Exceptional sci-fi series are a rarity, yet one CW show, The 100, approached the brink of becoming a true masterpiece. However, it ultimately disappointed its audience on several occasions. The 100 premiered in 2014, and while it initially appeared to be a typical teen dystopian drama, it rapidly transformed into something far more profound and complex.

This series distinguished itself as a rare television adaptation that outperformed the original book series it was based on, engaging with significant themes in captivating ways. It quickly became one of the best original shows on The CW, yet certain pivotal decisions thwarted its evolution into a true sci-fi masterpiece. Notably, two of these decisions alienated viewers, leading many to abandon the series entirely.

Discover Why The 100 Stands Out as a Remarkable Sci-Fi Series on Network Television

How The 100 Embraced Tough Themes and Captivated Audiences

The 100 possessed numerous characteristics associated with standard CW shows, yet it delivered a compelling sci-fi narrative that was impressive, even among network television offerings. Crafting genre television on network platforms can be challenging due to budget constraints and content limitations. Nevertheless, The 100 succeeded in presenting a narrative that was both thought-provoking and often deeply impactful. The production quality also conveyed a sense of authenticity and did not come across as low-budget.

As the series progressed, it benefitted from outstanding performances and choreography, which effectively brought its gripping survival narrative to life. In its early seasons, The 100 posed challenging but essential questions regarding the lengths to which individuals will go to ensure survival and whether humanity can ever escape the cycles of tribalism and violence.

Despite being part of The CW lineup, the show boldly engaged with the harsh realities of its fictional universe, which helped The 100 distinguish itself among the network’s offerings. It had the capacity to transition into a masterpiece over time; however, the series began to falter as it neared its final episodes.

Uncovering The 100’s Missed Opportunities: Why It Could Have Been a Sci-Fi Masterpiece

Identifying the Key Issues That Led to Its Most Significant Betrayals

The 100 is notorious for having one of the most divisive endings in television history; however, its underlying issues began much earlier than season 7—these contributed to the series’ two most significant betrayals that ultimately hindered its chance at achieving a 10/10 rating. By addressing these concerns directly, the show could have avoided its most significant missteps, positively impacting its overall reception.

One of the significant issues was that The 100 frequently encountered challenges regarding diversity and the handling of sensitive topics. Although the series featured a diverse cast, it did not consistently treat its BIPOC and LGBTQ+ characters with the respect they deserved. Discussions have surfaced regarding the show’s failure to adequately address the narratives surrounding these groups, as well as its questionable approach to issues like mental health.

Additionally, the show faced criticism for its numerous plot holes, with characters behaving inconsistently in later seasons and the scientific elements not being sufficiently credible. Such flaws are somewhat expected in science fiction, but they become increasingly difficult to overlook, especially in the final two seasons.

These shortcomings substantially harmed The 100‘s legacy, though they were particularly pronounced in its two most significant mistakes. Regardless of the show’s strengths, it struggled to recover from its two most detrimental character deaths.

The CW Series Fractured Its Audience Trust By Killing Off Lexa in Season 3

Analyzing Lexa’s Death: One of the Worst Decisions in Television History

Long before The 100 began to encounter significant storytelling issues, the series betrayed its audience in a way that would forever tarnish its legacy. This betrayal occurred in season 3, a season that was otherwise strong in terms of storytelling. The decision to kill off Lexa sparked understandable outrage and led many fans to abandon The 100 for good.

While the departure of Alycia Debnam-Carey contributed to Lexa’s exit from the series, The 100‘s creators could have approached this situation with greater sensitivity. Instead, Lexa’s death unfortunately fell into the harmful “bury your gays” trope commonly criticized in Hollywood.

Not only did the series eliminate a strong and beloved lesbian character, but it did so at the hands of a character whom the audience trusted—a parental figure who disapproved of her relationship with the lead character. This occurred right after Lexa and the protagonist finally came together, making it all the more tragic. It’s a terrible way for Lexa’s character to exit, and even later attempts to give her a more fitting send-off ultimately fell short.

The 100 Further Alienated Its Audience By Killing Off Bellamy in the Final Season

Bellamy’s Death: The Final Straw for Many Disappointed Fans

As if Lexa’s demise wasn’t enough to damage The 100‘s reputation, the series followed this controversy with yet another massive betrayal four seasons later. Bellamy Blake’s death sparked intense debate among fans, albeit for different reasons than Lexa’s. Bellamy’s fate highlighted the inconsistencies and poor writing prevalent in the final season, leaving many fans bewildered and frustrated.

A series of illogical and underdeveloped circumstances led Bellamy to take on a villainous role in The 100 season 7, culminating in a betrayal of his closest allies—both Clarke and Octavia—due to beliefs that deviated significantly from his established character. The build-up to his transformation and his subsequent actions felt entirely unexpected, yet this was not the only issue that troubled viewers.

Ultimately, in a shocking turn of events, Clarke is forced to kill Bellamy to protect Madi. This decision, however, feels inconsistent with Clarke’s character, despite her readiness to make tough choices for her people. Given that Bellamy had been her ally and emotional counterpart throughout six seasons, it is inconceivable that she would resort to such drastic measures, especially with minimal payoff in the end.

The 100 ultimately did a disservice to Bellamy’s character. Following the betrayal of Lexa, this event marked the final straw for countless viewers. The series may have delivered some of the most compelling sci-fi moments in network television history, but its significant missteps in character development and plot choices overshadowed these achievements. Coupled with its two weakest seasons, these errors hindered the series from realizing its full potential.

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