Sons of Anarchy: Season One

Created by Kurt Sutter (The Shield), the 2008 FX-aired original series Sons of Anarchy marries the sensibility of an edgy cop drama with the outlaw culture of a motorcycle gang that long ago surrendered its rebel philosophy to the profits of gun running and other illegal activities. Ron Perlman is Clay, the club leader who practically runs the desert town of Charming, CA with a mix of paternal protectiveness and criminal design. Jax's mother (a fierce Katey Sagal) is married to both Clay and his criminal enterprise, but their son Jax (Charlie Hunnam), a loyal lieutenant and heir apparent, has a philosophical change of heart when he learns the extent of Clay's corruption. By the end of the 13-episode first season, the story has become a kind of Hamlet on wheels, but mostly it straddles the line between idealizing men living by a code of brotherhood and exposing the selfishness of a lifestyle that leaves enormous damage in its wake. The great cast (including Kim Coates and Mark Boone Junior as fellow members, and Dayton Callie as the sheriff in their pocket), smart writing, and raucous stories make this an addictive show. DVD extras include audio commentary by Sutter (joined by members of the cast and crew), deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes featurettes. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)