Lexa, commander of the Grounders, meets her untimely demise in season 3, episode 7, titled “Thirteen.” This episode remains one of the most controversial and emotionally charged in the history of The 100, leaving a lasting impact on the fanbase and television landscape.
The Shockwave: Understanding Lexa’s Death in “Thirteen”
“Thirteen” is a pivotal episode not just for Lexa’s death, but for the crucial backstory it reveals about the creation of A.L.I.E. and the origin of the Commander lineage. However, it’s Lexa’s sudden and unexpected end that eclipses all other plot points, forever changing the trajectory of the series and sparking considerable debate.
The episode sees Lexa and Clarke seemingly secure a peaceful alliance between the Sky People and the Grounders. Just as their relationship deepens and hope blossoms, a stray bullet, intended for Clarke by the jealous and vengeful Titus, strikes Lexa. The injury proves fatal, and despite Clarke’s frantic efforts, Lexa dies, leaving Clarke and the viewers reeling.
The manner of her death, a seemingly random act of violence, combined with the perceived perpetuation of the “bury your gays” trope, ignited a fierce backlash from LGBTQ+ viewers and allies. They argued that killing off a prominent queer character, particularly in a way that felt gratuitous and lacking in narrative purpose, reinforced harmful stereotypes and deprived the community of positive representation.
The controversy surrounding Lexa’s death underscores the importance of responsible and thoughtful storytelling when portraying marginalized characters. While the show’s creators later expressed regret over the execution of Lexa’s exit, the impact of “Thirteen” continues to be felt within the The 100 fandom.
Deep Dive: Frequently Asked Questions About Lexa’s Death
To further understand the context, controversy, and lasting impact of Lexa’s death, let’s explore some frequently asked questions.
H3: Why did Lexa die? Was it a plot device?
Lexa died because actress Alycia Debnam-Carey had committed to a series regular role on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead. Her departure was, therefore, necessary to accommodate her other commitments. The showrunners have acknowledged that the way they chose to write her off felt clumsy and poorly handled, especially considering the implications for LGBTQ+ representation. While necessitated by scheduling constraints, the death undoubtedly served as a significant plot device, dramatically shifting the political landscape and fueling Clarke’s character arc.
H3: What was the fan reaction to Lexa’s death?
The fan reaction was overwhelmingly negative and highly vocal. Many fans felt betrayed by the show’s creators, accusing them of using a tired trope (bury your gays) and handling a queer character with disrespect. Social media exploded with hashtags like #LGBTFansDeserveBetter and #LexaDeservedBetter. The outrage stemmed from the suddenness of her death, the perceived lack of narrative justification, and the emotional impact it had on viewers who had come to admire Lexa as a strong and complex character.
H3: Did the showrunners apologize for Lexa’s death?
Yes, the showrunners, including Jason Rothenberg, issued apologies after the intense backlash. They acknowledged the pain and disappointment caused by Lexa’s death and admitted they could have handled the situation with more sensitivity and awareness. They emphasized that they hadn’t intended to cause harm but recognized the negative consequences of their actions.
H3: What is the “bury your gays” trope?
The “bury your gays” trope refers to the tendency in media to kill off LGBTQ+ characters disproportionately compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Often, these characters are killed shortly after finding happiness or establishing a relationship, reinforcing the idea that queer characters are not allowed to have happy endings. This trope has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to the underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in positive roles.
H3: How did Lexa’s death impact Clarke’s character?
Lexa’s death had a profound impact on Clarke. It fueled her grief, rage, and a deep sense of responsibility. Clarke struggled with guilt and self-blame, questioning whether she could have done anything to prevent Lexa’s death. The loss of Lexa ultimately shaped Clarke’s leadership and her approach to making difficult decisions throughout the remainder of the series.
H3: What is the significance of the flame?
The flame, a neural implant, is crucial to understanding Lexa’s legacy. It contains the consciousness of all previous Commanders, allowing them to advise and guide the current Commander. Lexa possessed the flame, which allowed her to draw upon the wisdom and experience of her predecessors. After Lexa’s death, the flame played a central role in the plot, influencing the political power dynamics and ultimately connecting to A.L.I.E.
H3: What is A.L.I.E.’s connection to Lexa and the Commander lineage?
“Thirteen” reveals that Becca, the first Commander, created A.L.I.E., the artificial intelligence responsible for the nuclear apocalypse. When A.L.I.E. attempted to control humanity, Becca injected herself with a substance that allowed her mind to survive in the flame, thus creating the Commander lineage. This revelation connects Lexa’s death directly to the foundational conflict of the series.
H3: Did Lexa appear in The 100 after her death?
Yes, Lexa appeared in subsequent episodes through Clarke’s interactions with the flame. Clarke was able to communicate with Lexa’s consciousness within the flame, allowing for brief but emotionally significant reunions. These appearances provided some closure for fans and further explored the complexities of the flame and the Commander lineage.
H3: How did other characters react to Lexa’s death?
The reactions to Lexa’s death varied. Clarke, as previously mentioned, was devastated. The Grounders were thrown into chaos, unsure of who would succeed Lexa. Titus, riddled with guilt for accidentally killing Lexa, became even more driven to protect the flame. Ultimately, Lexa’s death created a power vacuum and heightened tensions between the different factions.
H3: What lessons can be learned from the controversy surrounding Lexa’s death?
The controversy surrounding Lexa’s death serves as a crucial lesson for television writers and producers. It highlights the importance of thoughtful representation of marginalized communities, the need to avoid harmful tropes, and the responsibility to consider the potential impact of storytelling choices on viewers. The incident prompted industry-wide discussions about the ethical treatment of LGBTQ+ characters in media.
H3: Could Lexa have been written off the show differently?
Many fans believe that Lexa could have been written off the show in a more respectful and meaningful way. Some suggested a heroic sacrifice, a strategic departure to another location, or even a peaceful transition of power. The main criticism remains that her death felt arbitrary and served primarily to further Clarke’s storyline rather than honoring Lexa’s character.
H3: What is Lexa’s lasting legacy on The 100 and its fanbase?
Despite the controversial circumstances surrounding her death, Lexa remains a beloved and iconic character within The 100 universe. She is remembered for her strength, intelligence, and commitment to her people. Lexa’s legacy extends beyond the show itself, sparking important conversations about LGBTQ+ representation and the responsibility of media creators to portray diverse characters with respect and authenticity. Her impact on the fanbase continues to be felt, inspiring discussions about representation and fostering a community dedicated to promoting positive portrayals of queer characters in television and film. The conversation surrounding her death remains a powerful reminder of the impact representation has and the importance of nuanced and respectful storytelling.