#shannonwritesaboutthe100

[fire-of-the-sun]

The Core Four / The Four Pillars

If characters are the heart of a story, then their relationships are the soul. They’re the connections that inspire change on a character and plot level that further solidifies the overall themes.

In The 100, there are four relationships in particular I think stand out the most as the foundational dynamics of the show: Clarke/Bellamy, Clarke/Abby, Bellamy/Octavia and Kane/Abby. I’ll address each relationship individually and in relation to each other to support my theory.

PLEASE NOTE: This, of course, is in no way a means to suggest that these relationships are better/superior to any others on the show. They all matter in their own way. This is simply my interpretation of the impact of these four major dynamics in particular.

Each of the characters depicted in these relationships are also solid characters in their own right outside of them, each exhibiting well-developed arcs, unique personalities and solid motivations. It's also worth noting each of these characters have been mains since episode 1.

Beyond the obvious bond of family that Octavia/Bellamy and Abby/Clarke have that instantly binds their characters, there is also an immediate friction/gravity between the other two that invites the audience to pay attention to them and speaks of a larger story to come.

I will address each other these dynamics individually, why they’re important, how they’ve changed and where they may go in future seasons. Let's start with the blood/familial relations.

BELLAMY / OCTAVIA

Protecting his younger sister Octavia has been Bellamy’s #1 drive since he was a child - an immense responsibility bestowed upon him by their mother. This is a huge aspect of his identity and one that takes many seasons for him to learn to let go of.

Over time, their individual paths and personalities end up creating conflict between them. Octavia's dedication to becoming a Grounder warrior vs Bellamy's skepticism of them in particular comes to a head in S3, leading to a huge fallout between them.

This fracturing continues into S4 as Octavia continues down her negative path, pushing away those around her. By the end, the possibility of death in the Conclave allows them to put aside their past differences and hostilities and embrace as loving siblings once more.

Of course, even before this, the sparks of tension have always been lurking under the surface of their bond as Octavia's developing 'rebelliousness' as she finds her true identity on the ground often conflicts against Bellamy's desire to keep her safe above all else.

In S4, Bellamy finally learns (with the help of Kane) that he has to learn to let Octavia go - to be her own person, trust her to make her own choices and that he can't always save her just as he learns he has his own identity outside of his relation to her as well.

The good will they finally established by the end of S4 - after enduring their own individual trials - is further solidified in their final conversation over the radio. This is the last chance they get to speak for 6 years and it's a wonderful way to cement how far they've come.

Unfortunately, the resulting years were not kind to Octavia and the rift between them grows wider than ever after they reunite as very different people with conflicting loyalties and motivations. In a long history of complications, S5 marked their lowest point to date...

It will be a long road to recovery, but I have no doubt that they will eventually find their way back to each other. Fate has torn them apart and transformed them but at the end of the day they're still family and I believe the love they share will shine through again.

Overall, their relationship is an interesting representation of a close sibling bond and spotlights the ability to forgive loved ones, accepting other people for who they are and even letting each other go in a healthy way to grow as individuals.

ABBY / CLARKE

There are few bonds as strong as that between a parent and their child and Abby/Clarke present no exception. The very premise of the show wouldn’t exist if not for their love. Sending the kids to the ground was an attempt to protect Clarke from execution after all.

Similar to the familial bond of Bellamy/Octavia, they also struggle with the similar conflicts such as learning to let each other go & letting each other become their own person as Abby is in the unavoidable position as a parent of watching Clarke grow into an independent adult.

They struggled a lot in the beginning - separated by both physical space and emotional distance as, after losing her father, Clarke places the blame for it on Abby. This makes Abby even more determined to find and reconnect with her daughter.

Much of Abby’s story in the first two seasons revolves around the desire to keep her daughter safe - as any good mother would - and this is further exacerbated when Clarke continually puts herself/ends up in a line of fire and Abby naturally becomes even more protective of her.

Of course, this sparks conflict between them and they struggle throughout S1 and S2, culminating in some devastating decisions and betrayals that shakes Abby's view of her own daughter.

Abby progresses a lot in this regard, allowing physical distance between them and learning to accept that she has to let her daughter follow her own path wherever it leads her. Though she doesn’t always agree, she supports her, stands up for her and only ever wants what’s best.

By the end of S2, they've accepted each other for who they are/who they've become and remind each other that their love and support is ever-present no matter what. Even though Abby searches for Clarke after she leaves, she's resigned herself to the distance for the first time.

Their relationship is a wonderful and much needed portrayal, especially to show younger audiences, of the importance of a loving, supportive parent and learning to respect and accept each other for who you are and be there for each other no matter what.

Though they haven’t had as much significant interaction in later seasons as they did in the beginning, the love they share always binds them and continues to impact the story. I hope we will be able to see them spend more time together in the future after being separated.

This bond is one I’m hoping will play a role in the evolution of Clarke and Madi’s mother/daughter relationship as well, which can also be used to further their own relationship as Clarke comes to understand her mother even more (more on this later).

ABBY / KANE

Though they started in opposition to each other - clashing as Kane was driven by logic (head) and Abby by emotion (heart) - over time they were able to connect as allies, become best friends, close partners, trusting co-leaders and eventually fell in love.

Though Kane took steps towards redemption on his own, Abby eventually plays a beneficial role in his development as a source of support. She comes to believe in him - as a man, as a leader and someone she can put her faith in and work with to achieve the same goals.

Since S1 they only ever grow stronger, closer, more understanding. The shock lashing was one step back, but they quickly took two steps forward soon after as they came to understand each other better for it. This marks a huge, positive turning point for their entire relationship.

Through their challenges, they come to realize they are more similar than they thought and help each other become the best versions of themselves - a union that creates a powerfully effective pair as they lead their people into the longest period of peace on the show.

Like many relationships in S5, they also reached a low point after both suffered individual setbacks that negatively affects their relationship. They didn't get to work through all of this, but I have no doubt they find their way back to each other again once they begin to heal.

They’ve endured countless trials and tragedies but their love has endured it all and only ever grown stronger from it. Disagreements between them are handled with care, respect and maturity - a true example of what a strong and successful relationship should be like.

Through their interaction, they've come to represent healing, hope, redemption, understanding and, of course, true, selfless love as well as offer a refreshing portrayal of older love, the positivity of finding love again (Abby) and finding it later in life (Kane).

CLARKE / BELLAMY

Confirmed to be the main dynamic of the show, their relationship has evolved immensely since the beginning. Similar to Kane/Abby, they are introduced as a pair at odds whose opposition sparks change and often proves mutually beneficial to each other.

They were presented as co-leaders of sorts in the past, specifically in S1, which made a way for them to relate to each other in a way their fellow teens couldn't. The burdens of leadership and responsibility acting as an initial conduit to better understand each other.

That more direct co-leadership has diminished over time a bit and became defined more as support rather than actively making decisions together as they both have their own strengths and weaknesses in their interaction with others. They always work better together than apart.

They help each other become less polarized versions of each other. This is stated plainly multiple times as Clarke encourages Bellamy to use his head over/in tandem with his heart as, from the beginning, they've been presented as 'head' and 'heart' respectively.

They don't always agree though and are shown to be more than capable of calling each other out on their mistakes and encouraging the other to learn from them. A common friction that breeds growth.

Though their stories often lead them on separate paths with little communication, the show allows them to reunite at some point each season and there’s generally a sense of connection regardless of the amount of shared screen-time.

Given this lack of proximity (only a few months of interaction overall) keeps further exploration of their relationship at bay. Direct contact is key to this and they’ve been denied it in many ways. No matter what people want them to be, I believe this needs to be remedied first.

Because of this lack of time, they’ve also never truly been able to work through past issues and this is another thing that I feel is important to address before their relationship moves forward in any way. For example, Kabby had ample time and it helped them grow close faster.

Clarke/Bellamy hit quite a few roadblocks in S5 as well and logically have a lot to work through before they can see eye to eye once more, though, despite it all, surprisingly seem to be fine in the finale despite not having attempted any reconciliation yet...

Regardless, like many relationships on the show they've always represented redemption, forgiveness and the benefits of a trusting partnership that is sure to be a constant through the entirety of the series no matter what.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

As a whole, the consistent theme of these four is that of family. Two of blood, two of bond/choice. Octavia/Bellamy are half-siblings, Clarke/Abby are mother/daughter, Clarke/Bellamy became unlikely friends and Kane/Abby represent the same bond as husband/wife/parents.

With this in mind - and knowing how much they impact the story - it’s easy to assume that family is being presented as the lifeblood of the overall narrative. They also represent different kinds of love - allowing familial, platonic and romantic bonds to shine equally.

These relationships also spotlight the characters that comprise them and further cement them as integral parts to this story. For example, Abby, Clarke and Bellamy are each represented in 2 of the top 4. That's pretty special!

I'd also like to note that these characters still connect with each other outside of these presented dynamics as well. For example, in many ways, Kane connects to every single one of these characters to some degree: Abby, Clarke, Bellamy and Octavia.

In many ways, Kane acts as the missing piece that helps to bind this family together: the husband Abby lost, the father Octavia and Bellamy never had and one that Clarke could have again. Which only further shows us that family is the heart of it all.

NEW DYNAMICS

Now, there's one more I need to address. In S5 we are introduced to Madi who, now in many ways, has become the driving purpose for Clarke. This is an unprecedented level of connection for the show to establish so late and with so little on-screen development/set-up.

Despite the fact that they are not afforded the same rich history or shared screen time of the other four, it's no question the show wants them to be the next big family dynamic - the fifth of the big mains that's bonded in mutual, familial love.

Regardless of their unconventional origins, their relationship represents a driving force that's certainly not new to the show. Both Abby and Bellamy were introduced in the beginning entirely motivated to protect their loved ones Clarke and Octavia as well.

IN CONCLUSION

Relationships/characters come and go, but these four have always remained – the only that have remained since the very beginning. No matter how they’re pushed or pulled apart, they evolve (for better or worse) but never fully break and I don't think they ever will.

Once more, this essay is not to negate the power of any other relationship on the show. All had their own impact and purpose from Clarke/Lexa, Monty/Jasper, Murphy/Emori, Raven/Abby, Octavia/Lincoln, Indra/Octavia, Indra/Kane, Monty/Harper and so on.

As a bonus, I think it's also interesting to note that 2/4 relationships parallel each other deeply and I don't think that's an accident e.g. Clarke/Abby and Bellamy/Octavia have similar elements as so Clarke/Bellamy and Kane/Abby.

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[fire-of-the-sun]

Kabby Meta: The Shocklashing

Today I'm going to address one of Kane and Abby's most important developments together - the shock-lashing. Why it matters, how it positively develops them individually and together - marking a powerful and constructive turning point, not a negative, toxic one.

The first signs of this particular issue are shown in Abby's frustration with Kane's decisions as leader. She wants him to start searching the woods for the missing kids – desperate to find her own daughter, but he must also consider the now tenuous safety of the people and camp.

Seeing his own people murdered in the forest continues to cement to him that the security of the camp comes first. He's desperate to protect all of his people - both in and outside the camp. But no matter what action he chooses, lives are at risk, and this weighs heavily on him.

Abby is looking to Kane for help. He wants to save the kids too, but feels certain he cannot send out a search party right now. Unable to give her what she needs quickly enough, she decides to takes matters into her own hands once more by freeing and arming the young prisoners.

Knowing her so well, Kane immediately suspects she’s the culprit and confronts her on this, genuinely disappointed that their relationship has relapsed. She easily stands her ground against his reprimands and retorts that his current leadership and 'redemption' are a lie.

This hits its mark and Kane is stunned into silence as he watches her leave. This conversation perfectly sets up what’s to come. Abby’s mention of redemption reintroduces this theme for him - a question that has and will continue to plague him. Did he/can he redeem himself?

We know based on his conversation with Byrne after that Kane is against shock-lashing her initially, instead deferring to a lighter punishment. He avoided the sentence that was expected of him to issue - already bending the rules for her - the one Byrne reminds him he must do.

"On the Ark we had to be ruthless, uncompromising. Our hand was always forced, but down here we have a chance to start over, make something better." Kane is already of the belief that to make a better world, they have to let go of the old one. He is willing and ready to change.

Byrne acts as the embodiment of Ark law – of the man Kane was, who he’s 'supposed' to be. As he fights against her, he’s fighting that old part of himself. It's an excellent way to present this internal struggle between what's expected of him and what he believes to be right.

Unfortunately, Kane feels forced to concede after being reaffirmed of the disarray spreading throughout camp moments later resulting in someone's death. He must put aside his personal feelings once more to do what he thinks is best for everyone as the tension in camp rises.

It should be more than clear to the audience that his actions do not come from anger, sadism or a need for payback against Abby. No, he is simply driven by the overwhelming need to protect his people however he can, to keep order like he was taught and do.

"I'm sorry it had to come to this Abby, but you left me no choice." Though Abby is disappointed in him, she understands the decision and accepts her punishment, holding onto her strength and resolve more than ever as he struggles to maintain his.

Yes, watching this take place is unpleasant, no doubt about it, but no one is more troubled by the sight than Kane himself. The powerfully filmed scene comes down to a wordless struggle between them: Abby’s resilience vs. Kane's crippling guilt as the battle rages within him.

Afterwards, Kane comes to check on her, brimming with shame. He has no reason to apologize, in the eyes of the law he was completely right to do what he did, but that doesn’t matter to him anymore. He feels guilt because he cares about her/others more than he cares about the law.

"I did hear you, you know." He gently, and unaccusingly reminds her that he was listening, that he does care. He's going on a mission to try and help the kids if he can, just like she wanted. They matter to him too and it shows her that he’s on her side - and has been.

Seeing him so open and honest in this way Abby finally realizes that what he says is true. He’s someone she can trust to be attentive to and share her concerns. From this point on, she’s willing to listen to and trust him – they are now on the same page, more connected than ever.

What other progress is made here? Kane easily hands over his power as Chancellor to her. Entrusting her with the care of the thing he cares about most – his people. Just as she is entrusting him with the potential security of her child. This is another huge moment for them.

There is no doubt or hesitation in their regard towards each other after this. He is determined to go on this mission to help save his people and she’s supportive of that choice, grateful. There is no ill-will or concealed anger in the looks they share, only support and care.

The shock-lashing is never addressed again save for a brief reference in 2x09. This, among other shows of concern for each other, should clear up any doubt from the audience that there are any hard feelings between them, especially if she’s comfortable enough to make light of it.

To sum up, both Kane and Abby made mistakes and misjudgements but they didn’t let what happened grow or fester. They worked through it with maturity and came out stronger because of it. Well-written, necessary conflict like this is the pressure that turns coal into diamond.

They both immediately understand where the other is coming from: they’re just trying to help their people in the best way they know how. That's something they can connect on, not fight over. Both learned a valuable lesson and made positive steps forward because of it.

They’ve overcome their initial obstacles and are stronger for it, making them, in my opinion, one of the healthiest dynamics on The 100. They continue to see each other at their worst and accept each other for who they are with kindness – a necessary step on the path to true love.

Please note this essay is in no way meant to excuse any actions or blame it on anyone in particular. It happened. The point is to show that these characters learned and grew from it (very quickly I might add) and there were no ill feelings involved on either part. It’s a powerful lesson and one they needed to learn to grow closer. 

#the100 #the100meta #kabby #marcuskane #abbygriffin #kabbymeta #cwthe100 #the100cw #mymeta #Shannon writes about the 100 #shannonwritesaboutthe100

[fire-of-the-sun]

Shedding Light on The Dark Year

Here’s my reasoning behind the confusing and controversial plotline of the Dark Year and it's aftermath. Hopefully I can help make sense of the mindsets and motivations for Octavia, Kane, Abby and Indra so we can shed some light on this dark time. Please read to the end with an open mind. 

Let’s start with a simple reminder: everything that happened in the bunker was terrible. There were no easy options. Every person suffered and had their own way of dealing with it. No one was completely right or wrong. And there is no one specifically to blame for any of it.

Everyone’s original stance on the news of the food shortage is completely in-character. Abby, as a doctor, knows exactly what to expect. Kane is automatically opposed to something so immoral and Octavia is rightfully off-put but aware they have to come up with something.

Abby’s logic is sound. She knows better than anyone what to expect from the lack of food and, as horrible as it is, knows it’s the only option. She gives Octavia this advice, as is her duty, but, as their leader, it's for Octavia to decide what to do with this information.

As terrible as the position Abby is in, none of this should be mistaken for ill-intent as she reminds Octavia that it's to help all of their people. She's even willing to force Kane to do it, as it will save his life and the lives of others. Sadly, it's the only way to survive.

As their leader, this burden naturally and, unfortunately, falls on Octavia. Abby counseled her to understand it's the only option, but it's now up to her to come up with a way to make this work. Though she obviously feels immense pressure, no one is telling her what to do.

In her desperation, Octavia chooses to take lethal force - a method no one anticipated. Abby is as shocked to see the horrific sight unfold as anyone. She did not foresee this and no doubt feels an immense wave of guilt at the part she played in it, regardless of how direct/indirect.

I’d just like to note that this episode largely focuses on just Octavia and Abby and their perspective of the events. Kane, Indra and others are largely left out of the spotlight for examination and this leaves some gaps in the storytelling...

As an aside, I believe that if there was no food problem there wouldn’t be any problems between these characters. Life in the bunker would still have been hard, but they would not have faced the same traumas and changed so much because of them. This event was life-changing.

Afterwards, we assume Abby does nothing. Though there's honestly nothing she really can do. Announcing it publicly doesn't change anything - everyone already knows she supports cannibalism. The only thing she could do that may help Octavia, I imagine, is to try and console her privately.

There are multiple reasons I don't believe this happened however that I'll get to later. For now, it's clear that they dealt with their pain in different ways. Abby probably began taking more pills to cope with the shame and Octavia began to create the persona of Blodreina.

At the end of the season we finally find out that Kane has known about Abby’s role in the Dark Year. It wouldn't be hard to figure out - he already knows her stance on the food dilemma of course, they discuss it multiple times to which he always publicly voices his disapproval.

In his final moments of the season Kane reveals as much, absolving Abby of her role in his trauma. So if Kane has come to accept and forgive the cannibalism part of this then the problem is clearly not the idea itself but how it happened. His problem lies with the shooting.

It should be more than clear by now that keeping people safe has been the foundation of Kane's character since the beginning of his arc in S1. After the first Culling he's heartbroken over his actions and dedicates himself to making sure no one else dies on his watch ever again.

He’d never sanction the death of others and this desire was probably even further cemented after being forced to perform yet another Culling in the bunker. These are the last of his people and, to do whatever he can to save them, he'll continue to sacrifice more of his soul.

Even if he was initially shocked and upset by Abby's role, like him, he knows she'd never permit people to die. They’ve always had the desire to protect others in common. Octavia killed those people and he/we know killing is clearly not out of her repertoire. It's a practice of hers that he has shown disapproval of many times before.

"I'd rather you didn't kill" - Kane

"A warrior knows when not to kill." - Kane

He's chastised her before on killing a diplomat, beheading an innocent boy, murdering Pike and later, trying to kill Ilian without a trial. She's struggling and the 'darkness' he senses in her is not unfounded.

Let's jump ahead a bit. There's one scene in particular that perfectly displays the deeper aspects to this entire situation - a visual and emotional parallel that sheds light on two different events and reveals all we need to know of these characters...

In 4x06, Octavia (and the rest of the camp) want to mercilessly kill Ilian for his crime and Kane won't allow him to be murdered in cold blood. 

"If we let them descend into darkness, there's no coming back." - Kane

"It's the end of the world, Kane, darkness is all we have left." - Octavia

As Kane battles to save the very souls of his people from something they'll regret - to hold onto light and lead them out of the dark - Octavia has fully embraced that darkness. They are in complete ideological opposition (and they will be again).

Kane pleads for her not to kill Ilian, stating that by doing this act, she'd be no better than Pike himself - someone she hates. This is a huge moment of realization for her. The first impactful moment that has made her reflect on her actions and examine the darkness inside her.

This scene bears a strong resemblance to 5x11. Octavia is once again threatening to kill and Kane is trying to stop her but he is unable to this time. The situation is different. This isn't vengeance and it's no doubt the hardest thing Octavia has ever felt like she had to do.

So what are the similarities/differences between how these scenes play out? In 4x06, Kane sympathizes with her pain and immediately tries to console her, telling her it's okay, trying to hold her comfortingly, but she pushes him away and runs off, unwilling to accept any solace.

In the face of her trauma, she isolates herself. We've seen her distance herself from people and push them away to deal with heartbreak before. So I believe it’s completely in character for her to do the same after the cafeteria, especially given that it's even more traumatic.

She is not one to easily share her feelings. She hides her emotions behind a façade of strength and at times even aggression. We see her do this many times. Only when she's alone do we see how she truly feels. Only when she's alone does she dare let the tears fall.

As she's one to hide her pain, she's naturally not one to ask for help - even if she's screaming for it on the inside. Even if she doesn't want to admit that she needs it. So why would she outwardly seek solace from anyone? And why would it in be Kane or Abby?

Up until the Bunker, she’s had no distinguishable relationship with Abby - due mostly to lack of proximity and connection between the characters - and only just allowed Kane to hug her in S4 after pushing him away all season. They are not close enough to be the ideal candidates to truly reach her.

She also already knows what to expect from them and probably avoided them for this reason as well. She knows Kane will most likely give her a "philosophy lecture" and is probably uninterested in hearing him/taking comfort from him (just as she wasn't before). And I doubt she'd want to talk to Abby after their last conversation...

So why are they blamed for not being able to help her when A. Octavia would never ask for/want their help and B. They're probably not close enough to give her what she really needs? Facing them also means facing the trauma once more and she never wants to talk about it again. 

In the beginning - as an unpracticed leader - Octavia had a council to help her and willingly listened to their advice. I strongly believe after the events of the Dark Year this was disbanded as she took on the role of queen, separating herself from their opinions and ruling alone.

I don't believe for a second that the other diplomats stayed to help her while Kane and Abby and others chose to walk away. Why wouldn't they want to help her in some way? The only way to help their people is by getting through to Octavia - the person who dictates their life.

What makes the most sense is that she cut off connection to her council and begins to surround herself with loyal followers as her image grows. Anyone who speaks against her is an "enemy" and punished. Speaking up to her would get them killed, so Kane, Abby and others are left to try and endure the world she built in silence.

They know Octavia, not Blodreina, and as one began to be taken over by the other, she no doubt began to become unrecognizable to them. They are not equipped to handle this drastic change - they struggled to connect with her before! What hope do they have to help her when reaching her is difficult even for people far closer to her like Bellamy or even Lincoln?

In this situation, I believe the person best suited to trying to reach her is Indra. Octavia is far closer to her than she is to Kane or Abby as they've had more time and proximity to form a closer bond. They trust each other and have always been able to talk about anything.

We see that Indra remains by her side throughout the years of the Bunker. That doesn't mean she agrees with everything she does, but she remains obedient and supportive anyway. She always shows unwavering loyalty to whoever she follows.

We know Indra secretly goes against her at times as she's also loyal to her friend, Kane. She's caught in between them. She wants to show support for Octavia, the girl she sees as a daughter, but is also willing to break her rules to help her friends.

A telling moment for me is in 5x09 when Octavia finally admits to Indra in her vulnerable state that she "just stood back and watched”. This is her first admission we've seen that she wanted help and possibly assumed Indra (and others) would come to her 'rescue' somehow.

Indra admits she should have helped her "shoulder that burden" and won't make the same mistake again. Though she didn't do much, she didn't do nothing. She was one of the first to eat and publicly stood up and came up with the sacrificial words they'd come to adopt.

Let's go backward to a scene early in S5 I feel is incredibly important to remember. In 5x04, Octavia comes to see Kane after his first fight and this is where the two character's mindsets and deepest emotions are clearly revealed to the audience.

Note that Kane is not angry or judgmental but rather honest, sad, weary and desperate. He acknowledges her strength and ability to unify them during the Dark Year. This doesn't mean he fundamentally approves with what happened, but he understands the tough position she was in.

It's also worth noting that Octavia is more than willing to listen to him and even let him go if he tells the truth. She doesn't see him as guilty and won't kill him for nothing. She does not come into the room cold, frustrated or angry. She's willing to talk and get a real answer.

"We're all guilty." - Kane

He's referring to himself as much as anyone. He too feels guilt, for the Bunker and everything that has ever come before. This can also be a way of letting her know she's not alone in whatever guilt she may feel. They all did things they didn't want to do.

The mention of the Dark Year visibly affects Octavia and she begins to grow angry. Though she came into the room perhaps more as Octavia, Blodreina is beginning to appear more and more as she's being reminded of past trauma.

"You've lost your way, we all have." - Kane

What he says is true, she's lost herself and the society that remains is far from what humanity should be. He laments being silent about this and reminds her  justice is not found in the arena. Nor was it found in the floating he partook in.

"We have a chance to do something better here, we're throwing it away." - Kane

Once again, Kane absolves himself of nothing, believing he, like everyone else, always have the opportunity to change and be better. He's offering the possibility of a second chance for her and for them all.

"Octavia, please, strength without mercy is nothing. But you can end it. You can save us." - Kane

The hopeful thought of such change is enough to bring light back into his eyes, if only for a moment. It doesn't matter what Octavia has done, she alone has the power to undo it all.

"It's not too late." - Kane

His face is exceedingly hopeful. She's their salvation. They can all make it out of this - there's still a chance. Octavia is clearly moved by his words. She remains silent. Her façade swaying until...

"Who stole the medicine, Kane?" - Octavia

She hardens once more. Whatever progress he had made to reach the inner Octavia has been sealed away behind the mask of Blodreina once more. His last plea failed and with it, his hope for the future dies. The girl he knew and loved is gone.

For him, this is the point of no return. It cements to him, once and for all, who she's become. Blodreina is all she shows to others and therefore, that's all she lets anyone see - the only thing he sees too. At this point he'd believe that all that's left. Octavia is lost forever.

They are ideologically at odds once more though he didn't intend to actually dispute her publicly. He simply took Abby's place in the arena to keep her alive. But by holding onto his beliefs and choosing not to fight back under such spotlight, he's automatically 'challenging' her.

"Somehow we allowed justice to become vengeance and vengeance to become sport. And I allowed that - that darkness to rise. But my complicity ends." - Kane

In his last moments, he's holding onto who he is. He's about to die, so might as well go down fighting for what you believe in.

"You are Wonkru or you are the enemy of Wonkru. Choose." - Octavia

"I already have." - Kane

Octavia grabs a sword and knocks him down, but still, he doesn't stop trying to appeal to her. Note that her belated kill stroke could be indicative of her truly not wanting to kill him here but having to continue to show her strength as Blodreina and continue to implement the laws she put in place.

"Saving our people is about more than keeping them alive. It's not too late." - Kane

He repeats the same words as before. Even at the end, he's still giving her a second chance. But she's in the eye of her followers here and cannot compromise for him. Blodreina cannot show weakness. It's more than clear Kane disagrees with the society they're living in. Though it may be 'functioning' (and nothing in the Bunker would have ever been ideal) he still doesn't fundamentally agree with a society built on violence and death. This naturally makes him a 'traitor' to them.

Knowing this and the kind of person he is, it makes sense he doesn’t want this lifestyle to perpetuate outside the bunker and poison Eden – their last chance for a better future. For Octavia, for everyone. Neither will bend and are therefore forced into a position against each other, whether they would like to be or not.

He believes he has no choice if it means the greater good for humanity and this is what drives him and their conflict throughout the season. His speech dreaming about their future home in 5x08 further solidifies his passion for a peaceful future and why it's his main objective.

I will not go into detail of further events at this time besides saying they both had their reasons, he hates himself for having to make those choices and overall, I just believe the writing was questionable and didn't need to go down that way...

IN CONCLUSION

In conclusion, everyone made mistakes and they're all aware and sorry for that. They're only human. This was also no quick ordeal with immediate doling of judgements, it took years for everyone to fall apart the way they did - years of suffering for all of them. I do believe healing will take place, but it is going to take time. Lack of communication and understanding between them led to problems, but I believe getting the time to talk and really say how they feel/felt will help them forgive each other.

I’m sure if Octavia gets the chance to really say her side – all the things she couldn’t say as herself at the time, it will help them all realize that A. Octavia is still in there, B. she can be saved – if she wants to be saved. This could finally be their second chance. They all shared this traumatic experience together. If anyone can help them, it’s each other. I desperately hope things are allowed to get better and these relationships will heal and even become closer than they were before.

PERSONAL NOTES

I’d like to say that, from a writer’s perspective, I’m not a fan of how this storyline was handled. I think it was largely messy, unnecessarily dramatic and ooc for almost everyone involved. I do not believe that Kane and Abby, a couple that live together everyday, never once got the chance to address the very serious food problem. Of course Abby would try to make him see her side and I do believe in time (especially as hunger sets in) he and others would grudgingly give in. Nor do I believe that Kane and Octavia speaking in 5x04 was the first time they’ve been able to address these issues in 6 years! The scene is excellent in portraying their current mindsets, but it doesn’t make much sense that they never talked before this point. Nor do I believe Indra, in their close proximity everyday, never got to have a serious personal talk with Octavia about any of this. We see that plenty of times during the season itself, it definitely happened before! 

Overall, I’m very disappointed in all of it but blame the writing choices - not the character’s themselves for doing/saying things that’s not within their character to do.

#the100 #the100meta #the100writing #the dark year #octavia blake #marcus kane #abby griffin #indra kom trikru #the100season5 #Shannon writes about the 100 #shannonwritesaboutthe100