We’ve heard that FX would like to have Sons of Anarchy, the new biker gang drama that premiered last night, pick up the audience left high and dry by the impending departure of The Shield – but we’re not so sure they’ll pull it off. Don’t get us wrong, we’re hooked. They’re just very different shows is all: Sons owes a debt to The Shield, it’s true – California, crime, cursing – but it’s got a more ambling pace, and wears a few other references more plainly on its tattered leather sleeve:: The Sopranos, Deadwood, and in particular Shakespeare’s longest tragedy Hamlet, with its heir apparent prodded by circumstance and family (both living and dead) into realizing his destiny. This is a quieter, more thoughtful show, and though it’s got a few kinks to work out, it’s off to a pretty good start.
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