The 100 Review: Who Are “The Chosen”?

I can’t believe that we’ve already reached the penultimate episode of the 4th season of The 100. It seems like this season has just flown by. As we approach the end, we being to find out what will become of some characters, what has become of others (RIP, Jasper), and where they plan to spend the next five years. Use of the “100” as a recurring and returning theme is clever, the apocalyptic plot has been excellent, and rarely has the show been more exciting.

This week on The 100: Skaikru struggles to pick their 100 survivors, causing friction among them in the bunker. Clarke, Bellamy, Murphy and Emori set out to rescue Raven, but they encounter some obstacles along the way. Octavia struggles with the burden of leadership.

This episode was a very different kind of exciting. I expected them to lean more into the 24 hours part of the episode, but instead it was emotional and taxing as the people of Skaikru held humanity’s future in their hands. Rather than pulse-pounding action that has filled the other more recent episodes, this one was much more emotionally and psychologically taxing. When faced with an impossible choice like that, how do humans continue to move forward? Exploring these extremely heavy issues is one of the things that makes The 100 a great show, instead of just a good show.

I think there’s a deeper meaning in these episodes concerning the impracticality of government. How forced compassion and fairness can lead to devastation and death. How charity should be left to humans and not dictated by those who govern. Why should the few get to select who lives and who dies? One of these minor subplots really sealed in my political beliefs as a libertarian. The story between Miller and his father. Miller’s dad put his son’s name in the lottery drawing instead of his own. Not only was this a wonderful story of sacrifice for those that you love, but it proves that letting the people decide for themselves can often bring out the best in humanity. Leaving charity and decisions like this up to the citizens is an important facet of our society. If the governing body had decided things for them, and perhaps let Nate die instead of his father, things would be much more dire. Not just because of the government choosing someone’s fate, but it would turn the citizens against them. I saw the story of the Miller family as a rebellion against government overreach, and a win for the empathy and compassion of humans.

That aside, perhaps the most exciting part of “The Chosen” for me was to see some of the original gang get back together. My heart was made happy by the combination of Bellamy, Clarke, Murphy, Emori, Harper, Monty, Echo, and Raven all coming together for a sort of new twist on the original gang. The latter watching the 7 former walk up to the balcony and remove their helmets was a wonderful, powerful moment to me. As a longtime fan of this show, it was a nice payoff.

Here are a few other thoughts:

• Since Isaiah Washington is leaving the show, I’m growing more and more curious how things are going to end for Jaha.
• Octavia is the commander now, right? Because she should be.
• One little quibble. Why can’t each clan have 100 beds? So that anyone willing to share with their S.O. or child could do that and save more lives? I mean, I’m just saying.
• Also, smart money is on a time jump after this season. Anyone wanna take that action?

Overall, this was an excellent penultimate installment before what’s sure to be an exciting finale. I’m more excited than ever to see how things play out.

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

The 100 airs its season finale on Wednesday, May 24th at 9/8c on The CW