‘Sons of Anarchy’: 8 Unforgettable Moments

Many people would agree that Sons of Anarchy ranks among the greatest television shows ever created. Each episode plunged the series into darker, more complex territories, making a significant impact on the landscape of dramatic TV. Discussions about the show’s standout moments continue to engage both fans and critics alike.

The series not only revitalized the careers of actors like Ron Pearlman and Katey Sagal but also propelled Charlie Hunnam to A-list status. It became a pivotal point for cast members like Theo Rossi and Tommy Flanagan. Due to its popularity, the show even inspired a spinoff — Mayans M.C. — which focuses on a rival motorcycle club.

Let’s revisit some of the most memorable, dark, and surprising moments from Sons of Anarchy — as originally shared by Rolling Stone.

Although the series has had more brutal scenes, one moment in the first season stands out. In Episode 5, a disgraced SAMCRO member has his SoA tattoo burned off with a blowtorch. This dark act set the tone for what fans could expect from the show moving forward.

The romance between Tig (Kim Coates) and Venus (Walton Goggins) culminated in a touching, heartfelt confession of feelings in Season 7. Their tearful heart-to-heart was one of the series’ most beautiful and vulnerable moments. This impactful storyline earned Goggins a nomination for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series at the 5th Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

One of the rules barring someone from being a SAMCRO member was if they had African-American ancestry. Juan Carlos “Juice” Ortiz (Theo Rossi) found himself in a precarious situation trying to conceal his biracial heritage. Under pressure from the sheriff to gather incriminating evidence on the club, Juice’s attempt to steal cocaine went awry, leading to a killing and a tragic unraveling of his character.

Among the show’s brutal deaths, Opie Winston’s was especially heart-wrenching. In Season 5, understanding the dire circumstances, Opie sacrificed himself for Jax (Hunnam), Chibs (Flanagan), and Tig during a violent prison brawl. As Opie was fatally struck by a lead pipe, he bled out on the cold hard ground while his SAMCRO brothers could only watch in horror.

Series creator Kurt Sutter often appeared on-screen as the unsettling “Big” Otto Delaney. One of Otto’s most memorable moments involved biting off his own tongue. During a tense interrogation by an ex-Marshall, the brother of a nurse Otto had killed, Otto’s refusal to speak culminated in his shocking act of self-mutilation, adding to the show’s dark legacy.

Gemma (Katey Sagal) was portrayed as a tough and unforgiving character, but the Season 3 premiere offered a rare glimpse into her vulnerability. While on the run, she visits her father, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. This encounter reveals a more timid and delicate side of Gemma, deepening her character’s complexity.

Before the infamous tongue-biting incident, Otto committed another shocking act: the murder of a nurse using his late wife’s crucifix. This dark and violent act was Otto’s twisted method to prevent the U.S. attorney’s office from pressuring him to betray his SAMCRO brothers, showcasing his distorted sense of honor.

Tara Knowles (Maggie Siff) was Jax Teller’s great love and the mother of his children. However, she could never escape the looming presence of Gemma. In the Season 6 finale, assuming Tara was going to betray SAMCRO, Gemma violently attacked and killed her with a barbecue fork. This death was both tragic and unexpected, marking one of the series’ most devastating moments.