The 100 Season 7 Episode 1 Assessment: From The Ashes

Spoilers

There’s loads of strain that comes with introducing that one final story nonetheless left to be instructed.

The strain is on to not solely ship on the season but additionally to carry collectively your complete trajectory of the sequence.

So in some methods sticking to a number of the acquainted is smart, and in different methods, it does not. 

Throughout The 100 Season 7 Episode 1, Clarke and the others in Sanctum had to determine stay in a world post-battle. There was nonetheless a divide between believers and the Youngsters of Gabriel, which Clarke tried to mediate whereas avoiding the lack of her mom.

In the meantime, Russell simply wished to die, and he received his want when a struggle with Clarke triggered a gathering with Sheidheda.

As for the group within the forest, after Bellamy was taken by some unseen forces within the woods, Gabriel and Echo needed to work along with Hope to seek out their approach into the Anomaly. 

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“From The Ashes,” written by Jason Rothenberg, was a lesson in adjusting your expectations. It laid the groundwork for a distinct story than many may need hoped for the present’s closing season. 

Past the nostalgia, the hope for a season that valued its characters over its plot, or a want for the ultimate story to be really shocking — it is about representing what The 100 has turn out to be and the way it has gotten thus far. 

Even when the plan wasn’t for the viewers care extra concerning the characters and their relationships with each other greater than they do concerning the plot, you possibly can’t predict how others will take to your work.

You’ll be able to take note of how your story related together with your viewers and permit the final journey to mirror that, particularly with regards to one essential puzzle piece that stored a lot of the present in place.

#WhereIsBellamyBlake

We may wait to have this dialog, however there is no level in pretending this wasn’t the largest obvious difficulty within the premiere.

Plain and easy, the place is the male lead of the present?

It is one factor to have Bellamy disappear, just for the viewers to observe him on that journey. He’s lacking from the opposite characters, however not less than the viewers can know the place he’s and what’s going on.

As a substitute, The 100 opted for the choice the place it shelved its male lead, having what may most likely simply be a mix of various photographs from the top of The 100 Season 6 Episode 13 and a stunt double to replenish these 10 seconds of screentime within the premiere.

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It is insulting to a present that has come to depend upon Bellamy Blake, with him representing the soul of the present in any case this time.

It’s much more insulting to Bob Morley, the male lead that has put all of himself into each scene he graced throughout the previous six seasons.

The illustration that he gives and the best way he carried a lot of the present all through its seven-season run, solely to get erased from existence, is sort of an announcement.

To not use him, really use him, to the very best of his skills when he gives a lot to The 100 season after season is a alternative that may by no means make a lot sense, particularly within the premiere, which units up the journey for your complete season.

To have Bellamy kidnapped and to not observe him past that speaks volumes. 

All of it goes again to the best way that Bellamy Blake continues to serve the story whereas the story does not serve him.

He has all the time been positioned in a steady loop of serving the characters round him, normally the white ladies in his life. And as a Filipino male lead, in some way Bellamy did not get the identical therapy. 

With Bellamy lastly making that vast step to place himself first throughout The 100 Season 6 Episode 11, abruptly, it felt like there was hope. 

Hope for Bellamy to have his personal story and hope that the present would lastly bear in mind the value that he has had all this time. As a substitute, Bellamy received to take one step away from all the time worrying about Octavia, making an attempt to department out and discover a life for himself as nicely.

However that was such performed rapidly when Octavia was taken into the Anomaly, seemingly solely to set the course for Bellamy’s final story. The story that’s, but once more, not about him.

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Positioning Bellamy the place he may have extra solely to take it away is unlucky and but nothing new. But it surely felt like Bellamy getting taken meant we’d observe his journey. As a substitute, the premiere to neglect his existence.

Maybe this was a one-time factor, with Bellamy’s journey getting explored within the following episodes fascinatingly.

However then the query turns into, what concerning the different methods during which Bob Morley has gotten worn out?

From the trailer for the season  to  the official poster to the behind-the-scenes photographs that manifestly pass over the one individual everybody wished to see, it has turn out to be a really worrisome development, particularly when you think about that that is it.

There isn’t a subsequent season to offer Bellamy one final likelihood to have a narrative worthy of his worth. There are solely this closing season and this closing likelihood to do proper by the guts of The 100.

Going into this closing season, not understanding what to anticipate for Bellamy, the necessary factor is to regulate accordingly. Figuring out the worth that Bellamy has to the story, even when the present itself does not, is likely to be the perfect technique to help his upcoming position.

As a result of typically there are not any phrases for the disservice it does to to followers when your male lead seems within the premiere simply to be dragged round within the dust. Does he actually not deserve higher than that contemplating his historical past on the present?

There isn’t a telling the place Bellamy’s story will go based mostly on the premiere, however it’s secure to say that he’ll all the time deserve higher. For now, although,  help and the love for the character will maintain hope for him alive. 

And that Bellamy Blake will proceed to steal the present, even with lower than a minute of screentime, is one thing we all know in our hearts.

The New Not-So-Regular 

It is a model new day, the solar was shining, and Eliza Taylor delivered an off-the-charts efficiency as Clarke Griffin. It’s only a regular day in Sanctum; besides that it’s not, not when there’s nonetheless a lot left to do.

Eliza Taylor takes on that battle for Clarke Griffin so seamlessly; it’s even uncomfortable attending to see our favourite lead shutting down in entrance of our eyes. At first, it was complicated, particularly when Clarke could not keep in mind that Madi had a mom earlier than her.

It was like watching a ticking time bomb the best way Eliza effortlessly explored Clarke’s phases of grief. 

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The denial was out in full drive, with Clarke refusing to acknowledge or react to the best way others had been making an attempt to grieve. Clarke won’t all the time have the time to really feel, however watching her refuse to permit herself that was chilling.

A lot of Clarke shut down as she tried to compartmentalize the feelings effervescent to the floor. Eliza carried Clarke’s try to skip grieving, up till the second she could not anymore. And that’s when it received much more distinctive.

It’s heartbreaking to see Clarke really feel in entrance of the very man who triggered her this ache, however in so some ways, it was excellent. Clarke wanted that likelihood to not solely get offended however to vocalize it, as nicely.

Pretending she did not should grieve as a result of it wasn’t her mother that she misplaced solely received her to date and solely made it damage that rather more.

Madi: Why are they nonetheless doing that in the event that they know the reality?
Gaia: I suppose typically perception is stronger than the reality.

Attending to see Eliza take that on, reworking Clarke from hiding her emotions to unleashing them in a chaotic rage — that was a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. It proved why a lot of what Clarke won’t say nonetheless influences the viewers due to the facility it holds.

The underlying emotion is all the time current, and it all the time makes you damage for Clarke.

In the meantime, different parts of Sanctum have their very own battles to cope with, beginning with the divided factions on the planet itself. But a lot of what the Sanctum storyline represented can go unnoticed.

Witnessing our heroes holding the peace between the believers and the Youngsters of Gabriel highlighted the lesson of the premiere.

All this time, it felt like one thing was off, such because the picnic that did not match into an episode that’s all about battles and conflicts. None of it felt fairly proper.

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It was odd to see a gaggle of people that do not spend a lot time collectively once they aren’t making an attempt to destroy the villain of the season, pretending that this household picnic matches into their dynamic.

They do not have a lot to speak about, and that rang true at that second. It did not really feel genuine till that unimaginable scene with Eliza Taylor, Tati Gabrielle, and Adina Porter (with some pretty Lola Flanery appearances). 

The way in which the ladies of the present related and the best way they requested one another how they felt that may’t be recreated or compelled. It’s all within the chemistry between the actors and within the relationships that their characters share.

A lot of Clarke and Madi’s journey has circled again to a perception that Gaia and Indra are struggling to observe, particularly when a lot was taken from them. However their frequent floor is their connection to 1 one other and the best way they select each other with regards to it.

A bit of plastic did not imply greater than Gaia’s love for Madi or Indra’s love for Gaia, all of which resonates rather more on display screen.

The banter between Gaia and Indra felt pure, with Clarke and Madi becoming in as an alternative of standing out. If there’s room for a discovered household to exist, it’s with Clarke and Gaia taking care of Madi collectively. Indra watching over them is the very best blessing on this premiere.

But it surely wasn’t till they had been in Sanctum, with Clarke, Raven, and Jordan making an attempt to cease the combating within the sq., that it lastly clicked. Adjusting. 

Should you went into the premiere anticipating to experience aspects that might come with a final season, you needed to assume once more.

It was in that precise second that it lastly made sense — you must regulate your expectations.

The brand new regular is a battle that nobody that we care about is concerned in, but that’s their weight to hold within the premiere. Looking for it in your self to care about two (or three counting Eligius) teams of individuals and their lack of ability to get alongside is not sensible.

We did not spend six seasons with these characters in Sanctum; there isn’t a cause why their combating ought to take up the period of time that it did. However that’s the story the introduction to the season wished to inform, and it rings true the truth that adjusting expectations is the lesson of The 100 to date.

Maybe it is a technique to put together these individuals, who once more, we love however who have not spent a lot time collectively currently, for an journey that they might want to rely on one another on.

For now, although, traces are being drawn within the sand, and it isn’t straightforward to put money into all of them.

One in all us must signify the Commander, and I am hungry.

Indra

The Newcomer, The Previous, And The Anomaly

Can somebody give Gabriel a bunch of Anomaly codes to determine? This man simply has probably the most enjoyable with this, and in a approach, it’s the actual spotlight of the premiere.

Chuku Modu provides a layer to Gabriel, a personality we’re all able to threat all of it for, and makes him even that rather more participating. Chuku shared with us a few of the place Gabriel’s headspace is likely to be, however past that, it’s simply fascinating to look at him exist within the universe of The 100.

It makes probably the most sense, whereas Hope and Echo are attempting to determine the whole lot else. It’s tough to wrap your thoughts round invisible individuals dragging Bellamy round, all below the directions to take them to Bardo. 

They appear to have a difficulty with Hope, although, with directions to kill her on sight in comparison with everybody else.

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It’s apparent from the beginning that Hope not solely brings questions however she additionally brings hazard, and solutions to issues we’d not perceive but. For now, it’s value noting that she does have a word that places her belief in Bellamy, though it is not clear who wrote it.

The word has handwriting that mirrors Bellamy’s, however does not it really feel like one other Blake could be the one sharing that with Hope?

Regardless, the refreshing facet of this storyline was the best way that they went into the Anomaly immediately. As a substitute of stretching out the apparent, the three of them are leaping proper into the story that has probably the most potential.

It is usually fascinating the best way that these three should not related as a result of they do not know one another in any respect, and all of them are near totally different individuals. So it’s the impossible trio that’s committing to probably the most vital mission, abandoning loads of questions that maintain a lot potential.

It is value noting as nicely the best way that Hope seems within the seams of the story, with us not understanding a lot about her, however there’s already intrigue that exists if dealt with nicely.

Shelby Flannery teased some of that for us, however the best way that she creates Hope in these little moments of uncertainty is exceptional.

It leaves room for that storyline, which incorporates characters which have to date existed as a technique to help others, to face by itself as these individuals be taught extra about one another in the midst of some action-packed journey journey.

It is likely to be off base, however it was value citing the speech that Roan gave to Echo. A lot of it lingers within the criticism that many have about Echo not present as her personal individual outdoors of Bellamy.

Is that this one thing she thinks too since that is the second time we heard an identical outburst from her thoughts. Or is that this the present referencing a difficulty with out truly exploring it in full?

Regardless, Gabriel and Echo simply teamed up as a result of they’re each headed in the identical course anyway, however they then took Hope alongside for the journey as a result of she was a connection to one thing.

So there’s that area for them to be taught extra about one another, whereas additionally coping with threats that come from Hope being hunted by these masked individuals, and by all of their alliances not precisely lining up. 

These three do not know what they’re in for, and likelihood is it’s about to get rather more difficult than any of them could have anticipated.

The Bellarke Nook

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However actually, there’s solely a lot that may be mentioned concerning the relationship between Bellamy and Clarke when the episode provided so little perception into them.

On the similar time, it simply takes Clarke’s time in Sanctum to see how a lot is left unsaid concerning the lack of Bellamy affecting us all.

Whereas the viewers hopes to catch even yet another glimpse of him, Clarke is making an attempt to regulate to a brand new regular with out him. In an eerie exploration of loss, Clarke spends a lot of her time experiencing denial.

Clarke denies the loss she had, and she or he denies the emotion she is allowed to really feel. It’s fascinating in the best way it returns to the pinnacle and the guts. The top spent your complete episode with out the presence of the guts.

A lot of the emotion that Clarke finds herself avoiding is exactly what she allowed herself to really feel moments or hours or days earlier than with Bellamy. She allowed herself to be at her most weak in entrance of her accomplice, so is it that shocking that he is not round and Clarke can not seem to permit these emotions to come back out?

Name it an accident or name it intentional, however Clarke is already feeling the impact of no Bellamy, and albeit, we are able to relate. 

That is why it makes it even worse that she does not even know he’s at risk, and the audiencen will get left at midnight very similar to the lead is correct now. 

But with each scene of Clarke main with out her accomplice and her confidante, the “what if” turns into more durable to disregard.

What if Clarke may have had Bellamy to speak by this together with her? What if Clarke, Madi, Gaia, and Indra had been adjusting to this new regular life with Bellamy? What if that picnic included Bellamy, giving Clarke somebody she may relate to throughout a scene the place she by no means regarded extra alone? 

Clarke does not want Bellamy to have the ability to make choices or to specific her feelings, however he certain appears to make it simpler for her. It is not as if she has nobody in her nook or that she will be able to’t speak in confidence to anybody, however has she, to date?

It’s so straightforward to see the best way that Clarke removes herself from the others, not discovering herself becoming in the best way the others are. In quite a lot of methods watching Clarke on this premiere was like watching an outsider looking for the place her place is now.

A lot of Clarke is used to holding again or not discovering the time to actually voice how she is feeling, which is why it’s gratifying to see her discover the time — with Gaia on the dinner desk and even by exploding at Russell.

If solely she did not should expertise this heartbreaking anguish, and but she does, and she or he must let herself.

However on the similar time, Clarke spent simply as a lot time not permitting herself that privilege, forcing herself into any lie that would not permit her to really feel what she had throughout The 100 Season 6 Episode 13

The dearth of Bellamy, mixed with the best way Clarke is struggling, usually eradicating herself from everybody round her, speaks to the best way the present is already beginning to present its cracks.

Bellamy’s absence is not simply felt immensely by the viewers, and by the individuals who know he’s lacking, additionally it is subjectively influencing his soulmate that has lots she is holding again now.

Sheidheda Making Desires Come True

There must be an indication someplace for the characters on this present that claims, watch out what you want for.

RIP Russell Lightbourne. 

Russell: What did you see? You bought a glimpse.
Jordan: A glimpse?
Russell: Of the reality larger than us all.

Russell spent all this time begging for loss of life, solely to get it most unexpectedly.

Now, it is a predictable storyline, however one that everybody ought to get behind. The way in which that JR Bourne will tackle this new position, going from a villain who was doing it for his household to only a villain is superb. 

There isn’t a doubt in my thoughts that he has the vary, and he’ll ship above and past.

Additionally, if his scene with Jordan is something to go by, there is likely to be extra that we get to seek out out about Sanctum, and it is likely to be value it if it is by these two dynamic characters. 

Jordan Green was not used as much as he ought to have been throughout The 100 Season 5, however his discuss with Russell leaves room for him to guide his arc if the present cares to put money into him. Which they need to. 

It’s conflicting to surprise who precisely the large dangerous is while you now have Sheidheda as Russell, the Eligius group, the individuals coming from the Anomaly, and probably extra individuals within the locations that the Anomaly goes.

Nowhere feels secure, however it’s not all the time as thrilling if there are too many villains to be careful for. The ability imbalance turns into about which one the heroes you should fear about, and much more so, you begin to surprise why it issues.

So hopefully, this season will not discover itself overpowered by dangerous people, inflicting a battle for everybody, however as an alternative, shall be about the principle characters attaining what appears unattainable typically — A contented ending.

The Anomaly was on prime of us then. Then she misplaced her reminiscence when it receded, taking Octavia with it. However why simply her? Why the reminiscence loss? None of this makes any sense however my god it is unimaginable.

Gabriel

Stray Ideas

  • For any The 100 followers searching for some nostalgia because the sequence concludes, TV Fanatic has a shock interview sequence for you! “Trying Again On The 100” facilities on monumental solid members and characters from the present that left their mark. 

    We spoke with Eli Goree about his time on the present, as well as Michael Beach concerning the journey he had, and we even took a stroll down reminiscence lane with Christopher Larkin and Aaron Ginsburg.

    Maintain checking TV Fanatic for extra upcoming interviews with shock solid members from seasons previous!

  • None of us deserve Adina Porter and the facility that she brings to every of her scenes. Whether or not as a warrior preparing for battle or as an grownup watching over the second daybreak of potential peace, Adina manages to kill it as Indra. Each Single Time.

  • Did anybody work out the timeline right here? The storyline within the woods feels prefer it picks up proper the place The 100 Season 6 left off, however Sanctum seems like weeks aside.

    It’s arduous to think about that Clarke was simply crying in Bellamy’s arms, and Madi was recovering from a traumatic body-snatching expertise, solely to show round and alter and casually hand around in this home.

    On the similar time, the present does not attempt to differentiate the timing of the storylines, although Jordan feedback on how Russell hasn’t been consuming or sleeping. Time is simply bizarre this season.  

  • Zach is again! For all of the Roan followers who refused to simply accept that Roan was gone, it’s you who made this occur! 
     
  • Belief Bellamy. I recognize the reminder, however there isn’t a different The 100 man I belief like I belief Bellamy Blake. So thanks, however there isn’t any reminder wanted.

  • Why cannot Bellamy ever be round for any of the pleased moments? There are uncommon instances when the characters get to calm down, however but by no means as soon as was Bellamy allowed to have that very same possibility.

  • Name it a pet peeve, however the best way an absence of communication creates so many extra points in a narrative will get outdated quick for me. Questioning if the battle could be simpler to deal with if the characters may share info.

    As a substitute, they find yourself struggling as a result of they do not get in contact within the closing season.

    Hopefully, this confusion does not final lengthy, and the storylines merge like they should quicker. 

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  • It is likely to be an unpopular opinion, however there ought to have been extra between Clarke and Raven. It was arduous to get excited that they had been on the identical web page once more once they did not have the conversations that they need to be having.

    Shedding Abby permits them to begin engaged on their relationship, as mentioned to us by Lindsey Morgan, however it is not sufficient.

    Clarke and Gaia had a extra natural improvement of their friendship, principally as a result of they spoke concerning the points. Raven and Clarke struggled an excessive amount of to not hash it out; it will really feel extra actual that approach.

  • Madi has been by sufficient; please let her go off right into a secure a part of Sanctum with Picasso and calm down.

    She deserves it a lot, with out the added weight of pretending to be a Commander. She additionally deserves not to attract these Sheidheda themed doodles. Who else is worried about that?

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  • Please give me Murphy flirting with Emori whereas they should faux to be siblings in each single episode. Thanks.

  • Clarke burning down that palace could not have been the very best plan, however I’ve by no means supported her extra. It is not precisely the proper of self-care, however a lot of the ache she felt got here from there and from the one that it belonged to.

    Recent begins typically have to come back from the ashes of the previous. 

  • Let’s begin to speculate now: The place is Bellamy Blake? Inform me your guesses within the feedback part under!

What did you consider the premiere? Was it the whole lot you had been searching for, or did you want for extra in sure arcs? What did you consider the shortage of Bellamy Blake? The place do you assume Octavia is?

Do you assume Gabriel, Hope, and Echo are about to go to a pleasant place or are we nervous about their security? Which arc do you’re keen on probably the most proper now?

How a lot dod your coronary heart damage for Clarke? And the place do you see her going from right here? Additionally, please elevate your hand in case you noticed that Russell twist coming.

Tell us what you assume under!

Stick round TV Fanatic for extra interviews, options, and evaluations of the upcoming season, and watch The 100 online proper right here on TV Fanatic.

Yana Grebenyuk is a workers author for TV Fanatic. Observe her on Twitter.

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