Jimmy Smits Rides into ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Season 5

Deja vu, anyone?  Now that 'Sons of Anarchy's Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) has moved up through the ranks of SAMCRO to take Clay's position at the head of the table, the heavy head that wears the crown might need a little help from someone in the know.  And 'Sons of Anarchy's latest casting has more than a little experience mentoring people outside the law.

Deadline TV reports that former 'NYPD Blue' star Jimmy Smits has landed a "major, season-long arc" on the biker-drama 'Sons of Anarchy's fifth season, likely set to debut sometime this fall.  According to the report, Smits will take the role of Neron “Nero” Padilla, "a Latino gangbanger with an exit strategy who becomes a dangerous mentor for Jax."

Nero is said to be darker, even heavily tattooed role, eschewing Smits' usual propensity to play characters in business suits.  Perhaps most recognizably, Smits similarly guest-starred in the third season of 'Dexter' as District Attorney Miguel Prado, who found himself increasingly drawn into and embracing Dexter Morgan's world of serial killing.

When last we left 'Sons of Anarchy' Jax was seated at the head of the SAMCRO table, the club having barely escaped ATF prosecution, and the Sons were likely to face retribution from an African-American crimelord whose daughter Tig accidentally killed.  It remains unknown whether Smits' character Nero will share any involvement with their group.

In addition to his career-making role on 'NYPD Blue' and 'Dexter' guest turn, Smits is known for an Emmy-winning stint on 'LA Law,' as well as 'The West Wing' and 'Outlaw.'

What say you?  Where last year it was Danny Trejo, does this year's season-long casting of Jimmy Smits have you revved for the fifth season of 'Sons of Anarchy?'  Check out the details we know so far, and give us your take in the comments below!