It’s the inevitable pinnacle of the show’s bloody turmoil. As with Sutter’s previous work on The Shield, the final episode exists for storytelling, just as the penultimate exists to unsettle the stomachs of those who have loved the programme’s characters. Overall, this is a perfectly suited penultimate episode. Red Rose’s indescribable final moments lead some to question: Have we been rooting for the bad guy all along? The exception to this is, shockingly, Jax himself. They live as they do, and die as they do. When and if their demise occurs, few characters leave the viewer feeling wronged by the situation of their passing. They’re an individual with choices, all of which are understandable to a point.

What stands out from Episode 12 – beyond the shattering conclusion – is that the show has reached a point in which no character is morally right or wrong. It’s testament to Sutter’s show-running capabilities that, within ten minutes of the most important and chaotic episode of SOA to ever air, he quietly deals the cameo some fans have eagerly awaited. Gemma’s journey takes her to her childhood home via her father, whose Alzheimer’s leaves him unable to recognise her. Appearing to be purposely vague and littered with colloquialisms, it’s unclear exactly what his fate should – or will – be.

One is Jax’s decision regarding the whereabouts and retribution of his mother for the murder of his wife the other is Jax’s dealing with ‘The Forum’, a system for the numerous chapters of the titular biker club to ensure justice is served to those in charge. Red Rose balances two, equally important, tonal progressions, with club president Teller at the head of both of them. As a result, any heartbreak that occurs feels like it is already set in stone. Sutter’s superb characters have reached a milestone in their existence whereby their previous actions, having decided their fates, effectively move them forward. Sons of Anarchy’s penultimate episode explores the idea that Jax Teller’s vengeance has consumed him to the point where there is little human left.

Sons of anarchy red rose