Diyoza, the formidable and complex leader of Eligius IV, meets her demise in Season 7, Episode 13, titled “Blood Giant.” This episode marks a significant turning point in the final season, impacting several key characters and the overall narrative arc.
A Tragic End on Bardo: Contextualizing Diyoza’s Sacrifice
Diyoza’s death isn’t simply a plot point; it’s the culmination of her complicated journey from ruthless terrorist to reluctant mother figure. Over the course of The 100, Diyoza evolved from a villainous figure into a more nuanced and even sympathetic character, particularly through her relationship with her daughter, Hope Diyoza. Understanding this context is crucial to appreciating the weight of her final sacrifice.
The Road to Bardo
Before exploring the specific circumstances of her death, it’s important to remember how Diyoza arrived on Bardo. Following the anomaly at the end of Season 5, Diyoza and Octavia Blake were drawn into the anomaly and separated. Years later, Diyoza resurfaces on Bardo, where she’s aged rapidly due to the time dilation between planets. She’s been a prisoner of Bill Cadogan and the Disciples for some time, facing torture and interrogation in Cadogan’s relentless pursuit of the “Last War.”
The “Blood Giant” Confrontation
“Blood Giant” focuses heavily on the battle for control of Bardo and the crucial Judgment Day Test. Diyoza is determined to protect her daughter, Hope, and stop Cadogan from triggering the Last War, which she believes will lead to humanity’s destruction.
The episode’s climax sees Diyoza confronting Cadogan in an attempt to stop him. She understands the consequences of his actions and recognizes that his unwavering faith in the Shepherd is blinding him to the truth. In a powerful act of selflessness, Diyoza sacrifices herself to buy Hope time, ultimately being killed by Cadogan. Her death serves as a catalyst for Hope’s own arc and further fuels the conflict between Clarke Griffin and Cadogan.
Unpacking the Impact: Diyoza’s Legacy
Diyoza’s death isn’t just a moment of sorrow; it’s a defining event that reverberates throughout the remainder of the season. Her sacrifice impacts the characters’ motivations and ultimately shapes the final outcome.
Hope’s Response and the War with the Disciples
Hope’s grief and rage following her mother’s death understandably intensify her desire to fight against Cadogan and the Disciples. It reinforces her commitment to protecting her friends and preventing the Last War. This loss significantly influences her actions in the remaining episodes, pushing her to take increasingly desperate measures.
Challenging Cadogan’s Beliefs
While Cadogan remains unwavering in his beliefs even after killing Diyoza, her actions plants seeds of doubt within others. Her defiant stance and unwavering love for her daughter serve as a stark contrast to Cadogan’s rigid, dogma-driven leadership. This dissonance contributes to the eventual questioning of Cadogan’s authority within the Disciples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diyoza’s Death
This section answers common questions about Diyoza’s character and her ultimate fate in The 100.
1. Why was Diyoza on Bardo to begin with?
Diyoza was pulled into the Anomaly with Octavia Blake at the end of Season 5. They were separated, and Diyoza ended up on Bardo, where time moves much faster. She spent years as a prisoner of Cadogan, subject to interrogation about the Anomaly and its connection to the Shepherd.
2. Did Diyoza know she was going to die?
While not explicitly stated, Diyoza likely suspected that confronting Cadogan would result in her death. She knew the risks involved in trying to stop him and understood his unwavering commitment to his mission. Her determination to protect Hope suggests she was prepared to sacrifice herself if necessary.
3. What was the significance of Diyoza’s relationship with Hope?
Diyoza’s relationship with Hope was the cornerstone of her redemption arc. Becoming a mother profoundly changed her perspective, transforming her from a ruthless terrorist into a fiercely protective and loving parent. This bond gave her a reason to fight for a better future and ultimately motivated her sacrifice.
4. Could Diyoza have been saved?
Given the circumstances, it’s unlikely Diyoza could have been saved. Cadogan was completely consumed by his belief in the Shepherd and was willing to do anything to achieve his goals. Diyoza directly threatened those goals, leaving him with little hesitation in eliminating her.
5. How did Diyoza’s death affect Octavia Blake?
Although Octavia wasn’t present at Diyoza’s death, she was deeply affected by it. Octavia had developed a strong bond with Diyoza during their time together in the Anomaly and considered her a friend. Diyoza’s death served as another reminder of the sacrifices required to achieve peace and fueled Octavia’s own commitment to stopping the violence.
6. Did Diyoza’s death change Cadogan’s plans?
While Diyoza’s death didn’t fundamentally alter Cadogan’s ultimate plan to initiate the Last War, it did highlight the lengths he was willing to go to in order to achieve his goals. It also demonstrated the moral cost of his actions, which contributed to the growing dissent within the Disciples.
7. Was Diyoza’s death necessary for the plot?
From a narrative perspective, Diyoza’s death served several important purposes. It heightened the stakes of the final season, provided motivation for other characters (particularly Hope), and underscored the futility of violence. It also emphasized the theme of sacrifice, which was prevalent throughout the series.
8. What was Diyoza’s biggest regret?
It’s difficult to say definitively what Diyoza’s biggest regret was, but it’s likely related to her past actions as a terrorist and the impact those actions had on others. She spent much of her later life trying to atone for her past mistakes and create a better future for Hope.
9. How does Diyoza’s death contribute to the show’s overall themes?
Diyoza’s death reinforces several key themes in The 100, including the complexities of morality, the importance of redemption, and the destructive nature of violence. Her transformation from a ruthless villain to a selfless mother highlights the capacity for change within individuals, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
10. Is there any chance Diyoza could return in future spin-offs or continuations?
While anything is possible in the world of science fiction, it’s highly unlikely Diyoza will return in future iterations of the franchise, given the finality of her death. However, her legacy and the impact she had on other characters will undoubtedly continue to be felt.
11. What were the immediate consequences of Diyoza’s sacrifice?
Diyoza’s sacrifice provided Hope with the opportunity to continue her mission, but it also fueled her anger and determination to avenge her mother’s death. It intensified the conflict between Clarke and Cadogan, pushing them closer to the final confrontation.
12. How does Diyoza compare to other “villain to hero” characters in The 100?
Diyoza’s arc is arguably one of the most compelling examples of a villain turning hero in The 100. While characters like Octavia and Murphy underwent significant transformations, Diyoza’s complete shift in perspective, driven by her love for Hope, sets her apart. She demonstrated that even those who have committed terrible acts are capable of redemption and selflessness.