The status of Kozik in Sons of Anarchy

Now that Sons of Anarchy is back for its fourth season, I’m sure a lot of fans will be wondering which of the past seasons’ recurring characters will pop their heads in. If anyone was wondering what would become of Kenny Johnson’s character, Kozik, you might want to hold your breath. Since Johnson will now be appearing on NBC’s Prime Suspect as Maria Bello’s character’s husband (a role that had to be recast), his schedule won’t likely give him time to reprise the role on Sons of Anarchy during the current season.

On the plus side, show creator Kurt Sutter spoke about the character’s possible return, saying, “I’d like to leave the door open for him to come back, so my sense is that he will go out in a very utilitarian way. We’re not going to kill him off or do anything brutal like that.” Sutter than makes a joke (though it’s not far from the truth) “You know those network shows – it won’t last, and he’ll be available again in seven months!”

Obviously it’s way too early to tell if Prime Suspect will do well. It’s very hard to predict what will click with audiences, and at the best of times all you can do is cross your fingers. Perhaps NBC will be nice enough to give Johnson a little time to do work on both shows. They let Alison Brie do double work on Mad Men and Community, so it’s something that’s definitely plausible.