The final episode of the science fiction drama series The 100, titled “The Last War,” aired on September 30, 2020. This marked the conclusion of the show’s seventh and final season, bringing the story of Clarke Griffin and her fellow survivors to a definitive end.
The End of an Era: Recapping The 100’s Final Season
The journey of The 100 began with a premise ripe for compelling storytelling: a hundred juvenile delinquents sent from a dying space station to see if Earth, ravaged by nuclear war, was habitable. Over seven seasons, the show explored themes of survival, morality, leadership, and the enduring human spirit against seemingly insurmountable odds. The final season, however, was met with mixed reactions from fans, primarily due to its complex narrative involving a new planet, a universal test, and the introduction of a higher power.
Season seven drastically shifted the show’s direction, introducing the Disciples of Bardo and their zealous belief in transcendence, guided by Bill Cadogan. Clarke and her friends found themselves navigating through different planets via the Anomaly Stone, engaging in conflicts to prevent Cadogan from passing the mysterious Test. The season delved into philosophical questions about humanity’s worthiness and its place in the universe.
Ultimately, the show culminated in a war for the survival of humanity, or rather, its chance to ascend to a higher plane of existence. Clarke, ever the pragmatist, made a pivotal decision that determined the fate of her people. The ending, while controversial, provided a definitive resolution, with some characters choosing to transcend and others opting to live out their lives on Earth.
Unpacking “The Last War”: A Deeper Dive
“The Last War” served as a culmination of the themes and storylines that had been prevalent throughout the series. It forced characters to confront their past actions, grapple with their moral compasses, and make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences. The episode centered around the final conflict with the Disciples of Bardo and the ultimate decision of whether humanity would pass the Test to transcend or face annihilation.
The narrative unfolded through a series of tense confrontations, philosophical debates, and emotional moments. Key characters such as Clarke, Octavia, and Raven played critical roles in shaping the outcome. The episode’s ending saw humanity judged, with Clarke being deemed unworthy of transcendence due to her violent actions. However, a small group of her friends chose to remain behind on Earth, rejecting transcendence and opting to live out their natural lives together.
The ambiguity of the ending sparked considerable debate among viewers. Some praised the show’s willingness to explore complex moral questions and offer a bittersweet conclusion. Others felt that the ending was rushed, unsatisfying, and deviated too far from the show’s original premise.
Fan Reactions and Critical Reception
The 100’s final season and specifically “The Last War” were met with a wide range of reactions. While some viewers appreciated the show’s ambitious scope and its willingness to tackle philosophical themes, others felt that the narrative became convoluted and deviated too far from the characters and relationships that had defined the earlier seasons.
Criticism was largely directed at the abrupt introduction of new characters and storylines in the final season, as well as the perceived lack of closure for some of the show’s long-standing plot threads. The ending, in particular, proved divisive, with many viewers questioning the logic of the transcendence narrative and its impact on the characters they had grown to love.
Despite the mixed reception, The 100 remains a popular and influential series, praised for its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and its exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity. The show’s legacy continues to resonate with fans who appreciate its unique blend of science fiction, drama, and social commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions About The 100’s Finale
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the conclusion of The 100:
What was the name of the last episode of The 100?
The final episode was titled “The Last War.”
Why did The 100 end after seven seasons?
The decision to end the show after seven seasons was a collaborative one between the showrunner, Jason Rothenberg, and the network, The CW. Rothenberg had a specific vision for how he wanted to conclude the story, and seven seasons allowed him to tell that story fully. He has stated that he didn’t want the show to overstay its welcome and become repetitive.
What happened to Clarke at the end of The 100?
Clarke was deemed unworthy of transcendence due to her violent actions throughout the series. However, she was ultimately reunited with her friends on Earth, who chose to remain behind and live out their lives together. She was not allowed to transcend, and as such, lived out the rest of her days on earth with those who similarly did not transcend.
Who chose not to transcend at the end of The 100?
Those who chose not to transcend included Raven, Murphy, Emori (though Emori ultimately died and resided in Murphy), Octavia, Indra, Miller, Jackson, Jordan, Niylah, and of course, Clarke. They all decided that living their own lives, free from the hive mind, was a better option than transcendence.
Was there a spinoff of The 100?
A prequel series titled “The 100: Second Dawn” was in development but was ultimately not picked up by The CW. The potential series would have focused on the events leading up to the first nuclear apocalypse and the rise of the Second Dawn cult.
What was the test that humanity had to pass?
The Test was a universal evaluation conducted by a higher being to determine whether humanity was worthy of transcendence. It assessed their capacity for peace, compassion, and their overall impact on the universe. The specifics of the test varied, but it ultimately boiled down to whether humanity could overcome its inherent flaws and embrace a more enlightened existence.
Why did some fans dislike the ending of The 100?
Many fans felt the ending was rushed, convoluted, and deviated too far from the core themes of the show. Some criticized the introduction of the transcendence narrative, arguing that it felt contrived and undermined the characters’ established motivations. Others were disappointed by the lack of closure for certain storylines and the perceived lack of satisfying conclusions for some of the show’s beloved characters.
Where can I watch The 100?
The 100 is available to stream on various platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max (depending on your region). It is also available for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
What were the main themes explored in The 100?
The 100 explored a multitude of complex themes, including survival, morality, leadership, sacrifice, redemption, the consequences of war, and the enduring human spirit. It also delved into questions about the nature of humanity, the responsibility that comes with power, and the search for meaning in a post-apocalyptic world.
Who was the showrunner of The 100?
Jason Rothenberg served as the showrunner for all seven seasons of The 100.
Was the cancellation of The 100 due to low ratings?
While ratings played a role, the decision to end The 100 was ultimately a collaborative one between Rothenberg and The CW. Rothenberg had a specific vision for how he wanted to conclude the story, and both parties agreed that seven seasons was the appropriate length to tell that story effectively.
Is there any chance of a The 100 revival?
While there are no current plans for a revival of The 100, the possibility remains open. In the television industry, reboots and revivals are always a possibility, especially for shows with a dedicated fanbase. However, any potential revival would likely depend on the availability and interest of the original cast and crew, as well as a compelling narrative that justifies revisiting the world of The 100.