Although much likened to “The Sopranos” because of the somewhat similar atmosphere and the plot that focuses on an outlaw family, the new drama series “Sons Of Anarchy” certainly does not lack originality.

The new FX series involves plenty of brutality, immorality and motorcycle gangs, but manages to seduce and surprise from the very first episode.

It’s like the Sopranos lost their elegant suits, as well as their sense of humor, got dressed in jeans and leather and jumped on motorcycles, attempting to rule the Californian mountain town which is ironically called Charming.

One can’t help making the connection with the other series, especially when one sees Drea de Matteo, who portrayed Adriana on “Sproanos,” starring in the first episode. She plays a crank-addicted junkie and the ex-wife of Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam of "Children of Men"), the future leader of the biker-anarchists.

The Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club was started by Vietnam veteran John Teller, Jax’s father, who is now dead.

Jax’s ambitious and tough mother, Gemma, brilliantly played by Katey Sagal (yes, the same Sagal who used to impersonate Peggy Bundy) is remarried to the current Sons leader, the ruthless Clay Morrow (played by Ron Pearlman). The leading couple of the gang has no scruples and would do anything to run the town of Charming.

Much to their dismay, young Jax does not share their ideals, as he inherits from his dead father many personality traits, such as sensitivity and kindness. But there’s no place for such features in the lawless world of the anarchists, and Gemma is terribly worried about her son’s behavior, although Clay keeps trying to convince her that Jax “is not his old man.”

When Jax’s junkie ex-wife gives birth to his child, he starts asking himself if leading the gang is actually what he desires and realizes that he prefers peace to violence. A discovery that will be an important source of conflict in the series. For example, in the second episode, when the gang plans a murder that would cover up for a previous one, Jax starts thinking about a way he could do that without spilling more blood.

The series is directed by Kurt Sutter, who also was the writer and producer for FX’s “The Shield.” He also happens to be Katey Sagal’s husband, and, although some have accused him of nepotism, his choice for Gemma was excellent.

He actually said that he created Gemma with Katey in mind, as he knows Katey’s strong maternal instinct and the efforts she would do to protect her family. And Gemma certainly has these in common with Sagal.

“Gemma is driven by a fierce maternal instinct, and Katey has that. She's an amazing mom,” Sutter said, according to USA Today. “She has that instinct and probably sometimes has those impulses, but she doesn't act out the way Gemma does.”

Sagal, 52, has a 20-month-old daughter, Esme, with Sutter, whom she married in 2004. She also has two children from a previous marriage: Sarah, 14, and Jackson, 12.

Sagal says she is a little more polite than Gemma, but can perfectly relate to her feelings. She also appreciates the fact that Gemma “is not seeking redemption,” as she does not think she does anything wrong.

The first episode of the series, which promises to offer more than just gratuitous violence, airs tonight at 10 ET/PT on FX.