There are spoilers here, so don't read if you haven't watched or don't want to know. I just need to get this out of my system.
I thought the finale was perfection. I thought it was true to the show, and I thought everyone's acting was superb. I've seen a number of complaints from my friends, but I don't understand how you could truly be a fan of the show and not appreciate the finale. I don't get it.
I know some people took issue with Jax dying, but I think it was necessary to the story and more importantly, TRUE to the story and the lifestyle they've created for these characters over the past seven seasons. They live their lives by a certain code, and when that code is broken, there are consequences. Jax could have let it be done by the club but he took matters into his own hands so that no one would have to bear that burden, and he tied up loose ends and left the club in the most secure situation they've probably been in for a very long time.
I think Jax really, truly understood once and for all what drove his father to try to change things when the club originally went adrift of how they started, and I think he finally accepted that his father's death really wasn't just an accident, or just sabotage, but in part because he just couldn't live that way anymore. I think that's why Jax did things the way he did. It was, in a sense, a tribute to his father.
I was a crying, bawling mess for at least 75% of the episode.
I would not have changed one thing about the finale. Not. One. Thing.
When Jax told Abel that Nero was "Daddy's best friend" - MESS
When Jax was driving on the highway and I knew he was going to his dad's memorial rock - MESS
The fact that Jax wouldn't let the club be a part of his death - Phenomenal
The fact that Jax validated Wendy as a mother and told her he loved her - Much deserved and long overdue
When he spread his arms and smiled as it came down to the end - Heartbreaking and perfect
This show does not get the recognition it deserves from awards shows. It's a fucking SHAME that they have never won any awards. But I hope the actors, writers, producers and directors know how good they've been and how much the fans respect and appreciate what they've given to us.
SoA, I will miss you so much, but the final ride was one to remember.
