The CW's The 100 - Episode 6.05 "The Gospel of Josephine"
Jordan investigates Sanctum. Octavia and Diyoza discover the threats of the new planet firsthand. Bellamy and Clarke butt heads.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to 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.
"The Gospel of Josephine" was written by Georgia Lee and directed by Ian Samoil
It's a huge acting challenge for Eliza Taylor to suddenly drop all aspects and characteristics of Clarke whom she has played for six years in order to transition into Josephine. That reveal showed the true story engine of this new season. The people at Sanctum are just as monstrous and immoral as many of the characters of this series so far. Their horrors just extend from a completely new belief that extends from the discovery of immortality. It all connects back to Becca and the technology she created in order to assist consciousness. The audience has already seen just how deadly that technology could be with the rise of Alie. But there was always the hopefulness that came from a new commander being given the Flame. Clarke was so worried about Madi rising to that position but it was a responsibility the teen was ready to handle. Sure, Madi still aspires to be a normal teenager from time to time. She wants to go to school at Sanctum. That's not a luxury that she can afford though because of the risk that comes from her true reality being exposed. Clarke has been solely focused on keeping her safe for the last two seasons. That has been her core motivation. And now, that has been completely wiped away. Of course, it seems very unlikely that Clarke is gone for good. There is only the immediate perception that Sanctum kills the original personality in order to implant those who exist as members of the royal bloodline. Priya tells Jordan that Delilah is still in there and misses him. However, that may just be the polite thing to say in order to keep the peace. She understands that nothing should upset the delicate balance of this world. Delilah may actually be dead. The people of Sanctum have been raised with the belief that it's a great and noble sacrifice to serve as the body for one of the royals. It's an honor that is slowly dying out. That's why the pressure was there to kidnap Clarke and resurrect Josephine. And now, the pressure is on for her to go undercover with those from Earth to see how many nightbloods they have in their ranks. The audience is already aware of the truth. Nightblood has always been special. That is increasingly so in this world. The leaders of Sanctum view it as their salvation to keep their community pure and functional. And yet, the dread looms over the entire narrative as it becomes very clear that not everyone shares these views. Clarke's friends are largely in the dark about what has happened to her. Even though Josephine knows nothing about the culture from Earth, she is still able to blend in and get the information she seeks. She's hopeful that Abby will create more nightblood for her people so that all of the royals can return to this world. She may even have a new ally in this fight. Murphy's brush with death has traumatized him in a way he has never felt before. He believes he saw what was awaiting him on the other side of human existence. So, it's easy to understand why he would potentially take Josephine up on her offer to live forever. It should be intriguing to see if that is even possible. It also means that the people from Earth are once again considered lab rats in order to promote the agenda of a civilization they don't know a lot about. Jordan, Bellamy, Murphy and Gaia learn the truth here. But that puts them in an incredible amount of danger. That will increase the stakes moving forward. It's appreciated that most of Clarke's loved ones understand that something is off with her. But it's still enough time for Josephine to inflict her damage in a very visceral and life-changing way.
