Kurt Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy, centering on an outlaw California motorcycle gang, aired on FX for seven seasons from 2008-14, so a ready-made fan base exists for this spin-off that Sutter created with musician-filmmaker Elgin James. Not a direct sequel so much as a lesser cousin to the earlier series (although a few characters from Sons show up here), Mayans M.C. focuses on a Latino bike gang that operates on the Mexico-California border, as well as a drug cartel headed by the Galindo clan. The main character is EZ Reyes (J.D. Pardo), a young man just out of prison who is recruited for the Santo Padre charter of the Mayans. His older brother Angel (Clayton Cardenas), already a member, is not entirely pleased—worrying that EZ might steal some of his thunder—and the family dynamic is further complicated by the attitude of Felipe (Edward James Olmos), the boys’ father, and the presence of a cousin who is a DEA agent. EZ’s life is made even more difficult by the fact that his childhood sweetheart, Emily (Sarah Bolger), is married to cartel leader Miguel (Danny Pino), who faces a challenge from a rival organization. Although the various narrative threads are not always ideally spliced together, they do make for a satisfyingly complex mix, and the arrival of Happy Lowman (David Labrava), another figure from Sons, serves as a setup to address major issues tormenting EZ. Compiling all 10 episodes from the 2018 debut season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
Mayans M.C.: The Complete First Season
Fox, 4 discs, 606 min., not rated, DVD: $29.99
Mayans M.C.: The Complete First Season
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