Mickshaw/ FX; Jamie Trueblood/HBOCommitment is hard, man. Especially for a TV season that, so far, has few good offerings. And that's why we can't decide which of fall's new badass cable series is the best, or at least, the least of all evils. We like these shows, but aren't totally sold yet on either. So, it's up to you to decide: outlaw motorcycle gang or nest of vampires?
Here's what you need to know...
Outlaw Biker Evil, Pro: Sons of Anarchy is about blue-collar regular Joes who engage in adventures, quests and running gun battles far beyond those usually expected or experienced by most mere mortals. The Sons are fascinating because they strike an odd balance between sweet, down-home family values and an outlaw lifestyle that most folks believe went extinct when the last highwayman died. The story of "Samcro" is idiosyncratic, fascinating and, as the name of the series' hometown says, Charming.
Outlaw Biker Evil, Con: In addition to the general grime and grunge on which the Sons of Anarchy seem to pride themselves, this show is hardcore violent. The beatings and character deaths aired so far are nothing compared to what's to come. The victims of Samcro's violence are none-too-sympathetic characters, so you won't break down in tears over it, but all the same, when the Sons look on as a sexual deviant and a traitor whimper and scream through unspeakable torture...well, it's rough. Flinching, cringing and questioning your own morality don't necessarily add up to the most carefree, escapist television experience ever, that's for sure...
Sons of Anarchy
Airs: Wednesday, 10 p.m., FX
Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Maggie Siff, Ron Perlman, Katey Sagal, Ryan Hurst, Sprague Grayden
Vampire Evil, Pro: The phrase Dirty South sounds like it should have been invented just for this show, which marries Southern Gothic with vampire Gothic and tops it off with a frosting of modernity that almost seems anachronistic. Hepatitis D hurts vampires? The next town over got a Starbucks? Twentysomething waitress is telepathic? No problem, because no juxtaposition is off-limits for True Blood, and that bravery is refreshing, as is the talented cast led by Anna Paquin.
Vampire Evil, Con: Are vampires really that evil (or interesting) if they no longer want to suck your blood? The eroticism is all but sucked out of the vampire genre if the vampires in question (*cough*Bill*cough*) just aspire to nothing more than generic yuppie-dom and don't even seem to have a sense of humor about it.
True Blood
Airs: Sunday, 10 p.m., HBO
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Rutina Wesley, Alexander Skarsgård
Which series do you prefer: Sons of Anarchy or True Blood? Vote in the poll below and then continue the debate in the comments.