Kurt Sutter, the creator of the motorcycle gang TV series “Sons of Anarchy,” expressed his surprise at the intense level of dislike generated by the character Clay Morrow, portrayed by Ron Perlman, prior to the character’s demise in season six. The morally complex characters in “Sons of Anarchy” contributed to the show’s reputation as one of the best thriller series of the 21st century.
The tension between Clay Morrow and the protagonist Jax Teller, played by Charlie Hunnam, was a central theme in the early seasons. Sutter observed that many viewers were firmly on Team Jax, especially following the revelation that Clay had ordered the death of Jax’s father.
In a 2011 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sutter shared his surprise at the level of animosity directed towards Clay Morrow, acknowledging that the character had become one of the most hated on television. Despite Clay’s nefarious actions, Sutter emphasized that he couldn’t hate any of his characters and saw Clay’s motivations as stemming from a desperate place.
Sutter’s understanding of Clay’s character beneath the surface, despite his morally questionable actions, reflected the complexity of the characters in “Sons of Anarchy.” The tension and strong feelings surrounding Clay’s character reached a pivotal moment in the season six episode “Aon Rud Persanta,” marking a significant moment in the narrative and contributing to the show’s status as a modern homage to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
The legacy of “Sons of Anarchy” as one of the best TV series of the modern era is underscored by its intricate storytelling and the emotional impact of characters like Clay Morrow.
