Clay Morrow’s increasingly brutal and erratic behavior in Sons of Anarchy reached a terrifying climax when he ordered the attempted murder of Tara Knowles. The episode where this pivotal event unfolds is Season 4, Episode 11, “Call of Duty.” In this episode, viewers witness the culmination of Clay’s paranoia and desire to silence Tara, ultimately altering the course of the series forever.
The Anatomy of a Betrayal: Decoding Clay’s Actions
Clay’s decision to have Tara killed wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment act. It was the result of a carefully orchestrated plan, born from fear and self-preservation. Let’s examine the contributing factors that led to this shocking event.
Fueling Clay’s Paranoia: Tara’s Knowledge and Threat
Tara possessed incriminating knowledge about Clay’s involvement in the First 9 murders, specifically the murder of John Teller, Jax’s father. Her growing unease and threatened disclosure of this information posed a direct and immediate threat to Clay’s power within SAMCRO. Clay knew that if Tara revealed the truth, it would not only destroy his leadership position but also potentially land him in prison. He perceived her as a loose end, a liability that needed to be eliminated. The deeper Tara dug, the more desperate Clay became.
Power Struggle Within SAMCRO: Loyalty and Doubt
Beyond the specific knowledge Tara held, Clay was also facing growing dissent within SAMCRO. Jax’s increasing maturity and leadership potential, coupled with the lingering questions about John Teller’s death, fueled a power struggle within the club. Clay feared losing control, and eliminating Tara was seen as a way to consolidate his power and silence any opposition, further cementing his dominance. The internal strife and fractured loyalty within SAMCRO created an environment where such a drastic action became thinkable.
The Aftermath: Ripple Effects and Consequences
The attempted murder of Tara had profound and lasting consequences for SAMCRO and its members. It irrevocably damaged Jax and Clay’s relationship, setting them on a collision course. It also exposed the depth of Clay’s corruption and brutality to the rest of the club, further eroding his authority. Ultimately, the attack on Tara was a catalyst for significant change within SAMCRO, leading to a period of intense internal conflict and ultimately, Clay’s downfall. This event highlighted the destructive nature of unchecked power and the devastating consequences of secrets and lies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay’s Actions and Tara’s Fate
Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Clay’s actions and Tara’s ultimate destiny in Sons of Anarchy.
FAQ 1: Did Clay Order Other Hits Before Attempting to Kill Tara?
Yes. Clay had previously ordered the murders of Piney Winston, another member of the First 9, to protect his secrets. This established a pattern of Clay resorting to violence to silence those who threatened his power or exposed his past transgressions. This pattern demonstrates a callous disregard for human life when his authority was jeopardized.
FAQ 2: Who Carried Out the Attack on Tara?
Clay hired a group of Nomad prospects, men not yet fully patched members of SAMCRO, to carry out the attack. He deliberately chose individuals outside of the main SAMCRO charter to minimize the risk of the hit being traced back to him directly. This demonstrated Clay’s cunning and manipulative nature.
FAQ 3: Why Didn’t Clay Just Leave Town Instead of Trying to Kill Tara?
For Clay, leaving town wasn’t an option. He was deeply entrenched in SAMCRO, and his identity and power were intrinsically tied to the club. Leaving would have meant abandoning everything he had worked for and admitting guilt. He was also likely afraid of being hunted down by Jax and the other members if he simply disappeared. His obsession with power outweighed any desire for self-preservation.
FAQ 4: Did Tara Suspect Clay Was Behind the Attack Before She Knew for Sure?
Yes, Tara became increasingly suspicious of Clay after Piney’s death and the events leading up to the attack. She recognized the pattern of violence and Clay’s desperation to protect his secrets. This growing suspicion contributed to her decision to collect evidence and prepare to leave Charming. Her intuitive understanding of Clay’s character ultimately led her to the truth.
FAQ 5: How Did Jax React When He Found Out Clay Was Responsible?
Jax’s reaction was one of intense rage and betrayal. This realization marked a turning point in his character development, leading him down a darker path of revenge and violence. He wrestled with the conflicting emotions of loyalty to SAMCRO and the profound betrayal by Clay, a man he had once considered a father figure. This knowledge fueled his desire for retribution.
FAQ 6: Did Gemma Know About Clay’s Plan to Kill Tara?
While Gemma didn’t directly participate in the planning, she was aware of Clay’s growing paranoia and his desire to silence Tara. She chose to remain silent, protecting Clay despite her own complicated relationship with Tara. Her complicity through silence contributed to the tragedy.
FAQ 7: How Did the Attack on Tara Affect Her Profession as a Doctor?
The attack had a significant impact on Tara’s ability to practice medicine. The trauma she experienced made it difficult for her to connect with patients and trust those around her. The physical and emotional scars served as a constant reminder of the violence she had endured. She struggled to reconcile her healing profession with the violence and betrayal that had become a central part of her life.
FAQ 8: What Evidence Did Tara Have That Could Implicate Clay in John Teller’s Murder?
Tara possessed John Teller’s original manuscript, which contained details about his concerns regarding Clay’s leadership and involvement in potentially illegal activities. She also had notes and documents that corroborated her suspicions, gathered from her research into SAMCRO’s history. These documents became valuable leverage against Clay.
FAQ 9: Did Clay Ever Express Remorse for Trying to Kill Tara?
While Clay may have shown moments of apparent remorse throughout the series, it’s debatable whether those feelings were genuine or simply a manipulation tactic to maintain his position within SAMCRO. His primary concern always remained self-preservation, and any regret he expressed was likely rooted in the consequences of his actions rather than genuine empathy for Tara. Authenticity remains questionable with Clay.
FAQ 10: Was the Attack on Tara the Only Reason Jax Eventually Killed Clay?
The attack on Tara was a significant factor, but it wasn’t the sole reason Jax ultimately killed Clay. The murder of Piney, Clay’s role in John Teller’s death, and his overall corruption and destructive influence on SAMCRO all contributed to Jax’s final decision. It was the culmination of years of betrayal and violence that led Jax to take drastic action. The attack on Tara acted as the final straw.
FAQ 11: Could Tara Have Prevented the Attack by Going to the Police?
Going to the police would have been a risky move for Tara. It could have jeopardized her own safety and the safety of those she cared about. It also would have likely triggered a violent conflict between SAMCRO and law enforcement, potentially leading to further bloodshed. Ultimately, Tara felt trapped, unsure of who to trust and how to escape the cycle of violence. The risk associated with police intervention deterred her.
FAQ 12: What Were the Long-Term Psychological Effects of the Attack on Tara?
The attack left Tara with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and a deep-seated fear of violence. She struggled to trust anyone, and her relationships were constantly strained by the trauma she had experienced. The attack fundamentally changed her personality, leaving her with lasting scars that never fully healed.