Mayans M.C.

Mayans benefits from the richness of its source material, and for Sons fans it’ll fit like a well-worn kutte.

While Pardo is a super lure into the world of the Mayans, it’s the fringe characters who make us want to see more. ... “Sons” fans will view this as a similar ride, only in a different gear. Where the potholes and speedbumps exist remains to be seen. For now, though, the road is open. Mayans M.C. appears to be on track and ready for a long, long ride.

Time will tell how well this all fits together. We barely get to know any of the characters in the first two episodes, beyond EZ, Emily, EZ’s carniceria owner father (Edward James Olmos) who has his own secrets … because everyone on this show has secrets. Mayans MC makes a good case to stick around to get to know them. This is more of a good thing, with a chance to make a series that is even better.

If you liked Sons of Anarchy, which ended up as one of FX’s most-watched drama series, then you’re very likely to roll with this one, too.

Mayans already feels a little too comfortable in its choices for a show with a lot of simmering feuds. The dialogue can be as blunt as the cold-blooded torture devices, making Mayans M.C. a show you have to want to watch to enjoy. But the sequel is far from a careless follow-up; it’s a deliberate expansion that’s at least within spitting distance of “SOA” quality.