During this week’s episode of The 100, it felt quite a bit like an episode of Game of Thrones, and that’s not a bad thing at all. If anything, it’s an appropriate description of just exactly how this episode played out. Sometimes you have to be wary of shows imitating other shows, but this didn’t feel like that, it just gave the feelings that an episode of Thrones might give. The 100 is centered around constantly shifting alliances, power, and morality, and all of that was at play in this week’s episode, aptly titled “Watch The Thrones”.
This week on The 100: Clarke stands by helplessly as Lexa prepares for her battle with Roan. Pike convinces a grieving Bellamy that all Grounders are not to be trusted, and leads a resistance against Kane, right before the election. Jasper sneaks away to the drop ship, intent on spreading Finn’s ashes there, but is followed by Monty.
The more I think about it, the more this episode felt like a Game of Thrones episode (and it’s an appropriate comparison, considering two regime changes and a third challenge of power in this episode). In Lexa and Roan’s battle, for instance, I had flashbacks to the Mountain versus Oberyn Martell. I didn’t know how much I cared for or rooted for Lexa until I watched her almost lose that battle. Alycia Debnam-Carey was phenomenal. I’m not sure I can be blamed for thinking that Lexa was going to die, considering the actress is a regular on another series (Fear the Walking Dead) and Clarke seemed to have moved on from her as a love interest (though the chemistry is still there). However, none of what unfolded is what I expected to happen, and as you know if you read my reviews: I value unpredictability very highly in a show. That’s why I love this one so much.
On the predictability scale, I was able to see Chancellor Pike coming a mile away, but there were quite a few hints being dropped along the way. For more than one episode, Abby has been referring to Marcus as the next Chancellor. That was a pretty obvious hint about what was going to happen. I’m not mad about it, though, because it still happened in a way that felt true to the world and was dramatically compelling. I’m certainly terrified of Chancellor Pike, but he’s going to make for some great TV.
One of the things I love about this show is the constantly shifting morality concept. The characters constantly shift between their humanity and protecting themselves and others from danger. There is no absolute good. Moral gray areas and constant shifts in morality are ever-present in today’s world, and it’s important for our art to reflect that. The 100 is an excellent show because it shows no fear. It tackles issues and realistic concepts that even within the world of the show are poignant and relevant. Aside from it just being a cool, sci-fi, action-packed show, the emotional content packs a wallop.
“Watch the Thrones” is just another example how it’s hard for The 100 to have a bad showing. We’re only four episodes in to the third season and it was filled with action and drama, and more is clearly to come. Not many shows get me really excited to watch them each week, but watching The 100 fills me with joy. It’s an excellent show, and this was an excellent episode.
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.
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Just a BTW, Aiden is Lexa’s most promising night blood. Roan is the man she was fighting.
My bad. I’ve never been good with names. Fixed!
And Aden doesn’t have an “i” in his name. :)
“…and Clarke seemed to have moved on from her as a love interest (though the chemistry is still there).”
We must be watching to very different shows if you think Clarke has “moved on.” What I and many see is not Clarke no longer romantically interested in Lexa, but she fighting hard against it. The anger from Lexa’s betrayal still runs deep so obviously she’s not going to give Lexa much room in this regard. However, there was not mistaking Clarke’s pained and worried expressions during the Lexa/Roan battle, which speaks volumes about how much she cares for her on a personal/heartfelt level.
I said “seemed”, which is to say, past tense. After this episode, I don’t think that anymore! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! I totally agree!!
I totally agree with everything you said…well except from moving from Lexa as her love interest. If anything, it seems stronger than ever (that knife scene last week had me confused if Clarke was going to kill lexa or tear off her clothes…and what was showed is that clarke was fighting both these impulses, she’s doing everything to resist it, but the commander is slowly tearing down those walls, especially after the fealty bow).
And if any doubt remained about Clarke’s feelings, this episode made it pretty clear when Clarke heatedly argued with Lexa about not simply standing by and watching her die, and that is was ‘not just about my people’, it was about Lexa. Going as far as trying to plot and attempt to assassinate the queen to save Lexa and then breathlessly showing up to her combat the last minute. I won’t even go into the bedroom scene, which was short of a ”Let’s get it on” music video with the sultry eyes they were giving each other. Jesus!
What I love about their dynamic though is that it condenses the core themes of the show: leadership, sacrifices, responsibility, moral and ethical lines in the sand. How they clash and influence each others leadership philosophies and the moral compasses that informs their decisions, when to choose ruthlessness and when compassion, when to show strength and when emotions should be part of the decision-making process, and most interestingly how incredibly talented both are at cunning strategy. They’ are both powerhouses and seeing them interact is one of the most engrossing TV experiences I’ve had in years!
Yes, their chemistry is undeniable. I must’ve worded that funny. I meant it seemed like she’d moved on until this episode. I absolutely don’t think that anymore. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! I totally agree with you!
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