Set against the backdrop of the fictional town of Charming, California, the acclaimed series Sons of Anarchy chronicles the tumultuous journey of a motorcycle club, initially helmed by President Clay Morrow (portrayed by Ron Perlman) alongside VP Jackson “Jax” Teller. Spanning seven gripping seasons, the show navigates the club’s challenges, both internal conflicts and external rivalries.
Jax, the progeny of club co-founder John “JT” Teller, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident during Jax’s childhood, grapples with the shadow of his father’s legacy. Following JT’s death, Clay ascended to leadership and married Jax’s mother, Gemma (played by Katey Sagal). However, this new family dynamic was fraught with secrets and lies. The narrative is ignited when Jax discovers his father’s manifesto, a document outlining JT’s vision for the club, which inspires him to rekindle that vision. Nevertheless, this revelation may also signal the beginning of Jax’s tragic downfall and chaotic events for other characters.
A Cursed Legacy: The Shadow of JT’s Manifesto
Unleashing Chaos: The Manifesto’s Dark Influence
John Teller, alongside his close companion Piermont “Piney” Winston (William Lucking), founded SAMCRO after serving in Vietnam. Upon returning to a country in decline, they sought to reclaim a sense of brotherhood. JT and Piney established the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club, but financial struggles soon led them into the depths of the black market. As SAMCRO deviated from JT’s founding principles, a series of personal tragedies, marital strife, and feelings of betrayal compelled him to pen his manifesto, The Life and Death of Sam Crow: How the Sons of Anarchy Lost Their Way.
This manifesto articulated JT’s vision for SAMCRO, describing ideas that could steer the club back to its original ideals. Although the complete document remains undisclosed, snippets revealed throughout the series provide insight into his disillusionment with the club’s direction, outlining how the notion of freedom requires significant sacrifice. He expressed concerns about the path SAMCRO had taken, noting that the club had spiraled beyond his control following his death, particularly under Clay’s leadership.
Jax’s discovery of this manuscript at the series’ outset set him on a path of trying to uphold his father’s ideals. However, this quest appears to herald only disaster and turmoil, leading to the speculation that the manifesto may carry a curse.
The theory postulated by CBR suggests that those who come into contact with JT’s manuscript meet brutal ends, correlating the deaths of central characters – Jax’s wife Tara (Maggie Siff), Piney, Clay, Gemma, and finally Jax himself – with their connection to the text. Each death, although not always a direct consequence of the manuscript, reinforces the idea of its ominous influence.
Tara’s demise came at the hands of Gemma, driven by her belief that Tara betrayed the club; Piney was killed by Clay to silence him regarding JT’s death; Jax murdered Clay out of revenge for his wrongdoing; Gemma’s death was the result of Jax avenging Tara; and ultimately, Jax’s own fate was sealed by his choices.
A Tragic Death Amplified: Opie’s Sacrifice
Collateral Damage: Opie’s Heart-Wrenching End
Included in the curse theory is one of the most heart-wrenching moments from Sons of Anarchy – the death of Opie (Ryan Hurst). Although he never personally read JT’s manifesto, the narrative positions him as a casualty of its ominous legacy. As Piney’s son and Jax’s lifelong friend, Opie shared a deep bond with the SAMCRO ideals, even when he began to feel disillusioned following personal losses, including the murders of his wife and father.
Despite his growing distaste for the club, Opie ultimately chose to sacrifice himself for his brothers in a harrowing season 5 episode. Faced with a brutal ultimatum to save Jax and others from prison, he stepped forward to take on the fatal obligation himself, making his death one of the most impactful moments in the series.
If the curse theory holds some truth, Opie’s tragic end would be even more poignant, as he did not even interact with the manifesto yet still fell victim to its dark repercussions.
Breaking the Cycle: Jax’s Redemption for His Sons
In Conclusion: Jax’s Defiance Against Fate
If indeed there was a curse tethered to JT’s manifesto, Jax made proactive steps to dismantle that legacy on two significant occasions. He decisively destroyed all copies of his father’s manifesto, eliminating the threat to his family and anyone who might encounter the script. Concurrently, he initiated his own writings, symbolizing a break from the turmoil.
In the series finale, Jax took his adherence to protecting his children a step further by orchestrating their departure from Charming. He arranged for his sons to be taken away from the tumultuous lifestyle alongside Nero (Jimmy Smits) and Wendy (Drea de Matteo), ensuring they would not inherit the violent culture associated with SAMCRO. Nevertheless, the passing of Gemma’s ring may foreshadow a potential return to this outlaw life for his son in the future.
Source: CBR.