Marcus Kane, a central figure in the CW’s post-apocalyptic drama The 100, meets his tragic end in Season 6, Episode 6, titled “Memento Mori”. His death marks a profound turning point for the show, leaving a void in the hearts of both characters and viewers alike.
The Circumstances Surrounding Marcus Kane’s Death
The death of Marcus Kane is a multifaceted event, brought about by a desperate act of self-sacrifice and complicated by the ethical dilemmas that define the show. To understand its impact, we need to dissect the events leading up to it.
The Primes and Body Snatching
Season 6 introduces the concept of the Primes, the original settlers of Sanctum who achieved a form of immortality by transferring their consciousness into new hosts. This “body snatching” process, while extending their lives, raises serious moral questions about consent and bodily autonomy. Josephine Lightbourne, one of the Primes, embodies the ruthless pursuit of this immortality.
Kane’s Sacrifice
Desperate to save Abby Griffin from becoming Josephine’s host, Marcus Kane makes the ultimate sacrifice. He allows his consciousness to be uploaded into a new, younger body – but immediately chooses to end his own life. He cannot live with the knowledge that he has participated in the same morally reprehensible act that he has fought against for so long. Kane makes the heartbreaking decision to float himself, effectively preventing the Primes from taking another body.
The Emotional Fallout
Kane’s death ripples through the remaining characters, particularly Abby, who had grown deeply attached to him. His loss highlights the show’s recurring theme of difficult choices and the heavy burden of leadership in a world where survival often comes at a steep price. The episode itself, “Memento Mori,” is a poignant reminder of mortality and the importance of cherishing life, even in the face of constant danger.
The Significance of Marcus Kane’s Character
Marcus Kane was more than just a character; he was the moral compass of The 100. He evolved significantly from a ruthless commander to a man dedicated to peace and ethical leadership. His journey from antagonist to protagonist resonated with viewers and provided a grounded perspective amidst the show’s often chaotic events.
A Voice of Reason
Throughout the series, Kane consistently strived to find peaceful solutions, often acting as a mediator between warring factions. He advocated for diplomacy and understanding, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. His wisdom and experience were invaluable to Clarke and the other young leaders.
A Symbol of Redemption
Kane’s past was far from perfect. He initially made difficult choices, some that haunted him. However, he actively sought redemption, learning from his mistakes and striving to do better. His arc served as an inspiration, demonstrating that even those who have strayed can find a path towards righteousness. His death, therefore, feels like a loss not only of a character but also of a guiding principle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Marcus Kane’s Death
This section addresses common questions about Marcus Kane’s departure from The 100, offering further insights into the event and its implications.
FAQ 1: Why did Marcus Kane choose to die?
Marcus Kane chose to die because he fundamentally disagreed with the Prime’s method of achieving immortality, which involved essentially stealing bodies. After having his own mind transferred into a new body, he realized he had become part of the problem. His moral compass would not allow him to live with that reality, leading him to make the ultimate sacrifice by floating himself. It was a protest against the Prime’s values and a reaffirmation of his own.
FAQ 2: Was Marcus Kane’s death permanent?
Yes, Marcus Kane’s death in “Memento Mori” is considered permanent. While actors on The 100 have returned in different forms, Marcus Kane himself, the character portrayed by Henry Ian Cusick, is gone. His consciousness was destroyed when he floated himself.
FAQ 3: How did Abby Griffin react to Marcus Kane’s death?
Abby was devastated by Kane’s death. She had grown incredibly close to him, and his loss deeply affected her. Her grief and anger played a significant role in her subsequent actions and ultimately contributed to her own tragic end. Abby struggled to cope with the void left by Kane’s absence.
FAQ 4: Did Henry Ian Cusick leave the show voluntarily?
While details surrounding the exact circumstances of Henry Ian Cusick’s departure are not publicly available, it’s known that he accepted a role on another show, MacGyver, before Season 6 of The 100 concluded. This likely played a role in the decision to write his character off the show.
FAQ 5: What was the fan reaction to Marcus Kane’s death?
Fan reaction to Marcus Kane’s death was overwhelmingly negative. Many viewers felt that the character deserved a better ending and that his death was a disservice to his significant contribution to the show. The circumstances surrounding his death, particularly the body-snatching aspect, were also criticized.
FAQ 6: Could Marcus Kane have been saved?
In the context of the show’s narrative, saving Marcus Kane after he chose to float himself would have been incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Once his consciousness was eliminated in the vacuum of space, there was no way to recover him. From a storytelling perspective, the finality of his death was essential to the episode’s impact.
FAQ 7: How did Kane’s death impact the storyline of Season 6?
Kane’s death significantly impacted the storyline of Season 6. It fueled Abby’s desperation to save her friends, which ultimately led to her downfall. It also forced the other characters to grapple with the ethical implications of the Prime’s immortality and the choices they were willing to make for survival. His death set the stage for the conflict between Clarke and Josephine.
FAQ 8: What is “floating” in the context of The 100?
“Floating” in The 100 refers to ejecting someone into the vacuum of space without a spacesuit. It’s a common form of capital punishment used by the Arkers. The term implies a slow, agonizing death due to the lack of air and the extreme cold.
FAQ 9: Was Marcus Kane a hero or a villain?
Marcus Kane is best described as a complex character who underwent significant growth and transformation throughout the series. While he made morally questionable decisions early on, particularly in his role as a commander on the Ark, he ultimately evolved into a hero who championed peace and ethical leadership. His dedication to doing what he believed was right, even when it was difficult, cemented his heroic status.
FAQ 10: How did Kane’s relationship with Abby develop?
Kane and Abby’s relationship developed gradually throughout the series, starting as colleagues with a shared responsibility for the survival of their people. Over time, their mutual respect grew into a deep affection and romantic connection. Their bond was built on trust, shared experiences, and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
FAQ 11: Why was Kane so opposed to the Primes’ practices?
Kane’s opposition to the Primes stemmed from his unwavering belief in individual autonomy and the sanctity of life. He saw the Primes’ practice of transferring their consciousness into new hosts as a violation of these principles, essentially treating the hosts as mere vessels. This directly contradicted his own values and the hard-fought battles he had waged to establish a more just and equitable society.
FAQ 12: What is Marcus Kane’s legacy on The 100?
Marcus Kane’s legacy on The 100 is one of moral leadership, redemption, and the unwavering pursuit of peace. He served as a guiding force for many characters, encouraging them to strive for a better world. His sacrifice, though tragic, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of ethical decision-making and the value of human life. He left behind a lasting impact on the surviving characters and the world they were fighting to build. His teachings, though painful to learn, continue to resonate throughout the series.