Yes, Lexa, the Commander of the Grounders, does die in Season 3, Episode 7 of The 100, titled “Thirteen.” Her death, a pivotal moment in the series, remains one of the most controversial and debated plot points in television history.
The Shocking Truth: How Lexa Died in “Thirteen”
Lexa’s death wasn’t a result of a large-scale battle or a premeditated act of revenge. Instead, she was accidentally shot by a stray bullet intended for Clarke. Titus, Lexa’s Flamekeeper, was aiming his weapon at Clarke, believing she posed a threat to Lexa’s life by distracting her from her duties as Commander. The bullet pierced Lexa, leading to her agonizing and ultimately fatal demise.
The scene played out with brutal efficiency. One moment, Lexa and Clarke were sharing an intimate moment; the next, Lexa was bleeding and gasping for breath. Clarke’s desperate attempts to save her proved futile, and Lexa died in Clarke’s arms, uttering her now iconic phrase, “Yu gonplei ste odon (Your fight is over).“
The Backlash and Its Impact
Lexa’s death triggered an unprecedented wave of fan outrage, largely due to its perceived bury-your-gays trope, a recurring pattern in media where LGBTQ+ characters are disproportionately killed off, often to further the storylines of heterosexual characters. This trope perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the erasure and marginalization of LGBTQ+ representation.
The controversy surrounding Lexa’s death extended beyond mere disappointment. Many viewers felt betrayed by the writers and producers, arguing that they had been queerbaiting the audience, luring them in with the promise of a meaningful lesbian relationship only to abruptly and violently end it. The event led to the creation of the hashtag #LexaDeservedBetter and prompted extensive discussions about representation, responsibility, and the impact of storytelling on marginalized communities.
The backlash was so intense that it prompted apologies from the showrunner, Jason Rothenberg, who acknowledged the harm caused by Lexa’s death and pledged to do better in future storylines. The incident served as a wake-up call for the television industry, highlighting the importance of authentic and respectful LGBTQ+ representation.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Lexa’s Death and Its Aftermath
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding Lexa’s death and its ongoing legacy:
H3. Why was Lexa killed off?
The official reason given was Alycia Debnam-Carey’s commitment to the Fear the Walking Dead series. While this undoubtedly played a role, many fans still feel that the writers could have found a way to write Lexa out of the show without resorting to killing her off in such a controversial manner. The timing and execution of her death amplified the feeling of betrayal.
H3. What is the “bury-your-gays” trope?
As mentioned earlier, this trope refers to the disproportionate killing off of LGBTQ+ characters in film and television. It’s problematic because it reinforces harmful stereotypes and sends a message that LGBTQ+ lives are less valuable or expendable than heterosexual lives. Lexa’s death, coupled with other instances in media, brought renewed attention to this harmful trend.
H3. Did the writers of The 100 apologize for Lexa’s death?
Yes, showrunner Jason Rothenberg issued multiple apologies, acknowledging the harm caused by the decision. He expressed regret over the timing and execution of Lexa’s death and promised to learn from the experience and improve LGBTQ+ representation in future storylines.
H3. How did Lexa’s death affect the rest of The 100?
Lexa’s death significantly impacted the narrative of The 100. Clarke grieved deeply for Lexa, and her death fueled Clarke’s subsequent actions and decisions. It also affected the dynamic between the Grounders and Skaikru. Furthermore, Lexa’s legacy as a strong and compassionate leader continued to influence the political landscape of the show.
H3. Was there any attempt to bring Lexa back to The 100?
Yes, Lexa appeared in later seasons of The 100, primarily through the City of Light simulation and the Flame. These appearances offered closure for Clarke and allowed the show to explore Lexa’s continued influence on the Grounder culture and the Flame’s ability to preserve the memories and knowledge of previous Commanders.
H3. What is the significance of “Yu gonplei ste odon”?
This Trigedasleng phrase, meaning “Your fight is over,” is a powerful and poignant moment in Lexa’s death scene. It signifies her acceptance of her fate and her desire for Clarke to find peace. It also became a rallying cry for fans who mourned her loss.
H3. Did Lexa’s death influence other television shows?
Yes, Lexa’s death served as a cautionary tale for other television shows. It raised awareness about the “bury-your-gays” trope and encouraged writers to be more mindful and responsible when portraying LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. Many shows have since consulted with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to ensure authentic and respectful representation.
H3. What is the “100 writers room pledge”?
Following the backlash, some fans organized a campaign urging television writers to sign a pledge committing to avoid harmful tropes and prioritize authentic LGBTQ+ representation. This pledge aimed to hold writers accountable for the choices they make in their storytelling.
H3. Did Alycia Debnam-Carey know about Lexa’s death in advance?
It’s unclear exactly how far in advance Alycia Debnam-Carey was informed of Lexa’s death. However, she has spoken about the emotional toll the role took on her and the sadness she felt about leaving the show. Given the scheduling conflicts with Fear the Walking Dead, it’s likely that discussions about Lexa’s departure had been ongoing for some time.
H3. Could Lexa’s death have been handled differently?
Absolutely. Many fans believe the writers could have found a way to write Lexa out of the show without killing her off in such a violent and trope-laden manner. Sending her away on a diplomatic mission, or having her step down as Commander to pursue a different path would have been preferable options.
H3. What is the legacy of Lexa’s death?
The legacy of Lexa’s death is complex and multifaceted. It served as a powerful lesson about the importance of responsible representation and the potential harm caused by harmful tropes. It also sparked a crucial conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in media and prompted meaningful changes within the television industry.
H3. Where can I find support if Lexa’s death was triggering or upsetting?
It’s important to acknowledge and process your emotions if Lexa’s death was upsetting or triggering. Organizations like The Trevor Project and GLAAD offer resources and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can also be helpful. Remember that it’s okay to feel however you feel, and there are people who care and want to support you.
Lexa’s death in “Thirteen” remains a significant and controversial moment in television history. It’s a reminder of the power of representation and the responsibility of storytellers to treat marginalized communities with respect and sensitivity. While the pain of her loss may still linger for many fans, the conversations and changes it sparked have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the television landscape.