The 100 Review: “Stealing Fire”, Receiving Death

The 100 is a ridiculously compelling show. Whether you’re still reeling from the loss of the last commander (May we meet again, Lexa), or if it was tonight’s death(s) that sent you into a spiral of ice cream eating and hateful internet comments, the compelling elements of the show can’t be denied. Tonight’s episode threw the status quo completely out the window by shifting the characters and their groups, and moving fluidly and fearlessly through the world they have created.

This week on The 100: Bellamy and Monty finally choose the right side, but it might be too late. For their role in the escape, Lincoln and Sinclair are sentenced to death alongside Kane. Kane’s loyal crew of followers plots with Octavia to save everyone, while Bellamy is relegated to the sidelines with Indra. Clarke, Titus, and Murphy deal with the fallout of Lexa’s death, and try to prevent the ascension of a terrible commander.  Lincoln makes a sacrifice for his people.

Man. After a few weeks of being gone, The 100 really picked a doozy for this comeback episode. The level of intensity stayed high throughout the episode, and it reached an incredibly dramatic conclusion. “Stealing Fire” was one part Game of Thrones, and two parts Steve McQueen’s classic, The Great Escape. Any scene having to do with breaking Kane and the others out was high intensity, and was an engaging prison break story. They told lots of small, concise stories in that larger escape story, and it was really incredible how much they accomplished in such a short time. Monty and his mother choosing sides, Kane and Abby’s blossoming romance, and Lincoln’s duty to his people were all a part of this story, but none of them felt crammed or unfulfilling, rather each one had wonderful little payoffs in a short time span.

I really enjoyed Clarke’s story too, if for no other reason than Murphy makes the perfect foil for her. All of the fallout from Lexa’s death (which we’ve only seen on the internet to this point) played out in this episode. The conflict in Titus was incredible. He was extraordinarily compelling to watch. I think the prison break part of the episode was probably stronger in terms of being compelling, but Eliza Taylor’s Clarke and Richard Harmon’s Murphy carried that section of story on their backs. They’re incredible actors, and they’re two of my favorites on the whole show. Clarke ran off and I’m upset, because I was hoping this would eventually become the Clarke and Murphy show. Here’s hoping for the future!

Now let’s talk about that ultimate sacrifice made by Lincoln. I have always liked Lincoln, and Ricky Whittle has done a fantastic job playing him. Honestly, the whole thing made sense. I hate to see Lincoln go, but his death served as a cruel reminder that this show doesn’t keep beloved characters alive just because. Lincoln dying for his people made complete sense, and saving him would’ve been the wrong call. Sometimes, it’s hard to get used to a show that doesn’t do red herrings or last minute rescues, or revive characters from the dead, but the way in which The 100 just accepts deaths and moves forward is what makes the show truly special. Rest in peace, Lincoln. May we meet again.

With Titus, Aden, other young commander candidates, and Lincoln all now out of the picture, the focus will likely shift to the delicate balances of power by both the Grounders and the Sky People. Though I’m most compelled by Kane and his band of misfits on the road, I’m really excited for everything that comes next. The 100 is like a great book that I just can’t put down, and hopefully it continues that trajectory.

While not a totally magnificent episode, there was much more good than bad. Though this show can really kick you while you’re down (taking out Lexa and Lincoln almost back to back), that exact trait is what makes it so compelling to watch. Each time they play into their fearlessness to kill of major characters, it gives me goosebumps to think what could happen next!

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

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