"Sons Of Anarchy" - The Final Days: Cast Reaction To A Memorable Ride

Posted on Thursday, August 21, 2014

BY: Marjorie Galas, Editor

At first glance, Comic Con may seem like an odd fit for “Sons of Anarchy.” However, the show’s popularity at the Con was explained by series regular Kim Coates (Alex ‘Tig’ Trager.)

“It’s a family drama; you find yourself in it,” said Coates. “Tig on paper looks like a complete __hole, but when you see him, he’s funny, he has heart, he’s loveable. Kurt Sutter is brilliant and creating these amazing characters. There is someone for everyone within this family – military officers, grandmothers, kids in college.”

Now heading into its final season, the cast members unanimously admit they are in denial of the show’s pending conclusion. Currently shooting the last portion of the season, they are digging in and focusing on the tasks at hand, which primarily include staying alive.

“I just turn the page to see if I’m still alive,” said Dayton Callie (Chief Wayne Unser). “I mean, I’ve been friends with these people for over seven years, and they are dying in the script.”

Added Katey Sagal (Gemma Teller Morrow) “It is hard to say goodbye, but I’m grateful to have played this character. Gemma has been complex, interesting and scary to play at times, and roles like that don’t come along often. It is bittersweet. I’m in denial. I think everyone is just appreciating the moment.”

Coming off the television critics association fall conference, creator Kurt Sutter was excited to be discussing the final season at Comic Con, feeling the fans’ enthusiasm for the show would reinvigorate the cast and crew after many days of rather dry interviews. While not discussing any actual events, Sutter hinted that the consequences of bad, blood soaked choices made throughout the series will affect the lives of the characters by referencing a famous Arthur Miller quote – “The chickens will come home to roost.”

“We’ve killed a lot of chickens over the years and we can’t just walk off into the sunset on a happy beat,” said Sutter. “I think the fans will accept that, and I think the fans will accept that it is an appropriate conclusion.”

“Sons of Anarchy” producer Paris Barclay is pleased to have given television history a complex drama for its record books. In looking back, he credits lead actors who have great dispositions, who are leaders and who give their all to the project as a key factor to the series continued success.

“Charlie Hunnam is more than just a good actor, he’s funny, he’s light hearted, he’s committed and he’s dedicated,” said Barclay. “Like Halle Berry or Julianna Margulies, Charlie is amongst those actors who lead the cast in a good light and don’t get exhausted and lose their minds. These actors all come committed to the show and the job.”

All the actors who attended Comic Con have not only been 100% committed to the show, but equally happy to be part of something unique and rare. David Labrava (Happy) was enthusiastic about the show’s portrayal of different segments of a rarely seen California lifestyle, and was shot on location to maintain authenticity. Drea de Matteo was happy to come in everyday to a family of actors who were not only committed to the show, but to each other on a personal level. Theo Rossi was happy to be part of a series that was as devoted to storytelling as the great independent film of the 70s were.

“A lot of today’s films are built with short attention spans in mind,” said Rossi. “Television, especially cable, is creating mini movies that are well written and acted. Our characters go on a journey. They live outside the grid where there isn’t always a happy ending.”

“To me, the beauty of the show is the full spectrum of reactions. I am as engaged with viewers who are unhappy as happy. When it ends, I want people to feel it was complete. If I do that, I’ve done my job,” said Sutter. “I’d like people to walk away feeling glad they’ve invested in a piece of TV history.”

To learn more about “Sons of Anarchy” please visit: http://www.fxnetworks.com/soa