The 100 - Season 4 Review!
After falling in love with the book trilogy, I quickly became just as addicted to the first season of The 100.
The series is set 97 years after a devastating nuclear apocalypse wiped out almost all life on Earth. It begins in space where many escaped the world and have lived on The Arc for years. After realising supplies will soon run out, the difficult decision is made to send 100 juvenile prisoners to Earth to check for safety. For the last 3 years, we've watched them survive against all odds and create a life for themselves, albeit not the easiest.
After the slightly clumsy storytelling of season 3 and my mother's suggestion that season 4 wasn't great, I was expecting the worst but I absolutely loved this season. Unlike other shows who almost play it safe after a season that didn't receive the highest praise, The 100 does the opposite.
I really thought they tied in multiple storylines and characters that were introduced in the previous seasons but in a much deeper way. It was incredibly rewarding from a viewers perspective to see this. Instead of touching on the story, we understood some of the characters innermost desires and their driving forces. We saw the reasoning behind their unexpected and sometimes questionable decisions.
Previous seasons had focused on the huge conflicts between those from the Ark and the Grounders whereas season 4 found everyone now in the same boat. An impending threat tied everyone together and united them in a way that we never expected. Of course, that didn’t mean they would suddenly be able to play nice.
While the show continued to focus on the Sky People's stories, the grounders did play a much bigger role compared to previous seasons. Roan, Indra and Ilian were crucial to telling the story this year and I really enjoyed having a new perspective in the world of the grounders.
Given the vast amount of characters in the show, the more senior characters are often forgotten. Abby was a larger focus this season, especially when it came to making decisions for the greater good. She found herself in Clarke's position and had to decide how far she was willing to go, questioning her humanity. However, while Raven was suffering from withdrawal, Abby's suffering was hardly mentioned. Again, a dividing factor in the teenagers and adult.
Kane remained the most dependable, focused character in a lot of ways, always striving to find the least-destructive outcome. Personally, I wouldn't miss him if he left the show as it would happily continue on without him. Even though he is the leader of the Sky Crew, he doesn't play too much of a big part. That unfortunately falls onto Clarke instead.
Jaha's direct role in ALIE’s ascension is completely overlooked. I actually really don't like his character, unlike the majority of others. I find him unbearingly condescending when it comes to other's decisions especially as he lost his leadership by his own choice. He always calls the wrong decisions so I'm just surprised people aren't fighting back against him more.
With so many different locations and ideas, they all somehow came together in the most remarkable and entertaining way. The finale was one of the most powerful.
Beginning with Octavia and Bellamy saying their goodbyes over the radio, not only is she worried about her brother’s plan to live in space but she also voices her concerns about being a leader to everyone in the bunker. Somewhat remarkably, despite her timid and quiet private self, she's already succeeded at bringing about unity when neither he nor Clarke could.
As promised in previous episodes, the end finally comes after the explosions reach their climax and marks the end of the world. For 5 years...at least.
The finale has unequivocally set up some interesting story possibilities for next season. While it wasn't as action-packed or emotional as others, it has left so many possible paths that can be explored in season 5. Due to the environmental nature of the disaster, there were no fight sequences but I actually really enjoyed the shift in nature. It was still just as climactic, but in a totally different way.
Possibly the most surprising character for me was Jasper. Despite being depressed for almost the entire season and the last one, he created the incredible Monty: an unsung hero! I found myself secretly rooting for him to succeed and survive but without the annoying Jasper, his praises wouldn't have been showcased. It was an interesting storyline to tell as it gave way to the true highlight of his story: he took his gloves off to save everyone!
Raven Rayes was another character who ended up taking on a big role this series. Caught in a cycle of pain, she's had one of the most varied development across the show. With several possible solutions to the end of the world dictated by a time limit, the countdown to D-day, it's up to Raven to save the world. Unfortunately for the cast, it quickly became clear there was no way to save everyone and it was left to Clarke to decide who should live: contribution or friends?
Still, the survival of some of the most loved characters in the last episode once again hinged on on the genius that is Raven. While technology can be boring, it was kept interested by the small talk and constant backchat from Murphy. Who would have thought they would end up *cough cough* friends?! Despite the nail-biting closing sequence, the moment the doors open, I took a collective sigh of relief along with the characters.
Having said that, the most nervewracking moment had everything to do with Clarke. Deep down I knew she wouldn't die but I still hoped and prayed that her nightblood would kick in, in time. As per usual, she sacrificed everything for the people she loved. My eyes watered as she watched the rocket take off into the distance, while also rooting for her to succeed in her mission and safe the others.
I kind of love the idea that everyone in space thinks she's dead. It's interesting to think of all the possibilities that could possibly be happening; could Bellamy and Raven get back together again? That feels like a lifetime ago but as they both begin to take leadership themselves, perhaps?
As heartbreaking as it is - especially for the brief moment I thought she would be alone for years - part of me feels like Clarke needed the alone time. She needed to be herself without thousands of people depending on her. She's still a teenager after all. No teenagers deserves that amount of weight and pressure.
But the last scene! We jump ahead six years and 7 days to find Clarke and a young Nightblood woman. I think it will be really interesting to see this relationship. It will be hugely important and life changing for Clarke. She's been with her for five years. For all intents and purposes, they are bonded in the way a mother and daughter would be. Despite reaching out for her friends, it's not them who arrive. Instead, they are surprised by the arrival of a mysterious spaceship.
The time jump was such a shock to me and it brought so many unanswered questions! What happened to everyone in the bunker? What happened to everyone in space? What happened to everyone under Octavia's leadership? Who's in the spaceship that just landed?
After the slightly clumsy storytelling of season 3 and my mother's suggestion that season 4 wasn't great, I was expecting the worst but I absolutely loved this season. Unlike other shows who almost play it safe after a season that didn't receive the highest praise, The 100 does the opposite.
I really thought they tied in multiple storylines and characters that were introduced in the previous seasons but in a much deeper way. It was incredibly rewarding from a viewers perspective to see this. Instead of touching on the story, we understood some of the characters innermost desires and their driving forces. We saw the reasoning behind their unexpected and sometimes questionable decisions.
While the show continued to focus on the Sky People's stories, the grounders did play a much bigger role compared to previous seasons. Roan, Indra and Ilian were crucial to telling the story this year and I really enjoyed having a new perspective in the world of the grounders.
Jaha's direct role in ALIE’s ascension is completely overlooked. I actually really don't like his character, unlike the majority of others. I find him unbearingly condescending when it comes to other's decisions especially as he lost his leadership by his own choice. He always calls the wrong decisions so I'm just surprised people aren't fighting back against him more.
With so many different locations and ideas, they all somehow came together in the most remarkable and entertaining way. The finale was one of the most powerful.
Beginning with Octavia and Bellamy saying their goodbyes over the radio, not only is she worried about her brother’s plan to live in space but she also voices her concerns about being a leader to everyone in the bunker. Somewhat remarkably, despite her timid and quiet private self, she's already succeeded at bringing about unity when neither he nor Clarke could.
Possibly the most surprising character for me was Jasper. Despite being depressed for almost the entire season and the last one, he created the incredible Monty: an unsung hero! I found myself secretly rooting for him to succeed and survive but without the annoying Jasper, his praises wouldn't have been showcased. It was an interesting storyline to tell as it gave way to the true highlight of his story: he took his gloves off to save everyone!
Raven Rayes was another character who ended up taking on a big role this series. Caught in a cycle of pain, she's had one of the most varied development across the show. With several possible solutions to the end of the world dictated by a time limit, the countdown to D-day, it's up to Raven to save the world. Unfortunately for the cast, it quickly became clear there was no way to save everyone and it was left to Clarke to decide who should live: contribution or friends?
Still, the survival of some of the most loved characters in the last episode once again hinged on on the genius that is Raven. While technology can be boring, it was kept interested by the small talk and constant backchat from Murphy. Who would have thought they would end up *cough cough* friends?! Despite the nail-biting closing sequence, the moment the doors open, I took a collective sigh of relief along with the characters.
I kind of love the idea that everyone in space thinks she's dead. It's interesting to think of all the possibilities that could possibly be happening; could Bellamy and Raven get back together again? That feels like a lifetime ago but as they both begin to take leadership themselves, perhaps?
As heartbreaking as it is - especially for the brief moment I thought she would be alone for years - part of me feels like Clarke needed the alone time. She needed to be herself without thousands of people depending on her. She's still a teenager after all. No teenagers deserves that amount of weight and pressure.
But the last scene! We jump ahead six years and 7 days to find Clarke and a young Nightblood woman. I think it will be really interesting to see this relationship. It will be hugely important and life changing for Clarke. She's been with her for five years. For all intents and purposes, they are bonded in the way a mother and daughter would be. Despite reaching out for her friends, it's not them who arrive. Instead, they are surprised by the arrival of a mysterious spaceship.
The time jump was such a shock to me and it brought so many unanswered questions! What happened to everyone in the bunker? What happened to everyone in space? What happened to everyone under Octavia's leadership? Who's in the spaceship that just landed?
I am so excited for the next year! In a way, it will be almost the opposite to the original season. Instead of Clarke being the new arrival, she will be the Grounder. Without a doubt, this is my favourite season of The 100 yet and the finale only excites me even more.
What a way to finish the show! The only bad part is the fact we will have to wait another year to figure out what the hell we witnessed in the last five minutes.
"May we meet again."
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