Kurt Sutter Reflects On Major 'Sons Of Anarchy' Death

(WARNING. Though the headline couldn't suggest it much more strongly, the following article jumps right into a major "Sons of Anarchy" spoiler. If you're not caught up with the first three episodes of the current, fifth season, turn back now!)

"Sons of Anarchy" creator Kurt Sutter had his ideas before even writing the script how he'd close the book and have Opie (Ryan Hurst) meet his demise three episodes into the acclaimed FX drama's current, fifth season.

That didn't cause him to approach it any more lightly.

"It's a difficult thing. [Hurst is] very plugged into the show and loves the character. Ryan's a super sensitive dude and it was difficult for both of us to figure out how to do this," Sutter told The Hollywood Reporter. Ultimately, Sutter explained, Hurst saw the bigger wheel that Opie's death would turn.

"I don't do things arbitrarily, or for shock value," Sutter added. "Yes, it's incredibly sad, but the death of Opie will color the rest of the episodes for the rest of the series. It's not a death that will happen in vain."

Harold Perrineau's arrival as new SAMCRO boss Damon Pope tossed a match to a powder keg of death and violence. So far, Tigg (Kim Coates) has been made to watch by the new head-man as his daughter was burned alive in the premiere. Opie was beaten to death to protect his best friend and legacy SAMCRO brother Jax (Charlie Hunnam) from harm, though club business has already meant the death of his wife and father up to now.

Though Sutter copped to Opie volunteering to be beaten to death in a prison cell a bit "dramatic" and "absurd," he also explained that Opie's death is but a single piece moved into place in a game Sutter knows he has but a few more seasons to complete.

"This is really the first season I've had to think about the end game, and knowing where I want to take my hero, and knowing how I wanted to get there, the road I wanted to travel, Jax needed that emotional upheaval - that one event that happens in a man's life that can change the course of his destiny.

"As dramatic and as absurd as that dynamic was, it's not uncommon. S**t like that goes down in prison," Sutter added. "Just last week, there was videotapes that came out of an Alabama prison about what guards were doing in prison to inmates. ... I wanted Opie to go out a warrior. I really wanted him to go out with nobility and a sense of feeling like, 'I may not have a lot to live for, but at the very least, I am going to go out doing something noble and protecting the people I still love.'"

Sutter still plans to end "Sons of Anarchy" after seven seasons. It currently airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.