The 100 Review: Be Careful When You Open “The Tinder Box”

I’m not sure that The 100 knows how to be boring. It seems like they’re rolling on all cylinders at all times. I’m always skeptical that they’ll find ways to raise the stakes and keep things exciting, but as each episode goes by I’m colored more and more impressed. Season 4’s overarching danger has made every plot thread and minor story 100 (pun intended) times more exciting.

This week on The 100: Octavia is brought by a frenemy back to Arkadia, but is able to help Skaikru head off the Ice Nation forces in a stand-off. Abby and Raven reach several breakthroughs in finding a way to manufacture night blood. Riley attempts a solo mission. Clarke and Roan make a new deal. Ilian causes a major problem.

Whoa. I thought this episode was exciting just based on the fact that they were racing against the clock to solve the radiation problem before it’s too late, and all the while being on the brink of war. But then, they go and kill of a character that’s been around since day one. They didn’t stop a heartbeat, but instead Ilian blew up Arkadia, which removes the fail-safe for 100 people, and instead relies on a new solution. Not only was this an incredible twist, but it keeps up this remarkable trend that the writers of this show follow. They write themselves into serious corners and do what makes sense for the story. Characters die, plots get foiled, and everything moves at a brisk pace, so as not to drag out any twists. That’s why each episode is so exciting.

In that same vain, I appreciate not drawing out the Octavia reveal, too. I mean, the viewers all knew she was alive, but waiting 5 or 6 episodes to reveal her to Bellamy is a rookie mistake. So even though the scene containing her fake death was heartbreaking and so powerful, I appreciate how quickly they came out with the truth. I realize how preachy I can be on this particular subject, but moving through the stories quickly instead of keeping characters in the dark for drama’s sake is always the way to go. Always.

Here are a few other thoughts:

• “It is a trap. We’re already in it.”
• I’m not sure I totally understand how Abby also has something wrong with her brain. Is there something I missed? Either way those brain hallucinations are creepy AF.
• That said, are there going to be more hallucinations? I’d love to create some character returns out of that, like Finn, Lexa, etc.
• I really missed my faves John Murphy, Jasper and Jaha tonight. But I’m sure they’ll be back sooner rather than later.
• One of my biggest problems with Roan as king is how easily manipulated he seems to be. Maybe he’s just a puppet. Who knows?

I’m starting to speculate what the solutions might be, other than giving everyone night blood. I haven’t come up with anything yet, but I’d hate for it to be as simple as cleaning up and reusing Mt. Weather or the drop ship. However, I am more excited than ever to find out the solution.

What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know!

The 100 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW