This season, Jax Teller, a high-ranking member of the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club, grapples with his desire to leave the outlaw life and provide a stable future for his family. He wants to escape the club's violent gunrunning operation with his wife, Tara, a doctor. However, his path is constantly blocked by the club's ruthless president, Clay Morrow, who is deeply entrenched in illegal activities and harbors dark secrets.

The core conflict revolves around Clay's escalating criminal enterprises, particularly a dangerous drug smuggling deal with a cartel, and the increasing pressure from law enforcement, led by Sheriff Roosevelt, who is determined to dismantle SAMCRO. Jax and the club are forced into increasingly violent confrontations to protect their operation and themselves. Key turning points include the discovery that Clay orchestrated the death of Jax's father, the brutal murder of Piney Winston by Clay, and a shocking attempt on Tara's life that results in her hand being severely injured.

The season culminates with Jax finally confronting Clay about his father's murder. Though Jax has the opportunity to kill Clay, he is forced to spare him due to a larger deal. Instead, Jax takes over as president of SAMCRO, with Tara choosing to stay by his side, signaling a new, uncertain era for the club.

Season 4 of Sons of Anarchy covers episodes 1-14. Here's everything that happened:

Season 4, Episode 1: Out - After serving 14 months, Jax, Clay, and other SAMCRO members are released from prison. They return to Charming to find new leadership in Mayor Hale and Sheriff Roosevelt, and a new federal task force aiming to dismantle their gunrunning operation. Jax proposes to Tara, expressing his desire to leave the club. The episode culminates in SAMCRO brutally eliminating their Russian mob associates, including an undercover ATF agent, and Otto murdering the inmate who shanked Jax. Gemma discovers letters revealing John Teller's belief that Clay and Gemma caused his death.

Season 4, Episode 2: Booster - Jax and Opie are kidnapped by Russians seeking stolen guns, but are rescued by cartel members Romeo and Luis. Clay solidifies a deal with the cartel to smuggle drugs alongside guns, a move that divides the club. Gemma discovers John Teller's death certificate and evidence of Unser's potential involvement. The episode concludes with Tara announcing her engagement to Jax, while the clubhouse lies in ruins after Sheriff Roosevelt's destructive search.

Season 4, Episode 3: Dorylus - A shipment of guns is stolen by local youths, leading Jax and the club to recover them. Clay secures Bobby's vote for a drug deal by promising him the presidency, while Gemma confronts Tara about John Teller's letters. Roosevelt reveals to Juice that he knows his father is Black, threatening to expose him to the club. The drug deal passes with a 6-5 vote, despite opposition from several members.

Season 4, Episode 4: Una Venta - SAMCRO travels to Arizona for a gun-for-cocaine exchange with a cartel, encountering issues with the local charter dealing meth. Gemma forms an alliance with Sheriff Roosevelt's wife, Rita, to oppose a development project. Meanwhile, Lincoln Potter manipulates Otto by showing him photos of his dead wife's bloody corpse, suggesting Bobby's involvement. The episode concludes with the Sons securing 30 kilos of uncut cocaine, a deal that deeply troubles many in the club.

Season 4, Episode 5: Brick - SAMCRO enlists Georgie Caruso to thwart Charming Heights, while Piney confronts Clay about John Teller's letters, revealing Clay orchestrated JT's death. Juice is pressured by Roosevelt to steal cocaine, leading to a missing brick from the stash, creating immediate suspicion within the club. The episode concludes with Juice's precarious position and the club facing internal distrust.

Season 4, Episode 6: With an X - The discovery of a missing brick of cocaine jeopardizes SAMCRO's relationship with the cartel. Juice, blackmailed by Sheriff Roosevelt, kills Miles during a scuffle and frames him for the theft. Meanwhile, Clay hires Romeo to kill Tara, believing she knows too much about John Teller's death. Unser warns Tara of the danger, and Opie's affair is exposed, leading to a violent confrontation.

Season 4, Episode 7: Fruit for the Crows - Amidst a cartel attack and a death threat against Tara, Juice is arrested by Roosevelt for cocaine possession. Facing exposure and club retribution, Juice hangs himself in a desperate act. Bobby challenges Clay's leadership, and the episode concludes with Juice's apparent suicide, leaving his fate uncertain.

Season 4, Episode 8: Family Recipe - Amidst a brutal cartel war, Clay murders Piney Winston to prevent him from revealing incriminating letters. Juice survives a suicide attempt, but his actions weigh heavily on him. Meanwhile, Tara decides to leave Charming with the boys for their safety, a decision Jax reluctantly supports.

Season 4, Episode 9: Kiss - Gemma discovers Piney's body, leading her and Unser to cover up Clay's involvement. Jax negotiates peace between the Niners and Galindo, but Clay secretly hires a hitman to kill Tara. Meanwhile, Juice is blackmailed by Potter, who wants information on the Real IRA. The episode concludes with Jax deciding to leave Charming with Tara.

Season 4, Episode 10: Hands - An attempt to kidnap Tara goes awry, resulting in her hand being severely injured, jeopardizing her surgical career. Gemma confronts Clay about the hit, leading to a violent altercation where he physically assaults her. Gemma then vows to Unser that Clay must die by a "son's" hand. The episode concludes with Jax deciding he wants out of the club for good.

Season 4, Episode 11: Call of Duty - Jax and Tara reconcile, planning to leave SAMCRO, but Jax is drawn back into club business. Kozik is killed by a landmine during a violent confrontation with the Lobos Sonora. Unser reveals to Opie that Clay murdered his father, Piney, and Opie is now set on revenge against Clay. The episode concludes with Otto agreeing to work with Potter, potentially betraying the club.

Season 4, Episode 12: Burnt and Purged Away - SAMCRO negotiates with the Irish Kings while Opie, consumed by grief, seeks vengeance against Clay for his father's death. Jax attempts to intervene, leading to a tense confrontation. Meanwhile, Otto's deal with Potter results in Bobby's arrest, leaving the club's future uncertain. The episode concludes with Opie firing shots at Clay, but the outcome remains ambiguous.

Season 4, Episode 13: To Be, Act 1 - Jax confronts the truth about his father's death and Clay's treachery. After Opie shoots Clay, Jax intervenes, saving Clay's life but wounding Opie. Gemma reveals John Teller's letters to Jax, exposing Clay's role in his father's murder and other crimes. The episode ends with Jax contemplating his next move, armed with the knowledge to finally confront Clay, while Tara provides him with a means to ensure Clay's demise.

Season 4, Episode 14: To Be, Act 2 - Jax confronts Clay, learning Clay killed his father, but Jax cannot kill Clay due to a CIA-backed cartel deal that requires Clay's involvement. Jax forces Clay to step down as president, taking the gavel himself. Tara, despite Jax's plea for her to leave with the boys, chooses to stay by his side, mirroring Gemma's past role. The episode concludes with Jax assuming leadership and Tara standing with him, signifying a new era for SAMCRO.