Sons of Anarchy: SAMCRO's Prospect Process Explained

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Sons of Anarchy gave the audience a glimpse at how motorcycle clubs work and the hierarchy within them, which includes prospects – but what do prospects do and what process do they have to go through to become members of the club? Sons of Anarchy debuted on FX in 2008 and was a hit with critics and viewers from the beginning, with most praise going towards the performances of its main cast and the themes addressed in the series, such as corruption, brotherhood, and racism.

Sons of Anarchy was led by Jackson “Jax” Teller (Charlie Hunnam), the club’s VP and son of one of its founding members, John “JT” Teller. The events of the series begin when Jax finds a manifesto written by JT in which he detailed his plans and vision for the club, which clashed with those of the current President (and Jax’s stepfather), Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman). This, along with other conflicts, sends Jax on a personal journey that makes him question his path, role in the club, relationships, and more, but all this also led to many changes within the club.

Related: Sons of Anarchy: SAMCRO's Origins & History Explained

At the beginning of Sons of Anarchy, Jax was SAMCRO’S VP, Clay was the President, and the club had one prospect, Half-Sack (Johnny Lewis), but these and other ranks changed as the series progressed – however, what remained constant was the club having at least one prospect. In order to join SAMCRO, those interested have to go through a prospect phase, during which they are allowed to ride with the rest of the club but they have to earn their place. In order to become a rookie, those interested in joining SAMCRO have to have a sponsor who puts them forward as potential club members, as Piney did with Clay, for example.

Prospects don’t