The popular science fiction series The 100 has captivated audiences with its thrilling narrative and complex character arcs across its seven-season run. However, many viewers have found themselves frustrated at various points, often contemplating whether to continue watching. While the show has undoubtedly extended beyond its natural lifespan, it delves deeply into humanity’s moral dilemmas, exploring how characters respond to a world plagued by conflict and survival. Despite its engaging premise, several characters seem to suffer from abrupt and illogical storylines, leading to a viewing experience that is simultaneously exciting and perplexing.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth, The 100 revolves around a group of juvenile delinquents tasked with assessing the planet’s habitability. As they navigate this new terrain, they encounter other survivors, which sets the stage for intense confrontations each season. Across its run, The 100 boldly experimented with narrative structures, unveiling shocking character deaths, unforeseen plot developments, and introducing unexpected locations and characters. However, this willingness to take risks occasionally backfired, leaving a segment of the fanbase disillusioned.
10 Jaha and A.L.I.E.
A Divisive Character’s Unfortunate Turn
The transformation of Thelonious Jaha during Season 3 is a point of contention among fans. His deep interest in artificial intelligence, particularly through his interaction with A.L.I.E., marked a significant shift in his character. Jaha’s pursuit of a pain-free existence, motivated largely by the loss of his son, becomes the catalyst for a troubling alliance with A.L.I.E. Despite other characters navigating this experience without lasting harm, Jaha’s perceived downfall leaves fans wishing for a more fulfilling redemption arc.
9 The Introduction of Sanctum
A Departure That Missed the Mark
Season 6 of The 100 is often cited as the beginning of the series’ decline. Although the setting of Sanctum introduces intriguing new elements and characters, many plots failed to resonate as powerfully as those in earlier seasons. The pacing felt uneven, and as a result, some fans felt disconnected from the narrative momentum. Nevertheless, standout moments, such as Clarke’s confrontation with Josephine, showcased a fresh performance from Eliza Taylor, hinting at the untapped potential still lurking within the story.
8 Bellamy Supporting Pike
An Unexpected Alliance with Tragic Consequences
Initially portrayed as a rebellious protector, Bellamy Blake underwent significant development in the first two seasons, earning a beloved status among viewers. However, following a tragedy in Season 3, his unexpected alliance with Chancellor Pike, who perpetrated extreme violence against the Grounders, bewildered and disappointed fans. The stark contrast between Bellamy’s earlier convictions and his later actions left audiences struggling to reconcile the changes in his character.
7 Finn and the Grounder Killings
A Character’s Final Act of Cruelty
Finn Collins, once an integral character, quickly became embroiled in controversy due to his increasingly erratic behavior in Season 2. The turning point came with his brutal attack on a group of Grounders, who he wrongly suspected were involved in Clarke’s disappearance. His turbulent romantic entanglements further alienated him from viewers, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction that pushed many to consider walking away from the series.
6 Ontari Killing the Nightblood Children
A Deeply Dark Moment in the Series
As the series progressed into its darker themes, Season 3 offered a particularly shocking moment characterized by Ontari’s heinous killings. In her quest for power after Lexa’s death, Ontari chose to eliminate opponents rather than fight fairly, culminating in the chilling display of holding up a child’s head. This gruesome spectacle shocked viewers, and while some were turned off, others found it to enhance the story’s tension and depth.
5 Bellamy’s Absence in the Final Season
The Absence of a Fan-favorite Character
The final season, often regarded as the weakest, struggled with pacing and character development, leaving fans feeling unfulfilled. This discontent was exacerbated by Bellamy’s limited presence, attributed to actor Bob Morley’s request for a break. His character’s absence and subsequent betrayal in aligning with the Disciple’s cause seemed inconsistent, undermining his previous growth and alienating loyal viewers.
4 Clarke Pulling the Lever
Clarke’s Most Controversial Decision
Throughout the series, characters face harrowing choices with dire ramifications. In Season 2, Clarke’s decision to pull the lever at Mount Weather, leading to the demise of countless lives, marked a pivotal and deeply controversial moment. This act haunted her character, as audiences grappled with her moral complexities. Clarke’s perceived unlikability intensified, causing some fans to disengage completely, frustrated by her decisions and their consequences.
3 Octavia Becoming the Red Queen
A Beloved Character’s Disheartening Transformation
Octavia Blake’s evolution throughout The 100 exemplifies one of the most intense character arcs. Following her traumatic upbringing, she evolves into the fierce leader known as Blodreina in Season 5. However, her ruthless actions alienated longtime fans who struggled to reconcile this version of Octavia with the character they had previously supported. As her journey unfolded, viewers were torn between admiration for her strength and disappointment in her moral degradation.
2 Bellamy’s Death
Dramatic Yet Flawed: The Impact of Bellamy’s Demise
Among the series’ most shocking moments, Bellamy’s death stands out, particularly due to the manner in which it was executed. After a season of limited appearances, Bellamy’s alignment shifted dramatically, leading to a tragic sacrifice that Clarke initiated. While the choice to kill off a significant character aligns with the show’s brutal ethos, the handling of his death felt anticlimactic and diminished the impact of his longstanding character development, frustrating many viewers.
1 Lexa’s Death
A Loss That Resonated Painfully with Viewers
Lexa’s character was renowned for her strength and deep bond with Clarke, making her sudden and tragic death all the more heartbreaking. Many fans perceived her demise as a reinforcement of the “bury your gays”trope, feeling as though her loss was both unneeded and detrimental to the LGBTQ+ community’s representation in media. Despite the narrative possibilities opened by her death, the backlash was significant, leading countless fans to abandon the series, feeling betrayed by the storytelling choices.
Leave a Reply