‘Sons of Anarchy’ season 6 spoilers: Kurt Sutter on Jax’s next move after Tara’s betrayal

Tuesday night’s “Sons of Anarchy” brought to us the return of symbolism (via the homeless woman), Clay Morrow, and also the reaction that we had long been waiting for when it comes to Jax Teller and Tara’s betrayal.

Was it really a betrayal at all? This is one question that we should really ask ourselves now. While Tara’s actions were far too extreme for her own good in faking the pregnancy, her intentions were good: Trying to give the children a better life. When you consider that and the suffering that they could endure with Jax and SAMCRO, how can you make a villain out of a woman who is at least trying to do something for her family? For whatever reason, she tends to be a target of hate by the fans more so than even Gemma.

But we are not here to talk about fan reaction; instead, this article is solely about what is going to happen next. Speaking to TVLine, show creator Kurt Sutter explains that when it comes to Jax, it is wrong to assume that we are going to see a sense of immediate rage from him as a reaction to Tara’s actions. Instead, there will be a much more complicated series of emotions that are brought out:

“Tara’s betrayal was deep, but it’s a different kind of betrayal. It’s not the betrayal of an enemy or of a brother, it’s the betrayal of someone he loves and has loved his whole life — the mother of his child. I didn’t want it to be straight-up outward rage. A lot of what happens with Jax — and what will continue to happen this season — is the awareness of his part in all of this. The rage and anger that he feels, and not to go too Dr. Phil on it, is really about himself. The level of self-hate is probably greater than the sense of betrayal. So, that’s emotionally where I wanted to leave him, more crushed by it all than enraged… A guy like Jax really has to shut down and process this.”

The reason that these emotions feel exceptionally appropriate given this circumstance is simple. While you could say that “Sons of Anarchy” is a show about motorcycle clubs or violence superficially, it is a show about consequences. Jax has shown us over six years now what happens when you show no regard for those you love, while saying you do simultaneously; and in some way, you have to pay for that.

You can catch a glimpse at a promo for next week’s installment “Huang Wu” here, and stay tuned for more previews throughout the week.

Photo: FX