Sons of Anarchy
I previously blogged about media darlings back in May and wanted to provide an update about FX Networks attempt to immortalize outlaw motorcycle “clubs.” The “Sons of Anarchy” web site is now live and the FX Network TV show debut’s September 3rd.
In big budget “Hollywood” fashion the FX Network marketing folks have gone all out on this site. John Landgraf (President and GM FX, FX HD, Fox Movie Channel and FX Productions) pulled out all the stops to fund this series. The site is jam packed with information on the show with background on cast & crew, a bike gallery, videos and trailer clips. They’ve added elements of social media in that viewers can participate via mobile or in a community discussion. The “board” already has a bunch of comments weighing in on the right to wear colors. I especially liked how they took liberties with and provided a “Biker Terms” section…I guess to help those who are unfamiliar with the biker culture or vernacular and help out any hang-arounds?!
The show was originally called “Forever Sam Crow”, however, the litigation folks at Hells Angels caught wind of the pilot from Kurt Sutter (writer & director) who was in a Variety interview and noticed there were references to a specific Northern CA. motorcycle “club”…shortly after the interview hit the newswire they received a cease and desist notice from the same “club”. Something about copyright infringement so, the name of the TV show and club was changed.
Even the club slogan “Live Sons of Anarchy, Die Sons of Anarchy” rings 1%…
Production poster courtesy FX Networks.
Northwest Harley Blog 
Inside scoop, (can’t say how, sorry, some thing are better left unsaid) have it that 1%ers are not only acting as consultants, but, some from a well known SoCal Club are actually acting as extra’s.
While I do not expect the series to portray the biker lifestyle in the most positive light, I do expect it to be fairly successful among the ever growing motorcycle populace. FX picked it up for 13 episodes and it will be interesting to see if it goes beyond that.
Story line is what has me curious. Just how much can they say and do that hasn’t already been done in every B movie from the 1960s. If it gets deep into the lifestyle, I’m sure many of the larger clubs are not going to appreciate it.
On the other side, bikers coming to town to rape pilage and plunder is old moldy and quite worn out.
Personally, If i was going to do a biker flick I’d have gotten Sam Elliot to reprise his biker role from the movie the Mask with Cher and Eric Stolz. Sam is a long time rider and for a long time was a fairly familiar face at the Brownsville saloon in Oregon riding in on his harley.
Nothing like getting someone who actually lives it to play the part.
Will definately be interesting to see how long this series lasts.
Thanks for the info on this series, I had not seen it before.
1%ers make up a small sub-culture of the Motorcycle experience and while I’m sure the series may be entertaining it won’t change anything for the better as far as motorcycling is concerned.
-Dave
Ride it like you stole it
It will be interesting to see how this is played out. Sam Elliot is a good one. Many could identify with him for sure……………..Rattler
Good news: SAMCO has been picked up another season by FX
I know there’s much debate about this show…total snooze or totally awesome so, it looks like we get another season to test the water.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117993543.html?categoryId=14&cs=1
-mac
If you’re too busy to catch the show at night…new episodes are posted eight days after their initial TV broadcast and available on Hulu (http://www.hulu.com/sons-of-anarchy) for twenty-two days. The first two episodes will be up until the end of the year.