Charlie Hunnam Reveals the Most Heartbreaking Moment in Sons of Anarchy History

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Throughout its seven-season span, the show’s viewers have often seen on-screen deaths coincide. Notable characters like Bobby Munson and another, were brutally taken off the series. The main character, Jax Teller, has faced numerous tragic moments due to the demise of friends, partners, and family members. These losses played a significant role in his character’s decline. It is challenging to single out one death as having the most profound impact on his character development.

In season 5, Charlie Hunnam points out a significant event that had a profound impact on Jax’s transformation from a conflicted antihero to a man engulfed by violence and sorrow: the death of Opie. This particular episode, which stands out as Hunnam’s personal favorite, left an indelible mark not only on the character but also on the entire series. To this day, it continues to be remembered fondly by fans as one of the most emotionally intense episodes in the series. For Hunnam, this episode signified a pivotal moment for his character that he believes significantly altered the course of the series.

Opie’s Death in Season 5 Is Still One of the Show’s Saddest

As the offspring of SAMCRO’s founding father, I found myself introduced in the first season as a key member of the motorcycle club. After serving time behind bars, I grappled with juggling my commitments to the club and my family life, causing friction with my wife, Donna. Initially reluctant, the pressure of finances eventually compelled me to rejoin SAMCRO’s illicit activities, leading to a chain of unfortunate events. Tragically, I was fatally shot by Tig, acting upon deceptive orders from Clay Morrow, who had been misguided into believing I was collaborating with the authorities. In the aftermath, I began a relationship with Lyla, an actress in adult films associated with one of our allies. Although it brought temporary optimism, our union eventually crumbled due to infidelity, lies, and secrets – such as Lyla’s decision to terminate a pregnancy.

Opie’s Death Episode Information
Episode TitleLaying Pipe
Season5
Episode Number3

At the start of the fifth season, Jax, Tig, and Chibs found themselves behind bars due to a trap set by Damon Pope. Opie, unwilling to leave his comrades, willingly went to prison too. In prison, Pope demanded that one member of their group be sacrificed for the release of the others. Jax volunteered, but Opie interceded instead. He was viciously murdered in front of his friends by prisoners and corrupt guards. Opie’s death marked a profoundly emotional turning point in the series. With Opie deceased, Jax lost the one person who could keep him from making progressively dangerous choices, which set off a chain reaction leading to more betrayals, homicides, and ultimately the disintegration of SAMCRO as it was known.

Charlie Hunnam Believes Opie’s Death was a Turning Point for Jax

In the span of seven seasons of Sons of Anarchy, Jax Teller faced numerous unexpected and heartbreaking losses. His wife, Tara, was killed by his mother Gemma, who thought Tara had been unfaithful to their motorcycle club, SAMCRO. Another biker friend, Bobby Munson, met a violent end at the hands of August Marks. However, according to Charlie Hunnam in an interview in 2014, it was Opie’s death that truly altered Jax, pushing him towards a darker path.

I found the episode where Opie was killed particularly impactful. During its filming, I was battling a severe flu and had a high fever, which made me extremely ill throughout the process. As a result, I was quite anxious to watch it later since I considered it such an essential episode.

Back in 2012, shortly following the airing of the show, its creator, Kurt Sutter, expressed sentiments reminiscent of his views on Opie’s demise. In his own words, he elaborated as follows:

Jax seemed to require a life-altering experience, something significant that could shape his future, and I believe the passing of his best friend, Opie, was that pivotal moment. This event will undoubtedly influence the remainder of the series for Jax, and while it’s tragic, it won’t be without purpose.

Jax needed a turning point in his life, an emotional turmoil that could redefine his journey, and the demise of Opie served as that transformative event. The impact of Opie’s death will resonate throughout the rest of the series for Jax, marking it as a significant, albeit painful, part of his story. However, this loss won’t be without reason or consequence.

Jax’s grief over Opie’s death marked a turning point in his life with the SAMCRO club. After enduring numerous hardships such as imprisonment and Abel’s abduction, Jax initially contemplated leaving the organization. However, upon ascending to the presidency of SAMCRO, he became fully immersed, compelling Tara to accept her position as old lady. He adapted new strategies, taking lessons from Damon Pope’s methodical approach to retribution. The emotional turmoil caused by Opie’s death drove him to inflict harsher punishments on others.

In my perspective, I find myself repeatedly failing at guiding SAMCRO away from the wrong path. My choices seem to impact others significantly, particularly Tara, who finds herself enmeshed in club matters. To gain access to Otto, I exploit her position as a doctor. Though Otto later refutes his testimony during the RICO case, Tara faces potential severe legal consequences for smuggling him a weapon. Nero is also drawn into our circle due to his connection with me. Sadly, I’ve found myself doing things I once promised never to do.

With passing time, he gradually morphs into a person he once detested, displaying increasingly unpredictable and vengeful behavior that surpasses anything Clay exhibited. By the later seasons, Tara is terrorized by Jax as he becomes overly possessive and paranoid, having club members trail her. Her reluctance to speak freely demonstrates the extent of Jax’s transformation since Opie’s demise. Although Tara’s and Gemma’s deaths are significant events in the series, they don’t resonate as profoundly as Opie’s does. His death triggers a chilling transformation within Jax, making him colder and more violent.

When Tara passes away, Jax’s dreams of a better life fade, and murder serves as an unexpected, jarring finale that underscores his downfall. Ultimately, Jax’s choices result in numerous lives being lost. In the end, he chooses to exit the scene, much like Opie’s sacrifice. However, his death leaves lasting effects, making his sons fatherless. Despite his intentions to break free from the club and protect Abel and Thomas, Jax ends up repeating similar errors. His demise, similar to JT before him, does not bring resolution or significant change.

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2025-06-20 03:22