ART AND POLITICS

I've gotten many nasty blog comments and more than a few threatening emails from people upset about my political musings on this blog. Not just the fact that they're extremely left (although I'm guessing that's a large chunk of it) but the fact that I'm mixing my politics with discussions about my show. As I wind down this first season of Anarchy, it seems like a good time to briefly weigh in on that beef. First of all, it's called Freedom of Speech. This is my personal blog. I do not speak for any show, film or production. I'm gonna express myself whether I have seven readers or seven thousand. These are my experiences, my opinions. There are millions of other blogs out there. If mine offends you, remove it from your bookmarks. And stop fucking whining. Secondly, Art is Politics. Always has been, always will be. In every culture, in every country, through history, art has always been a reflection of social issues. From the Italian Renaissance to fucking Punk Rock, words, sounds and images are the most powerful tools that men possess. Thirdly, Sons of Anarchy is a political show. It's all about the corruption and manipulation of the American dream. How freedom is often achieved through violence and how the pursuit of happiness is often achieved through greed. Outlaw clubs have a rich history in political outspokenness. From Sonny offering the aid of the 81 in 'Nam, to a recent Midwestern MC's support of McCain. Motorcycle clubs are an all American sub-culture. Harleys are apple fucking pie. Fourthly, I've earned the right to express my political point of view. I'm educated, I'm aware and I vote. My passion for Barack Obama is because I believe in this country. I believe that we can pull ourselves out of this economic hole and repair the global shame that the last eight years has brought down on us. It's not really a partisan thing. I think you can tell that I'm not really a tow-the-party-line kinda guy. If I thought McCain had a better vision I'd have no problem voting Republican. I don't. I think he's eleven kinds of dangerous. That's just my opinion. It's just my blog.

LUMPY UPDATE

7 months. I was never a small dog kinda guy. I've always had biggish, dopey rescue dogs. Love the freaks. But Katey wanted a smaller dog. She did the research and decided on a French Bulldog. So we got one a few years ago. Lola is a great dog. So great, we got another. Lumpy was my birthday present. He's such a great fucking dog. They're tough to train, but worth it. Smart, loyal, a tenacious watch dog, super playful and most importantly -- how can you not smile when you come home and see that mug?

SOA TWO

We got the word today that we were picked up for a second season. The news came earlier than I thought. Needless to say, I'm thrilled. The one thing I told reporters today (okay, actually there was only one) was that the success of the show can be attributed to the fierce loyalty of the viewers. People are tuning in, telling their friends and coming back -- every week. Calling it a grass roots movement is a bit too dramatic, but there is something very satisfying knowing that the core fanbase of this show springs from towns and cities not unlike Charming, CA. Again, thanks for all the support. The official FX press release is below. FX PICKS UP SECOND SEASON OF NEW DRAMA SONS OF ANARCHY Frosh Series Is FX’s Most Successful in Delivery of Adults 18-49 Since Rescue Me. Network Places 13-Episode Order from Fox 21 and FX Productions. LOS ANGELES, October 6, 2008 – FX plans to keep the motor running on its critically acclaimed biker drama Sons of Anarchy, picking up the series for a 13-episode second season order, today announced John Landgraf, President and General Manager of FX Networks. Since its premiere, the ratings for Sons of Anarchy have been very strong and remarkably consistent among the network’s target demo of Adults 18-49. On a weekly five-telecast cume basis, Sons is averaging 3.5 million Adults 18-49, and the fourth week of the show delivered more Adults 18-49 than its premiere week. On a weekly five-telecast cume, the series is averaging 5.4 million total viewers and has retained 97% of its total viewers since premiere. Based on week-to-week ratings, Sons of Anarchy is FX’s most consistent first year drama ever and the network’s most successful since Rescue Me. “It’s incredibly gratifying to everyone at FX in at this time when The Shield – the show that got our critically acclaimed original programming brand started – is airing its final season, their loyal audience has embraced Sons of Anarchy and made it a success,” said Landgraf. “We’re also very proud of the day-in-day-out creative excellence the Sons of Anarchy writers and actors are bringing to the table.” Sons of Anarchy stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal and Ron Perlman and was created by Kurt Sutter who also serves as Executive Producer. John Linson and Art Linson are Executive Producers. "Sons of Anarchy has been a fantastic collaboration between the producers, Fox21 and FX and we are thrilled about this second season pick-up," said Fox21 Senior Vice President Jane Francis. "This enormously talented cast and crew have produced a truly distinctive and remarkable television series, and viewers have responded. We couldn't be more pleased." Sutter said, “I think the underlying themes of family and the common man's fight against oppressive corporate greed has grabbed people's attention. It's relatable, it's very timely and it's why the audience is coming back week after week. I love the action and the dark places the show goes, but ultimately it's the bigger, more poignant themes that inspire me.” Sons of Anarchy is an adrenalized drama with darkly comedic undertones about a notorious outlaw motorcycle club intent on protecting their sheltered small town against encroaching drug dealers, corporate developers and overzealous law officers. The club is equally determined to protect their ruthless and illegal thriving arms business. Charlie Hunnam stars as Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller, a man whose love for the brotherhood is tested by his growing apprehension for its lawlessness. Katey Sagal stars as Gemma Teller Morrow, Jax’s force-of-nature mother, who along with Ron Perlman as Clarence ‘Clay’ Morrow, Jax’s stepfather and MC president, have their own darker vision for the club.