Bellamy Blake, a pivotal character in The 100, seemingly returns to Earth in Season 7, Episode 1, “From the Ashes.” However, the circumstances surrounding this return are deeply entwined with time dilation anomalies and raise significant questions about the authenticity and the timeline of his experiences.
Understanding Bellamy’s Journey Back
Bellamy’s return in Season 7 marks a significant shift in the narrative. After disappearing in Season 6’s finale during the Anomaly Storm, fans eagerly anticipated his reappearance. This section explores the complexities of his journey, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of his subsequent actions and the mysteries that unfold.
The Anomaly and Time Dilation
The Anomaly, a phenomenon central to the later seasons of The 100, plays a crucial role in Bellamy’s supposed return. It’s not merely a portal but a conduit to planets where time flows at different rates. This concept of time dilation is critical to understanding the seemingly impossible timelines and the experiences of characters traveling through the Anomaly. His initial disappearance suggests a journey through this unstable region of space-time, leading to his eventual reappearance.
Diyoza’s Disappearance and Echo’s Quest
Prior to Bellamy’s return, Charmaine Diyoza disappeared into the Anomaly as well, setting Echo on a path to find her. Echo’s desperation to find Diyoza mirrors the fans’ yearning for Bellamy, highlighting the emotional stakes involved. The search for Diyoza provides context for the environment Bellamy encounters, which isn’t a welcoming return to familiar territory.
The Planet of Bardo and The Disciples
Upon emerging from the Anomaly, Bellamy doesn’t find himself back on Earth immediately. He finds himself on Bardo, a planet technologically advanced and inhabited by zealots known as the Disciples. These Disciples are dedicated to following the teachings of Bill Cadogan, the Shepherd, and believe that the key to the Last War lies within the Flame, and subsequently, within the mind of Madi Griffin.
The Bellamy Blake Dilemma: Authenticity and Betrayal
The Bellamy who returns isn’t quite the Bellamy fans remember. His experiences on Bardo deeply impact his beliefs, leading to a dramatic shift in his allegiance and ultimately, his tragic fate.
Bellamy’s Indoctrination
Bellamy’s time on Bardo is characterized by rigorous mental conditioning and indoctrination. The Disciples use advanced technology and psychological manipulation to convince him of the truth of their mission. They show him visions and experiences that alter his perception of reality, leading him to believe that the Disciples’ path is the only way to save humanity.
Sharing Madi’s Sketchbook: The Turning Point
The most controversial and heartbreaking aspect of Bellamy’s return is his decision to betray his friends by revealing the location of Madi’s sketchbook. This sketchbook contains drawings that could help the Disciples decipher the code needed to initiate the Last War. This act of betrayal is seen by many fans as a significant departure from Bellamy’s established character arc.
Echo’s Despair and Clarke’s Choice
Bellamy’s actions create a massive rift between him and his friends, particularly Echo. His unwavering belief in the Disciples’ cause causes immense despair and ultimately leads to Clarke’s heartbreaking decision to kill him to prevent him from handing over Madi’s sketchbook and endangering Madi.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Bellamy’s Fate
This section addresses common questions surrounding Bellamy’s return, his motivations, and the controversies that surround his character arc in the final season.
FAQ 1: Why did Bellamy join the Disciples?
Bellamy’s decision to join the Disciples was a result of intense psychological manipulation and indoctrination on Bardo. The Disciples exploited his vulnerability and presented him with what he perceived as evidence of their cause’s righteousness. The visions and experiences they provided reshaped his understanding of the world and humanity’s future.
FAQ 2: Was the Bellamy who returned to Earth truly Bellamy Blake?
While it was physically Bellamy, his mental and emotional state had been significantly altered. The Disciples’ indoctrination had profoundly impacted his beliefs and motivations, leading to actions that contradicted his previous character arc. This raises questions about the extent to which he was still “himself.”
FAQ 3: Could Bellamy have been saved from the Disciples’ influence?
Whether Bellamy could have been saved is a complex question. Some argue that with proper support and time, he could have been deprogrammed. Others believe that the extent of his indoctrination made it impossible to reverse his new beliefs. Ultimately, the narrative chose a different path.
FAQ 4: What was the purpose of Bellamy’s final storyline?
Bellamy’s final storyline served multiple purposes. It explored the themes of faith, indoctrination, and the consequences of extreme beliefs. It also highlighted the lengths to which Clarke would go to protect Madi, even if it meant sacrificing someone she loved.
FAQ 5: How did fans react to Bellamy’s death?
Bellamy’s death was met with widespread disappointment and anger from many fans. Some felt that his character was unfairly assassinated, while others argued that it was a necessary consequence of his actions. The controversy surrounding his death continues to be a topic of debate within the The 100 fandom.
FAQ 6: Did Bob Morley request to leave The 100?
Reports suggest that Bob Morley, the actor who played Bellamy, had requested a reduced role in the final season. While the exact reasons for this are unclear, it’s speculated that personal reasons and a desire to pursue other projects may have contributed to his decision.
FAQ 7: Could Bellamy’s character have been written differently in Season 7?
Many fans believe that Bellamy’s character could have been written differently, perhaps with a storyline that allowed for redemption or a more nuanced exploration of his indoctrination. The writers’ decision to portray him as a betrayer was a controversial one.
FAQ 8: What happened to Bellamy’s body after he died?
Bellamy’s body was left on Sanctum after Clarke shot him. He wasn’t given a traditional funeral service, which further fueled the disappointment of many viewers.
FAQ 9: How does Bellamy’s death impact the ending of The 100?
Bellamy’s death significantly impacted the ending of The 100. It created a sense of loss and grief among the remaining characters and altered the dynamics of their relationships. His absence was felt throughout the final episodes.
FAQ 10: What lessons can be learned from Bellamy’s character arc?
Bellamy’s character arc serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked faith, the power of manipulation, and the importance of critical thinking. It also highlights the complexities of human nature and the difficult choices people make in times of crisis.
FAQ 11: How does time dilation affect the events of Season 7, especially regarding Bellamy’s time on Bardo?
Time dilation plays a pivotal role in understanding how Bellamy could undergo such a dramatic transformation in what appeared to be a relatively short amount of time from Echo’s perspective. While Echo may have only experienced a few weeks or months searching for him, Bellamy likely experienced years on Bardo, subjected to intense indoctrination. This difference in subjective time experience is crucial to understanding his change in character.
FAQ 12: Are there any chances of Bellamy returning in any future The 100 spin-offs or continuations?
Given Bellamy’s death within the established canon of The 100, a return would be improbable unless a future project utilizes flashbacks or explores alternative timelines. While fan speculation remains, there are currently no concrete plans or indications of Bellamy’s revival.
Conclusion: Reflecting on a Complex Character Arc
Bellamy Blake’s journey in The 100 is a complex and often controversial one. While his return in Season 7 offered initial hope and excitement, the subsequent events surrounding his indoctrination and ultimate demise left many fans heartbroken and disappointed. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of the human mind, the dangers of blind faith, and the devastating consequences of war. While his final arc may not have been universally embraced, it undeniably left a lasting impact on the narrative of The 100 and continues to spark debate and discussion within its devoted fanbase.