Be careful with your words.
I really enjoy your blog. Just be careful with the psychiatric input on the side…
By T Sillanpaa on November 3rd, 2011 at 10:28 pmSo far 5 of the first 9 have been revieled: Clay, Piney, Jack Teller, McGee and Lenny the pimp (Sonny Barger). If I was Lenny I would watch my back-Clay has killed the others
By mike switzer on November 4th, 2011 at 4:51 amI’m a bit confused by some of your opinions.
There is something you seem to be missing Fat Bob. First Clay was right in all of what he did, and John was so very wrong in so many ways. Protect the Club, TCB and brotherhood first. Should have Clay Killed John? Did Clay actually Kill him? Clay and Gemma are guilty of only one thing, as far as has been admitted too. That is what thy did to him. Only true evidence we have is that they had an affair. Not a simple thing, the betrayal, runs deep. John was president, Gemma was his old lady, and this was a huge sin. They plotted against him, yes they did. Only to further betray him, as far as we know, by voting him out as Global Prez, so Clay could take over the club. Were they wrong? Yes and No!
John’s original actions, thoughts and beliefs were muddled from his confusion of who he really was. Look at it this way. The first 9 were Vets, from the war in Vietnam. There is a back story there, people seem to be missing. Who were these founding members? What had they done in the war? What is it really, that messed John Teller up? Remember the time this all happened? Right after the 60′s, early 70′s. A time when people were fighting the establishment, fighting for things they thought everyone was owed or due. The SONS were conceived out of Hippy beliefs, by John Teller. John seemed to think that being part way out of society was ok, but if the Club voted in something contrary to his personal credo then he had a problem. John Teller was a confused man, sole searching at a time he wanted more. A time his own life fell apart.
Clay saw that John was confused, absent, left the SONS, and his family. John had betrayed the Club. The Club is FAMILY! John had turned his back on his own. He left and had been absent, he admitted it was his own weakness that drove Gemma into Clays arms. An Old Lady, is more that what is shown in the show. Clay and Gemma are right in being afraid the Club ever finds out they broke a big rule. You never touch a members Old Lady. NEVER! Break that rule, you’re out of the Club. No Brotherhood, no family, no one has your back. However lets look at it another way.
Who the hell is responsible for all of this? Who sits in the shadows and tries to pull the strings. Gemma!
Gemma is the one that broke the rules. Why had the writers found it so important to show at the Patched over Club the rules a female involved in the Club was suppose to follow? Why has Tara been instructed so very thoroughly in what is expected, and what is owed? The why is important to this last episode. Jack’s is turning his back on the Club because he is in Love with Tara. There is no real problem with Clay’s leadership, but it is John’s Book, and Letters that seems to mess with Jack’s, Tara, Clay and Gemma. Jack’s is not the VP he is suppose to be, not one with the Clubs best interest at Heart. Jack’s has his Old Lady, and his Kids best interest at Heart. Clay reminded Gemma, not so long ago that she is an Old Lady, not a member.
Problem here is Gemma Teller. Not Clay, not Jack’s or anyone else. Gemma was the Old Lady of the World Wide Prez, that opened her legs to a junior member back in the day. She did it with Tigger, when she believed wrongly after the Rape, that Clay would get rid of her. How did Gemma end up with Clay? Gemma has some deep seated issues going back to her Childhood with her mother. She has control issues, and abandonment issues. When John, left her in her time of need, she did then what she does. She tried to cement a loyalty to another member. She does it with Unser, who loves her, Tigger, and anyone else that seems to be sympathetic to her. In doing this Gemma Teller creates problems. She is right in the fact she has so many secrets she keeps, evn from the man she said she’d never lie too. She does keep secrets from him, and Clay is fooled.
Gemma went to Clay and made him promise not to hurt Tara? Her first reaction to Tara back in the beginning was Tara didn’t belong. Gemma tried everything to get Tara out of the way. Gemma might have even Killed Tara back then. She was right, Clay is right in his statement to Jacks. Jack’s reaction to Clay’s comment speaks volumes to everyone. The doctor Tara is messing with Jack’s. She never belonged, she never wanted this world, she is a threat to the Club. This isn’t a normal society, this is a MC, with their own rules and beliefs.
This behind closed doors **** needs to stop. Clay needs to drop everything on the Table. He needs to tell everyone that Jack’s wants out. He needs to tell everyone the truth about Saint John! John Teller was a traitor to the club. No one can get in bed with the Devil on one hand and condemn him with the other. Illegal is illegal. MC’s are based on living on the outside of society. John had a half foot in,half foot out look at the world. He was a piece of Crap that left his sick son, his other son and his wife at a time of need. He betrayed the IRA, the Club, the Chapters, and his brothers.
This leads me to this episode. We are where we are because Gemma Teller with all her problems thinks the Club is hers. She has manipulated it from day one, brought it home to Charming. She was the Old Lady of the s called founder, and the current World Prez’s wife. Queen, Mother Gemma has seemed to believe, wrongly that she is more than just an Old Lady. Problem is Clay lets her be involved too much because of what she knows. Maybe Gemma should be the target of the hit, not just Tara. Jack’s needs to be in the club deeper, not turning his back on who he is for any woman.
If Jack’s had said, this is who I am, what I am and let Tara go in the beginning then the idiot would not be in conflict like his old man was. John was leaving the Club for a woman. John was trying to break old ties for a woman and a fresh start in Ireland. The IRA would have killed John Teller anyway because he would have hurt the Cause, by killing the guns.
Jack’s said to Bobby, If you don’t like it lay down your patch. Maybe Jack’s and John should have long before events got this far laid down their patches. Maybe Gemma should have been brought to club justice for acting like a GASH on many different occasions. Gemma plots behind every ones back, Jack’s, Clay, Club and Town. She is privy to Club business, and information she should never have. Gemma Teller is a threat, and has been the biggest threat to the Club.
BTW: The color of skin angle makes no sense, if it did then Chibbs would be voted out or never admitted long ago. Chibbs, is ex IRA, banished from them for some reason in the past but trusted by Sam Cro?
By Greg on November 4th, 2011 at 7:51 amI don’t know if you read these, but I love your blog, Fat Bob. It’s always nice to get a different perspective. I’ve watched this show from the get go, and LOVE it. It kind of seems like their winding it down, which I really hope they don’t. This is definitely one of my faves. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with Clay. He’s not making friends any where he goes.
By Nici on November 4th, 2011 at 9:30 amGreat recap on episode 9! I have watched sons since the beginning and have to say that this season has been the best so far. I thought season 3 was until this season started.
I am just speechless after every show. Kurt Sutter, the writers, the directors and the actors are so deserving of awards. But he does know how much the fans love him and his show.
Thanks for your blogs. I along with Tina Lou run some SOA pages on Facebook and would like to know if we can post your blog on our pages? It is great writing and I think the fans would so love reading it. Thanks!
By Michele Robinson on November 4th, 2011 at 1:06 pmLove having you back. Missed you last week. Love your take on the series and look forward to hearing from you.
By Kat1950 on November 4th, 2011 at 1:25 pmTime to get rid of Clay get me on the set I’ll do him
By JD on November 4th, 2011 at 9:43 pmTHE FAMILY ELEMENT IN THE SHOW IS WHAT I LOVE SEEING MORE THAN I LIKE SEEING THE SONS AND MAYANS RIDE. I THINK THAT FAMILY ELEMENT IS THE TRUTH FOR A LOT OF THE MEN WHO ARE PART OF A CLUB. I APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENT FAT BOB ABOUT THE JAX CHARACTER BEING A MAN A TAKE CARE OF HIS FAMILY.
By CHRIS H. on November 5th, 2011 at 1:53 pmI’m starting to think Clay worked out a Zobel like deal to sell out the club and line his pockets on their way out. Linc just has too much intel, like the visit from the irish that only Clay and the cartel should have. I think he is killing friends so there is nothing else hanging over his head when his deal goes through. Maybe just wishful thinking because I’ve never screamed at the tv like when he killed piney.
Jax needs to stop fooling himself, do what he needs to for his family and what is right for his club, the responsibility should be equal.
I’m kind of sick of seeing people whine on here how the club’s no black policy is racist. It’s simple, there are black clubs, there are Mexican clubs all with alliances to the sons, stick with your own. Real clubs don’t impose those rules to be racist, they do it out of kindness to their members. If you are in a predominantly white club and are black, then you go to war with a black club it would be difficult, if not downright heartbreaking. The old rules are left in place to keep members from having to ever deal with that type of conflict, that’s obvious.
Thanks Bob as always for giving us a real prospective on the most entertaining show out there.
By Shawn Kennedy on November 5th, 2011 at 7:58 pmno reaction to last week?
By batgirl on November 6th, 2011 at 3:14 amI hope Gemma and Jax kills Clay… He has turned into a BIG asshole!!!
By Sam on November 6th, 2011 at 4:58 pmi really hope jax nor tara get killed on the next show, it will break my heart : (
By jaxgurl on November 6th, 2011 at 5:52 pmWhat happened to Episode Eight? I read Fatr Bob’s Blog every week after the show and I missed #8
By ELLIE on November 7th, 2011 at 6:13 pmcan you tell me what happened to kozik? haven’t seen him in weeks. maybe i missed somethin
By Chip on November 8th, 2011 at 5:35 pmBob,
I love your blog. I cannot wait to get your take on Hands. Who’s gonna off Clay? Will it be Jax or Opie? Or, will Clay, the snakey bas… we all know he is survive this one?
I cannot wait to hear your take on things.
Candy
By Candy on November 9th, 2011 at 9:58 amI’ve never posted here before, but I feel I have to point out the obvious. Gemma is NOT just an old lady. She is the power behind the throne, and Clay better watch his back.
By Susan M. on November 9th, 2011 at 1:03 pmwhat the hell, is Clay going wacky dacky? I feel for Jax, trying to do the right thing for his family, comming clean with Opie,and now Tara might not ever operate again. I can’t believe the reviews show that other pice of poop ( Abel’s birthmom) back in the scene at a time like this.
By ELLIE on November 9th, 2011 at 2:26 pmCome on already….
I posted a comment a week ago, don’t now what happened to it.
Well, Tuesday’s episode rendered some of the last week’s issues moot. Clay is beyond sociopathic, into pure psychopath. His lie to Gemma’s face was indefensible; made me think of Don Corleone telling the heads of the other families “I will not be the one to break this truce.” But Don Corleone left it in Michael’s hands; Clay actively pursued it with the cartel.
The firefight with the Lobo Cartel indeed showed that the Sons are out of their league here; even with Galindo soldiers on board Lobo was too much. Lobo outthought and outfought them. The Sons don’t need an exit strategy, they just need to find an exit.
By Deuces Wilde on November 10th, 2011 at 12:11 pmI was looking forward to what you had to say about this week’s episode
Never thought I’d say this but I think SOA surpasses The Sopranos for me 
Hate to see it end for the season
By trish on November 10th, 2011 at 2:13 pmfat bob i friggin love your blog i’m from canada there is a big soa following here we love your blog we check every week for updatges keep up the awesome work
oh and i personally am a fan of your opld lady she sounds awesome i like her style 
By lisa on November 10th, 2011 at 3:09 pmWhere’s the blog for Episode 10? I’ve been looking forward to it
By Howard on November 11th, 2011 at 8:44 amI also found the kiss between Gemma and Unser weird and somewhat incestuous. When Juice flipped out at the sheriff’s station, I laughed. It was then that I decided that he is nuts. He had to know that was coming and that Sons can’t trust law enforcement. He had to know that he was being used as a pawn in the whole thing, but his reaction shows that he didn’t see it coming.
By Tempest on November 13th, 2011 at 4:02 pm