Charlie Hunnam has a favorite Sons of Anarchy episode, and it’s one that changed Jax’s story for the rest of the show. Kurt Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy is heavy on action as it follows the many activities of the title motorcycle club, but it also has many heartbreaking moments and lots of drama. At the core of the show is Jackson “Jax” Teller (Hunnam), the VP and later President of the club and the son of one of the founders. Through Jax, the audience meets his fellow club , among them his best friend, Opie (Ryan Hurst).

Throughout seven seasons, the audience sees the many conflicts Jax and SAMCRO get involved in and the different enemies they make. Some of these led to the saddest moments in Sons of Anarchy, and most of these had a direct impact on Jax’s story. One episode, in particular, was a turning point in Jax’s story and the beginning of his downward spiral, which was only made worse by the death of his wife, Tara (Maggie Siff), later on – and, unsurprisingly, this is Hunnam’s favorite Sons of Anarchy episode.

"Laying Pipe" Is Charlie Hunnam's Favorite Sons Of Anarchy Episode

“Laying Pipe” Is Sons of Anarchy’s Third Episode Of Season 5

Speaking to ET Online (via CBS) in 2014, Charlie Hunnam revealed that his favorite Sons of Anarchy episode is season 5’s “Laying Pipe”, best known as the episode that saw Opie’s death. “Laying Pipe” sees Jax, Opie, Tig (Kim Coates), and Chibs (Tommy Flanagan) in prison as part of Damon Pope’s plan.

What Pope wants is for Jax to choose which one of them will die, as it’s the only way they can balance the scales after Tig killed not only his daughter but also one of the Niners. Jax is unable to choose and plans to sacrifice himself instead of choosing one of his brothers to die, but Opie has a different plan. When it’s time to choose, Opie steps in and attacks one of the guards so they will take him.

Opie becomes SAMCRO’s sacrifice, with his final words being “I got this.” Opie is forced to fight four much larger inmates, and he’s given a pipe to defend himself. However, Opie is overpowered by the rest, and on his knees and looking at his brothers through the glass, he’s hit with the pipe on the back of the head. “Laying Pipe” is one of the most heartbreaking Sons of Anarchy episodes, and given the impact that Opie’s death had on Jax and the show in general, it’s easy to see why it’s Hunnam’s favorite episode.

Opie's Death In Sons Of Anarchy Changed Jax Forever

Opie’s Death Had A Massive Impact On Jax

Opie and Jax were best friends since they were kids, as their parents, JT and Piney, were also best friends and the founders of the club. Despite a couple of disagreements throughout Sons of Anarchy, Opie and Jax’s friendship remained strong, and Opie was always loyal to his best friend and the club, so much so that he attacked a police officer so he would be taken to prison with his brothers. Opie had one of the most tragic stories in Sons of Anarchy, and he definitely didn’t deserve such a horrible death.

Jax sank deeper into his sadness and darkness after Opie’s death, and it was made even worse after Tara’s death.

Jax was never the same after Opie’s death, carrying a patch on his vest honoring his friend and never forgetting his sacrifice. Jax sank deeper into his sadness and darkness after Opie’s death, and it was made even worse after Tara’s death. Jax also became more vengeful and at times more reckless, but he ultimately avenged Opie’s death by killing the guard who had Opie killed and later Damon Pope himself.

Sons Of Anarchy Was A Different Show After "Laying Pipe"

“Laying Pipe” Changed The Tone Of Sons Of Anarchy

Jax wasn’t the only one who changed after Opie’s death; so did the show. Sons of Anarchy’s tone changed after Opie’s departure, turning darker and even more aggressive, pretty much like Jax himself. Sons of Anarchy began to focus more on revenge after Opie’s death, which grew after Tara’s death, with season 7 being all about Jax looking to avenge Tara.

Opie was a strong and important presence not just in Jax’s life but in the show in general, adding a special layer of sensitivity, brotherhood, and tragedy. Charlie Hunnam chose a great Sons of Anarchy episode as his favorite, as even though it’s incredibly heartbreaking, it was a turning point for Jax and the show.

Source: CBS.