Why Does Gemma Hate Tara? The Complicated Relationship Explained

The Root of the Conflict Between Gemma and Tara

Well, if you’ve ever watched Sons of Anarchy, you’ve probably wondered about the intense tension between Gemma Teller Morrow and Tara Knowles. Honestly, it's a relationship that's filled with layers of personal history, jealousy, and betrayal. Let’s dive into why Gemma, who is often seen as a maternal figure in the show, harbors such a deep-seated hatred toward Tara.

Gemma’s Protective Nature Over Jax

A Complicated Love and Control

At the core of Gemma's animosity toward Tara is her overprotective nature toward her son, Jax. Gemma has always been the dominant force in Jax's life, guiding him through the world of the SAMCRO motorcycle club and beyond. When Tara comes into the picture as Jax's love interest, Gemma feels threatened.

She sees Tara as a potential disruptor of Jax's loyalty to the club and his legacy. Gemma believes that Tara, who is an outsider with a medical background, does not understand the complicated world of the Sons. Tara, on the other hand, wants Jax to leave the club life behind for the sake of their family, which causes even more friction between her and Gemma.

The Jealousy Factor

Another reason for the animosity is the jealousy that Gemma feels toward Tara's relationship with Jax. Gemma has always been the matriarch of her family, but Tara represents a potential shift in the family dynamic. As Jax's partner, Tara becomes the woman in Jax’s life, which Gemma can't fully accept. In Gemma's eyes, Tara’s presence is a threat to her established role in Jax’s world.

The Deeper Psychological Struggles

Unresolved Issues From the Past

Honestly, Gemma's dislike for Tara isn't just about Jax. It runs much deeper into her own unresolved emotional struggles. Gemma has lived a life filled with betrayal, trauma, and loss, and as a result, she’s learned to push people away before they can hurt her. Tara, being the one woman who tries to challenge her position, becomes a symbol of all the things Gemma fears losing—control, power, and her place in her family’s life.

Gemma's hatred also seems to stem from the fact that Tara is the one person who doesn’t simply accept Gemma’s world. Tara tries to influence Jax in ways that undermine the way Gemma has raised him, creating a rift in their already fragile relationship.

Gemma’s Need for Control

To put it bluntly, Gemma likes to control everything in her world. Her control over the Sons, over Jax, and over her relationships is vital to her identity. When Tara steps in, making decisions for Jax’s future that go against Gemma’s wishes, it feels like Tara is trying to take control of something that Gemma views as hers. In Gemma's world, control is power, and Tara threatens to strip her of that.

How Tara Reacts to Gemma’s Hostility

Tara's Own Struggles and Desire for Independence

Tara’s resistance to Gemma’s overbearing ways is another key part of the dynamic. Initially, Tara seems hesitant to fully step into the world of the Sons, but as her relationship with Jax grows stronger, she begins to assert herself more. This does not sit well with Gemma, who feels increasingly undermined.

Tara’s own struggles with Gemma’s hostility come from her desire for independence and a different life for her children. She doesn’t want to become a part of the violent and dangerous world that Jax is so attached to, and she certainly doesn’t want her kids to grow up in that environment. Her desire for a different future is a direct contradiction to Gemma’s vision, which is one of the main reasons the tension escalates.

Is There Any Hope for Reconciliation?

Understanding the Complexity of Their Relationship

So, can Gemma and Tara ever get along? Well, honestly, it’s a complicated question. The show gives us glimpses of their potential for reconciliation, especially when Gemma seems to soften in the face of Tara’s choices and sacrifices for the family. However, the deep psychological rifts, combined with the years of distrust, make any real peace difficult to achieve.

Tara’s wish to remove Jax from the violent lifestyle stands in direct opposition to Gemma’s love for the life they’ve built within SAMCRO. And as we’ve seen in the series, the more Gemma feels like she’s losing control, the more her hatred for Tara intensifies. Tara, in return, doesn’t back down, which only fuels Gemma’s bitterness.

Conclusion

Honestly, the relationship between Gemma and Tara is one of the most intense and complex in Sons of Anarchy. It’s not just a simple mother-in-law versus daughter-in-law rivalry—it’s a deep battle for control, identity, and family. Gemma’s hatred for Tara comes from a place of fear and protection, while Tara’s resistance stems from her desire for a different future. This dynamic shapes the events in the show and is a crucial part of the story’s emotional depth. If you’re a fan of the show, it’s hard not to get caught up in this powerful rivalry.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.