The 100: Examining the Saddest Deaths in the Post-Apocalyptic Saga
The CW’s science fiction drama, *The 100*, is known for its brutal honesty and its willingness to put its characters through the wringer. Throughout its seven-season run, the show delivered numerous shocking and heartbreaking deaths that left viewers in mourning. While "sadness" is subjective, certain character demises resonated more deeply than others, often due to the immense love audiences developed for them, the tragic circumstances of their demise, or the profound impact their loss had on the narrative.The Debate for the Saddest Death
When fans discuss who has the saddest death in *The 100*, a few names consistently rise to the top of the list. These characters often embodied hope, sacrifice, and unwavering love, making their eventual ends all the more devastating.Lexa Kom Trikru: The Commander Who Fell Too Soon
Undoubtedly, Lexa’s death is one of the most impactful and emotionally charged moments in the series. As the Commander of the Grounder clans, Lexa was a fierce and strategic leader who found an unexpected connection with Clarke Griffin. Their relationship, often referred to as "Clexa" by fans, became a central pillar of the show's emotional core. * The circumstances: Lexa was shot and killed by Titus’s misguided guard, Aden, in an accidental crossfire intended for Titus. This was not a glorious battle death, but a tragic, preventable accident that occurred just moments after she and Clarke had reaffirmed their feelings for each other and had finally achieved peace between their people. * The emotional toll: The scene of Clarke cradling Lexa’s dying body, begging her to stay, is etched in the memories of many viewers. The sheer injustice of her death, right after finding happiness and achieving a monumental peace treaty, amplified the sorrow. Her passing left a massive void in leadership and in Clarke’s heart, profoundly altering the trajectory of the remaining seasons. * The legacy: Lexa’s influence continued long after her death, with her spirit appearing to Clarke in the City of Light, guiding her decisions. Her death sparked significant conversations about representation and the impact of LGBTQ+ relationships in media.Monty Green: The Scientist Who Chose Humanity
Monty’s journey from a young, somewhat naive member of the Ark to a hardened, morally complex individual was a testament to his growth. His death, while peaceful, was profoundly sad due to the sacrifices he made and the hope he represented for humanity’s future. * The circumstances: Monty and Harper chose to remain in cryo-sleep for 243 years, sacrificing their lives to find a habitable planet for humanity after realizing Earth was no longer viable. They eventually found Eden, a world that seemed perfect, but it was revealed to be short-lived. They then dedicated their lives to finding a new home, eventually discovering the planet that became Sanctum. * The emotional toll: Monty's final moments were spent ensuring his friends could survive and thrive on this new planet, a world he and Harper had worked tirelessly to find. His final message, a recording for Bellamy, revealed his ultimate hope and his disillusionment with the cycle of violence. The sadness stems from his ultimate sacrifice and the bittersweet nature of his "victory" – he saved his friends but wouldn't live to see it. * The legacy: Monty's message served as a crucial turning point for Bellamy and the remaining survivors, forcing them to confront their own destructive patterns. His dedication to finding a better future, even at the cost of his own life, highlighted the enduring human desire for peace and a fresh start.Bellamy Blake: The Brother Who Lost His Way
Bellamy’s arc is one of the most complex and debated in the series. His transformation from a pragmatic, often ruthless leader to someone seeking redemption and ultimately making a final, heartbreaking sacrifice, makes his death particularly poignant. * The circumstances: In the series finale, Bellamy is killed by Clarke Griffin. This occurs after Bellamy, in a moment of perceived spiritual enlightenment, believes he must protect the Last War from humanity's interference by preventing the transcendence of the human race. He is then deemed a threat by the test of the M.C.C. (an artificial intelligence) and is killed by Clarke as a necessary step for humanity to transcend. * The emotional toll: Clarke’s agonizing decision to kill Bellamy, a man she had fought alongside and loved like a brother, is one of the most gut-wrenching scenes in the entire series. The finality of it, the loss of a foundational character who had grappled with so much, left many fans in disbelief and sorrow. His death symbolized the end of an era and the ultimate consequence of the choices made throughout the series. * The legacy: Bellamy's death, while tragic, also represents a tragic form of closure. He found a semblance of peace in his final moments, believing he was doing what was right, even if it meant making the ultimate sacrifice. His character’s journey from a protector of his sister to someone willing to sacrifice everything for what he believed was humanity's ultimate good is a testament to the show's exploration of moral ambiguity.Other Notable Tragic Deaths
While Lexa, Monty, and Bellamy often dominate these discussions, several other deaths evoked significant sadness: * Wells Jaha: Son of the Ark’s Commander, Wells was an idealist who believed in a better way. His death early in the series was a shock and set the tone for the harsh realities the delinquents would face. * Finn Collins: Clarke’s first love on the ground, Finn's descent into madness and his eventual, self-inflicted death were difficult to watch. His plea for Clarke to end his suffering was heartbreaking. * Jasper Jordan: Jasper’s struggle with depression and nihilism after the trauma he endured led to his decision to end his life alongside his friends. His final moments were a poignant, albeit dark, exploration of grief and despair.The Impact of Loss on *The 100*
The recurring theme of loss is what makes *The 100* such a compelling, albeit often painful, watch. The show never shied away from the consequences of violence and the heavy price of survival. The saddest deaths are often those where characters are robbed of a future they deserved, or where their sacrifices are met with a bleak reality. The emotional weight of these characters' departures is what cemented *The 100*'s place in the hearts of its dedicated fanbase. ---Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Lexa die?
Lexa died from a stray bullet fired by Titus’s guard, Aden, who was aiming for Titus. It was an accidental death that occurred at a highly emotional moment for both Lexa and Clarke.
Why was Bellamy’s death so controversial?
Bellamy’s death was controversial because it was perceived by some fans as a betrayal of his character arc and a narrative choice that felt unearned or unsatisfying. The circumstances of his death, being killed by Clarke, also added to the emotional impact and debate.
What made Monty’s death sad for fans?
Monty’s death was sad because he and Harper sacrificed their own lives by remaining in cryo-sleep for an extended period to find a habitable planet. His death represented the ultimate sacrifice for the survival of humanity, and his final message highlighted his weariness with the cycle of violence.
Who is considered the "saddest" death by most fans?
While it's subjective, Lexa Kom Trikru's death is very frequently cited as the saddest death in *The 100* due to the strong fan investment in her character and her relationship with Clarke, as well as the tragic and preventable nature of her demise.
