Whew! That was an intense hour of television. I know by watching The 100 every week that each episode constantly tops the next, but they’ve moved the bar very high this time around. I know better than to say that they can’t top it, but it will be very difficult to do.
This week on The 100: Bellamy continues to navigate Mt. Weather with the help of Raven, Maya, and former President Wallace. Jasper, Monty, and the rest of the captives fight back against Mt. Weather. Octavia discovers Lincoln after several days have passed. Jaha and Murphy progress toward finding the city of light, and Clarke and Lexa have some difficult leadership decisions to make.
I’m a really big fan of this show. I don’t think that is any secret at this point. I’m constantly amazed at how episodes can continue to one-up each other. The stakes were raised very high, very quickly in this episode, but the cast and production crew embraced it and turned out a really nice final product here. The production value, the direction, the writing, and especially the acting were top notch, and I never grow tired of watching this show. At least, I haven’t yet.
First off, I really loved the Jaha and Murphy story. I figured I would get this out of the way first, because while riveting, it was the least intense. Murphy and Jaha have become an excellent odd couple in terms of their world view, although it seems that Jaha is having a positive impact on Murphy. When they met that grounder girl, I was pretty sure she was going to betray them, but I wasn’t sure how or why. BUT, I also knew that Murphy had gotten to her with his honesty and transparency, and I was right! This whole part of the episode was very well done, but especially by Richard Harmon. I’ve loved every turn Murphy has taken, and I couldn’t see anyone else playing the role. Excellent, excellent work. I’m also really excited to see if there are more radiation-mutated people out there. That girl’s hand was awesome!
Bellamy’s story may have been the most heart-pounding one of the episode (although that’s debatable). I was so worried for him as he navigated the ducts and halls of Mt. Weather, trying to avoid detection. I loved the intensity, and the way that it seemed Bellamy was able to get around Mt. Weather. He was able to find Jasper and give him a weapon (which was a FANTASTIC scene by the way), and then he was able to track down (former) President Wallace and get his help messing with the air ducts. A VERY smart play. Raymond Barry and Bob Morley both gave commendable performances in this episode. It’s always great to see two characters interact for the first time, especially on this show.
Clarke and Lexa were faced with tough decisions as leaders, and that really showed some parallels with the toils and trials of war. I certainly sympathized with Clarke in this case, wanting her to save as many lives as possible, even if it tipped their hand. Eliza Taylor and Alycia Debnam-Carey have both been brilliant so far, and this episode was no exception. I can feel the conflict in Clarke in every decision that she makes, but she steadfastly defends her decisions. The constant shift in emotions and ability to feel along with Clarke is a huge credit to Taylor as an actress. Debnam-Carey brings a quiet intensity to Lexa. Lexa is less easy to read; you might feel like she’s hiding something, but her demeanor is soft until it has to be. The contrast that she brings to the two sides of Lexa is powerful.
In relation to Clarke and Lexa’s decision, this may have been one of Paige Turco’s best episodes yet. As Abbie, Turco takes us through emotions of losing and regaining a daughter, and then losing her own influence TO her daughter. It certainly isn’t a range of emotions that I’m familiar with, but she shows great range and flexibility in the role. Another huge win for the actresses in the show this week.
That being said, this week’s MVP is most definitely Devin Bostick (Jasper). Jasper shot a Mt. Weather soldier. He proved that he was willing to do whatever it takes to protect his friends. Jasper’s character has really been on an upswing this year, and Devin Bostick has grown into the role as it has expanded. Bostick had such an intensity about him this week. He’s proved his emotional range on a number of occasions, but he stepped it up even further in this episode. Good work, Devin.
Ultimately, another strong installment of The 100. Week after week, I still find this show impossible to look away from. The battle has truly started, and Clarke and Lexa are definitely going to face some serious consequences for the missile crisis. Every character is headed in a direction that I want to know about, and I’m really excited to be taken there! I can’t wait!
What did you think? Did you enjoy this episode as much as I did? How do you like the show? Let us know!
[Photo via The CW]
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It was as usual, an amazing episode. This show can do no wrong really. Amazing writing, terrific acting.
Agree about the MVP of the week: Jasper. I am loving how his character is growing and developing as the season goes by. And Devon Bostick is proving he has fantastic acting chops! Congrats!
I think the MVP award would also go to Bellamy. Aside from everything you said, he also went against his character. Usually if he knows his sister is in danger he runs to her. But this time, he set her aside mentally and did what needed to be done. He got the gun to Jasper, he contaminated the fifth floor to help Jasper and the rest escape, he told Clarke about the missile. Basically, without him the episode wouldn’t have been as great as it was because he was the string that held everything together.