Did you know that The 100 wrapped up its series finale six years ago this week? That’s right. On September 30, 2020, the CW Network sci-fi dystopian drama ended with “The Last War.” It marked the end of seven seasons, and as the 100th episode, it delivered an emotional rollercoaster that wasn’t uncommon in the fandom or for dedicated viewers like my mother.
The show started with a strong premiere, “Pilot.” Airing on March 19, 2014, it illuminated the beginning of Clarke’s journey on a dystopian Earth and her necessary thirst to save her people. Now, you must remember that Clarke is only seventeen years old, so she’s bound to make mistakes, given the pressure. Along the way, she discovers that she and her group aren’t alone, which makes the struggles more real.
But The 100 wasn’t all despair and turmoil. It also had happy moments, including some of the strongest relationships on TV, like Bellarke, Clexa, and, if you’re anything like me, Becho. These ships sailed a legacy all their own, bringing insurmountable joy to fans and vibrating emotional responses. I’m not going to elaborate on why the ships are popular, as they reflected different things for different people. But I will say that I’m not lying when the “Heart Eyes Emoji” frequently popped up on my socials when fans are discussing their OTPs.
I also have a soft spot for Clarke and Echo (Panda Princess), but that’s another story for another day, Fankrü.
Why The 100 still holds its legacy after all these years
During my lengthy tenure as an entertainment journalist, a few shows out of the millions only phase themselves as “iconic” or legendary. I Love Lucy, The Simpsons, Lost, Supernatural, MASH, and The Golden Girls have achieved this accomplishment, and rightfully so: The 100. Fans. But what made these productions stand out above their competitors?
There are several points supporting that question. It comes down to the writing, character development, storylines, dynamics, and animation (The Simpsons), and how each of these elements creates television masterpieces. Of course, there’ll be flaws, as with anything out there, but it doesn’t deter the legacy.
The show depicts what could happen if humanity chooses a destructive path, eliminating everything and everyone in its way. We have the choice of doing better, of being “the good guys,” and directing our moral compasses for the greater good. If we decide not to align with these practices, then the inevitable will happen. War, famine, violence, and death.
The simple reason, though, why The 100 still has a tight hold among its fandom is that it connected people and brought comfort. It’s amazing how a production could do that.
The 100 can be streamed on Pluto and Prime, as well as on DVD.