What I’m Watching: Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy: Season 2, Episode 5 “Smite” (B+)

Things are really getting very intense between the Sons of Anarchy and the white supremacists. The revelation that Opie was caught on camera blowing up AJ’s property is a major thing, especially considering he was involved in the botched hit that sent the other hitman, Bobby, to jail in the time between seasons one and two. Ethan’s really trying to ignite things, and the fact that his daughter was the one who tricked Gemma into getting into her car and turned her over to AJ and the other rapists means that he’s far more directly connected than it seemed. Now that Gemma has seen her wandering around town, she’ll likely track her down and seek out her revenge as a way of getting back at the much more sinister and dangerous men. Her newfound closeness to Tara is really great, though I’m glad that she hasn’t lost her traditional flair and still manages to defiantly storm out of her therapy session. We’re almost to the point where Jax and Clay will actually come to blows and become enemies, and it’s going to incredibly interesting to watch. The most astounding confrontation in this episode, however, takes place at the police station. The honest conversation between Uncer and Hale is a rare moment of truth for this show, and Uncer’s confession that he believes Hale should be the good cop because he’s already corrupt was pretty moving. The criminals on this show are compelling, but the cops and their very complicated ties are equally fascinating.