Octavia gets to know a whole new world. Meanwhile, Murphy and Emori play make believe.
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.
"Welcome to Bardo" was written by Drew Lindo and directed by Ian Samoil
The 100 has always operated with a complex mythology. It has introduced numerous worlds of civilizations that have their own structures and faith. It has been a fascinating examination of how society grows and develops. The last two seasons have taken the main protagonists to new worlds entirely. So much is now possible for them. At first, it was miraculous that humanity could survive a century in space while the memories and soul of the commanders could be passed down to their successors. And now, humanity has access to bridges that can take them to other planets in an instant. It's all a little complicated. That comes mostly from the time dysphoria at play. Time doesn't pass in the same way on all of these planets. That allows Diyoza's daughter to now be a major character on the show without the necessary explanation of the main characters being asleep for hundreds of years. Instead, it happened in a weekend. Diyoza and Octavia were taken by the Disciples. Hope was left on Sky Ring. She was abandoned and given the time to grow as a warrior. She was determined to save her family. They are all eager to recreate the happiness they once had together. And yet, the Disciples have a different plan altogether. They view a coming conflict that could end the entire human race. They have been preparing for that for years. They have trained themselves to work towards the collective goal instead of living as individuals. That makes them a militaristic society. It's one that has made incredible advances with technology. Sanctum was equal parts impressive and terrifying because of the body snatching abilities. They found a way for humanity to live for centuries. It just required a new body from time to time. The Disciples are the new version of humanity that was touched by the miraculous thanks to the orbs. Gabriel now suspects that one such artifact was on Earth. That is a key detail that may tease that this entire, crazy journey will return to the planet that started it all. That is a matter for the future though. Right now, Anders and his people have to understand where these new humans came from. They could pose a threat to what they have strived to achieve for years. Sanctum was destroyed because of the arrival of the survivors from Earth. The righteous still follow the divine word of the primes. But that entire ruling class has been destroyed. Murphy and Emori are going through the motions to potentially ease the tensions. Meanwhile, Sheidheda is actively fanning the flames to ensure the conflict intensifies and chaos reigns. Indra becomes aware of what happened to this evil commander after he was removed from Madi's head. That clarity is necessary and welcome. But he is still a threat. One that could end any world he enters. There are many options for that as well. This final season is now examining what it takes to survive and prosper. The Disciples will offer one perspective. Meanwhile, Octavia offers the idea that love is a vital motivator that she needs in her life. She has to warn Bellamy before a bomb goes off. She has to keep him safe. She feels the same impulse with Diyoza and Hope. They are still pushed away from each other. It's a mess to keep track of the various timelines and how everyone has previously interacted. That makes this a difficult episode to follow. It has to explain how Octavia has interacted with this society already. Her escape was significant. The journey she went on away from Sanctum expanded this universe. However, it's a journey that still ends up with Clarke being seen as the key to unlocking whatever comes next. It's unclear just how Clarke is important in this situation. That is the only motivation given to Anders here. He needs her because he sees something special. Something he has been waiting his whole life to achieve. That is mysterious and vague. The main characters are just trying to rescue their friends. They have to keep them all safe. Not all of them have survived over the years. Those deaths have been agonizing and difficult for them. It has forced them to make decisions they aren't proud of. It has taken awhile for Octavia to forgive herself and open her world up to a rewarding future. She was given that opportunity on Sky Ring. The Disciples took that away from her. She was tortured. She is potentially discarded because she only serves one purpose. That is horrifying and paints a broad picture of what this new society is like. It's eye-opening when Levitt sees the life Octavia has lived. It's so different than his. He is persuaded into helping her escape and giving Hope the message to "trust Bellamy." That may only be good up to a point though because so much remains unknown this season.
