Elgin James Talks The Devastation Of ‘Mayans M.C.’ Season 4, Killing Off Fan-Favorites & What’s Coming Next [The Playlist Podcast]

If you’ve listened to The Playlist Podcast consistently over the past couple of years, you know I’m a huge fan of “Mayans M.C.” Yes, the biker drama on FX that is a “Sons of Anarchy” spinoff. In fact, I think it might just be the best series on TV today. So, as is now becoming a tradition, I am welcoming back ‘Mayans’ co-creator, Elgin James, to join The Playlist Podcast to talk about Season 4 and what was going through his mind when crafting one of the most devastating seasons of TV in recent memory.

READ MORE: ‘Mayans M.C.’ Season 4 Review: FX’s Harrowing Biker Drama Has Evolved Into One Of The Best Series On TV

For those not aware, “Mayans M.C.” is a drama series on FX that is actually a spinoff of the hugely popular “Sons of Anarchy.” However, what James has done in the last two seasons of the series is remarkable, as he has taken a macho biker drama filled with violence and turned it into this meditation on the consequences of violence and being an outlaw in 2022. It’s tragic, emotional, and also filled with moments of joy and laughter. 

LISTEN: Clayton Cardenas Talks ‘Mayans MC’ Season 4 & Teases Familiar ‘SOA’ Faces Returning For A Brutal Battle [The Playlist Podcast]

In the interview, we highlight some of those tragic and emotional moments, including the death of the fan-favorite character, Coco (played incredibly by Richard Cabral). And what makes the death of Coco hit so hard is how the series built him up to be such a likable guy who has overcome so much, only to be gunned down in a sickening display of violence.

“He is such an emotional favorite for people,” James explained when talking about the death of Coco. “All of the things that made people so mad about his death are the reasons it had to be Coco. He went through hell last season. Hell. And right when he’s starting to get it together and right when he and Hop are starting to come to this peace and this strength within themselves. Just when you start to root for them. That’s when it gets stolen away. And that was intentional.”

LISTEN: Elgin James Talks ‘Mayans’ Season 3 Finale, Generational Trauma & Being A Punk Rock Filmmaker [The Playlist Podcast]

We also discuss the future of “Mayans,” which has yet to officially receive that Season 5 renewal. But unlike what he told me at the end of Season 3, James has a clear plan ahead for the series. 

“This time we know! [Laughs],” said James. “This time we know where we’re headed.”

He added, “We got something pretty special going on, and we’re excited to do it, at least, for one more season.” 

“Mayans M.C.” has four seasons available to binge on Hulu right now. You can hear the full discussion with James below:

The Playlist Podcast is part of The Playlist Podcast Network, which includes Bingeworthy, Be Reel, Deep Focus, The Fourth Wall, and The Discourse. We can be heard on iTunes, AnchorFM, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, and most places where podcasts are found. You can stream the podcast via the Spotify embed within the article or click on the lead image at the top page. Follow us on iTunes, and you’ll get this podcast as well as our other shows regularly. Be sure to subscribe and drop us a comment or a rating, as we greatly appreciate it. Thank you for listening.