Wells Jaha, the selfless son of Chancellor Jaha, met his untimely end in The 100, Episode 4, “Murphy’s Law.” His death served as a pivotal moment, shaping the dynamics and moral landscape of the remaining delinquents stranded on a post-apocalyptic Earth.
The Shocking Reality of Episode 4
“Murphy’s Law” is a turning point for the 100. It’s the episode where the initial optimism about surviving alone on Earth begins to crumble under the weight of internal conflicts and external threats. Wells’s murder, a stark and brutal event, exemplifies this shift. His unwavering loyalty and attempts to maintain order made him a target, ultimately leading to his tragic and unnecessary death. The episode forces the characters, and the audience, to confront the harsh realities of survival and the dark side of human nature.
The Culprit: A Web of Mistrust and Accusations
While the immediate assumption points towards Murphy, as suggested by the episode title, the true killer is Charlotte, a young girl haunted by nightmares of the Chancellor, Wells’s father, who floated her parents for violating laws on the Ark. Wells, burdened by his father’s actions and desperate to protect Clarke, confesses to a crime he didn’t commit on the Ark to ensure she got sent to Earth, placing himself in a precarious position. Charlotte, driven by her trauma, saw Wells as a symbol of her suffering and ultimately murdered him in a misguided attempt at revenge.
The Impact of Wells’s Death on the Narrative
Wells’s death isn’t just a plot point; it’s a catalyst. It fundamentally alters several characters’ trajectories and the overall themes of the show.
Clarke’s Transformation
Before Wells’s death, Clarke was primarily focused on surviving and finding a way to communicate with the Ark. His murder hardens her resolve, forcing her to make difficult decisions for the sake of the group. She becomes more ruthless and strategic, constantly grappling with the moral implications of her choices. Wells’s death essentially accelerates her leadership development and shapes her into the leader she ultimately becomes.
Murphy’s Descent
The accusations against Murphy, whether justified or not, push him further down a path of resentment and violence. He becomes an antagonist, fueled by a desire for revenge and a deep-seated mistrust of authority. Wells’s death inadvertently contributes to Murphy’s transformation into a complex and often morally ambiguous character. He’s a perfect example of the breakdown in societal order.
The Loss of Innocence
Beyond individual character arcs, Wells’s death represents a broader loss of innocence for the entire group. The initial hope of building a new society based on reason and cooperation is shattered. The 100 realize that survival on Earth will require difficult compromises and morally questionable actions. The world isn’t what they thought it was.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wells Jaha’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning Wells Jaha’s demise in The 100, to clarify confusion about his story arc and its lasting impact:
FAQ 1: Did Wells actually commit the crime he confessed to on the Ark?
No. Wells confessed to stealing medicine on the Ark to protect Clarke, who was actually the one who had stolen it. He knew Clarke’s skills were vital for the survival of the delinquents on Earth, and he was willing to sacrifice his own freedom to ensure she was sent down.
FAQ 2: Why did Charlotte target Wells specifically?
Charlotte targeted Wells because he was the son of Chancellor Jaha, the man who had floated her parents. She associated Wells with the injustice she had suffered and believed that killing him would somehow alleviate her pain.
FAQ 3: How did the other delinquents react to Wells’s death?
The other delinquents reacted with a mixture of shock, fear, and suspicion. Many initially believed that Murphy was responsible, leading to further conflict and division within the group. Clarke, in particular, was deeply affected by Wells’s death, feeling responsible for not being able to protect him.
FAQ 4: What was the significance of Wells’s position as the Chancellor’s son?
Wells’s position as the Chancellor’s son added layers of complexity to his character and his interactions with the other delinquents. He carried the weight of his father’s actions, even though he often disagreed with them. His attempts to maintain order and provide leadership were often met with resistance due to his perceived association with the authority he represented.
FAQ 5: Did Wells have any combat training or survival skills before arriving on Earth?
Wells did not have any significant combat training or survival skills before arriving on Earth. He was primarily focused on his studies and his role as his father’s confidante. This lack of experience made him vulnerable in the harsh and unforgiving environment of post-apocalyptic Earth.
FAQ 6: How did Wells’s death impact the relationship between Clarke and Bellamy?
Wells’s death indirectly contributed to the development of the complex relationship between Clarke and Bellamy. His death highlighted the need for strong leadership and forced Clarke and Bellamy to work together, despite their initial disagreements and differing philosophies.
FAQ 7: Was there any indication of Wells’s death in the books The 100 series?
The book series The 100 has a different narrative from the TV show. Wells does not die in the first book, but instead he is in a love triangle with Clarke and Bellamy. His character arc is considerably different.
FAQ 8: Did Wells ever exhibit any signs of regret for his father’s actions?
Yes, Wells frequently expressed regret for his father’s actions and acknowledged the suffering that his father’s decisions had caused. He tried to distance himself from his father’s policies and often sought to help those who had been negatively affected by them. His dedication to protecting Charlotte despite her hatred of his father serves as a testament to this.
FAQ 9: Why was Wells so determined to protect Clarke?
Wells’s determination to protect Clarke stemmed from their childhood friendship and his deep affection for her. He believed in her intelligence and her ability to lead, and he was willing to risk his own safety to ensure her survival. He was in love with Clarke.
FAQ 10: Could Wells’s death have been prevented?
Potentially, Wells’s death could have been prevented. If the delinquents had been more united and trusting of each other, or if Charlotte had received the mental health support she clearly needed, the tragedy might have been averted. The circumstances of Wells’s death highlight the fragility of their survival and the importance of communication and understanding.
FAQ 11: What lasting legacy did Wells leave behind on the show?
Despite his relatively short lifespan on the show, Wells left behind a lasting legacy of selflessness and compassion. His commitment to doing what was right, even in the face of adversity, served as an example for the other characters. He represents the moral compass that the group struggles to maintain throughout the series.
FAQ 12: How did the actor, Eli Goree, feel about Wells’s death in The 100?
Eli Goree, who played Wells, has spoken positively about his experience on The 100. He understood the significance of Wells’s death in driving the plot forward and developing the other characters. Although he was disappointed to leave the show early, he was proud of the impact his character had on the narrative. He has since continued to appear in other successful film and television roles.