The 100 Season Three Finale Reaction: "Perverse Instantiation, Part Two" (3x16)

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Season three is finally over, and at the very least I can say it was a wild ride from start to finish. This season had more downs than ups, and the main redeeming factor was the introduction of Roan (Zach McGowan, Black Sails). In fact, Roan single-handedly kept me from rage-quitting the show at least six times--but I'll talk about that later. For now, let's look at the big events of the season finale.

Clarke

For the first time all season, I felt like they got Clarke right in this episode. I was concerned when I saw the promo for the episode--it looked for all the world like the show was pulling a Deus Ex Machina and magically giving Clarke the ability to enter the City of Light without joining the hivemind. Instead they gave us a good old-fashioned transfusion and not without cost--Clarke nearly died (again) attempting to save everyone (again). But what really set her apart in this episode was how well her strength mingled with her vulnerability. For the first time in sixteen episodes, she wasn't 'Wanheda,' she was a frightened seventeen-year-old girl trying desperately to save whoever she could. She acted her age, but she behaved above and beyond the call of duty and made the right decision in the end, no matter how hard it was. That's the Clarke I know, love, and missed all season.

 Lexa

We all knew Lexa would show up in the City of Light, but I have to say--I cheered. Pretty loudly, in fact. It was an extremely good move on the writers' part to bring back a much-loved character for a proper good-bye. Her sloppy, blink-and-you'll-miss-it death scene in the middle of the season was poorly executed, but her return in this episode--and, consequently, her farewell--felt much more satisfying, if bittersweet. 

Bellamy

In this episode, Bellamy finally owned up to the horrible things he'd done earlier in the season. I hadn't been that proud of him since season two ended. Bellamy has a habit of trying to shrug things off and pretend like he's unaffected, when everyone knows he isn't--but in this episode, he stared his wrongdoings in the face, owned up to them like the man he is, and proceeded to do the right thing. Not only that, but we actually got some touching camaraderie between him and Clarke! As she's getting her transfusion from Ontari, she grimaces in pain. Bellamy squeezes her hand and wryly says, "Try doing it hanging upside down," hailing back to his torture in Mount Weather. It showed so much personal growth on his part that I legit teared up.

Murphy

Oh, Murphy. Can't live with him, can't live without him. The thing Murphy has consistently brought to the show (besides enough snark for three people) is a very human element. Where other characters have Hero complexes, Murphy has reluctance. Where other characters charge right in and do what has to be done, Murphy goes, "Ew, do we have to?" This was hilariously illustrated in this episode when Abby, in order to keep the transfusion moving through Clarke, cuts open Ontari's chest and orders Murphy to manually squeeze the girl's heart. His priceless reaction was one of shock, horror, and utter disgust, but he does it--because no matter how much he complains or denies it, Murphy has a decent heart underneath all the sarcasm and grime. Still, I feel like the showrunners keep him around simply for his wild card status--t'd be nice to see him have a solid role.

 Octavia

Since Lincoln's death, Octavia's character development has taken a slippery slide downward toward antagonism. She's become bitter, sullen, and harder than before, and all these culminated in her sudden murder of Pike after the fighting ceased. Granted, she promised she would get revenge for Lincoln, but even Indra had realized Pike was an important ally. We may see Octavia as more of an antagonist than a protagonist next season, which will definitely be an interesting element.

ALIE

Oh, ALIE. Artificially intelligent mastermind extraordinaire, ALIE's Big Reveal to Clarke even left me shocked--her desire to assimilate the human race into her programming wasn't simply selfish tyranny but a misguided attempt to save humanity from the coming apocalypse. That's right, there's another coming apocalypse. All the nuclear facilities still operating are melting down due to lack of upkeep, and within six months, the earth will be uninhabitable. Again. Yikes.

 Roan

Yeah, remember Roan, the King who was shot by zombie Kane and dragged off-screen last episode? Apparently nobody does. Fortunately, Zach McGowan has reportedly signed on for season four, which means we'll be seeing more of him. I knew he wasn't dead. Psh. It would take more than a bullet to kill him. He's probably off cursing his rotten luck somewhere while digging the bullet out of his chest with his teeth or something.

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS SEASON

Interspersed with all the horribleness, this season had some definite highlights. The biggest highlight was Roan. He's one of those minor characters who walks onto the screen and takes over everything with sheer charisma, but beyond that, he brought a very grounded, adult presence to the show. He reminded us that the main characters were only teenagers trying to do their best, and he reminded us that sometimes the adults on the show have huge problems and decisions to make too. Between his adulting, his badassery, his snark, his intelligence, and his gruff but good heart, Roan stole the show for me. I also loved the almost mystical aspect of this season, what with Wanheda and the Flame. It almost felt like a medieval fantasy show a few times, and that's always a good thing. I also appreciate the fact that what conversations we DID get between Clarke and Bellamy were important, and they hashed out the anger and resentment lingering from the events of season two.

WHAT I LOATHED ABOUT THIS SEASON

I have to hand it to Jason Rothenpill--er, Rothenburg--and Kim Shumway. I've never seen anyone take a spectacular show and ruin it so deftly before. It would have been impressive, had I not been in the throes of pain and anger most of the season. There were many times I felt like they were attempting to mimic Game of Thrones with their 'let's kill off this person just because!' and 'Let's chuck in unnecessary kinky sex!' moves. They tried to mature the show in all the wrong ways--because honestly, maturity has a lot more to do with responsibility, morals, and ethics than it does with sex, hopelessness, and betrayal. I feel like they finally started to regain their balance with the last few episodes, but it took enormous uproar from fans over Lexa and Lincoln's deaths to shake some sense into them. I'm also confused about Luna, who felt like a very brief, disappointing plot device. It will make more sense if she returns next season, but I don't trust the showrunners to make sensible decisions. I'm also disappointed that we never saw the Ice Nation--I figured with Roan (the literal King of the Ice Nation) being such an important character that we'd at least get a glimpse of his kingdom, but nope. 

WHAT I'M HOPING FOR NEXT SEASON

• More Roan. But you all knew that.

• I want to finally see Azgeda. I want to have a huge, scary nation become a main player in the season. There's so much untapped potential in the idea, it would be an enormous shame to waste it again by just randomly mentioning the fact Azgeda exists. It deserves more than a passing 'Oh, btw, they're scary.' Let's actually see them. 

• More Luna. She may have only been in one episode, but she was awesome, and I'd like to see her return as a more important character.

 • More Clarke/Bellamy interactions. I'd be happy to ship Clarke/Roan next season (let's face it, I already did that THIS season) because I feel like Clarke and Bellamy need to rebuild their friendship before we can get #Bellarke. They've been apart most of the season, and I really want to see them work back up to that intensely close partnership they had in seasons one and two before the showrunners try to move forward with their relationship.

• Mutants. You know, that one mutant we saw that one time in season one? WHERE DID HE GO? WHY WAS HE THERE? We all saw him, showrunners. Come on. Bring him back.

• More radiated animals. I mean, come on--we had one ridiculous giant gorilla in season two, and we haven't had any more weird mutated animals since then? Get with it.

 • Clarke being her age. She was spectacular in the season three finale, and I want to see that Clarke continue into season four. The young, scared, and vulnerable girl with lionhearted resolve and enormous courage. I want less of Clarke jumping into bed with whatever hot chick she sees and more of Clarke doing important things, like saving the world.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING FOR NEXT SEASON?

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The 100 Reaction: "Perverse Instantiation, Part One" (3x15)

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Ah, season finales. Those last episodes that leave fans either writing bad fanfic, or curled up on the floor in fetal position. Or both. This episode is part one of the two-part season finale, after which The 100 will be on official hiatus until sometime this fall (if it holds with tradition). Because of this, events within the show are spiraling at a rapid, chaotic rate and things are worse than Ever. (I capitalize that word because this is The 100, which means things are usually pretty bad to begin with and have now reached a new high.) Half the characters have been absorbed into ALIE's hivemind, and the other half are either fighting for their lives or living. Peacefully. On a barge. In the middle of the ocean. With no intention of helping. Thanks, Luna. Even your fantastically otherworldly hair can't fix this now.

Roan came back with a new wardrobe + a haircut and got shot for his trouble. Twice.

A friend recently called Roan 'the reason I haven't ragequit the show,' and he was right. There are plenty of adults on the show, but right now  99% of the adults we know and love are zombie versions of themselves. (Pike doesn't count as someone we know and love yet. Just someone we know.) Thus, Roan's grounded adult presence is a relieving element on the show, as is his grounded, adult badassery.

Case in point: he shoots Clarke's attacker in the head, saving her life. He promptly pickpockets the Flame from her, and when she pulls a gun on him, he casually snatches it away and tosses it into the bushes. Boss Level: Achieved. However, they don't know he hasn't taken the ALIE chip, and to make sure of this, Bellamy shoots him in the arm. Because...someone who can't feel pain wouldn't react? Because a chipped person wouldn't know how to 'act like it hurt'? I'm still confused over why they thought this was a solid plan. Fortunately, Roan took it with a fairly good attitude and proceeded to help the Gang.

(When he was standing around gagged and bound, his thought process probably went something like this - "What a bunch of twits. Granted, they have guts. But they're still twits. Twits with no plan. I have an idea, but my arm sorta hurts, and I don't actually feel like being responsible for these overzealous infants. Wait. Am I the only adult around here? Bellamy is what, ten years younger than I am? Oh, good grief. I'm the only adult. Great. Perfect.")

So he comes up with a plan, agrees to help, and gets Clarke and the others into Polis - and then gets shot point-blank in the torso by chipped Kane. I knew it was coming, and honestly, I still shrieked. Roan is them dragged promptly off-screen, and we never see him again.

GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE: Zach McGowan signed on for season four, so we know he isn't dead. Psh. It would take more than a bullet to penetrate that much fur and leather-clad awesome.

Bellamy: can't live with him, can't live without him.

I'll be honest - I love Bellamy. I went from 'He needs to grow up' in season one to 'I'd marry him' in season two. And now, with season three wrapping up, I have a solid, maternal relationship with him. He's my son. I want him to do well. I want to see him succeed and make good choices. But shooting Roan in the arm was...wellllll, let's face it, Bells, you're jealous. It's kind of adorable, true, but it's also a bit petty. Let's work on that.

Note: Remember in season one when Finn was all incredulous about Clarke trusting Bellamy? It was fun to see Bellamy get all incredulous about Clarke trusting Roan this time. Apparently, nobody has much faith in Clarke's people-reading abilities. Fortunately for everyone, she was proven right both times.

Everybody hates Pike

But dagnabbit, he's smart and able-bodied, and we'll have to overlook the fact he massacred 300 friendly trikru warriors a few episodes ago. We'll get to that later. For now, we can feel strangely grateful for the fact he's alive, breathing, and willing to help everyone jump off the crazy train so they can undoubtedly board another one. Ugh, this show. My loyalties are getting tired. They weren't made for these gymnastics.

Murphy

Oh, Murphy. It makes it really hard to trust you when your catchphrase is, "I'm just surviving." Survival doesn't always justify your actions, buddy. No amount of lovable snark can cover up the fact you're probably the most untrustworthy person on the show. Still, it was fun to see you grudgingly lend a very helpful hand this episode, and I'm proud of you - but remember this conversation?

Kane: Did you help us to save your sister, or because it was the right thing to do?
Bellamy: You're welcome.
Kane: It matters.

Well, Murph, you say you're doing all this for Emori, so I think someone needs to ask you - did you save everyone because it was the right thing to do, or to save Emori? Pretty sure I know the answer. Pretty sure it's unsatisfactory. Keep trying.

Someone finally did the Smart Thing, and it was...CLARKE??

In my last reaction post I bemoaned the lack of wise choices on the show. ALIE presents everyone with the same option: Take the pill and join me, or I will hurt/kill someone you love. Everyone caves. Even smart people because apparently they've never heard 'two wrongs don't make a right.' Everyone, that is, except Clarke. Even when her mother hangs herself, she doesn't give in, and she doesn't betray her friends. THIS is the Clarke I know and love. This is the Clarke I rooted for in season one. I cheered so hard I probably burst a blood vessel. YOU GO, CLARKE.

Heeeeere's Johnny!

We all knew it was coming - off-screen, in the last episode, Jasper took the pill. As a result, he spent most of this episode channeling his inner Jack Nicholson, stabbing his best friend, and threatening to shoot Harper. Sigh. Jasper, I think all that alcohol killed whatever brain cells you had left. You disappoint me, even if you add tension to the storyline.

So, as we head into the final episode of season three, we still don't know how we're getting rid of ALIE, half the people we're fond of have joined the Collective, and Kane and Indra may or may not have been blown up. I'm so ready for the season finale. Who's with me?

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The 100 Reactions: "Red Sky at Morning" (3x14)

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I've decided that The 100 is schizophrenic. One week the episode is terrible, the next week it's amazing, the week after that it's both. It's like a constant game of Russian Roulette - but I'm happy to come away from the last two episodes with a feeling of hope. Hope that the next two weeks give us a season finale that reminds me why I fell in love with this show in the first place. 

To Take the Chip, or Not to Take the Chip

Most of you know that I watch this show with my sister, and once ALIE appeared and began giving people options (take this chip or watch someone you love suffer and die) we looked at each other and said, "I'm sorry, but if this ever happens, I'm letting you die." No, we don't hate each other. We're best friends. But two wrongs don't make a right. Especially if that particular wrong turns you into a zombie bent on programmed destruction. It's mind-boggling to see how many rational, mature characters are taking the easy way out and swallowing the chip. When Kane was offered the choice - take the chip or we'll shoot the woman you love in the head - I expected him to be The One. The one who said, 'I'm sorry, but I refuse.' But no, sometimes I have to remember that this is a teen show, and even the adults will do stupid things sometimes. Ugh. Roan, please stay away from this madness and refuse the chip. If it's offered to you, just behead someone. Okaythxbai.

Luna

Face it, we all knew Luna was going to say 'uh, I don't think so,' in regards to becoming the next Commander. I was almost disappointed when we had some fridging - let's kill Derrick, her boyfriend, as motivation to become Commander! - but to my relief, the show didn't seem to take that route, Luna stuck by her decision, and dumped our ragged heroes back on the beach. You go, Luna. I like you and your perfect hair so much.

The Ones You Love and the Ones You Hate

Consistently, my favorite thing about the show has been the way it changes your loyalties. Nobody is really black and white. Nobody is just 'good' or 'bad.' We hated Pike five episodes ago, and now he feels like our only hope. We liked Jaha back on the Ark, and now we'd like to see him burn on his own pyre. Heck, we even used to dislike Kane. Bellamy used to be a jerk. I used to dislike Octavia and now I'm…well, I liked her for a whole season there. Sometimes how I feel about a character changes minute to minute. Good job, show, for keeping me on my toes. Honestly, that impresses me.

Together

Bellamy and Clarke are working their issues out, and I love this. They need each other, and their relationship already has enough angst to write eighty-six Linkin Park songs. Right now we need some good old-fashioned hugs.
 

Roan's Return (!!!!!!)

ROAN IS BACK FOR THE NEXT TWO EPISODES and I, for one, couldn't be happier. And more terrified. Because this is The 100, and nobody is safe. Not even the most awesome recurring character on the show. 

What about you? Any hopes and/or fears for the season finale?

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The 100 Reactions: "Fallen" (3x10) + "Nevermore" (3x11)

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 "What do you do when you realize you might not be the good guy?"

I'm reeling. After six or seven disappointing, sloppy episodes, The 100 might be attempting to redeem itself. In fact, it's putting in a valiant effort to do so, giving us two good episodes in a row. Notice I use the word 'good' - not just decent. They were actually so good I had to check and make sure Shumway was still writing the episodes. (The credits claim she is; but my inside sources say the Powers that Be have replaced Shumway and Rothenpill with a clone and a cyborg, respectively. Said clone and cyborg have been given orders to fix what the originals broke. I don't know where the originals are and frankly, my dear, I don't give a diddly-darn.)

Apparently, the outrage in the fandom has reached the ears of the Powers That Be in ways I never thought possible. When ratings dip and once-enthusiastic fans grow cold shoulders, I guess you have to listen or risk losing your jobs. 

Bellamy has made many bad decisions this season in the name of protecting his sister Octavia, but in 'Fallen' we finally see a good decision where he leads Pike into a trap and hands him over to the Grounders. Kane feels the need to accompany the Grounders and Pike to Polis, but before he leaves, he asks Bellamy, "Did you do it because it was the right thing or to save your sister?" Bellamy hesitates before saying flippantly, "You're welcome," in an attempt to end the conversation, but Kane grabs his arm and says intently, "It matters. Until you figure that out, you'll be lost."

It was such an unexpectedly good line from a show that's been rapidly descending in my esteem that my mouth actually fell open. I thought, could this be a turning point? Will the next episode live up to this one?

In 'Nevermore,' we see some beautiful moments for several characters I'd nearly given up on. Jasper is downright heroic for the first time in…oh, fifteen episodes, we see Sinclair caring deeply for Raven, we see Monty killing his mom to save Octavia, we see Clarke and Bellamy having some tender moments (boy, did we fans need that) and we had an excellent exchange between Clarke and Niylah.

"I'm sorry I lied to you about Bellamy," Clarke tells her as they're preparing to leave the trading post. "You wouldn't have helped us if you knew." Niylah calmly responds, "You didn't give either of us the chance to find out.

Let me tell you - if this show keeps delivering like this, it may find a strong fan in me again (at least until the next time it slides downhill). Granted, there were still a few scattered, 'we're trying very hard to be Game of Thrones and still retain our fanbase' moments (such as when Ontari coaxes a chained Murphy into sexytimes), but overall, the last two episodes showed me why I ever loved the show in the first place. It gave us complex questions, questionable decisions, three-dimensional characters, and actual, cohesive plot development for the first time in what feels like forever. I, for one, am excited to see if the show keeps climbing back up toward previous heights.

Did you catch the last two episodes? Are you excited for the next horror-themed episode (and do you want to bet it's just Roan and his men pranking the kids? Okay, so that won't be what's happening, but it's funny to think about)? IS THE MUTANT WE SAW IN SEASON ONE RETURNING? 

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The 100 Reaction: "Stealing Fire" (3x09)

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I'll be honest: my reaction to this episode was, "Ugh, this show."

 

Usually when I say 'ugh, this show,' I mean it as a compliment. It means 'wow, this show is amazing. It's doing a great job, and I'm emotionally invested.' Unfortunately, when I say 'ugh this show' with The 100 lately, I've actually meant it literally. The last time I checked, 'showrunner' indicated pulling the show forward, not driving it into the ground. Unfortunately, the longer the show airs, the worse it gets.

 

Let me explain. In season one, we had a diverse cast of amazing people. We had plots and storylines that were cohesive. We had beautiful character development and beautiful characters. Remember when Stephen Moffat first took over Doctor Who and everyone went, "Yes! This is fantastic! He writes gut-wrenching plot lines and ties our emotions in knots!" Remember when it was announced that Stephen Moffat was being replaced, and everyone went, "Oh, thank goodness. We used to think he was great, but then we realized his empire was built on plot holes and stereotyping"? 

The same thing has happened with Jason Rothenberg and Kim Shumway. When they began, they gave us a very good show because, I think, they were in new territory. However, as we began to see toward the end of season two, they began to get full of themselves. They became corrupted by their showrunning power, as it were. 

It started small, with open confessions like, "Oh, the fans wanted Bellarke so we decided not to give it to them this season." Now we've just had a well-beloved character killed because the actor was bullied off the show. It's beginning to come apart at the seams.

 It legitimately appears that, in an effort to imitate Game of Thrones (and other pop culture), The 100 is selling its soul. Tight writing is being replaced with sloppy writing and last-minute changes. In an effort to seem 'edgier,' good plots take unexpected and bizarre turns that make viewers go, "Wait…that doesn't make sense. What?"

I used to love this show. Now, I'm only around because we have Zach McGowan's acting prowess (even if he's only guest-starring this season) and hopefully a redemptive arc for Bellamy (since he needs it after his character undevelopment this season). I can give or take the rest of it.

I started because I cared about the characters, but I care less with every episode, and it makes me sad. Can someone call Kripke and put him in charge? He might be the only one who can save this thing.

What do you think of the direction the show has taken? Do you like it, or do you agree it's falling apart?

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The 100 Recap: "Terms and Conditions" (3x08)

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Since the entire episode is set in Arkadia, it makes it difficult to split the recap into the usual 'Honest Scenes.' Instead I'm going for a more traditional recap and commentary, so bear with me.

The episode opens with two Trikru warriors riding up to Arkadia. The gates open, and Bellamy steps out, with Pike not far behind. The warriors tell Bellamy that Arkadia is surrounded, but if Arkadia surrenders Pike, things will be smoother for them. The warriors urge Bellamy to think of what's best for his people, to which he responds, "I do that every day," and shoots them both in the head.

Bellamy's 'theatrics,' as Pike called them (like you've never done anything theatrical, Mr. Pike, sir), have placed the camp in an urgent situation. Their food and water supplies are under sixty percent, and they don't have enough ammunition for sustained gunfire. The mounting tension results in a game of cat-and-mouse where Pike orders Monty and Bellamy to spy on everyone else in camp.

Monty is still conflicted about this, but after all, he loves his mother, Hannah, and she's on Pike's side. Bellamy doesn't seem to have this confliction, and when Monty says Kane and Sinclair are up to something, Bellamy arrests Sinclair and throws him in jail along with Lincoln and the 'interned' Grounders. Everyone is spying on everyone else--Miller's boyfriend, Bryan, puts a bug in his jacket. Miller and Harper have Pike's office bugged. 

Fortunately for Sinclair, getting imprisoned was the plan--he gives Lincoln a message, and they start a riot in the prison cell to distract Bellamy and Co. while Kane knocks Pike out and attempts to drive him out of Arkadia, where he can hand him over to the Grounders. 

Unfortunately for Kane, Monty catches wind of the plan thanks to the bug in Miller's jacket, and he alerts Bellamy. Bellamy rushes out to the gate just as Kane arrives, and Kane shouts at Bellamy to move out of the way. Bellamy does not move. He has a gun pointed at Kane, and Kane is in a position to run Bellamy over, but they both remain frozen until Pike's reinforcements arrive and drag Kane out of the car.

Pike sentences Kane to death for conspiracy, treason, and attempted murder, and Bellamy's is shocked that Pike would go that far. He confronts Pike, asking, "So we're killing our own people now?" but he makes no headway as Pike assures him it's necessary in order to keep peace within the walls. He says Kane must be an example to keep everyone else in line, and Bellamy walks out, distraught.

 He stands in the hallway next to Monty and asks about Harper and Miller, who they both know were in on Kane's plan. Just then Hannah walks up and assures them they both did the right thing--then asks whether they know anyone else involved in the conspiracy.

Monty glances at Bellamy, looking for direction. Bellamy says no, they didn't find anyone else. Monty confirms the lie. Hannah restates the sentiment from the beginning of the episode, claiming that it really is easy to do what you have to do in order to protect your people.

With a resolve we haven't seen in over a month, Bellamy says, "I do that every day."

The subplot for this episode featured Raven getting Jasper's assistance to break into Pike's office and steal the City of Light Pill-Maker. We discover that somehow whenever someone new joins the City of Light, ALIE gets stronger. How? I don't know. So far, it doesn't make any sense. Jasper mentions Finn, and Raven realizes that she can hardly remember Finn. In fact, there are a lot of things she can't remember--her first kiss, Finn's death, the necklace around her own neck. She begins to fight against ALIE's influence, and they rush out of the office, leaving the pill-maker inside. Cue to a very baffled ALIE, and Jaha casually implying that he can force Raven to help them in spite of her misgivings. 

The show does not resume until March 31st, and we can only assume that the last two episodes have really set the stage for whatever's about to happen next. 

Conclusion: The writers are barreling through this show at breakneck speed, and while it's letting us see more story lines, it's also rushing at a ludicrous rate. Plot and character developments are being sacrificed, thrown under the wheels, in favor of a quicker pace. Things that truly need time to develop are happening over the span of one episode. Character development (or non-development) is falling short of feasibility because the writers seem desperate to get things done as fast as they possibly can. 

Pike's character had the potential to be fascinating and complex, but the writers aren't giving him time to be these things. The actor is doing the best he can with what he's given, but it isn't enough for us to feel truly conflicted.

 The biggest problem, though, is Bellamy. He went from a self-centered, anarchist bully to a selfless, peace-keeping protector, and yet now he's touting the rule book and obeying the Chancellor simply because…well, the Chancellor is in charge? What happened to "whatever the hell we want?" In the last season, he was willing to be a foot soldier, to be a bodyguard. He didn't need to be a Right Hand Man; he was willing to do the right thing, no matter his position. Has he changed since Season One? Obviously, but there's no way he would have arrived at a place where he thought all authoritative rule was correct. 

In Season Two, his willingness to be a foot soldier was convincing. He was helping Clarke do right by their people, and he was just as important to them as Clarke was. Bellamy was the leader on a personal level while Clarke was the leader on a political, diplomatic level. In this season, Bellamy has been reduced to a soldier serving a man he disagrees with. Pike's manipulation of Bellamy is very obvious, and Season Two Bellamy would have seen right through it. Heck, even Season One Bellamy would have scoffed in Pike's face.

Still, I have to give a huge amount of credit to Bob Morley. His acting remains beautiful, powerful, and nuanced in spite of the way the writers are careening through the show. He isn't given much to work with, but he does an incredible job making what he is given work as well as it can. 

One parting note: ROAN RETURNS IN THE NEXT EPISODE. WHO'S EXCITED?

Did you catch the episode? What did you think? 

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The 100 Recap: "Thirteen" (3x07)

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SCENE ONE: Lexa's basement. (Or does it belong to Titus? I don't know.)

Murphy: Why do 87% of my scenes involve torture?

Titus: Tell me about the sacred symbol on this tiny pill.

Murphy: Crazy Ex-Chancellor Jaha wanted me to swallow it, and I didn't want to. That's literally all I know.

Titus: You lie.

Murphy: [Sigh]

SCENE TWO: Space. The final— no wait. Space: The 13th Ark Ship, Polaris. 97 years ago. Becca (Remember her? ALIE is her AI doppelganger? Glad you didn't totally forget about her) is cooing to a microchip with legs.

Becca: This is the greatest invention since sliced bread.

Chris [The dude who shot himself in the video Murphy watched]: Becca, we have a problem.

Becca: Everything's going great, I'm in space playing with artificial intelligence, what could go wrong?

Chris: The artificial intelligence I'm playing with just ran away from home.

Becca: Oh, no.

Chris: She's in China now, launching IBMs at the United States.

Becca: ….

Chris: So. Yeah. Anyways.

Becca, Becca's lab partner (although we never actually see her do anything scientific, so she could be the maid for all I know), and the Commander watch in horror as the apocalypse happens down below.

SCENE THREE: Polis. Everyone is gathered in the council room to celebrate Ascension Day. It's a good day. It's a holiday. It's interrupted when the Trikru villagers from the last episode stagger in, holding Octavia prisoner.

Lexa: !??? TITUS, THIS IS A HOLIDAY.

Titus: Shhh, this is important.

Clarke: Hi, Octavia.

Octavia: …

Semet, the Trikru Village Leader: The Arkadians killed my village, and we must retaliate.

Lexa: But see, we have this whole 'blood must not have blood' thing going on, and—

Semet: What!? Commander, you used to love killing!

Lexa: AND I STILL DO! I just ...um.

Semet: This stinks. I'm going to attack you with a knife because I think you're a rotten Commander.

Titus: Let me help you with that.

Semet: Drat, I thought this assassination attempt would work in a crowded room.

Lexa: All clans will surround Arkadia, and if anyone from Arkadia moves past the border, we'll kill them.

Semet: *dies*

SCENE FOUR: Back on Polaris, 97 years ago, in space. No, wait, 95 years ago. It's been a while.

Becca: This new AI will fix everything.

Becca's Lab Partner: ARE YOU CRAZY?

Commander: Look, all 13 stations are just about to join together and they're saying no pets. You can't bring your AI on board.

Becca: BUT NO. IT WILL FIX EVERYTHING.

Commander: The Ark is going to blow us up in sixty seconds if you don't kill the AI.

Becca: I have a better idea. I'm going to pack up the AI, eject a pod, and leave you both to blow up.

SCENE FIVE: In Octavia's temporary bedroom.

Clarke: Hey.

Octavia: Hey, so, I need Season 2 Clarke right about now.

Clarke: I'm sorry, Season 3 Clarke is kind of indecisive. Tell you what, though - I'll go talk to Lexa, you stay here.

Octavia: When have I ever 'stayed here'? It's like you don't know me at all.

SCENE SIX: In Lexa's bedroom.

Lexa: Zen. Calm. Stillness. Zen.

Clarke: Hey, so, what about not killing my people?

Lexa: I'm being extremely fair and ridiculously easygoing with your people. How about you realize they're not exempt from justice?

Clarke: Good point. I guess I have to leave with Octavia.

Lexa: Or you could move in.

Clarke: Hmm.

SCENE SEVEN: Octavia is wandering the streets looking for Indra.

Octavia: THERE YOU ARE. Why do you live in a shack? On the side of the street? This isn't what I envisioned.

Indra: I don't like you anymore.

Octavia: I need Season 2 Indra right about now.

Indra: I'm sorry, but Season 3 Indra is wounded and humiliated.

Octavia: Don't make me give you a Blake Speech because they're really motivating.

Indra: I don't want to hear it.

Octiava: I'm going to say it anyway.

SCENE EIGHT: Back in Lexa's basement.

Murphy: How about you stop torturing me and I'll tell you the story of my people because thanks to the drawings on these walls, it looks like our histories connect.

Titus: I don't believe you.

Murphy: Actually, I'm tired of torture, so I'll give you a history lesson anyway.

SCENE NINE: Back in Lexa's bedroom.

Clarke: So, I'm leaving with Octavia.

Lexa: I hope I see you again at some point.

[Kissing and sexytimes ensue. Sigh.]

Octavia: Well, I guess Clarke isn't coming. I knew it.

Indra: NO, BUT I AM. THAT SPEECH WAS SO GREAT.

Octavia: SWEET.

SCENE TEN: In Clarke's bedroom.

Clarke: MURPHY! What are you doing here? Why are you tied up in my room? What's going on?

Titus: I have a gun, and I'm going to make it look like your friend here shot you. *shoots wildly at Clarke*

Lexa: I'm making a convenient entrance so you can accidentally shoot me.

Titus: !!!!

Clarke: !!!!

Murphy: Who? What? What's happening? Who?

Clarke: You can't die now!

Lexa: Don't worry, Clarke. My fight is over.

Lexa: Watch Fear the Walking Dead, April 10 at 9pm.

Titus: I feel very bad about this, but I need to cut open Lexa's neck, remove the AI chip, and put it in this box so it can choose the next Commander during tonight's ceremony.

Murphy: Can I go home now?

SCENE ELEVEN: Earth, 95 years ago.

Becca: I'M BACK AND I'M REALLY SORRY FOR EVERYTHING.

THE MANDATORY POST-EPISODE RANT

I have conflicting feelings. I was so not on board the Clexa ship that I'm glad to see Lexa gone - but, strangely enough, I actually liked Lexa as a character more than I've liked Clarke this season. So while I’m glad we'll have all that awkward sexual tension out of the way, I'm almost sad to see Lexa go. In that vein, while I'm glad Lexa is gone, I'm irritated at Jason Rothenpill yet again. Why? Because this episode was so incredibly rushed and full of unsurprising plot twists. His writing gets sloppier and sloppier with every episode. What has he done this season to aggravate me?

• He's wrecked Bellamy's character development and thrown one of my favorite character arcs in history down the drain.

• He gave us Roan - an incredibly fantastic, intriguing character - and we haven't seen him in three episodes. Where is he? What is he doing?

• He's making Clarke act like an idiot. She's been the brain of the show for the last two seasons, and now we get…this? I get it. I get that she's an eighteen-year-old girl with conflicting feelings and emotions and way too much stress. I do. But the thing is, she's supposed to be making smart decisions. It's just that the writers of the show don't seem to know what a smart decision entails, and somebody should tell them.

Season Three has been sadly predictable for the most part. I predicted the AI had something to do with the Nightbloods, and I was right - so let's see if my prophetic powers continue. The AI chip is going to choose Clarke as the next Trikru Commander, and Wanheda will become Heda. This will bring Roan back into the storyline but create more conflict with Arkadia, since Trikru and Skykru are already at each other's throats. Is this what I want to happen? No, but it's worst-case-scenario sloppy writing. Come on, Rothenpill, please prove me wrong.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE EPISODE? ANY PREDICTIONS OF YOUR OWN?

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The 100 3x06: A Bitter Harvest

The episode opens with Clarke doodling Lexa while she sleeps. Lexa jerks awake and tells Clarke she's been dreaming of former commanders. Apparently they aren't happy with Clarke's 'blood must not have blood' mantra, and Lexa's willingness to go along with it. Dreaming about former commanders is most likely a side-effect of being a Nightblood, which raises new questions and a theory I'll mention at the end of the recap.

While Clarke and Lexa speak, Titus enters the room with a box. Inside the box is a present - from King Roan, no less. But it isn't for Lexa - it's for Wanheda. They open the box and - SURPRISE! - Emerson, the last remaining Mountain Man and the reason Mount Weather blew up with Clarke's people inside, tumbles out. Roan, you're such a romantic.

Lexa tells Clarke she has a choice: Kill Emerson, or release Emerson into the wild. I mean, banish him. 'Blood must not have blood' seems all well and good until it's personal, and Clarke chooses death for Emerson. Well, until the very last moment, when she changes her mind. At least she stands by her principles, although I agree with Titus - 'blood must not have blood' isn't going to work yet. It takes two sides to have peace, not just one. 

Meanwhile, Kane continues to be awesome (if somewhat haggard and nap-needy). He's in cahoots with Octavia, trying to clean up the devastating mess Pike is leaving behind. Bellamy is still struggling with Pike's order to wipe out a nearby Grounder village so they can use the soil to plant food, but he goes along with it anyway. Octavia sneaks to the village to warn the Grounders, but 'you should all evacuate' doesn't sit well with them. Especially since they're the women and elderly left behind from Pike's massacre. They knock Octavia out and release poisonous fumes into the air when Bellamy and his strike team arrive. Monty, the pure gift that he is, risks his life to save Monroe from the poisonous gas, but he's too late. Monroe dies, gasping for air, and this appears to shake Bellamy up. He can barely meet Pike's gaze later when discussing it.

Abby is concerned about Jaha's new happy pills, and approaches Jaha about them (narrowly stopping Jasper from swallowing one). Alie tells Jaha he can talk to Abby, and so Jaha tells her they're silicone-based painkillers that block pain and increase endorphins. Abby confiscates the pills, saying she wants to test them, and then asks, "Would you let Wells take one without testing it first?" Jaha blinks and asks, "Wells?" Even Alie appears startled by the fact Jaha has forgotten his own son, and Abby's concern increases exponentially.

She and Kane share a quiet moment where she voices her concerns and reassures him. It's so lovely to see one of my OTPs actually sailing. It's probably going to wreck soon. One of them will die. Something. 

Alie and Jaha recruit Raven to find Alie's update somewhere in the Ark's computer files, but Raven can't find anything. They decide it must be in the thirteenth pod, Polaris (from which we get the name of Lexa's capitol, 'Polis'). Cut to Murphy being tortured by none other than Titus, who seems desperate to find the source of the happy pill he found on Murphy. Yikes, Titus. I guess you aren't as chill as I thought you were. 

QUESTION/THEORY TIME

We still don't know what Nightbloods are, exactly. But Lexa has dreams of the other commanders, all of whom were also Nightbloods. The tattoo on Lexa's back looks suspiciously like a pod falling from the sky. Are Nightbloods possibly the descendants of those who fell from the thirteenth ark, and were they on the happy pills Alie's been handing out? 

Jaha isn't going to win any Father of the Year award, but knowing what the pills are leads to more questions. If they don't actually heal but rather block pain, won't there be dire consequences? Raven isn't healing, she just isn't feeling the pain. So what happens when the effects of the pill wears off? Or will it? Why is Titus after information about the pills? Will we see Emerson again? CAN ROAN GET SOME MORE SCREEN TIME, PLEASE? Will Monroe's death shake some sense back into Bellamy?

Did you see the episode? What did you think? Any crazy (or even sensible) theories?

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The 100 3x05: Hakeldama

As I did with episode three, I'm going to recap episode five with a series of (slightly tweaked) scenes. Enjoy.

SCENE ONE: Clarke and Lexa are riding to Arkadia.

Lexa: I'm so happy. Aren't you happy, Clarke?

Clarke: I ran away from my people. They might be upset.

Lexa: You're bringing them a dead body, how could they be upset?

Clarke: Maybe you're right.

Lexa: Anyway, we took the Ice Queen's body probably without permission, since I can't see King Roan being coolio beans with us stealing it away from a proper Azgedan funeral.

Clarke: Yeah, we'd better ride faster.

SCENE TWO: Bellamy and nine soldiers walk through the gates of Arkadia.

Octavia: Why are you covered in blood???

Bellamy: It was raining.

Octavia: ???

Bellamy: IDK, go away.

Pike: THIS IS OUR LAND NOW. Granted, we've only been here for five minutes and the Grounders were all here first, but since they are a metaphor for Native Americans and I am a metaphor for Columbus, WE ARE ENTITLED.

People: HECK YEAAAAAH.

Kane: I didn't go a personality transformation and grow a badass beard just to watch all this garbage take place.

SCENE THREE: Clarke and Lexa are riding to Arkadia (still)

Lexa: Peace <3 Love <3 

Clarke: Are those the bodies of 300 Grounders who were sent here to help Arkadia stay safe?

Lexa: @!&#

Indra: I'M ALIVE, BUT I'M BARELY BREATHING.

Lexa: WHO DID THIS TO YOU??

Indra: CLARKE WHY ARE YOUR PEOPLE SO STUPID.

Clarke: I….............got nothing. But Bellamy can help!

Indra: Bellamy was the one who DID THIS, for pity's sake.

Clarke: That seems OOC of him.

Indra: It kinda was. But he didn't WANT to kill everyone. And he let me live so I could deliver a message.

Lexa: What message?

Indra: They hate us.

Clarke: I MUST GO SPEAK WITH BELLAMY.

Lexa: No, you're under arrest.

Clarke: That was fast, but I don't want to be a prisoner. I want to talk to Bellamy.

Lexa: Okay.

SCENE FOUR: Pike is giving battle plans to his soldiers.

Pike: We'll expand our borders to this point.

Bellamy: Sir, there's a grounder village there.

Pike: NP, we'll just wipe them all out.

Bellamy: But, like…innocent people?

Pike: Your point?

Bellamy: That doesn't seem good…killing innocent people…seems bad…

Pike: Killing innocent people isn't bad, Bellamy. Here, wear this Guard Uniform™ and know how much I believe in you.

Bellamy: You have successfully completed Emotional Manipulation Level 2. I will wear this uniform.

MEANWHILE, IN SICK BAY

Raven: Why won't you let me do things?

Abby: Your leg is in bad shape. I can't let you do things.

Raven: Can I come back after it heals?

Abby: No, your leg is never gonna heal.

Raven: ….

MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE THE GATES

Jaha: I'm back with my Grounder Assistant/Emori's Brother!

Guard: No Grounders.

Assistant: WHAT. BUT I CAME ALL THIS WAY— *is unfortunately shot in the fight which follows*

Abby: *runs out* HE'S DYING. HE'S DEAD.

Jaha: No worries. He's alive in the City of Light.

Abby: …

Jaha: By the way, I brought drugs.

Kane: JAHA, IS THAT REALLY YOU? Say something insane so I know it's really you

Jaha: I have a magical pill that will take away all your problems, and also, you will never die.

Kane: You're even crazier than before! Amazing!

Pike: JAHA, BRO, GOOD TO SEE YOU.

Jaha: GOOD TO SEE YOU TOO. Do you want some happy drugs?

Pike: Not so much into happiness. I like the genocide thing, but feel free to peddle to anyone who wants it.

Jaha: Thanks, bro.

SCENE FIVE: Lexa and Clarke are with Indra, camped a couple miles from Arkadia.

Octavia: I'M HERE. WHAT HAPPENED. INDRA. OH MY GOSH. ARE YOU OKAY??

Indra: What are you doing here?

Octavia: Kane sent me to smooth things over. Sorry about all the dead people.

Lexa: How could this happen? 

Octavia: See, we held an election for chancellor—

Everyone: *facepalm*

Octavia: —and Pike won, so he's killing everyone.

Clarke: I definitely have to talk to Bellamy.

Octavia: I'll get you in.

SCENE SIX: Abby and Kane are in Sickbay.

Pike: HI, I'M HERE TO RUIN EVERYTHING.

Abby: Again?

Pike: We'll just be taking all these sick Grounders off your hands and sticking them in prison so they can die. I assume you're okay with this.

Abby: DAGNABBIT, PIKE, I'M NOT GOOD AT MANY THINGS, BUT I AM GOOD AT BEING A DOCTOR, AND I SAY YOU CAN'T PUT SICK PEOPLE IN PRISON AND LET THEM DIE.

Lincoln: *storms in* SCREW YOU *knocks out a guard* AND YOU TOO *knocks out another guard* YOU'RE NEXT, BELLAMY.

Bellamy: COME ON, BRO—

Pike: Stick Lincoln in prison, too.

MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE

Jaha: Drugs are good. Do drugs. Drugs = peace and happiness, and you will live 5ever. Trust me.

Raven: HELP. NO. I'M BEING DRAGGED INTO JAHA'S STORYLINE. URGH. DRUGS ARE BAD.

ALIE: We need her.

Jaha: Don't worry, Raven, I'll get you hooked on drugs very soon.

Raven: Blast.

SCENE SEVEN: Octavia corners Bellamy.

Octavia: YOU PUT MY BOYFRIEND IN PRISON!?

Bellamy: It's called 'internment' now.

Octavia: I KNOW YOU KILLED ALL THOSE PEOPLE.

Bellamy: GEEZ, KEEP IT DOWN. We can't have everyone knowing about the massacre, it's not good for morale.

Octavia: Step into this room so I can beat you up.

Bellamy: Okay. *steps into room*

Clarke: Um, hi.

Octavia: You kids have fun. *leaves*

Clarke: Bellamy, you killed three hundred innocent people. That's not the most awesome thing ever.

Bellamy: Stop making me feel bad. They had to die, Pike said so.

Clarke: We should actually talk about how wrong Pike is.

Bellamy: Oh, sure, you can order me around because you're 'WANHEDA' now, is that it?

Clarke: Um—

Bellamy: You have no idea what I've been through, and also, people die around you, and also, I would sell you for a single Dorito.

Clarke: I'm sorry.

Bellamy: I'm sorry, too.

Clarke: So we're good?

Bellamy: Yeah, totally. *slaps handcuffs on her* We're great.

Clarke: !!!!!!!!!

Octavia: Drat. This didn't work so well. 

Clarke: *knocks Bellamy out, escapes with Octavia*

MEANWHILE, BACK OUTSIDE

Jaha: Do drugs, Raven. It'll be fun.

Raven: Okay, but just this once since I have nothing else to do.

Jaha: Wonderful.

Raven: *does drugs*

Raven: Whoa, my leg feels better.

Raven: Shoot.

SCENE EIGHT: Clarke gets back to Lexa's camp.

Clarke: So, that didn't go over well.

Lexa: Can I kill your people now?

Clarke: I'd rather you didn't, actually. 

Lexa: But I need to.

Clarke: Can we try not retaliating?

Lexa: Urgh. Fine.

Indra: All aboard the crazy train.

SCENE NINE: Murphy and Emori

Murphy: This is fun, all the dating and thievery.

Emori: LOL, yeah, it is. BTW, can we go find my brother?

Murphy: No.

Emori: I'll convince you one of these days. 

Murphy: I have the sinking feeling your brother is dead.

Emori: Don't be silly. Lay in the middle of the road, and when these approaching warriors stop for you, we'll steal their stuff.

Murphy: Okay!

Murphy: *is kidnapped*

Grounder Warrior: He has a drug pill with the Sacred Symbol!

Murphy: ???

Emori: Yikes.

And Now, My Thoughts

First of all, I just have to ask: where was Roan? I fully understand we needed to step away from the Ice Nation for this episode, but still. I miss you, buddy. Stay strong. Also, let me just state that if the Ice Nation was only a plot device for the first four episodes, my wrath will be great and my ire greater. 

Also, I fail to see how Murphy and Emori's plotline ties in with the rest of the show - or I did, until one of the Happy Pills fell into the hands of the Grounders. Now at least it has a small tie-in, but Murphy and Emori feel very 'extra' at the moment.

The scene between Bellamy and Clarke was intense and great, even if watching it resulted in the shedding of tears and my heart being ground into small pieces. It was the reunion I'd been waiting for - or the 'pre-reunion,' since it didn't exactly go smoothly. We got to see Bellamy's very raw, very real pain, and we got to see Clarke's guilt combined with her hope for their friendship. 

Usually after each episode of The 100, I have to rant over how stupid and badly-written half of it was, but this episode surprised me. I wouldn't change anything, aside from maybe Murphy and Emori's side-plot. I was impressed and surprisingly happy with it (despite the sad lack of Roan). Also, props for the clever episode title. It made my little nerd heart happy.

What did you think of the episode? Where is Raven's plotline heading? Do you think this ruined Bellamy and Clarke's relationship? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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The 100 3x04: Watch the Thrones

The episode opens in Polis where Lexa has gathered a council to oversee a hearing. Whose hearing? I wondered, too, until they brought a shackled Nia, the Queen of Azgeda, into the room.

Me: Wait, what?
Me: Nia is like...untouchable.
Me: How on earth did they capture her.
Me: How did this happen.
Me: They're going to tell us, right?
Me: You don't just have a free, ruling Nia and then BOOM, a captured Nia without showing us how it was done.

Except yes, that's exactly what happened. Nia is brought into the room with no explanation. Did she come willingly? It doesn't look like it. Was it a trap deliberately set by her? That would have been great, but no. It's just a regular hearing for a mysteriously captured queen.

Clarke, as the representative of the Thirteenth Clan, is present at the hearing; as is Prince Roan, under heavy guard. [I interrupt myself to state that Polis has the most awesome costuming I've seen yet in this show. Everything is stunning. Not to mention the hair + makeup stylists are doing a really bang-up job.]

Nia proves defiant, telling Lexa she does not recognize Clarke as a legitimate ambassador, until Lexa informs Nia that Skykru and Trikru are now one. Nia then moves for a vote of no confidence, and every Clan ambassador votes to depose Lexa - except Clarke.

Nia invokes a fight to the death, and Lexa accepts.

Nia: TO FIGHT IN MY STEAD, I CHOOSE....
Roan: Don't do it
Nia: MY SON, ROAN.
Roan: Wow.
Roan: Gee thanks, mom.

Titus tells Lexa to choose someone to fight in her stead, but she insists on doing it herself. Clarke doubts the intelligence of this plan and tells Lexa, "I saw Roan kill three people in the time it took for the first body to hit the ground."

Me: THAT'S MY BOY! :')

In fact, Clarke is suddenly so concerned about Lexa that she seeks out Roan, practicing before the fight, and tries to win some protection for Lexa. She tells him he would be a better Azgeda ruler than Nia, and he doesn't argue - but he also states that his people don't want him back. Still, they devise a plan to get rid of Nia and secure Roan's rule...

...which doesn't exactly go over the way they wanted it to. Clarke approaches Nia in her tent and offers to switch sides, even cutting her hand open like Azgeda vows require. But Nia's second, a girl who has been viewing Clarke with suspicion, runs forward just as Nia prepares to seal the deal and shows how Nia would have been poisoned had she gone through with it.

Nia cuts open her second's hand and smears black blood over Clarke's face, then sends her back to Lexa as a warning.

Lexa tells Clarke that Nia's second was a Nightblood, much like the children Lexa herself has been training. They carry black blood in their veins, and their heritage goes back to 'the beginning' (i.e. apparently, they're special).

Clarke tells Lexa she won't attend the fight to the death, and they exchange a good-bye.

I have to give kudos to the fight scene between Roan and Lexa - the choreography and cinematography were impressive, and it's the best fight sequence we've had yet in the show.

[Fun Fact: The sequence only took eight hours to film, and Alycia Debnam-Carey (Lexa) laughed over how much Zach McGowan (Roan) had to ease up when fighting her just so he didn't actually kill her. Awwww.]

Lexa wins the fight. And I have to say, it looked a little too easy there at the end. She knocked Roan down, and yet it almost looked like he gave up. I don't know whether that was a glitch in the choreography because they ran out of good ideas or if it's to be addressed next episode.

Nia, extremely unhappy with her son's loss, screams that if he dies now, he won't die a Prince of Azgeda - he'll just die a coward. Thanks again, Mom.

Here we have a surprisingly good move on Lexa's part. She stands above Roan with her spear poised to kill him. "Blood must have blood," she says and throws the spear at Nia, killing the Queen of Azgeda instantly.

"The Queen is dead," Lexa declares amid the shock. "Long live the King."

Me: KING ROAN.

Me: KING ROAN YYYEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Me: Okay. Rothenpill did good. Now please don't mess it up.

Meanwhile, back at Arkadia, Bellamy is struggling with Gina's death. The memorial for those killed at Mount Weather is interrupted as angry Farm Station soldiers, upon discovering Lexa's protective army camped outside, attack Lincoln. Pike and Kane settle things down temporarily, and Lincoln does not press charges, but the Farm Station newcomers are furious at the 'threat' outside their walls. Kane and Abby reassure everyone that the soldiers are under Indra's command and are a peacekeeping force only, but Pike and Farm Station view it as a trap.

Pike preys on Bellamy's wounded vulnerability and forms a bond with him before asking Bellamy to acquire ten guns so they can go kill all the Grounders.

Me: Don't even think about it.
Me: Your freckles and your puppy dog eyes cannot save you, Bellamy.
Me: BELLAMY, BE SENSIBLE.
Bellamy: I'll do it.
Me: [SCREECHING]

Pike and his small army sneak toward the gates at night, armed and ready, but Lincoln and Octavia bar the way and raise the alarm. Kane shows up, and Pike tells his men to lower the guns peacefully, but Kane has them locked until further notice.

As Bellamy is taken away, he starts to raise a chant - "Pike! Pike! Pike!" - and everyone joins in. MUCH TO EVERYONE'S SURPRISE (Read: we saw this coming from three hundred miles away), Pike is voted Chancellor the next morning, and Kane relinquishes his command.

While this is happening, Monty and Jasper take a very uncomfortable and emotionally painful trip to Dropship where Jasper drinks alcohol and is bitter, and Monty - very Not Okay with the fact Jasper is walking around with Finn's ashes in a jar - gives him the lecture he deserves and leaves. Jasper spills Finn's ashes accidentally and cries. Ack.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

We've known since the first S3 promo aired that Bellamy would have a difficult time this season (because the last two have been so easy on him, ahahahaha). But my biggest beef is the way he's being written.

Everything about Arkadia this episode was rushed, especially where Bellamy is concerned. At the start of the season, he's searching for Clarke alongside Indra, and now, within the span of four episodes, he's supposedly Anti-Grounder (be they friend or foe) and perfectly okay with gunning three hundred of their allies down. This is horrible, horrible writing. This is the kind of character change that needs to take place over an entire season - not over four episodes. It makes Bellamy look weak, which he is not; and it makes him look stupid, which he is not. It's wrecking all his previous character development because they're rushing the story line, and I'm not okay with it.

Usually, my biggest beef with the show is Clarke but not this time. This time it's Bellamy, and the way he's being forced into a place that does not suit him. It could possibly suit him in say, season four, IF you spent ALL of season three DEVELOPING this side of him. But that didn't happen.

So, looking at Jason Rothenpill, I move for a vote of no confidence.

NO HEDA NO MO.

Do you like the direction the show is heading, or are you concerned (like me)?

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The 100 3x03: Ye Who Enter Here

This was the kind of episode where I blink at the rolling credits, tilt my head back to look at the sky, raise my fist, and cry, "RRROOOTTTHHEENNNBBUUURRRRRG!!!!!!!" Mainly because it's the usual mixture of Stuff So Awesome I Want to Throw Confetti and My Face Is Not Big Enough to Contain My Sarcastic Palm. Hold up. You know what? This episode would be far better recapped as a series of scripted scenes. Moving on.

SCENE ONE: Polis

Clarke: [Still under house arrest]

Lexa: Hello, Clarke, my Clarkeness, the Clarke to my heart <3

Clarke: Go away.

Lexa: I want your people to be my people.

Clarke: LOL.

SCENE TWO: Polis (Still)

Lexa: I have brought Ice Nation representatives here so we can calmly discuss why I'm better than they are.

Ice Nation Dude: My queen is better than u.

Lexa: Is that so?

Ice Nation Dude: YEAH.

Lexa: I want a word with you, over here, by this balcony, 800 stories up.

Ice Nation Dude: OK.

Lexa: [Pushes him off the balcony and watches him fall to an untimely death] Oh dear, my hand slipped.

Everyone: We saw that coming.

SCENE THREE: With the Skaikru

Plot Device - I mean, Gina: Hey, Bellamy, I love you. I'm so lucky to be your girlfriend.

Bellamy: Yeah, we're disgustingly cute together.

Gina: [Smooches Bellamy]

Bellamy: [Smooches Gina]

SCENE FOUR: Mount Weather

Raven: Yeah, Sinclair loves me.

Gina: Awwwww.

Sinclair: Raven, you're doing everything wrong. Fix it.

Gina: Awkward.

Octavia: Why are there people eating happily in the dining hall? Don't they know that like 300 people died here pretty recently?

Pike: THE MORE THE MERRIER.

Octavia: Ick, I'm out.

SCENE FIVE: Polis

Clarke: [Still under house arrest] When will my life begin? [Sighs]

Roan: Hey.

Clarke: …

Roan: Here's a weapon and a way to escape. You should use it and join my people.

Clarke: Ah, cool, thank you.

Roan: No problem.

SCENE SIX: Mount Weather (again)

Echo: [Is dragged out of the woods by two Skaikru] Hey, Bellamy!

Bellamy: Hey, girl I met that one time!

Echo: That summit that everyone important is heading to is a TRAP.

Bellamy: I totally trust you. Blind faith has never led me wrong before. WE'LL GO STOP IT. [Turns to Gina] Goodbye, forever girlfriend of 5 days.

Gina: Be careful and safe.

Bellamy: Hey. It's me.

SCENE SEVEN: Polis (this time with Kane and Abby)

Kane: I love the city.

Vendor: Here, have some mystery meat as a sign of my good friendship.

Abby: Um, no thanks.

Kane: Just eat the meat, Abby.

Abby: You're so right, Kane. You should be Chancellor.

Kane: You're right, but we should let the people vote on this because we need to give Pike a chance to be Chancellor and mess everything up.

Abby: You're so right again, Kane. I don't know how you do it.

Indra: [Appears and smiles]

Viewers: THE SMILING INDRA OF GOOD FORTUNE. REWIND. I MUST SEE THIS THING TEN TIMES BEFORE I CONTINUE.

SCENE EIGHT: Polis

Lexa: I will kill you, tiny child who I am training.

Tiny Child: I will kill YOU, Commander.

Lexa: Ah, so cute.

Titus Tattooicus: We have to talk.

Lexa: This kid is almost as good as I was. Those were the days. What did you want to talk about?

Titus Tattooicus: Life would be so much easier if we just killed Clarke. Can we please do that?

Lexa: Sorry, I was thinking about Clarke. What did you say?

Titus Tattooicus: [Sighs]

SCENE NINE: Polis

Clarke: [Is still under house arrest but with a knife this time]

Lexa: I HEARD YOU WANTED TO SEE ME, MY SUN AND STARS, MY MOON.

Clarke: I have a knife, but I can't kill you.

Lexa: I'm not even going to ask where you got the knife; I'm too full of Clarke feelings. Also, your mom is here to see you.

Abby: CLARKE. BABY. LET ME SEE YOUR FACE.

Kane: You can see her face later. We have politics and things to talk about.

Clarke: I have an idea. We're going to join Lexa's nation and become the 13^th Clan.

Abby: !!??????

Kane: Cool.

SCENE TEN: The Ceremony

Clarke: [Looks rad in an epic makeup and dress] [Bows before Lexa so everyone knows Wanheda serves the Trikru now]

Lexa: Wonderful. And now the Chancellor of the 13^th Clan needs to get a painful brand so everyone knows they're with me.

Abby: You deserve this, Kane. The honor should be yours. <3

Kane: Gee, thanks.

Bellamy: I'M HERE TO CRASH THE CEREMONY.

Everyone: !!!!!! BUT WHY?

Bellamy: IT'S A TRAP. ECHO SAID - wait, where did Echo go? NOOOOOOOOOO, I TRUSTED HER. WHAT IS HAPPENING.

SCENE ELEVEN: Mount Weather

Everyone: It would be cool if we could get these missiles to work, but we can't find the launch codes.

Gina: I'll go look!

Durza 2.0: [Creeps from the shadows of Mount Weather and stabs Gina, then enters the launch codes, which have been branded onto his arm] BTW Echo sent me.

Gina: THERE'S AN ASSASSIN LOOSE AND WE ONLY HAVE LIKE THREE SECONDS BEFORE EVERYTHING BLOWS UP. [Dies]

Sinclair and Raven: [Chase the assassin out of the mountain, shoot him dead]

Mount Weather: [Blows up]

SCENE TWELVE: Polis

Lexa: I swear fealty to you, Clarke.

Clarke: Just what I always wanted. Thanks.

SCENE THIRTEEN: Azgheda

 

Ice Queen: Thanks to Emerson, the last surviving Mountain Man, my Evil Plan was put into action by Echo, my Faithful Subject! And now to rescue my son who, though banished, I seem to care an awful lot about.

 

THE END

CONCERNS

This is the show's third season, and while each season has evolved very differently, there are commonalities found in all of them. Last season, we left Clarke in a very dark place, which she's trying to come out of. This season, they're hinting that it's Bellamy's turn to enter said Dark Place, and I'm extremely concerned. Why? Because we had Bellamy's character arc begin to grow in season one, while Clarke didn't change much until season two. Bellamy's already been in his Dark Place, and if we take him there again, it's lazy writing - unless they do something drastically different. The writing is very obviously taking us toward Pike becoming Chancellor, which - while I love it, plot-wise - is extremely predictable and could be handled better. This being said, Roan is an incredible new character I'm very excited to see more of, and the show is at an interesting place that still has me really looking forward to each new episode.

What did you think of the new episode? Any predictions for the coming season?

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