If seasons one and two of “The 100” taught us anything, it is that the show's writers and cast aren”t afraid to take everything you think is going to happen and turn it on its side –– somehow making it better and more heartbreaking at the same time.
Season three takes it a step further. Basically “The 100” is going to take everything you thought knew to be the rules and dump them out like an IKEA living room set. You know all the pieces are there, but you have no idea how they”re going to fit together.
WARNING: SEASON TWO SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT, IF YOU'RE BEHIND.
Last season ended with the massacre (let”s call it what it was) at Mount Weather. Whether it was done for the greater good or not, you can”t just kill and entire civilization and walk away clean. It”s not that you CAN'T justify it, but I”d be a lot more worried about those who can shrug it off.
Still, life goes on and you have to get on with it or get left behind.
Season three picks up three months after the events of last season and, the premiere episode is all about establishing where our characters are, both physically and emotionally.
We find Clarke, who left Camp Jaha (now renamed Arkadia), on the run and being hunted by the Grounders who have placed a bounty on her –– Wanheda, the Commander of Death. Jaha has found his City Of Lights and an A.I. named Alie. He may think he”s saved, but it sure feels like he”s in a place that can”t be good. Compelling as all get out, but not good. Kane and Abby have established new settlements and Arkadia is expanding. Bellamy is struggling to find his place in this new dynamic where he”s more enforcer than leader. Lincoln and Octavia find themselves in the strange position of being both Grounder and the Sky People (Skikru in Grounder). Raven has scars that go deeper than we know. And Jasper…Jasper”s a mess.
On top of all of this, there”s been a huge shift in the Grounder power structure. New challenges, new leaders, and very deep grudges.
Based on the first few episodes, it”s clear that this season is very much a look at what it means to be human. What makes us civilized? What is leadership? What is loyalty? What exactly is the greater good and how do you decide who”s “greater good” is the correct one?
See how far the Sky People will go to save their own on #The100's season premiere this THURSDAY at 9/8c. https://t.co/CUx9D0yvT1
– cwthe100 (@cwthe100) January 19, 2016
What started as a colonizing mission to save the last of humanity in season one of “The 100” has become an incursion to be dealt with by the Grounders who, let”s face it, were here first. In turn, the survivors of The Ark are faced with creating a new life in a world that holds immense possibilities and tremendous dangers.
Maybe the beauty of “The 100” is that, when it comes right down to it, it”s all about who you are when your back is up against a wall –– who will you be when you show your true self.
And who will live or die in the process.
“The 100” premieres Thursday, January 21 at 9:00pm E.T. on The CW.