Sons of Anarchy: Why does Gemma kill Tara? Details from the FX crime drama, explored

Sons of Anarchy is one of the most acclaimed drama series of all time and even after several years, it continues to draw in new fans. The show’s complex characters and the dynamics with each other forms the foundation of the narrative. It was understandably difficult for fans to get attached to a character, knowing that their fates are always shaky.

One character whose death continues to haunt fans even today is that of Tara Knowles (played by Maggie Siff). In Season 6, episode 13 titled ‘A Mother’s Work’, Tara is killed by her mother-in-law Gemma Teller (Katey Sagal) after she assumes that she was going to talk to the police about the club.

The hit FX series revolves around a motorcycle club that manages illegal and legal businesses in Charming, California. The series explores themes of brotherhood, betrayal and loyalty. Over the seven seasons of the show from 2008 to 2014, the series garnered 87% critics ratings and 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Sons of Anarchy: Why does Gemma kill Tara?

In Sons of Anarchy, Tara, and Jax Teller (played by Charlie Hunnam) have a whirlwind romance from the start. Even though Tara tries to get away from the brutalities of SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original), her relationship with Jax keeps her in Charming. She would on occasions share her frustrations about the club’s illegal arm. She even tries to sway Jax to a more rightful path, which often made her the villain, despite her good intensions.

Despite the backlash, Tara stands by Jax, even while knowing that a possibly grim future awaits him. In Season 4 of Sons of Anarchy, her career also takes a plunge when she gets injured in the aftermath of the club’s violent incident. But despite the incident, she stays with Jax.

Tara knew that Jax’s future is compromised and starts fearing for their sons. She would contemplate going to the authorities, despite knowing that it will affect her as well. Though Jax is outraged initially, he understands that she wants to save their sons from an uncertain violent future. Instead, without betraying the club, Jax volunteers to admit to the crimes, so Tara and their sons can lead a peaceful life.

But Jax and Tara’s world was about to crumble. Jax’s mother, Gemma never liked Tara from the start and her return to his life was something she detested. She was also protective of the club.

Gemma falsely believes that Tara was going to inform the authorities about the club. She felt that Tara has betrayed SAMCRO and will take her sons away from Charming. When she learns that her son was planning to turn himself in, she decides to take matter into her own hands.

Gemma would brutally murder her daughter-in-law in her house. The killing scene is nothing short of violent and gory as Gemma would use a fork to puncture Tara’s skull several times to silence her forever.

The moment also marked a turning point for Jax’s character, who goes on to not only kill his mother but also become more violent and savage. At the end Jax takes his own life after letting his sons leave Charming, as Tara had initially planned before getting killed.

Sons of Anarchy is available on Hulu.

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