Overall, on the ground the issues are a complex mix of normal(ish) teenage problems and a monumental list of the unknown. Let’s start with the more superficial of the two. If you tuned in tonight, you saw firsthand the aftermath of Clarke and Finn (Thomas McDonell) giving in to their mutual attraction, despite Octavia’s (Marie Avgeropoulos) former threats regarding the matter. On one hand, it’s great to see that these teenagers can still experience some semblance of normal lives. However, this also means that Raven (Lindsey Morgan) probably won’t be around for any considerable length of time, which is unfortunate since she’s one of the strongest characters we’ve been introduced to this season.
The 100 clearly set the scene for Clarke and Finn from episode one. Although there is a strange chemistry brewing between Clarke and Bellamy, one which will almost surely be explored later on in the series, it’s hard to believe that one night in a nuclear disaster shelter is all Finn is good for. The arrival of his girlfriend, an acceptably predictable turn of events, does complicate matters, though. Finn has been portrayed as a decent guy, albeit a bit of a thrill seeker. Finding out that he had a serious relationship past-tense, since clearly considering yourself “stranded” on Earth while the other person lives in outer space counts as an assumed break at the very least, probably won’t do a lot to change how fans view him. It does change the dynamic between him and Clarke, but it’s only a matter of episodes before something else pushes them back together.
Living with the suspense of what’s going to happen in the romantic sphere is still somewhat desirable comparatively. Clarke could be in Octavia’s position – face to face with a grounder while bleeding from the head. Among the extensive list of unknowns about Earth in the future is the state of human beings who somehow survived despite lethal conditions. The 100 were already attacked by the grounders in the form of a spear through Jasper’s (Devon Bostick) chest, leaving the distinct impression that the natives are not exactly looking to form any alliances with the group. The teenagers have been remotely safe in their current location, weather conditions aside, but there was clearly something about their approach to Mt. Weathers that was threatening. Although, it’s quite possible that the shock of a serious change in the status quo can be to blame (err, partially to blame).
Overall, the storyline continues to move ahead at full-speed this week, hardly giving viewers enough time to catch up before changing directions. There’s enough diversity in the characters and plot to keep things interesting as well, including the parallel stories between what’s happening on Earth and back on the Ark. The one thing that seems to be lacking, and hopefully will improve as the series settles a bit, is the performances of some key characters – Eliza Taylor’s Clarke in particular. Clarke presents viewers with something unremarkable to work with more often than not, and it’s starting to drive the narrative down with it.
Are you still loving what the writers are doing with The 100, or has your interest petered off already? Let us know in the comment section below!