Sons of Anarchy: Season Five

This FX original series presents its dramatic story about an outlaw motorcycle gang as if it were Shakespearean tragedy. The fifth season begins with prince and heir apparent Jax (Charlie Hunnam) usurping his stepfather Clay's (Ron Perlman) role as president of the SAMCRO club. As the new leader, Jax tries to extricate SAMCRO from the drug and gun-running business, while also gathering evidence to put Clay in prison for his crimes. Not surprisingly, serious consequences ensue, especially when the main characters go to war with each other: Jax against aging lion Clay, and Jax's wife, Tara (Maggie Siff), against his mother, Gemma (Katey Sagal), who tries to stop Tara from leaving town with the grandchildren. Jimmy Smits costars as Nero Padilla, a new SAMCRO business partner and Gemma's boyfriend, while Harold Perrineau is Damon Pope, a rising drug lord from the city who targets SAMCRO for revenge for the death of his daughter. Obviously, there will be blood, as well as fire, gunplay, and plenty of righteous vengeance. Beyond the pulp dimensions of criminals in a violent world, Sons of Anarchy serves up a well-told story about vivid characters struggling in elemental conflicts, all of which is elevated to high drama. Initially a cult hit, the series is now one of FX's most popular shows. Compiling all 13 episodes from 2012 on DVD and Blu-ray, extras include extended episodes, audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)