Jax Teller, now president of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, struggles to lead his crew while facing the brutal revenge of Damon Pope, a powerful figure whose daughter was killed by the club. Jax's primary goal is to protect his club and his family, but this often forces him into morally compromised decisions.

The season's central conflict revolves around Jax's desperate attempts to appease Pope and navigate the escalating violence. This leads to Opie sacrificing himself to save the club from Pope's wrath. Jax also grapples with internal betrayals and the increasing ruthlessness required to maintain control, culminating in him brutally beating Clay and forcing him to lose his patch.

The season ends with Jax orchestrating a plan that results in Damon Pope's death, but the fallout is severe. Clay is arrested for Pope's murder, and Tara is arrested for conspiracy, leaving Jax holding his son and contemplating the devastating consequences of his leadership.

Season 5 of Sons of Anarchy covers episodes 1-13. Here's everything that happened:

Season 5, Episode 1: Sovereign - Jax grapples with his new role as club president, facing fallout from previous actions. Damon Pope enacts brutal revenge for his daughter's death, torching Tig's daughter alive while Tig is forced to watch. Clay confesses to killing Piney, further destabilizing the club. The episode concludes with Jax and Chibs hiding out at Nero's, with an APB out for their arrest.

Season 5, Episode 2: Authority Vested - Jax, Chibs, and Tig face repercussions from Damon Pope, leading them to turn themselves in to authorities. Opie sacrifices himself by taking the fall with them, ensuring their protection inside. Meanwhile, Jax impulsively marries Tara in a hurried ceremony before heading to jail. The episode concludes with the Sons facing incarceration, their future uncertain.

Season 5, Episode 3: Laying Pipe - Facing demands from Damon Pope to sacrifice one of their own for past killings, Jax is forced into an impossible situation. Opie sacrifices himself, taking the brutal beating meant for the group. Jax makes a deal to secure the club's release, ensuring Tig remains imprisoned. The episode concludes with Jax securing Tig's temporary release, but with a heavy price.

Season 5, Episode 4: Stolen Huffy - Jax grapples with Opie's death, seeking a new business direction with Nero. Gemma manipulates Tara into a violent confrontation with Carla, while Jax orchestrates a plan to deal with Emma Jean, leading to her presumed death to satisfy Nero's demands. The episode concludes with Opie's somber wake, a poignant farewell to a beloved club member.

Season 5, Episode 5: Orca Shrugged - Jax orchestrates a blackmail scheme involving Mayor Hale and a transgender prostitute to secure a lease for Nero's new escort business. Meanwhile, Sheriff Roosevelt's pregnant wife, Rita, is shot during a home invasion, and Jax receives proof of Emma Jean's death. The episode concludes with Jax weary from the endless cycle of violence and the grim realities of his presidency.

Season 5, Episode 6: Small World - Jax makes a deal with Damon Pope for increased drug trafficking, barely securing the club's vote. Meanwhile, Rita Roosevelt dies from her injuries, and Jax exacts brutal revenge on the prison guard responsible for Opie's death by beating him to death with a snow globe. The episode concludes with Jax's increasingly ruthless nature on full display.

Season 5, Episode 7: Toad's Wild Ride - Jax uncovers that Clay is behind the home invasions, leading to a confrontation. Meanwhile, Gemma, after a night out, drives drunk and crashes her car, severely injuring Abel. The episode concludes with Jax and Chibs surviving a violent ambush, suspecting Pope's involvement.

Season 5, Episode 8: Ablation - Jax discovers Frankie Diamonds hired the men who attacked him and Chibs, leading Jax to brutally kill the captured assailant. Gemma confesses to Nero that she was high during the crash, resulting in Tara punching Gemma and disowning her. Jax then manipulates Gemma into getting close to Clay for information.

Season 5, Episode 9: Andare Pescare - Jax races to intercept Frankie Diamonds before Clay can, aiming to use Frankie to expose the truth about the attacks. Gemma grapples with Jax's ultimatum regarding Clay, while also finding comfort with Nero. Frankie Diamonds is ultimately killed after a deal for mob protection goes south. The episode concludes with Jax following Juice, suspecting him of being the club's informant.

Season 5, Episode 10: Crucifixed - Jax manipulates Juice into finding incriminating evidence against Clay, while Tara's visit with Otto leads to a brutal act that derails the RICO case but makes Tara an accessory to murder. In retaliation for Opie's death, Chibs executes Randall Hightower, despite Jax's initial promise to T.O. Cross. The episode concludes with Clay and Gemma reconciling, and Jax solidifying his control.

Season 5, Episode 11: To Thine Own Self - Jax orchestrates a deal with Henry Lin for guns, cutting out the cartel. Tara considers a job offer in Oregon, feeling it's their last chance to escape. Lee Toric, a new antagonist, intensifies his pressure on Otto in prison, hinting at future trouble for Tara. Clay attempts to manipulate Jax into keeping the cartel deal alive, but Jax reveals his own plan to move the club away from drugs and guns. The episode concludes with Jax solidifying his new direction for SAMCRO, while Bobby makes a surprising move to protect Clay.

Season 5, Episode 12: Darthy - Jax confronts Clay, leading to Clay losing his patch after a vote. Despite Bobby's attempt to spare his life, Jax brutally beats Clay. Meanwhile, Wendy is kidnapped and drugged by Jax, and Tara makes arrangements for Wendy to be the boys' guardian. The episode concludes with the Irish crew ambushing Jax's gun deal, resulting in significant losses for the club.

Season 5, Episode 13: J'ai Obtenu Cette - Jax orchestrates a plan to kill Damon Pope, ultimately having Tig shoot him. Clay is arrested for Pope's murder, with Jax planting Clay's gun at the scene. Tara is arrested for conspiracy to commit murder, a move orchestrated by Gemma. The episode concludes with Jax holding his son, contemplating his choices.