‘Sons of Anarchy’ season 7, episode 6 review: Will Juice’s latest betrayal lead to death?
f there are many characters on “Sons of Anarchy” who have forged a cat-like ability to have nine lives over the course of the series’ run, but really there are none who seem to have this more than Juice. Theo Rossi’s character has been through many circles of hell, and yet, we almost get the feeling that he wants to dip himself further into the fire.
The latest example came tonight in “Smoke ’em If You Got ’em,” given that this is a man who willingly went back to a place where he knew that some within SAMCRO wanted him dead. Also, he didn’t kill Gemma, despite her driving him out to the middle of nowhere for one specific purpose.
So in coming back to Charming, and then trying to go to Alvarez, Juice basically became nothing more than a bargaining chip. He was handed over to Jax as a way to establish peace between the two clubs, and things aren’t looking great for Juice now. His only move may be proclaiming Gemma to be Tara’s killer, but would anyone even believe him if he said so? It’s a worthy question that this point in time.
We were legitimately worried about Nero for a time, mostly because Alvarez had decided that he had enough of his supposed flip-flopping. Yet, even Nero found a way out. We’re conflicted about whether or not the series is acting a little too conservative. There’s a part of us waiting for the big deaths, but then again, we’re glad they are not happening unless it comes organically.
On a different note, what was with the Lea Michele character tonight? We enter this article feeling somewhat conflicted. From one side of the coin, we of course enjoyed getting the opportunity to see her play a different character other than Rachel, and actually do a very good job at it. However, this role was almost a blip on the radar, and was really more about Gemma continuing to battle her demons / the ghost of Tara.
Perhaps the most interesting note in all of this is seeing how the game of telephone regarding Lin’s “actions” spread all the way to Jarry, and the almost vacant look in Unser’s eyes. This says it all when it comes to his place in the show, and the feeling that he has that the bloodbath has yet to even begin. This episode was more of a momentum builder than a catalyst, but the politics within still allow it to be worthwhile. Grade: A-.
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