Executives at FX were reportedly looking for how they could continue to cash in on the popularity of Sons of Anarchy before that show even ended back in 2014. The most talked about idea was a prequel focusing on the first nine members of SAMCRO. That may still take place at some point according to creator Kurt Sutter, but with Mayans M.C. Sutter, along with co-creator Elgin James didn’t want to simply create a Latino version of SOA, they wanted to bring something new and authentic to the audience. It’s clear after the premier that boasts impressive visuals, and captivating storylines that this is going to be something that can build on that mythology.
One new thing that you are certainly going to be made aware of early on is that FX is not going to ask Sutter and James to tone down the language, which they celebrate by dropping three F-bombs before the opening credits. I lost count somewhere around seven later as the show progressed, and I became less aware of it. The use of strong language brings a level of realism that can sometimes feel awkwardly missing from cable television shows that feature very adult themes and dire situations. Restrictions on nudity and violence have gradually decreased to a level where almost anything goes so it makes sense for language to follow suit.
Mayans M.C. may feature a largely new cast of characters faced with drastically different circumstances, but the bones of it are familiar down to the aesthetics. Truck heists, dark humor, shootouts, graveyard settings, scenes of torture; it’s all there, and when they roll away the gate to their clubhouse to show their motorcycles and walk inside to show a bar and their version of the table and gavel used for meetings, it feels eerily like home albeit a new one.
The pilot episode of Mayans M.C. titled “Perro/Oc”, picks up a few years after the finale of SOA along the California and Mexican border with the familiar sounds of a motorcycle traveling along the wall dividing the two countries. Perhaps foreshadowing the events that will unfold throughout this first season, the words, “Divided We Fall” can be seen in graffiti as a stray dog abandons the dead crow it’s eating just as the new lead character EZ Reyes (JD Pardo) rides over it on his bike. EZ is far from the Jax Teller of this story as a current Prospect, recently released from prison and trying to earn his place with the club. His brother Angel (Clayton Cardenas) is a patched member helping him to earn the trust of club President Bishop (Michael Irby) and the rest of the Mayans M.C.
Being able to see the story unfold through the eyes of EZ as a Prospect that isn’t fully privy to the club’s business is a perfect way to be thrust inside a story of deception already in progress, with many levels to uncover before the final frame of the 90-minute premier. It features flashbacks to start providing a few pieces of the puzzle explaining how the seemingly smart and well-mannered EZ now finds himself out of prison but also out of options. (Complete with a surprise appearance of a popular Son’s cast member that you’ll miss if you blink). Also advancing the narrative and shedding some light on what is going on are meetings that take place at his father Felipe’s (Edward James Olmos) butcher shop where their dealings are not as simple as they seem.
While Sons of Anarchy remained largely a story of loyalty to the club and its President for much of its tenure, it’s clear early on that for the Mayan’s there are differences of opinion on the state of the M.C. and where loyalties lie amongst its members even though everything seems cohesive on the surface.
The main discrepancy stems from the club’s business dealings taking place on both sides of the border with the Galindo Cartel and its boss Miguel Galindo (Danny Pino). Involving the Cartel adds a level of trepidation to the story just from reputation alone. While Bishop talks tough, it is still clear that there is a level of fear involved in their shaky partnership that originated with a promise from Marcus Alvarez (Emilio Rivera) reprising his role from Sons.
Add in a seemingly very complicated love story with EZ’s one time girlfriend Emily (Sarah Bolger) that is still being made clear, a group of capable rebels opposing the Galindo Cartel led by Adelita (Carla Baratta), and DEA agent Jimenez (Maurice Compte) looking to take down Miguel and you have a complicated cast of characters and storylines that are as explosive as the drug heist that sets the pilots events in motion.
I’m excited for the possibilities of where this spin-off can go and a bit surprised at how much it impressed me with its pilot. It certainly feels early on like this show has all the makings of a hit drama and if it is anything like its predecessor it will be one hell of a ride.
Overall Rating: 9 of 10
-Ben Murchison
Mayans M.C. airs Tuesday nights on FX.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZFg5sCP3iY
