This episode of The 100 was a strong departure from the status quo. I don’t think that is a bad thing AT ALL, but it was noticeably and compellingly different from the episodes it has been putting out prior to it. “Terms and Conditions” was a special episode in which jockeying for power and opposite views of what’s right and wrong jumped to the forefront of the episode. It was riveting, compelling, and revealing about each character that became entwined in the plot.
This week on The 100: Kane and his band of followers put a plan into action, hoping that it will convince Pike to do the right thing. Pike, Bellamy and Monty watch Kane and his group closely. Jaha and Raven convince Jasper to help their cause, which sends Raven on a journey of self-discovery, and discovers a weakness in Alie. Sinclair and Lincoln assist Kane on a special mission.
It doesn’t seem like a lot happened on this episode, but SO much happened. I thought that Jaha and Raven playing chess towards the beginning was the perfect visual metaphor for this episode, because that’s exactly what it was. Pike and Kane operated an extraordinarily well-executed chess game, each move more precise and intentional than the previous. Every move incited an answer or triggered a corresponding move, and I found it interesting that a chess game was actually included visually in the show. Well played, Rothenberg.
What might be the most compelling thing about this episode is that it was utterly Clarke-less. After her devastating loss in the previous episode, Clarke (and her newest companion, John Murphy) was nowhere to be found. But the weird thing is, I didn’t miss her at all. This episode was about Kane and his firm stance in favor of what is right, and trying to convince Bellamy of that before it’s too late. I think they’re really going to kill off Kane, and it’s going to be devastating. How great is Henry Ian Cusick, though? He’s certainly an asset that I would hate for this show to lose.
I really appreciated the Jasper/Raven team up, too. Raven has a new lease on life thanks to “The City of Light” and Jasper has…the opposite. These are two characters that haven’t interacted much, but share a bond based largely on their respective relationships with Finn. What’s funny about it is that instead of giving Jasper a new lease on life, as you might expect, Jasper instead opens Raven’s eyes from the blinders Alie has put on her. As dangerous as Chancellor Pike is, they should be a lot more worried about Alie.
This episode was really different, but still great in its own way. It built to an exciting climax and (for me) had a disappointing conclusion, but there is plenty more internal warfare and political intrigue to be had. Really, all of The 100’s political climate is pretty relevant to today’s actual political climate, which just hits it that much closer to home.
Ultimately, I was impressed. I didn’t think I could ever like an episode of this show without Clarke. But what’s great about this show is that it’s bold. It can do pretty much whatever it wants and as long as it doesn’t play things safe, it will continue to be one of the most compelling shows on television, bar none.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know!
The 100 airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW
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I stopped read when you said “Clarke (and her newest companion, John Murphy) was nowhere to be found. But the weird thing is, I didn’t miss her at all.” Well, you and JRat are perfect.
So since you stopped reading, you missed the part where I said: “I didn’t think I could ever like an episode of this show without Clarke.”
I love Clarke, but I thought this episode stood well on its own.
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