This week’s episode of FX’s “Sons Of Anarchy,” entitled “The Mad King,” is a worthy installment in a season already filled with copious amounts of violence and drama as the Sons are forced to deal with new and more complicated enemies.

Following the climax of last week’s episode, “Wolfsangel,” I honestly didn’t think Kurt Sutter (show writer and creator) had it in him to surprise me anymore. I was pleasantly surprised. Without giving away too many details, and no spoilers I promise, to say that last night’s episode is a game changer would be a vast understatement.

The depth of Charlie Hunnam, portraying show protagonist Jax Teller, seems to know no bounds. We see an increasing turmoil with Teller’s character as the show continues along its path of chaos and madness in the fifth season. It’s only the fifth episode and we’ve already seen drastic changes in not only the roster of the Sons, but the overall landscape of “Charming” as a whole. What does Sutter have in mind next? On any other show this level of over the top violence would come across as a simple attempt to appeal to American’s thirst for carnage, but the story elements and character development employed by Sutter keep the show watchable and appealing to hardcore fans and new viewers alike.

The episode allowed for amazing chemistry between Teller and Nero Padilla (JImmy Smits) as we see the relationship, both business and personal, between the two continue to grow and shape each other. In all honesty, it is refreshing to see Hunnam’s character talking and bonding with such a down-to-earth “father figure.” Oftentimes Smits comes across as a jaded life coach as he tries to steer Hunnam away from the courses that he’s found himself on. I find myself surprised when each episode ends, and it makes me look forward to the next installment. This season is shaping up to be one of, if not the best, that Sons has had to date.

Without giving anything away, I will say this about the final moments of the episode: It is the beginning of a very mad time for the Sons. The end of an era and the beginning of a new one, but with what ramifications? The consequences of actions taken in this season will be long lasting, and force remaining characters to adapt to new enemies from old friends. One way or another, it will be very interesting to watch.