Cage Wallace, a character embodying the ruthless ambition and moral compromises of Mount Weather, meets his end in Season 2, Episode 16, “Blood Must Have Blood (Part Two).” This episode marks a pivotal turning point in The 100, solidifying the complex relationship between the Grounders and the Sky People and revealing the true cost of survival in a brutal world.
The Road to Cage’s Demise: A Chronicle of Mount Weather
Understanding Cage Wallace’s death requires a deep dive into the events leading up to it. Mount Weather, a pre-apocalyptic refuge, housed survivors who lacked natural immunity to the radiation-ridden surface. To survive, they harvested bone marrow from Grounders and, later, the Sky People. Cage, the son of President Dante Wallace, took a particularly aggressive approach, escalating the conflict and ultimately leading to his own downfall.
The Power Vacuum and Cage’s Rise
Following the attempted assassination of his father, Cage seized power, believing that the only way to ensure the survival of his people was to exploit and ultimately eliminate the Grounders and Sky People. His ambition knew no bounds, and he was willing to cross any line to achieve his goals. This ruthless determination set the stage for the climactic events in “Blood Must Have Blood (Part Two).”
The Fallout of Radiation Exposure
Cage’s most controversial decision was his willingness to subject himself to radiation treatments in order to walk on the surface. These treatments, while granting him the ability to live outside Mount Weather, also further hardened his resolve and cemented his belief in the necessity of his actions, even those deemed morally reprehensible by others.
“Blood Must Have Blood (Part Two)”: The Final Confrontation
The episode witnesses the culmination of the war between the Sky People and Mount Weather. Clarke, Bellamy, and the Grounders launch a full-scale assault to rescue their people and disable the mountain’s defenses. Inside, the battle rages on, with devastating consequences for both sides.
The Weaponization of the Reapers
One of the most horrifying aspects of Cage’s plan was his development of the “Cerberus” project – turning Grounders into Reapers, controlled and weaponized by Mount Weather. This cruel manipulation highlights the depths of his depravity and fuels the Sky People’s determination to stop him.
The Lever Pull: A Moral Crossroads
The ultimate confrontation takes place in the Weather Mountain’s control room. To save her people and stop Cage from irradiating the entire world, Clarke, with Bellamy’s support, pulls the lever, flooding the mountain with radiation and killing all those within, including the innocent. While this act saves the majority, it also leaves Clarke deeply scarred, grappling with the moral implications of her decision.
Cage’s Last Stand and Demise
In the midst of the chaos, Cage is confronted by Bellamy. Realizing that his plans have failed, Cage defiantly declares his belief in the superiority of his people. However, before he can inflict further damage, Bellamy dispatches him, effectively ending his reign of terror. He dies amidst the radiation he sought to control, a tragic symbol of his ambition’s ultimate price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Cage Wallace and his death, further elucidating the events surrounding his character and demise.
FAQ 1: What were Cage’s primary motivations?
Cage’s primary motivations stemmed from a deep-seated desire to ensure the survival and prosperity of the Mountain Men. He believed that their survival depended on acquiring the bone marrow of those immune to radiation, particularly the Sky People. This conviction justified, in his mind, any act, no matter how cruel or unethical. He genuinely believed he was acting in the best interests of his people.
FAQ 2: How did Cage gain control of Mount Weather?
Cage exploited the attempted assassination of his father, President Dante Wallace, to seize power. He portrayed himself as the stronger leader, capable of making the difficult decisions necessary for their survival. Using fear and manipulation, he garnered support and ultimately ousted his father, placing himself firmly in control.
FAQ 3: What was the significance of the radiation suits?
The radiation suits were crucial to Cage’s plans. They allowed him and his forces to move freely on the surface, giving them a significant tactical advantage over the Grounders and Sky People. These suits symbolized Cage’s ambition and his determination to dominate the outside world.
FAQ 4: How did the Cerberus project impact the Grounders?
The Cerberus project involved turning Grounders into Reapers, addicted to a drug that made them incredibly aggressive and controllable. This devastated the Grounder society, stripping individuals of their humanity and weaponizing them against their own people. It showcased the depths of Cage’s cruelty and his willingness to sacrifice others for his own gain.
FAQ 5: Why did Clarke and Bellamy make the decision to flood Mount Weather with radiation?
Clarke and Bellamy faced an impossible choice. Cage was preparing to irradiate the rest of the world, effectively condemning countless lives. To save their people and prevent a global catastrophe, they had to make the agonizing decision to flood Mount Weather with radiation, sacrificing those inside, including innocent civilians.
FAQ 6: What were the immediate consequences of Cage’s death?
Cage’s death marked the end of Mount Weather’s aggressive policies. However, it also led to the demise of many innocent Mountain Men who were not directly involved in his schemes. The event created a power vacuum within the mountain, leading to further instability and ultimately its abandonment.
FAQ 7: How did Cage’s actions affect Clarke’s character development?
Clarke’s decision to flood Mount Weather with radiation was a defining moment in her character development. It forced her to confront the brutal realities of survival and the moral compromises required to lead. The guilt and trauma of that decision haunted her throughout the series, shaping her choices and actions in subsequent seasons.
FAQ 8: What was the relationship between Cage and his father, Dante Wallace?
Cage and his father, Dante Wallace, had a complex and strained relationship. Dante initially opposed Cage’s aggressive tactics, preferring a more diplomatic approach. However, Cage viewed his father as weak and ineffectual, believing that only he could truly protect the Mountain Men. This fundamental disagreement ultimately led to their conflict.
FAQ 9: How did the Grounders react to Cage’s death and the destruction of Mount Weather?
While Cage’s death and the destruction of Mount Weather initially seemed like a victory for the Grounders, it also created new challenges. The power vacuum left by the Mountain Men led to increased conflict and instability in the surrounding territories. Moreover, the alliance between the Sky People and the Grounders was tested by the moral implications of Clarke’s actions.
FAQ 10: What was the significance of Bellamy killing Cage specifically?
Bellamy killing Cage, rather than Clarke, signifies a shared responsibility and a united front against a common enemy. It highlights the bond between them and the understanding that tough decisions, however morally challenging, need to be made together. Bellamy’s act also provides Clarke with a degree of closure, preventing her from having to shoulder the entire burden of Cage’s death.
FAQ 11: Could Cage have been redeemed?
The possibility of Cage’s redemption is highly debatable. His actions were driven by a deeply ingrained belief in the superiority of his people and a willingness to sacrifice others for their survival. While some might argue that his motivations were understandable, given the circumstances, his methods were undeniably cruel and unethical, making genuine redemption unlikely.
FAQ 12: How does Cage Wallace’s death contribute to the overall themes of The 100?
Cage Wallace’s death serves as a stark reminder of the recurring themes of The 100: the moral complexities of survival, the consequences of power, and the cyclical nature of violence. His character embodies the darkness that can emerge when individuals are driven by fear and a desperate desire to protect their own. His demise underscores the tragic reality that in a brutal world, even those who believe they are doing what is necessary can become monsters.