Gemma Teller Morrow and Tig Trager’s hookup occurs in Season 7, Episode 6, “Smoke ‘em If You Got ‘em.” This unexpected pairing sent shockwaves through the Sons of Anarchy fanbase, prompting questions about its origins, motivations, and ultimate impact on the show’s narrative.
A Controversial Coupling: Decoding the Hookup
The relationship between Gemma, the matriarchal force behind the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (SAMCRO), and Tig, the loyal but often unhinged Sergeant-at-Arms, was complex long before their brief romantic entanglement. Tig’s fierce loyalty to Gemma stemmed from her connection to Clay Morrow and his own unwavering dedication to the club. Gemma, in turn, often manipulated Tig, using his blind devotion to her advantage.
The catalyst for their hookup in “Smoke ’em If You Got ’em” stemmed from a combination of grief, desperation, and a twisted sense of connection. Gemma, reeling from the consequences of her actions – specifically, her murder of Tara Knowles – sought solace and a brief escape from the overwhelming guilt. Tig, grieving the loss of Venus Van Dam and plagued by his own demons, found himself drawn to Gemma’s vulnerability, however fleeting. The intimacy was raw and transactional, lacking genuine affection. It was an act driven by brokenness, not love.
The aftermath of this encounter was just as significant as the act itself. While it didn’t blossom into a lasting relationship, it further complicated their dynamic and highlighted the moral decay that was consuming the characters and the club. It also served to reinforce Gemma’s manipulative power and Tig’s willingness to compromise his own well-being for the sake of those he was loyal to.
Unraveling the Complexity: Frequently Asked Questions
This section delves into some of the most pressing questions surrounding Gemma and Tig’s relationship and its impact on the overall narrative of Sons of Anarchy.
H3: Why did Gemma and Tig hook up?
The hookup was driven by shared trauma and desperation. Gemma was drowning in guilt and sought temporary relief, while Tig was reeling from loss and found himself drawn to Gemma’s perceived vulnerability. It was a desperate act born from the toxic environment they inhabited. It wasn’t about love; it was about finding a momentary escape from their individual and shared pain.
H3: How did Jax react to Gemma and Tig hooking up?
Jax never explicitly discovered that Gemma and Tig had hooked up. This knowledge remained within Gemma and Tig, adding another layer of unspoken tension and complicity to their interactions. The information, had Jax known, would have undoubtedly further fueled his anger and disillusionment with his mother and his club.
H3: Was Tig in love with Gemma?
While Tig held a strong loyalty and perhaps even an infatuation with Gemma due to her position and the connection to Clay, it’s unlikely he was truly “in love” with her in a romantic sense. His feelings were more akin to admiration, devotion, and a willingness to follow her orders, often regardless of the consequences. The hookup was more about shared vulnerability and a desperate attempt to connect than a genuine expression of romantic love.
H3: Did Gemma truly care for Tig?
Gemma’s feelings for Tig were complicated. She appreciated his unwavering loyalty and often relied on him to carry out her plans, no matter how morally questionable. However, her treatment of him was often manipulative, using his devotion to her advantage. While she may have felt a certain level of affection and reliance on him, it was largely transactional and self-serving. Genuine, selfless care was not a defining characteristic of Gemma’s relationships.
H3: What impact did the hookup have on Tig’s relationship with Venus Van Dam?
The hookup occurred after Venus’s traumatic kidnapping and torture, and it deeply affected Tig. He was clearly struggling with the trauma he had witnessed and the loss he felt after Venus left to cope with her own ordeal. While their relationship eventually rekindled, the event highlighted Tig’s vulnerability and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to alleviate his pain, even if temporarily. The hookup with Gemma served as a stark contrast to his genuine affection and love for Venus.
H3: How did this event contribute to the show’s overall themes?
The Gemma/Tig hookup epitomized the moral decay and desperation that plagued Sons of Anarchy. It showcased the lengths to which characters would go to cope with trauma, guilt, and loss, even if it meant compromising their own values. It highlighted the toxic environment of the club and its corrosive effect on relationships.
H3: Was there any foreshadowing of Gemma and Tig hooking up earlier in the series?
While there wasn’t explicit foreshadowing, Tig’s unwavering loyalty to Gemma and his willingness to do her bidding, even when it involved morally reprehensible acts, suggested a deep-seated connection and admiration. He frequently defended her and acted as her protector, hints of which were present throughout the series. This unquestioning loyalty, combined with their shared experiences, laid the groundwork for their desperate encounter.
H3: How did the writers decide on this plot point?
While the specifics of the writers’ room remain largely undisclosed, it’s likely the decision to have Gemma and Tig hook up was driven by a desire to heighten the dramatic tension, explore the characters’ vulnerabilities, and push the boundaries of the show’s moral landscape. It served as a shocking twist that further complicated the already complex dynamics between the characters.
H3: Could Gemma and Tig’s hookup be considered a form of sexual assault?
This is a complex and sensitive issue. While there wasn’t explicit force, the power dynamics between Gemma and Tig were heavily skewed. Gemma, as the matriarch, held significant influence over Tig, and his loyalty to her was often exploited. Some viewers may interpret the hookup as a form of abuse of power, given Gemma’s manipulative tendencies and Tig’s deeply ingrained obedience. However, the show does not explicitly portray it as such, leaving room for interpretation.
H3: Did the actors playing Gemma and Tig (Katey Sagal and Kim Coates) have any input on the storyline?
Actors often have some input on their character’s arcs, but the extent to which they influence major plot points varies. While Katey Sagal and Kim Coates likely discussed the storyline with the writers and director, the ultimate decision rested with the creative team. However, their performances undoubtedly contributed to the nuanced portrayal of the characters and the complex dynamics of their relationship.
H3: What happened to Tig after Gemma’s death?
After Gemma’s death at the hands of Jax, Tig was understandably devastated. While he had often been a target of Gemma’s manipulation, he still held a deep affection for her. He remained a loyal member of SAMCRO, supporting Jax in his final decisions and ultimately becoming the club’s president after Jax’s suicide. Tig’s relationship with Venus Van Dam deepened after Gemma’s death, providing him with a much-needed source of stability and love.
H3: How does this hookup impact our understanding of Gemma’s character arc?
The hookup reinforces Gemma’s character as a complex and deeply flawed individual. It highlights her willingness to manipulate and use others to achieve her own ends, even when those actions are morally questionable. It also underscores her vulnerability and her desperate attempts to cope with the consequences of her actions, solidifying her place as one of the most controversial and fascinating characters in television history. Her choices, born from trauma and fueled by a desire to protect her family, ultimately led to tragedy and destruction.