Lexa, Commander of the Coalition and pivotal figure in The 100, meets her tragic end in Season 3, shaking the show’s fanbase. Lexa dies in Episode 7, “Thirteen,” of Season 3.
The Commander Falls: Analyzing Lexa’s Demise
Lexa’s death in “Thirteen” remains one of the most controversial moments in The 100. The episode begins with a sense of hope as Clarke and Lexa finally consummate their relationship, solidifying their connection and promising a future of co-leadership and peace between Skaikru and the Grounders. However, this brief respite is brutally shattered when Lexa is struck by a stray bullet meant for Clarke. The bullet, fired by Titus, the Flamekeeper, pierces Lexa’s abdomen, leading to her slow and agonizing death.
The circumstances surrounding Lexa’s death are crucial to understanding the intense backlash it received. The “Bury Your Gays” trope, which sees LGBTQ+ characters disproportionately killed off in television and film, was heavily invoked. The suddenness of Lexa’s death, immediately after a significant romantic moment, felt to many viewers like a blatant and damaging reinforcement of this harmful trope.
Furthermore, the method of her death – a stray bullet – felt anticlimactic and undermined Lexa’s powerful and capable character. As a seasoned warrior and leader, her death by such a seemingly random act felt disrespectful and diminished her agency. This perceived lack of narrative respect for the character further fueled the controversy. The impact of her death extends beyond the immediate plot, significantly altering the course of the series and the relationships between the remaining characters, particularly Clarke.
Behind the Scenes: The Decision to Kill Lexa
The decision to kill Lexa was primarily driven by actress Alycia Debnam-Carey’s commitment to another television series, Fear the Walking Dead. While this logistical constraint was the official reason given, the execution of the death scene and its narrative implications exacerbated the negative reaction. Showrunner Jason Rothenberg later acknowledged the mistakes made in handling Lexa’s death and apologized for the pain and frustration it caused viewers. He admitted that a lack of awareness regarding the “Bury Your Gays” trope and the significance of LGBTQ+ representation contributed to the flawed execution.
While some argue that character deaths are a necessary part of storytelling, the way Lexa’s death was handled ultimately overshadowed any potential narrative gains. The controversy forced a broader conversation about representation, storytelling choices, and the responsibility of writers to be mindful of the impact their decisions have on diverse audiences. The long-term effect has been a heightened sensitivity within the television industry regarding the depiction of LGBTQ+ characters and their stories.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Lexa’s Death
Here are frequently asked questions providing further insight into the events surrounding Lexa’s death in The 100:
H3. Why did Alycia Debnam-Carey leave The 100?
Alycia Debnam-Carey had a prior commitment to star in the AMC series Fear the Walking Dead. This scheduling conflict prevented her from continuing as a series regular on The 100.
H3. What episode does Clarke meet Lexa?
Clarke and Lexa first meet in Episode 6, “Fog of War,” of Season 2. This encounter marks the beginning of their complex and evolving relationship.
H3. Was Lexa supposed to be a long-term character on The 100?
While Lexa quickly became a fan favorite, Alycia Debnam-Carey’s availability was always limited due to her commitment to Fear the Walking Dead. The writers were aware of this constraint when developing her character arc.
H3. How did fans react to Lexa’s death?
The reaction to Lexa’s death was overwhelmingly negative. Many fans felt betrayed by the show’s creators and expressed their disappointment through social media campaigns, boycotts, and open letters. The controversy highlighted issues of representation and the “Bury Your Gays” trope.
H3. Did Jason Rothenberg apologize for Lexa’s death?
Yes, Jason Rothenberg issued multiple apologies for the way Lexa’s death was handled, acknowledging the pain it caused to LGBTQ+ fans and admitting to mistakes in his approach.
H3. What is the “Bury Your Gays” trope?
The “Bury Your Gays” trope refers to the common and problematic tendency in media to kill off LGBTQ+ characters, often disproportionately compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This trope can reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to a sense of erasure and marginalization for LGBTQ+ viewers.
H3. How does Lexa’s death impact Clarke’s character arc?
Lexa’s death profoundly impacts Clarke’s character. It leads to a period of intense grief, guilt, and isolation. Clarke’s subsequent actions and decisions are often driven by her desire to honor Lexa’s memory and uphold the values they shared.
H3. What is the Flame, and what is its connection to Lexa?
The Flame is a technological artifact that contains the consciousness of previous Commanders, including Lexa. It is passed down through generations, providing each new Commander with the wisdom and experience of their predecessors. Lexa possessed the Flame and its associated responsibilities.
H3. Who fired the bullet that killed Lexa?
Titus, the Flamekeeper, fired the bullet that killed Lexa. He intended to shoot Clarke, whom he believed was a threat to Lexa and the Flame.
H3. Is Lexa ever mentioned again after her death?
Yes, Lexa is frequently referenced throughout the remainder of the series. Her legacy and influence continue to shape the events and decisions of the other characters. Clarke especially honors Lexa’s memory.
H3. Does Clarke ever reunite with Lexa after her death?
Clarke does briefly reunite with a manifestation of Lexa within the City of Light (a virtual reality simulation) in Season 3. However, this reunion is fleeting and not a true resurrection of the character. The consciousness of Lexa within the Flame, and therefore within the City of Light construct created by ALIE, allowed for this interaction.
H3. What lasting impact did Lexa have on The 100 universe?
Lexa’s character and her relationship with Clarke left a lasting impact on The 100. She is remembered as a strong and capable leader who fought for peace and unity. Her death sparked important conversations about representation and storytelling ethics, influencing the show and the broader television landscape. Her “blood must not have blood” philosophy became a guiding principle for many characters after her passing.