Sons of Anarchy boldly embraced the narrative strategy of killing off beloved characters, contributing to its status as one of the most gripping thriller series on television during its run. Even the central character, Jax Teller, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam, met a dramatic end in the series finale.
Notably, the series creator, Kurt Sutter, took a proactive approach in shaping the characters’ destinies. Prior to the pilot episode, Sutter gathered the Sons of Anarchy cast to divulge the intricate details of their characters’ backgrounds. This practice allowed the actors to understand the complexities of their roles, shaping the personas that viewers would come to know on a weekly basis. However, amidst this preparation, there was one character who, originally slated for demise in the pilot, managed to defy this initial fate.
Drea de Matteo, known for her portrayal of Wendy in the series, revealed to Entertainment Weekly, “When Kurt hired me to be on the show, I died in the pilot. That was it.” Despite this seemingly final fate, Matteo’s connection to the world of Sons of Anarchy went beyond initial expectations. Expressing her fondness for the show, she elaborated, “There was no expectation of my character coming back. But I think the fact that I wanted to do it at that time, [Kurt] asked me, ‘I don’t know what we’re gonna do with this, but do you want to stick around?’ I stuck around for a little bit, but I did have other engagements, so eventually I had to leave, and that worked out fine because my character could go to rehab for four seasons.”
Matteo’s unexpected survival and subsequent character development exemplify the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Sons of Anarchy’s storytelling. The series not only captivated audiences with its intense plotlines but also showcased a willingness to deviate from conventional expectations, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its compelling narrative.
