Lexa, Commander of the Twelve Clans, met her tragic end in Season 3, Episode 7, titled “Thirteen.” This event ignited a fierce debate among fans and had lasting repercussions for the show’s narrative and characters.
The Scene That Broke Hearts: A Detailed Look at “Thirteen”
“Thirteen” initially focuses on the backstory of Becca Franco, the first Commander and how she came to create A.L.I.E. However, it’s the latter half of the episode that cemented its place in television history – for both good and bad reasons. After a period of relative peace and growing romance between Lexa and Clarke, the episode takes a devastating turn when Lexa is accidentally shot and killed by Titus, her flamekeeper.
The circumstances surrounding Lexa’s death are crucial to understanding the controversy. Titus, aiming to kill Clarke, accidentally hits Lexa instead. The scene is filled with tension as Lexa, severely wounded, shares a final, heartfelt moment with Clarke before succumbing to her injuries.
The Impact of Lexa’s Death
Lexa’s death resonated deeply with viewers, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community. She was a strong, complex character representing positive representation within a post-apocalyptic setting. Her relationship with Clarke was one of the first significant lesbian relationships on primetime television, making her demise even more impactful.
However, the manner of her death, falling victim to the “bury your gays” trope, sparked significant outrage. This trope, which disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ characters, sees them killed off, often shortly after finding happiness, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and limiting representation.
FAQs About Lexa’s Death and its Aftermath
This section addresses some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Lexa’s death in The 100 and its consequences.
FAQ 1: Why did the writers decide to kill Lexa?
The official explanation from Jason Rothenberg, the show’s creator, revolved around Alycia Debnam-Carey’s commitment to her role as Alicia Clark on Fear the Walking Dead. Due to scheduling conflicts, she was unable to continue playing Lexa on The 100 beyond a certain point. However, many fans believe there were other creative avenues to explore that wouldn’t have resulted in her death, leading to ongoing debate.
FAQ 2: What is the “Bury Your Gays” trope, and how does it relate to Lexa’s death?
The “bury your gays” trope is a recurring narrative pattern in fiction where LGBTQ+ characters are disproportionately likely to be killed off, often after finding happiness or achieving significant progress. Lexa’s death, occurring shortly after her relationship with Clarke was solidified, became a prime example of this trope, fueling criticism that the show perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
FAQ 3: How did fans react to Lexa’s death?
The reaction was overwhelmingly negative and highly vocal. Many fans expressed their disappointment, anger, and grief through social media campaigns, online petitions, and organized protests. The show faced accusations of queerbaiting (teasing a same-sex relationship without delivering on it) and mishandling LGBTQ+ representation.
FAQ 4: What was the showrunner’s response to the backlash?
Jason Rothenberg initially defended the decision, citing the logistical constraints of Alycia Debnam-Carey’s availability. However, he later issued an apology acknowledging the pain and disappointment caused by Lexa’s death and promising to do better in the future regarding LGBTQ+ representation.
FAQ 5: Did Lexa’s death impact the show’s ratings?
While correlation doesn’t equal causation, the show’s ratings did experience a slight decline following Lexa’s death. However, it’s difficult to attribute this solely to one event, as other factors, such as evolving audience preferences and the show’s overall narrative arc, could have contributed.
FAQ 6: Did Alycia Debnam-Carey have any input on Lexa’s death?
There’s no public record of Alycia Debnam-Carey having significant input on the specific circumstances of Lexa’s death. While she was aware of her limited availability, the decision on how Lexa would be written out ultimately rested with the show’s writers and producers.
FAQ 7: Was Lexa’s character resurrected in any way after her death?
Yes, Lexa’s essence and memories were preserved within the Flame, a device containing the collective consciousness of all previous Commanders. This allowed Clarke to interact with Lexa in the City of Light (Season 3) and later in the test with the Judge on the final season, providing a degree of closure for both Clarke and the audience.
FAQ 8: How did Clarke Griffin cope with Lexa’s death?
Clarke was deeply affected by Lexa’s death, experiencing significant grief and guilt. Her loss motivated many of her decisions throughout the remainder of the series, shaping her character arc and influencing her relationships with others. The trauma of Lexa’s death remained a recurring theme in Clarke’s journey.
FAQ 9: Did Lexa’s death affect future LGBTQ+ representation on the show?
While the show attempted to improve its LGBTQ+ representation in subsequent seasons, the shadow of Lexa’s death loomed large. Many viewers remained skeptical and critical of new LGBTQ+ characters and storylines, emphasizing the lasting impact of the initial misstep.
FAQ 10: What lessons can other shows learn from the controversy surrounding Lexa’s death?
The controversy surrounding Lexa’s death serves as a cautionary tale for television writers and producers. It highlights the importance of responsible and nuanced LGBTQ+ representation, avoiding harmful tropes, and listening to the concerns of diverse audiences. It also emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning and communication when dealing with character exits.
FAQ 11: Where can I find support if I am struggling with the emotions related to Lexa’s death?
Many online communities and support groups exist for fans grieving fictional character deaths, particularly those that resonate with personal experiences or identities. Seeking out these communities can provide a safe space to process emotions and connect with others who understand your feelings. Additionally, reaching out to mental health professionals can offer further support and guidance.
FAQ 12: Is “The 100” worth watching despite the controversy surrounding Lexa’s death?
Whether or not The 100 is worth watching is a matter of personal opinion. The show offers compelling characters, complex moral dilemmas, and a unique post-apocalyptic world. However, viewers should be aware of the controversial elements, including Lexa’s death, and consider whether they are comfortable engaging with these themes. Weighing the positive aspects against the problematic elements is crucial to making an informed decision.