Does Tara Take the Boys in Sons of Anarchy? A Deep Dive into Custody and Conflict
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of whether Tara Knowles takes her sons, Abel and Thomas, is central to the dramatic arc of the later seasons of Sons of Anarchy. The short answer is yes, Tara does take the boys, but the circumstances surrounding this action are complex and fraught with emotional turmoil. Tara’s decision to remove her children from the environment of SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original) stems from her growing disillusionment with the club’s violent lifestyle and her desire to protect her sons from its destructive influence. This article delves into the details of this custody battle, providing a comprehensive look at the events leading up to and following her decision.
The Road to Custody: Tara’s Growing Disenchantment
Tara’s initial return to Charming and her renewed relationship with Jax were built on the foundation of hope. She believed that her love for Jax and his love for her could rise above the inherent darkness of SAMCRO. However, as the series progresses, Tara witnesses firsthand the brutal realities of the club’s activities. The violence, constant threats, and moral compromises take a toll on her, leading her to the conclusion that Jax’s life, and therefore her family’s life, was unsustainable.
Her increasing fear for her sons’ safety is the driving force behind her desire to remove them from the club’s influence. She becomes desperate to protect Abel and Thomas from the same cycle of violence and crime that has defined Jax’s life and those around him. This desperation culminates in her decision to leave Jax and take their children with her.
Taking the Boys: The Season Six Finale
The climax of Tara’s struggle is seen in the season six finale. Faced with the grim reality that SAMCRO will never change, she makes a move to secure her children’s safety. Her actions are not only driven by fear but also by a strategic plan to divorce Jax and cut all ties with the club. The episode sees Jax and the club reeling from the fact that Tara has not only taken the children, but has also likely made a deal with the District Attorney (D.A.) Patterson. This sets off a chain of events that escalates the tension and leads to tragic consequences.
Initially, Jax launches a manhunt for Tara, convinced that she is planning to betray SAMCRO. However, when he finds her playing with their sons at the park, he surprisingly reveals that he has no intention of harming her. This moment underscores the fractured relationship between Jax and Tara, a complex mixture of love, distrust, and ultimately, heartbreak.
Custody and Beyond: The Aftermath
Following her departure, Tara does not initially win full legal custody. Instead, Tara gives custody of Abel and Thomas to Wendy, Jax’s ex-wife and Abel’s biological mother. Wendy is initially seen as a surprising choice. Tara didn’t give custody to her boss and close friend, Margaret Murphy, who would have been a better option, being less associated with the outlaw life and better equipped to keep the kids away from SAMCRO. However, Tara’s choice of Wendy indicates that Tara knew Wendy “knew the pain and destruction of the life” and would protect the kids as “family”.
Despite not maintaining direct custody, Tara’s actions trigger a series of dramatic events that culminate in her tragic death at the hands of Jax’s mother, Gemma Teller Morrow. This event reshapes the entire narrative, leading Jax down a path of revenge and ultimately to his own self-destructive end. The boys become a central reason for Jax to try and change things before he does.
The boys are ultimately placed under Wendy’s care following Tara’s death. This decision, while seemingly unconventional, is made with the intention of shielding them from the dangers associated with SAMCRO. Despite Wendy’s own past struggles, she ultimately proves to be a protector of the children, honoring Tara’s wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Tara want to take the boys away from Jax?
Tara’s primary motivation was to protect Abel and Thomas from the dangerous and violent lifestyle associated with SAMCRO. She had witnessed the club’s destructive nature and concluded that their lives would be better without it. She also wanted to protect them from the cycle of violence. She was seeking a divorce from Jax and wanted sole custody of the boys with no contact with Jax or SAMCRO.
2. Did Tara plan to rat on SAMCRO to get custody?
Tara was on the brink of making a deal with D.A. Patterson in order to gain legal leverage for custody. Although Tara’s intent was not to betray SAMCRO, it is a major cause for Gemma’s paranoia and ultimately Gemma killing Tara.
3. How did Jax react when Tara took the boys?
Initially, Jax was angry and launched a manhunt for Tara, assuming she intended to betray the club. However, upon finding her, Jax surprisingly told her he wouldn’t harm her, revealing a complex mix of love and distrust in their relationship. However, he was unaware of the level of her intention.
4. Why did Tara give custody to Wendy instead of Margaret?
Tara chose Wendy because she believed Wendy knew the pain and destruction of the outlaw life and would do her best to protect the children. Wendy also had a prior relationship with Abel. Ultimately, she believed that Wendy would be family.
5. Did Tara ever truly want to divorce Jax?
Yes, Tara did want to divorce Jax. Her desperation to escape the club’s influence, coupled with her fear for her children’s safety, drove her to file for divorce and seek sole custody of Abel and Thomas.
6. What were the terms of Tara’s divorce?
Tara sought sole custody of Abel and Thomas and wanted to sever all ties between her sons and SAMCRO, including no contact with Jax.
7. Did Jax cheat on Tara?
Yes, Jax did cheat on Tara on multiple occasions throughout their relationship. He did it as a result of his emotional unavailability and the strained relationship he had with Tara.
8. Did Jax and Tara reconcile before she died?
Yes, Jax and Tara did reconcile after a period of distance and distrust. He eventually realized her motivations for her actions and forgave her for faking her pregnancy and miscarriage.
9. What happened to the boys after Tara’s death?
After Tara’s death, Wendy ultimately assumes responsibility for raising Abel and Thomas.
10. Did Jax leave Abel at any point?
Yes, while searching for his kidnapped son, Jax briefly considered leaving Abel with a loving couple, but was ultimately prevented by a rogue IRA member.
11. Did Tara ever rat out Jax or SAMCRO?
No, Tara did not rat out Jax or SAMCRO. Gemma’s paranoia about Tara’s actions and intent leads to Gemma killing Tara.
12. What ultimately caused Jax to find out who killed Tara?
Juice eventually tells Jax the truth about Tara’s death, revealing that Gemma was the one who killed her. Juice was forced to tell the truth.
13. Did Jax ever truly love Tara?
Yes, Jax and Tara were high-school sweethearts, and she was his “old lady”. Despite the challenges in their relationship, Jax’s love for Tara was a central part of the series, and he loved her with all of his heart.
14. Why did Gemma hate Tara?
Gemma and Tara had a contentious relationship marked by distrust. Gemma’s hatred peaked when she believed Tara was about to betray SAMCRO. However, Gemma’s paranoia and need to protect her son were the main drivers behind her actions against Tara.
15. How does Jax react when he finds out Gemma killed Tara?
After learning the truth, Jax is devastated and enraged, leading him on a path of revenge against his own mother. He ultimately kills Gemma as a result.
By exploring these questions, we can better understand the tragic events that unfolded in Sons of Anarchy, and how the complexities of love, family, and the destructive influence of violence shaped the fates of these characters. Tara’s desire to protect her sons was the driving force behind many of the key moments in the show’s later seasons.