Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake, the co-leaders of The 100, shared a complex and deeply meaningful relationship, but they never actually got together romantically within the television series. While the show explored hints and possibilities of a romantic connection, their bond remained firmly rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a shared responsibility for their people.
Exploring the Bellarke Dynamic: A Deeper Dive
Bellarke, as the romantic pairing was popularly known, was a highly debated topic among fans. Their dynamic, characterized by intense loyalty, strategic collaboration, and emotional vulnerability, fueled speculation and hope for a romantic culmination. However, the showrunners chose a different path, emphasizing their platonic love and reliance on each other as cornerstones of leadership and survival.
Understanding the Appeal of Bellarke
The allure of Bellarke stemmed from several factors:
- Complementary Personalities: Clarke’s analytical and strategic mind perfectly balanced Bellamy’s passionate and impulsive nature. They learned to rely on each other’s strengths to navigate the constant crises they faced.
- Shared Trauma and Responsibility: Surviving together through numerous apocalyptic events forged an unbreakable bond. They both carried the weight of difficult decisions and understood the sacrifices each made for the greater good.
- Moments of Vulnerability: The moments where they showed genuine concern, care, and vulnerability for each other resonated deeply with viewers. These moments suggested a connection that transcended simple friendship.
- The Enemies-to-Lovers Trope (Subverted): While their relationship started off rocky, with differing opinions and leadership styles, they gradually grew to respect and trust each other, drawing on the basic elements of an enemies-to-lovers set up.
Why Bellarke Never Became Canon
Several factors contributed to the decision to keep Clarke and Bellamy’s relationship platonic:
- Plot Driven Narrative: The 100 primarily focused on survival, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas. Romantic relationships often took a backseat to the overarching narrative.
- Exploring Other Relationships: Clarke and Bellamy both had significant romantic relationships with other characters throughout the series. These relationships served to explore different facets of their personalities and further complicate the already complex narrative.
- Character Growth and Development: The series prioritized the individual growth of both Clarke and Bellamy. A romantic relationship might have limited their individual arcs and forced them into predefined roles.
- Avoiding Fan Expectations: Showrunners sometimes deliberately defy fan expectations to create unexpected and compelling storylines. Keeping Bellarke platonic arguably served to subvert a common trope and maintain narrative tension.
- Bellamy’s Untimely Death: Bellamy’s controversial death in Season 7 significantly altered the ending and ultimately precluded any possibility of a romantic resolution with Clarke.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clarke and Bellamy’s Relationship
Here are some frequently asked questions that explore various aspects of the Clarke and Bellamy dynamic:
FAQ 1: What was the nature of Clarke and Bellamy’s relationship?
Clarke and Bellamy’s relationship was primarily a platonic partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and shared leadership. They were co-leaders, confidantes, and ultimately, the closest of friends. They relied on each other to make difficult decisions and navigated countless crises together, forging an unbreakable bond.
FAQ 2: Were there hints of romantic interest between Clarke and Bellamy?
Yes, the series occasionally offered hints of potential romantic interest, particularly in the early seasons. These hints included moments of intense eye contact, emotional vulnerability, and protective behavior. However, these moments were often ambiguous and open to interpretation.
FAQ 3: Did the actors, Eliza Taylor and Bob Morley, have any influence on the Bellarke relationship?
Interestingly, Eliza Taylor and Bob Morley, the actors who played Clarke and Bellamy, did get married in real life. However, they maintained a professional separation between their personal relationship and their characters’ storyline on the show.
FAQ 4: How did Bellamy’s relationship with Echo affect the Bellarke dynamic?
Bellamy’s romantic relationship with Echo created tension and complexity within the Bellarke dynamic. While Clarke and Echo eventually developed a level of respect for each other, Bellamy’s decision to prioritize Echo sometimes created conflict and strained his relationship with Clarke.
FAQ 5: What was the significance of the “head and heart” analogy applied to Clarke and Bellamy?
The “head and heart” analogy was often used to describe Clarke and Bellamy’s leadership styles. Clarke represented the “head,” characterized by logical thinking and strategic planning. Bellamy represented the “heart,” emphasizing empathy and emotional connection. Their ability to balance these two aspects was crucial to their success as leaders.
FAQ 6: How did fan expectations influence the showrunners’ decisions regarding Bellarke?
Fan expectations, particularly regarding the Bellarke ship, likely influenced the showrunners’ decisions to some extent. While they acknowledged the strong fan support for the pairing, they ultimately chose to prioritize the narrative they wanted to tell, even if it meant deviating from fan expectations.
FAQ 7: What was the impact of Bellamy’s death on Clarke and the overall story?
Bellamy’s death in Season 7 had a profound impact on Clarke and the overall story. It was a deeply emotional moment that forced Clarke to confront the consequences of her choices and the lengths she was willing to go to protect her people. It also irrevocably altered the ending of the series.
FAQ 8: How did the ending of the series address the Bellarke relationship?
The ending of the series, while controversial, acknowledged the importance of the Bellarke relationship. Clarke, after achieving a form of peace and transcendence, found herself reunited with her loved ones, including a ghostly representation of Bellamy, implying a continued bond even in the afterlife.
FAQ 9: What are some key episodes that showcase the evolution of Clarke and Bellamy’s relationship?
Episodes like “Day Trip” (Season 2), “Blood Must Have Blood, Part 2” (Season 2), “Nevermore” (Season 3), “The Chosen” (Season 4), and “Praimfaya” (Season 4) are key episodes that highlight the evolution of Clarke and Bellamy’s relationship, showcasing their growing trust, reliance, and emotional connection.
FAQ 10: How does The 100 use the concept of found family, and how does Bellarke fit into that concept?
The 100 heavily emphasizes the concept of found family. The delinquents, thrust into a dangerous and unforgiving environment, formed bonds of loyalty and affection that transcended blood ties. Bellarke was a central pillar of this found family, representing the strength and resilience that comes from shared experience and mutual support.
FAQ 11: Were there any deleted scenes or alternate storylines that explored the Bellarke relationship further?
While there might have been discussions or brainstorming sessions exploring alternative storylines for Clarke and Bellamy, no officially released deleted scenes explicitly depict a romantic relationship between them.
FAQ 12: What is the legacy of Bellarke within The 100 fandom?
Despite never becoming canon, Bellarke remains a significant part of The 100 fandom. The strong connection between Clarke and Bellamy resonated deeply with viewers, who continue to celebrate their platonic love and unwavering support for each other. The debate surrounding Bellarke highlights the power of character dynamics and the diverse ways in which fans connect with their favorite shows.