Clarke and her friends find themselves on a planet that is not what it seems.
In 2019, the television industry aired 532 scripted shows across numerous outlets. The way people consume content now is different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, it's less necessary to provide ample coverage of each episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site provides shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of The CW's The 100.
"Nakara" was written by Erica Meredith and directed by PJ Pesce
Sometimes, it is easy to discern when something happens because of natural character development and when something happens because the plot necessitates it. Right now, it's pretty clear that this episode was produced solely to stretch the main narrative of the season out a little bit. It starts off with a very compelling sequence of seeing Diyoza tortured by the Disciples. She holds strong and refuses to comply. She does so at great harm to herself. She can escape without needing to be rescued. It's still beneficial that her daughter and friends are coming to save her though. However, those characters are just wandering around the compound after that trying to think of a better strategy than falling into the trap clearly waiting for them. Octavia trusts Levitt when he tells her to run to the surface of this planet. That suggestion comes with the understanding that the atmosphere isn't habitable for humans. That would ensure none of the Disciples would pursue them. And yet, Gabriel neutralizes his friends because he doesn't see that as a valid plan. Octavia and her allies are driven by survival. They don't have time to mourn Bellamy. But they don't want to stick around and endure even more torture at the hands of this mysterious society. Meanwhile, Gabriel wants to explore the vast wonders of the universe. He pursued answers about the Anomaly. And now, he will subdue others if it gets him closer to understanding what this society has already figured out about the world. That's a selfish instinct. It basically confirms that everything started falling apart in this rescue mission the moment Echo decided to kill. Right now, she is motivated by rage and anger. That is understandable. With Gabriel though, his actions feel like a twist necessary to keep all the main characters in this one compound because the Disciples and their interests have to remain centerstage. Of course, Clarke and her team aren't on that planet just yet. They spend the hour on a different world simply trying to get to another orb to make that a possibility. It's a perilous adventure. That was expected. They descend into a cave trusting the technology in Raven's suit. It places them in danger. Sure, there were characters who could probably die at this point. Miller and Niylah may be on this journey for that sole purpose. Hopefully, that isn't the case. They survive the time on this planet. But it's also more important that Raven believes she is suffering because of everything that she and her friends have done in the name of surviving. She led people to their deaths when she had the skills to stop a nuclear meltdown herself. She thinks she's selfish. And yes, that action carries consequences for her. Clarke lifts her spirits though by saying she is fundamentally good. It is hard to argue with her. Raven does have a solid sense of morality. She isn't perfect. Now, she fears death is looming. It might be because of everything going on back at Sanctum. But again, that is drama happening there and not where her current trajectory is taking her. As such, she has to find some resolution before facing the prisoners who seek retribution for what she has done. That is basically the sole purpose of some actions here. It's eerie but it is also filler action. Meanwhile, the various fractions at Sanctum continue to just be conspiring against one another. The narrative keeps stating that it is a powder keg. It can explode at any moment. That intensity hasn't really been consistent though. It's mostly rewarding to the audience to see Indra step up and take command herself. She deserves that position. She is the leader of Wonkru. Her people should celebrate her. But darkness still looms on the horizon. That's mostly what this episode amounts to. It teases that things will grow more dire and intense. Tragic choices will have to be made because the current circumstances are unsustainable. And yet, the audience is probably losing patience as we await those dramatic events to occur and ignite this final season into motion. There are only so many times where a story is defined by Madi facing pressure to serve as Commander even though she wants to hold onto the innocence of childhood. That shouldn't have to be stated to Indra again. It sadly is. It's weird. Almost as if the show is going through the motions instead of investing fully in the stakes. More people are aware that Sheidheda exists in Russell's body. That threat is built up. Just like the Disciples though, the show is reluctant to pay all the buildup off quickly.
