Bellamy Blake, a cornerstone of The 100 since its inception, met his end in Season 7, Episode 13, titled “The Stranger.” His death, a pivotal moment in the show’s final season, sparked intense debate and controversy among fans, leaving a lasting impact on the narrative and the characters within it.
The Shocking Scene: How Bellamy’s Death Unfolded
Bellamy’s death wasn’t a heroic sacrifice or a culmination of a long-fought battle. Instead, it occurred after he fell under the influence of the Shepherd’s disciples on Bardo. Convinced by Cadogan’s interpretation of the Anomaly Stone’s code, Bellamy became a fervent believer in Transcendence, seeing it as humanity’s only hope. He discovered Clarke’s sketchbook, which contained drawings of Madi’s memories – memories that Cadogan needed to unlock the Last War and achieve Transcendence.
Faced with the prospect of Bellamy handing over this crucial information, putting Madi at risk, Clarke made the agonizing decision to shoot him. The scene takes place in a sparsely furnished room, with Clarke pleading with Bellamy before ultimately pulling the trigger. The suddenness and finality of the act left viewers reeling, grappling with the implications of Clarke’s choice and the loss of a central character.
Understanding the Backlash: Why Fans Were Outraged
Bellamy’s death was met with widespread backlash from fans for several reasons. Primarily, many felt it was out of character. Bellamy, who had always prioritized his friends and family, suddenly embraced a belief system that seemingly contradicted his core values.
Secondly, the perceived lack of respect for the character’s arc fueled the outrage. Bellamy had evolved significantly throughout the series, from a reckless youth to a responsible leader. His final actions felt like a betrayal of this development, reducing him to a plot device rather than honoring his complex journey.
Finally, the circumstances surrounding Bob Morley’s (Bellamy’s actor) limited involvement in the final season added to the controversy. Morley took a sabbatical for personal reasons, which influenced the writers’ decision to drastically alter Bellamy’s trajectory. Many fans felt the storyline was rushed and lacked the necessary depth to justify such a drastic ending.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Bellamy’s Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Bellamy Blake’s death in The 100:
H3 What was the official reason given for Bellamy’s death?
The writers have stated that Bellamy’s death served the purpose of driving Clarke’s character arc and illustrating the lengths she would go to protect her family, specifically Madi. They also cited Bob Morley’s limited availability as a factor influencing the storyline.
H3 Was Bellamy’s death planned from the beginning of Season 7?
No, Bellamy’s death wasn’t planned from the outset. The writers had to adapt their plans due to Bob Morley’s decision to take a sabbatical during the season. This resulted in a compressed and arguably less organic storyline for Bellamy.
H3 Could Bellamy have been redeemed if he hadn’t died?
Potentially. Many fans believed that Bellamy could have been redeemed, particularly if the storyline had been handled with more nuance and sensitivity. A more gradual descent into Cadogan’s influence, coupled with a moment of genuine realization and remorse, could have led to a more satisfying conclusion for his character.
H3 How did the other characters react to Bellamy’s death?
Clarke was obviously devastated, haunted by her decision. Octavia, his sister, struggled to cope with the loss, eventually finding solace in the shared trauma and the need to protect those she had left. Echo, who was deeply in love with Bellamy, was consumed by grief and anger, fueling her initial desire for revenge.
H3 Did Bob Morley approve of Bellamy’s storyline in Season 7?
Bob Morley has been relatively reserved about his personal feelings regarding Bellamy’s storyline. While he acknowledged the writers’ creative decisions, he hasn’t explicitly endorsed or condemned the way Bellamy’s character was handled.
H3 What impact did Bellamy’s death have on the series finale?
Bellamy’s death cast a long shadow over the series finale. His absence was felt throughout, and the other characters’ actions were often influenced by the grief and guilt surrounding his demise. While the finale offered a resolution for many characters, Bellamy’s absence left a lingering sense of incompleteness for some viewers.
H3 Why did Bellamy suddenly believe in Transcendence so strongly?
This is one of the major criticisms leveled against the storyline. Bellamy’s sudden and unwavering belief in Transcendence felt forced and uncharacteristic. The writers attempted to explain it through the influence of Bardo and Cadogan’s manipulation, but many viewers found it unconvincing.
H3 Could Clarke have found another way to stop Bellamy without killing him?
This is a central question that fueled much of the controversy. Many viewers believe Clarke could have attempted to reason with Bellamy, incapacitate him, or find another way to prevent him from revealing Madi’s memories. Her decision to immediately resort to lethal force was seen as excessive and out of character by some.
H3 How did The 100‘s showrunner, Jason Rothenberg, respond to the fan backlash?
Jason Rothenberg defended the creative choices made in Season 7, acknowledging the fans’ disappointment but reiterating the need to serve the overall narrative arc. He emphasized the impact Bellamy’s death had on Clarke’s journey and the themes of sacrifice and survival explored throughout the series.
H3 Were there any behind-the-scenes issues that contributed to Bellamy’s death?
Bob Morley’s decision to take a break for personal reasons was the primary behind-the-scenes factor that influenced Bellamy’s storyline. This necessitated significant rewrites and led to a more compressed and ultimately controversial arc for the character.
H3 What does Bellamy’s death say about the themes of The 100?
Bellamy’s death, though controversial, reinforces some of the core themes of The 100: the difficult choices that must be made in the face of survival, the complex morality of leadership, and the enduring consequences of violence. It highlights the idea that even well-intentioned actions can have devastating and irreversible repercussions. The show consistently explored shades of gray rather than black and white morality, and Bellamy’s ending fits that pattern, even if uncomfortably.
H3 In retrospect, was Bellamy’s death necessary for the show’s narrative?
This is a matter of ongoing debate. While the writers argued that Bellamy’s death served a crucial purpose in shaping Clarke’s arc and exploring the themes of the show, many viewers remain unconvinced. They believe that a more nuanced and respectful handling of the character could have achieved the same narrative goals without sacrificing a beloved and integral member of the original group. Ultimately, the impact of Bellamy’s death remains a point of contention and a reminder of the challenges inherent in crafting a satisfying conclusion to a long-running and complex television series.