The Sons of Anarchy went to Ireland on season three.

But series creator Kurt Sutter says he won't need to take the club anywhere exotic next year. That's because the town in which they reside will already be so much different than the one they've protected for years.

"Season 4 will really be about dealing with the ramifications of new information, and it's a different Charming that they're coming back to. It's a different gun business for them. The 21st Century really starts to creep into the town and into the club."

What does that mean, precisely? Sutter told TV Guide:

"I think ultimately there's a lot more progress in the town with Hale now becoming mayor there'll be a lot more development in the town. All the things they've been trying to avoid for years will ultimately start to creep in. If they can't keep Charming contained anymore, how do they deal with that?"

In the end, things will come down to Clay, Gemma and Jax. As usual.

"Ultimately, it is about the three of them and everything sort of is either background or devices to complicate all those relationships," Sutter says. "Clay has a personal connection with Charming and there's something about the karmic weight of if he can keep that town small and safe, everything else we do is OK. So I think it's important for Clay to maintain that relationship with Charming. It will be interesting to see how he deals with that this season."

For more on what's ahead, check out another interview Sutter gave soon after the third season finale aired.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.