The Feminist Review of The 100

After mainlining the first two seasons of The 100 in less than half a week, I started to encourage/harass my friends into watching it. One of my big pushes was that is was a hella feminist show. Hella. But then I was asked HOW. And I kept trying to explain, but I felt like I needed MORE to show. It does so much more then pass the Bechdel Test! So, this is where I want to start explaining why I think this is one of the best examples of pop culture and feminism out there. Check out the Terms and Definitions.

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x16 Perverse Instantiation: Part Two

Writer: Jason Rothenberg

Director: Dean White

Total time in episode: 42

Total number of character credited in episode: 23

Number of female characters credited in episode: 13

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Indra

Harper McIntyre

Commander Lexa

Alie

Beca

Ontari

Emori

Little Girl on Bike 

Woman with Infinity Hair

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 38

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: YES. Clarke and Abby open the episode. Also so much Clexa.

Number of deaths in episode: I am not even going to TRY to count. Lots. But main ones: Ontari and Pike. And I guess maybe Lexa again? 

Female:

Sexualized moments: None really.

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Lexa’s entrance man. That is how a dramatic gay makes a fucking entrance, impressing the ladies. Me and my wife cheered at this moment, which you know means it’s good. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: Clarke bringing Abby back and the moment the Griffin women have at the top of this episode. It totally breaks my heart. And damn those two are so good. But we have not gotten really any cathartic forgiveness between these two in a long time, so this moment was so important. 

Polis

Oh god when Abby can barely look Clarke in the face and everything comes flooding back. These two are just. GUH. 

I love that Octavia just runs right to Clarke and is like ‘I know you have the plan and are in charge, so do your thing. I got yo back.” Or something like that, basically.

This has to be one of the more insane and “Science what?” moments of the show. Cause really? Really? I was not great a biology but I am pretty sure this is total bullshit. 

Why can’t they get into the throne room’s windows? They are wide open. This feels like a giant plothole. 

So I really love Clarke’s trust in Murphy in this moment. “Mom, he knows what he’s doing.” Also, they need Murphy in this because he is willing to risk Clarke’s life. Abby and Bellamy won’t.

“The flame will protect me.” Lexa will protect her. Oh my heart.

Oh Octavia. Sweetie. Why. Why did you do this. It lost you the room. It put everyone in danger. This will always be Octavia’s biggest weakness, she cannot think of the big picture. Oh man, Abby is such a badass. She literally rips Ontari’s chest open in order to pump her heart and oh man Murphy. He really takes one for the team here. DOCTOR MURPHY.  Not like, shipping. But like, he’s now a doctor. 

Alie is so stupid to think Octavia would ever take the key. The electricity thing was pretty smart.

So, Abby’s first kill, correct? 

Oh man. OH MAN. This whole thing is so intense. 

AND CLARKE THANKS MURPHY. 

OH MAN Kane is like, weeping in Abby’s arms and it touches me deep. 

OKAY SO Like. No one even reacts to Octavia killing Pike. Like, it just happens. Bellamy and Clarke just stand there like “um.” You would think SOMEONE would do something. 

Arkadia

I love that Harper takes an active role in saving herself. I mean, Monty shoots Jasper but Harper take Jasper OUT. 

RAVEN COMES THROUGH IN A PINCH. I wish we had gotten a little more of her in this episode. 

Okay Jasper, PTSD, trauma, and them saving him. When he walked away I was like “He is going to kill himself.” It was a weird shot and angle and the way they lingered on him... I was really curious what was happening. When it came out that they had written and filmed a suicide scene, well. That clarified it. I have very mixed feelings about this conclusion for Jasper. I would not have been pleased with them having him kill himself. I am hopeful that they can really conclude his arc in a well that is not so... horrifying. 

City of Lights

SEASON 1 CLARKE OUTFIT. I missed this outfit. Though the grounder outfit is cool. AND SHE’S CLEAN. Awww, look at that shiny little muffin. 

Hello Downtown Vancouver! I was just in you! I MISS YOU UNITY DAYS FAM. 

Okay, so are we suppose to believe they really cannot see her here or are they faking it? I could never figure it out. Maybe they cannot see her? 

INFINITY HAIR GIRL. 

NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL A MOTHER FUCKING ENTRANCE. COMMANDER LEXA. “And that’s how you get that giiiiiiiiiirl.” Oh god Clarke’s face when she realizes she’s real. “Our fight is not over.” Shout out to Layne Morgan for that line. 

KISSES. CLEXA KISSES. 

“I love you.” I am so glad they went with that take and Eliza added that in. 

So, if Clarke’s mind is in control, does that means she decides what she gets in the City of Lights to help her? So, did she bring Lexa in. 

Oh look. Another kill switch. I hope season 4 ends with something else. I think they have done this one to death. 

“You don’t ease pain, you overcome it.” I actually really love that line. 

Okay! So, the season was saved by two women: Raven and Clarke. A woman of color and a queer woman. Which is pretty fucking bad ass. 

I ended up doing this last round of reviews really quickly in order to get them out before the next season. I still need to do a season summary, but that might not happen this week. 

Season 3 ended up being full of ups and downs for me. I think there were a few marks they just really hit and a lot they totally flopped on. It’s okay, a lot of shows have a season that is full of growing pains. I still love this show and I will still continue to watch it. 

See you soon. 

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x15 Perverse Instantiation: Part One

Writer: Aaron Ginsburg & Wade McIntyre

Director: Ed Fraiman

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 18

Number of female characters credited in episode: 8

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Indra

Harper McIntyre

Alie

Ontari

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 29

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: Yes

Number of deaths in episode: I am going to be honest, I lost count. 

Sexualized moments: Not really though Clarke in that corset is A+.

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Clarke Griffin is willing to let her mother die for the greater good. Can you imagine that? I don’t know if I could have stood up to that. Torture? Maybe. Seeing my mother hang herself? Yeah man. I don’t know. Clarke has shown over and over that she is willing to do whatever it takes to save the human race, even if that means losing her mom. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: Clarke and Raven get a tiny moment before they all split up again. 

Okay, we pick back up with the Adventure Squad losing their minds. Actually, mainly Clarke losing her mind. So, in this moment Clarke really does need reigning in. It doesn’t happen often, but she has run out of options she will revert to “THIS IS THE PLAN AND WE WILL DO IT OR NOTHING.” This is very reminiscent of when she shoots at the door in Mount Weather. 

Okay, so Clarke apologizing to Flame!Lexa breaks my heart. So much. She wanted to do right by Lexa, her legacy, and her memory. But she’s hitting a point where it is possible that might not happen.

ROAN. Guys, I love Roan. I didn’t think I would, but I really do. And him and Clarke’s relationship is so interesting. 

OKAY SO Raven is digging Roan, right? Like, she’s all “OOOOKAY I see you.” WINK. I am just saying, if I don’t get Clarke/Raven I would support that ship. 

PRINCESS MECHANIC giving each other significant eye contact and HUGS. PRINCESS MECHANIC HUG. 

OKAY THAT ALIE REVEAL WAS GOOD. At that point i knew for sure it was Jasper. Oh Jasper. Why did you mess up so badly. 

Okay, so there is a nice little Bellamy/Clarke moment. I get it, he’s her bff. I fully support this thanks. Though, again with the weird “Clarke’s priority is the Flame and Bell’s is Clarke.” Why did they decide to do the love triangle once Lexa was the Flame?

Poor Monty. He thinks they were finally making progress and Jasper literally stabs him in the stomach. I guess it is better then the back? IDK. 

The last time Clarke saw Polis, it was still Lexa’s Polis. How horrifying for her.

You know, I forget that Jaha would have been close to Clarke. These two have not really gotten any time together at all. But he was her best friend’s dad, we’ve seen in the flashback their families spending time together. He was probably like an uncle to her, since there are no biological aunts/uncles in this future. 

Poor Roan. Getting shot. Left for “is he dead?” Probably not since he is a serious regular in season 4! :D 

“Harper’s a guard, and a better shot then you.” That’s right Raven, sisters before misters! 

“They sent us all down here to see if the ground was survivable. From what I’ve seen, it’s not. 

So, who actually thinks Clarke will give anything up from torture. This seems like a waste of time to me. This seems to really just exist so we can watch Abby torture Clarke. Which, sigh. This is starting to get near torture porn status. Specially since Abby is basically cutting into Clarke’s chest.

“Start with Bellamy Blake.” I will leave this hear for the shippers. 

INDRA USING A GUN. Holy shit. 

“Clarke’s always in trouble.” OH MURPHY you are not in any way wrong. 

Octavia is not letting Pike out of her sight. Oh my poor little murder baby. 

MURPHAMY ELEVATOR RIDE. This made me actually cheer. My BFF is a giant Murphamy shipper and I got to watch this season with them so this was a DELIGHT. 

“He was my home.” MY HEARTTTTT.

NO KANE NO. 

INDRA PROTECTING KANE’S BODY. I THINK I MISSED THAT THE FIRST TIME. OH MY BROTP FEELS. 

OKAY Jasper reciting all the ways people have died cracks me up. All the death by Clarke. I just LOL. “Ninja star to the face, that was a good one.” It WAS a good one, Jasper. 

Oh Jesus fuck. “Alie’s not killing me. You are.” Come ON. Clarke has been through so much, this is just... this scene is hard to watch. 

Alie underestimates Clarke so much. “She’s breaking. Do it.” No, Alie. She won’t. Clarke is going to let Abby die when she says “I’m so sorry.” She’s already decided. 

INDRA GIVING HER LIFE FOR KANE. I AM SO UPSET. Even though she is not dead. STILL I AM UPSET.

Oh man, Ontari getting her head smashed in is so fucked up. This part 1 is good at raising the stakes and sure confirms what we all knew had to happen. Clarke has to take the chip. 

No one think about the science of what is to come. At all. Because one thing this show does really poorly is science. Season finale here we come! 

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x14 Red Sky at Morning

Writer: Lauren Muir and Kira Snyder

Director: P.J. Pesce

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 19 (Kane is in credit only)

Number of female characters credited in episode: 11

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin (In credit only)

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Indra

Harper McIntyre

Alie

Luna

Emori

Hannah Green

Shay

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 38

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: HARD PASS. SUCH HARD PASS. So many conversations. 

Number of deaths in episode: 9 i think.

Female: at least 1, Shay?

Sexualized moments: None

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Raven and the coding. Oh man, go Raven go. Be a smart programer. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: Luna being the first person to verbalize to Clarke that she cares for Lexa who never saw them together. It’s just nice that someone can see it. I mean, I suspect Octavia knows... probably Raven too. But I don’t think either of them are ever going to say it. 

Polis

Indra is filled with rage and grief. This is a weird collection of people. Murphy, Pike, and Indra. I believe people were calling them IMP. Which makes me giggle. 

EMORI. “You can correct your defects here.” “I would, if I had any.” I fucking love that line. It is so good. Emori is such a powerful lady with the limited screen time she gets. Also, seriously, Luisa, IS SO SWEET AND WONDERFUL. I GOT TO SMILE AT HER AND I DIED. 

So, Emori is lying here. But what a sweet moment for Murphy, honestly being unable to even risk killing Emori. I love these two. What a delightful pairing. Please both of you live in season 4. 

Adventure Squad

So, I find Luna so interesting. Do you think Lincoln helped get her out of Polis? I am so interested in their backstory. Were they childhood friends? They might be roughly the same age? 

Poor Shay. Sorry you spoke to Jasper. That was your undoing. 

So, it is interesting that Clarke is hitting the point where she is willing to overcome Luna’s consent. I think she has really hit desperation. But there is a good point here, Clarke is becoming what she is fighting against.  

Oh look, the only time Clarke kind of admits she cared for Lexa to another human being. I wonder if we will ever get more of that. I really hope that we get Clarke talking to Abby about this. 

So, Luna’s viewpoint is not wrong. You also kill people to save people. But I have to side with Clarke for this time. Standing on the “no violence ever” means you are washing your hands on helping and MORE people die. You only get to be non-violent if other people are willing to be violent. 

Ugh this waterboarding scene is terrible. I hope Luna gets some stuff in season 4 that gives her a chance to flesh her out some more. (sidenote: That little girl is a nightblood, yes? Like, this has to be a thing. They never cut her on purpose.)

OKAY LET’S TALK ABOUT JASPER TAKING THE KEY. When do you think he just gives up? At what point does he just say fuck it and take the chip? I knew he did in this episode, someone HAD to be chipped. I am just glad it wasn’t Harper. But oh man. I have a lot of complicated feelings about Jasper taking the key. Because the thing is, Jasper KNOWS. He knows the risk he is putting his friends in. The Hufflepuff in me struggles with that. You NEVER betray your friends. Ever. 

THANKS SHAY. Way to take one for the team. You managed to stay alive just long enough to release the Skaikru. 

OH OKAY I SEE THE LOOK FROM JASPER NOW. AND THAT ALIE IS STILL THERE AFTER DEREK DIES. 

OKAY. More of Clarke looking at Flame/Lexa and Bell looking at her. Weirdest love triangle. Also, this ending shot of “Now what?” and they all look at Clarke. Things these people love to do: have no plans of their own, yell at Clarke for her ideas, still turn to Clarke for her ideas. 

Arkadia

Raven is so smart and sexy and smart. I love seeing her and Monty being giant nerds together. If anyone is going to save them in season 4, it’s them. 

HARPER, HEEEEEEY. GET ITTTTT. If I cannot have Harpoe, I accept Monty and Harper. 

“Finally.” LOL. 

Oh Raven, you get so impatient. You should have just listened to Monty. 

RAVEN DON’T DO IT. What a tense square off. Oh man, Raven code fighting Alie. I did not breathe this entire scene. 

What fucked up shit with Hannah and Monty. Poor Monty. Having to kill his mom TWICE. 

Holy shit, Monty just losing it on Raven. Look at those acting chops on Chris. These two went places in this scene. I’m always so impressed but Lindsey but Chris really pulled it out this season. 

TWO PART SEASON FINALE NEXT. 

screencap from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x13 Join or Die

Writer: Julie Benson & Shawna Benson

Director: Dean White

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 29 (Monty in credit only)

Number of female characters credited in episode: 13

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes (in credit only)

Indra

Harper McIntyre

Alie

Luna

Zoe Monroe

Ontari

Fox 

Roma

Grounder Woman

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 25

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: Yes, Clarke and Octavia have some exchanges. And they talk to Luna at the end! 

Number of deaths in episode: NO DEATHS??? THERE WERE NO DEATHS? I AM SO CONFUSED.

Sexualized moments: Kinda 1 when chipped!Abby is trying seduce Kane??

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Luna for sticking by her guns and saying no. Not many people are able to say no to Clarke, so I give anyone who manages it props. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: So, Clarke and Octavia actually start to interact like humans who care about each other again. It is still early, and Octavia is still mad and Clarke doesn’t always listen... but it is there. You can see it. These people who mean so much to each other. 

Polis

“Remember Abby, consent is sexy.” My wife with the zingers. 

Oh Indra and your blood thirsty lady you. I love it. Murder Pike. I mean, don’t murder Pike. I don’t know, man. I feel bad rooting for Pike’s death since I befriended Pike fans. 

Kabby scene. Oh man, good for Kane knowing that Abby is chipped pretty fast. I HATE that in tv. 

And this crucifixion scene is pretty much horrifying. Why. WHYYYYYYY. 

Flashbacks

Oh man, look at these clean people. I forgot that Abby was the only main lady on the Ark for like, all of season 1. Season 1 Abby was my jam! 

“Clarke’s in solitary, she won’t be joining you.” “It’s okay, she paid attention the first time.” ABBY’S LITTLE RELIEF FACE. WHAT A HAPPY MOM. 

Oh my god baby Octavia not knowing how to enter a classroom and just running to sit down because that is probably the most people she has ever been around. MY OCTAVIA FEELS. Poor little floor baby.

OMG Miller falling asleep. MONROE. I miss you so much already. LOOK AT AL THESE BABIES. FOOOOX.

Pike and how a good man goes bad: You take a good man, you tell him he has the job of making kids learn when they have no motivation to, and you tell him if they die it is your fault. He then watches those kids die over season 1, drop you into Ice Nation in season 2. Kill more kids. Spend 6 months fighting for the lives of his people. Not meet a single decent Grounder. Hince... season 3. 

OH MY GOD THE SCENE OF THE KIDS GETTING ON THE DROP SHIP. AND THE COVER. CHILLS ALL OVER MY BODY. I fucking love the cover of this song. I want to listen to it now. 

Adventure Squad

Ummm, Clarke and Octavia running around like little kids when they hear water kind of makes my day. 

Aww, baby Octavia and her lion scream. She’s so fucking mad. She just wanted something to be connected to Lincoln. I don’t think I always give the credit to Maria she deserves. But she is seriously so good. 

Y’all, this is a real sweet Bellarke moment on the beach (no east coast beaches look like this oh man it drives me nuts). Clarke is basically giving Bell the speech someone needed to give her a half a season ago. And this hug is like, a second too long for my Clexa shipping heart. But I also hug my friends like that so who am I to say anything? *sings* Inappropriately close friendships! 

Octavia is so earnest in her “Lincoln.”

OKAY BELL PASSING OUT WHILE STARING AT CLARKE. If this show is not trying to get you to understand Bellamy Blake is in love with Clarke Griffin I don’t know anything. 

I LOVE LUNA SO MUCH. TEAM LUNA. TEAM LUNA! I am so pumped for more of her in the future. 

screencap from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x12 Demons

Writer: Justine Juel Gillmer

Director: P.J. Pesce

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 18

Number of female characters credited in episode: 8

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin (in credit only)

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Alie

Harper McIntyre

Emori

Ontari

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 39 (those two minutes are basically credits) 

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: YUP. Raven and Clarke are back together!!! They and Octavia have a total conversation. 

Number of deaths in episode: 2

Female: 0

Sexualized moments: 0

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Back to the violence!!! Okay, so Clarke sticking the Flame in Emerson’s neck is pretty fucking badass. I really will always admire Clarke’s ability to get out of any situation. And this was gruesome.

Badass Female Friendship Moment: Octavia, Raven, and Clarke all sharing space and talking again. HOLY SHIT. So, these thee women have not all be in the same space in like, an entire season. I really have a lot of attachment to them and their friendship. And I am so happy to see them sliding right back into how they are. 

I adore Harper and I adore her even more since meeting Chelsey. She’s fantastic and full of snark. Also, oh man she’s a screamer. WINK. 

So, my wife literally hates this episode. She left the room when I did this rewatch because she didn’t want to watch it a second time. They seemed to have decided to a bit of a genre episode with the horror theme. I think they did a decent job and it is not my favorite episode, but not my least favorite episode. 

I will break it up onto Polis and Arkadia again.

Arkadia

So I just really love the team back together. It means so much to me. I don’t think I can say enough about it. 

Octavia refusing to allow herself to grieve is so heartbreaking. The girl really deserves a chance to fall apart, sadly that is not going to happen. 

I really am annoyed by the idea that Emerson is stronger then Octavia. Really? REALLY? He can take her? ARE YOU SURE? THAT SEEMS FAKE. 

Clarke trying to come up with a phrase was hilarious to me. Really Clarke, that’s all you could come up with? Blood must have blood? I mean, it really should have been Klark as much as Lexa loves saying it. (In fairness, it was not a phrase she had ever heard Lexa say, so they were barking up the wrong tree.) 

A little bummed that in a room full of smart women, it’s Sinclair who figures it out. But, you have to give him a hero thing before he dies. THOUGH, at least he isn’t white. 

NEVER FOLLOW THE CREEPY MUSIC. COME ON CLARKE. MONTY IS RIGHT. 

Okay so like, hats off to the Bellarke shippers who literally get a run into his arms scene. How many fanvids have this scene over like, the Titanic song? 

OKAY THE LOOK OF RELIEF WHEN CLARKE HEARS RAVEN’S VOICE. MY BABIES. 

OKAY BUT SINCLAIR’S “Raven get back in the Rover!” OH NO MY FEELS. 

I didn’t notice this the first time but Clarke pulling the walkie talkie out of Bell’s pocket was a nice show of these two getting back into that partnership. 

Clarke: Comes up with terrible plan.

Bell: Comes up with also stupid plan. 

How do these two manage to lead anything. Both of these plans are terrible. 

Clarke is ready to die here. i believe it. I think there are a couple of time this season where Clarke really is okay with dying. 

Also, oh my god all the looks between people. It gives me so many feelings. Look at all of them looking at each other. This show should be The 100: Significant Eye Contact.

Heeeey Flame!Lexa looking out for Clarke. Killing people to keep her safe even in death. When will your fav ever (probably never because hetero ships don’t have to deal with this shit!) #lexadeservedbetter

The entire funeral scene is pretty amazing. I am so glad we got this for Lincoln and Sinclair. They both deserved this send off. 

PRINCESS MECHANIC HUGGGGGG. ALL THE HUGGING. I LOVE ALL THE HUGGING. IT HAS BEEN LIKE MONTHS SINCE SOME OF THEM HAVE HUGGED. CLARKE HUGS MONTY AND RAVEN AND <3 

Polis

Okay. When Emori here is chipped and sleeps with Murphy... where are we with that consent? I don’t feel like anyone is really in control of their actions... so that makes this a very shady consent situation.

And I fell for not realizing Emori was chipped at this point. On rewatch, I’m like “how did I miss it? It’s so obvious.” But yeah, totally chipped. 

My wife: “I want to cut off Ontari’s head just for wearing Lexa’s red sash.”

So, I really was interested in Ontari’s character and I feel like we only got to see her for like, 1.5 episode before she was chipped. Which I feel was a bit of a waste. I hope some of the new characters we get this season last a little longer.

screencap from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x11 Nevermore

Writer: Kim Shumway

Director: Ed Fraiman

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 17 (Murphy and Kane are in credit only)

Number of female characters credited in episode: 8

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin (in credit only)

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Alie

Harper McIntyre

Hannah Green

Niylah

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 40

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: Yes

Number of deaths in episode: 1 RIP Hannah Green

Female: 1

Sexualized moments: 0

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: This is going to go to Niylah, for not killing Bellamy. Often time strength on this show and in general is viewed as physical strength, or the ability to do terrible things. But sometimes true strength is forgiveness. Not that Niylah FORGIVES Bellamy, but she doesn’t kill him. And she seems to at least understand Clarke.

Badass Female Friendship Moment: Shout out to Clarke, Raven, and Octavia being in the same space again. None of them really get much in terms of “friendship” moments, but it is nice to see them all working together again. 

I love a good bottle episode. And Nevermore is a fine piece of work. There is only group of people in this episode, so we will be with them the whole time.

So, Octavia is so outta there until Clarke tells her to stay. Oh O, you have so many issues with Clarke. Why can’t you two just talk? Because you cannot help but listen to her, even when you’re so mad. 

THE ADVENTURE SQUAD IS BACK TOGETHER. You have no idea how happy this makes me. Maybe you do. You’re reading this. But like this is why I fell in love with this show, this group of characters (though, shout out to Team Adults).

A round of applause for Lindsey Morgan in this episode. Seriously, get that woman a Emmy.

So, I am a sucker for the Clarke and Bell co-leadership. I really love them working together again. I might not really want them to bone but I am pretty strong on my feelings that they make each other better people. 

Oh my god when Raven pulls out her shoulder. OH GOD YUCK. Poor Raven’s body. Poor everyone. Everyone needs a hug, a blanket, and a cup of cocoa. 

So, I am a fan of shows remember their history. I really like that Raven/Alie is bringing back all this history and all these dark secrets. There is no one that can hurt you like the people who love you the most. It’s interesting here, because it’s been a while since Raven and Clarke have spent any time together so here she is clearly feeling out what might get to her. Clarke is able to hear about how she feels responsible for Wells and Finn but oh MAN once Lexa is mentioned. Too soon. And Jaaaaaake. Poor Jake. I want more Jake.

Clarke’s apology to Jasper. God. You can tell she means it with her whole soul. Jasper still is not ready to accept that he cannot be the big hero, he cannot make the big calls. He doesn’t understand how Clarke CAN. It’s really easy to say you will save everyone when you never HAVE to save anyone.

So Monty does try to STOP his mom by shooting her in the shoulder first. But since there is no pain in the city of lights, that makes no difference. He has to kill her in order to save Octavia. Who, he just said was his people. They are part of the 100. 

So, Raven calls Bellamy out here for being in love with Clarke? That happened, right? 

“It’s LEXA.” OH MY HEART. GIVE THAT WOMAN A HUG. 

So there is a moment between Octavia and Niylah that I totally ship. I’m just saying, O gives her a look. Give it to meeeee. 

This episode ends on the ADVENTURE SQUAD SURVIVING TOGETHER. 

screencap from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x10 Fallen

Writer: Charmaine Degratè & Javier Grillo-Marxuach

Director: Matt Barber

Total time in episode: 39

Total number of character credited in episode: 24

Number of female characters credited in episode: 8

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Harper McIntyre

Alie

Hannah Green

Ontari

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 33

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: Yes.

Number of deaths in episode: A couple of guards.

Female: 0?

Sexualized moments: 1 

Female: 1 

Male: 1 

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Oh man Raven Reyes. You have been through so much in the last 3 seasons. For sure more physical pain then anyone else. I just adore her this whole episode and Lindsey nails. YAAAS QUEEN.

Badass Female Friendship Moment: Abby and Raven’s relationship has had its ups and downs... but it is so important. It is important that these two women have remained close to each other and supportive of each other. I’ve said a few times that for Abby, Raven is the child who allows her to help. Clarke does not. 

Cave Kru

The Octavia beating Bellamy scene. So, I have seen the full spectrum on responses to this. Octavia is abusive. Bellamy deserved it. And I suspect somewhere in the middle is what the writers were going for. I don’t think what Octavia does it RIGHT, but I also understand that siblings have an interesting relationship. I don’t think Octavia is abusive towards Bellamy, but I think this scene goes too far. It’s farther complicated by the fact that Octavia is normally the moral center of this show. She is always the one saying “we can’t do this, it’s wrong.” You can’t take the moral center POV character and without telling us she is no longer the moral center, having her beat the shit out of her chained up brother. And I get that Bellamy PHYSICALLY could have stopped her, but I would suggest that emotionally, he could not. Bellamy would allow Octavia to kill him if it made her feel better. 

I am going to take a moment here to talk about Trauma Bonding. I talk about it a lot when I talk about this show because there are several exampled happening. All of the 100 (plus Raven and Bell) have a trauma bond. They are willing to chose each other over most other people due to the intense bond they share from the violence they experienced when they first landed. Bellamy and Octavia’s bond goes deeper and slightly more dysfunctional. They have a co dependence that effects them both differently. Bellamy learned for Octavia’s whole life that her safety was the priority. “My sister, my responsibility.” It is his job to keep her safe, no matter the effects on him. I suspect that any tantrums a young Octavia would have had would have been dealt with by Bellamy. Not that Aurora didn’t love them both, but she was trying to keep the WHOLE family safe. Bellamy’s entire life has taught him to love Octavia the most and her wellbeing is the Priority. So, I suspect that all of that means that Bellamy isn’t going to stop Octavia. Even though it’s not actually helping either of them. Octavia beats Bellamy because she cannot get to Pike. Anyway, at some point I might do an entire post around the trauma that has happened to these kids and how it has really given them a super dysfunctional relationship dynamic. 

Okay, so the entire plotline of Bellamy playing Pike to get him turned in and save Octavia... Kane is right, it matters why you do the right thing. Just doing it to save Octavia is not enough. Also oh man Octavia has some bloodlust. 

Polis

Ontari is really the most “Cool motive, still murder” character. I understand she was probably brainwashed and abused her whole life, but still. I do appreciate that this show gives us “evil” women as well as our heroes. The full spectrum of women happen on this show. 

The Rape of John Murphy:

Okay so, again people much smarter then me have talked through this scene. I want to say I suspect that the writers were going for “John consents with that ‘what I do to survive’ line.” Only, John Murphy cannot consent. Ontari JUST told him she will kill him if he doesn’t agree to this. That is coercion. There is no consent once coercion has entered the playing field. John Murphy was raped, full stop. This show promised us they would not use sexual violence and I was SUPER disappointed that they did. This was a show that didn’t even use sexually violent language and it’s what inspired me to start this blog. I BADLY hope it is something we never see again, for either a man or a woman. 

Arkadia

Raven is the smartest human alive. I love her trying to block Alie out. It’s so smart. She’s so smart. Swoon swoon swoon. 

So, we’re suppose to think that in this scene with Hannah and Monty that Hannah is setting Monty up, correct? She is literally setting her son up. I wonder if she offered to have Monty saved if they could get the rest. (Note: yes, it is confirmed later in the episode Hannah is selling Monty out and I totally forgot.) 

Raven getting all her memories back is so heartbreaking. Lindsey is so fucking amazing. Her acting is ON POINT this season. When Lindsey does the Alie stuff, CHILLING. JUST CHILLS. ALL OVER MY BODY. 

OKAY SO. Let’s get a little personal here. I am a cutter. I have not self harmed in roughly 7 years, but like alcoholism it never really goes away. I am not super sensitive to triggers because I am really good at compartmentalizing but I am really glad I have a friend who texted me to tell there was a trigger warning for self harming in this episode. I was not triggered but I can imagine that for some people that entire scene was very hard. I know they were wanting to go darker this season, and they clearly did. But I wish we hadn’t had to watch this woman who has been through SO MUCH also slice her wrists. I understand it was Alie in control of Raven’s body, but still. 

Poor Abby, having to watch this. Make this choice. Do you think Clarke would have let Raven die here? I wonder that after what happens in the finale. 

Jasper got to kind of be a hero! Go Jasper! Way to find some motivation deep inside there. I just LOVE the shot where Jasper sees Clarke and has to slam on his breaks. So I know Jasper hates Clarke, but at least he told her to get in the car. 

THE BAND IS BACK TOGETHER YOU GUYS. I cannot wait. 

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x09 Stealing Fire

Writer: Heidi Cole McAdams

Director: Uta Briesewitz

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 25 (Jaha and Jasper are in credit only)

Number of female characters credited in episode: 8 appear

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes (in credit only)

Indra

Harper McIntyre

Ontari

Hannah Green

Denae

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 31

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: Yes

Number of deaths in episode: I’m not sure how many nightbloods their were. All of them and Lincoln and Titus.

Female: some of the nightbloods were girls

Sexualized moments: 1 (Ontari in the bath)

Female: 1

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Okay so let’s talk about Octavia “I’m a badass” Blake. As much as Octavia has issues with Clarke, these two are the queens are carrying on. Octavia watches her love die in front of her and she literally sucks it up and moves forward. Warriors don’t grieve the dead until the war is over. This war is not over. This war, may never be over. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: We don’t actually get a ton of Octavia and Indra in this episode, but what is there is gold. Indra’s hate of Bellamy and her desire for revenge on him is only quieted because of Octavia. We don’t know much about Indra’s personal life, but I wonder if she ever had children. Maybe she didn’t have time. Maybe she did and they are grown/dead. But I think she very much sees Octavia as her child. Her little murder child.

Polis

Oh Clarke and Murphy. Have they been chatting this whole time? I wonder if they have caught up in the last 24 hours. Murphy told Clarke all about Jaha. Clarke told Murphy about Lexa. I like to think so. Maybe Murphy braided some of Clarke’s hair. Also, can we appreciate how while Murphy lays on the bed on which Lexa died, he at least avoids the blood spot. 

So, I rarely talk about the guys. But shout out to Murphy for not leaving Clarke. He had every right to. But he seems to actually care about her in this moment. And he has NO REASON TO. 

I have to hand it to Clarke. She doesn’t outright kill Titus. Please don’t ever tell me that Clarke is not able to see the bigger picture, because she ALWAYS does what she has to do. That is what her and Octavia do best, move on when shit is terrible. 

Ontari. You are batshit. I understand you were abused your entire childhood. But really, cool motive still murder. 

Oh Clarke. You just had to go back for the Flame. Poor Murphy. 

OKAY GOOD POINT CLARKE. Why DO you allow all the Nightbloods die? THAT IS STUPID. WHAT KIND OF PLAN IS THAT? I HATE THIS PLAN AND I AM GLAD CLARKE ACTUALLY SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT IT. 

CLARKE AS FLAMEKEEPER. Also, I forgot that at least Clarke ASKED about Murphy. She did leave him. But she at least thought about him. Right before she put on her 

Ontari and Murphy could have been really interesting. It went a different way, but it could have. When that happens we will talk about it.

CLARKE & FLAME OTP. I also keep my most loved possession in my bra Clarke. Mine happens to be a phone but if I had the love of my life in chip form, I would also stuff that there.

Arkadia

“Does your mom know you’re here Monty.” BURN. Harper is just full of one liners. Often because she only has one line in the episode. At least she makes it good. 

Octavia my little rage filled warrior. There is a lot of unpack with the Blake family stuff. I am going to wait until next episode.

BRILLER. MY HEART. I have to say, I was very pleased with all the Briller. They got a decent amount of screen time, i bought their relationship and again they treat being gay as just a thing. No one seems to care that Miller is gay. Also, seriously Finn, MILLER WAITED FOR BRYAN. YOU COULDN’T WAIT A FEW MINUTES FOR RAVEN. Ugh.

OH LOOK THERE IS ABBY. I FORGOT YOU WERE HERE ABBY. HI ABBY. So, I have been low key for Kabby since season 1 and GET IT ABBY. Also, these two actors bring it every time. GET IT WITH THE KISSING. FINALLY. 

Octavia’s snarking at Kane was amazing. “It’s a little bit tight in there.” “Try doing it for 16 years.”

Okay the drugging Octavia was not okay. I get why Lincoln did it. But come ON. It’s just like Bellamy with the deciding they know best for Octavia. I just hate when people take away Octavia’s agency. I believe she had a right to decide to go back with Lincoln. I mean, I am glad she did not. But she had that right.

Lincoln’s death and the racism inherent in it.

Okay. Here we are again. I have to say that while I liked Lincoln, he was not one of my favorites. I was okay with the concept of Lincoln dying. This is a show where people die. But the actual scene where Lincoln died was horrifying. I was watching it, as a white woman, and all I could think of were the dozens of black men who have been shot by the police. Making him KNEEL in the MUD and graphically shooting him in the head. It was not needed. They should have allowed Lincoln to die standing. They should have not have a black man die by the hands on a military dictator. They should have not cut Lincoln from almost all his scenes this season. They did Lincoln and Ricky wrong this season. 

This show has a race issue. All you have to do is look at a photo of the writers and you understand why. While they are GREAT at white women, there is not a single person of color on the staff. Not. A. Single. One. There was one in season 3, but not anymore. So, here we are with a show that decided to take on a scene that was very reminiscent of police brutality and there were not enough people in the room to really see this moment. And this is not the only moment on the show that clearly states that The 100 has a race problem.

So here is the thing. I’m white. I don’t feel like I should be the voice being heard on this. What I want all of you to do is look around for some people of color and get their thoughts on the matter. It’s important. IT IS IMPORTANT. 

RIP Lincoln. You deserved so, so much better. May we meet again.

*screencap from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x08 Terms and Conditions

Writer: Charles Grant Craig

Director: John F. Showalter

Total time in episode: 40

Total number of character credited in episode: 22 (Murphy in credit only)

Number of female characters credited in episode:

Clarke Griffin (Credit only)

Abby Griffin (Credit only)

Octavia Blake (Credit only)

Raven Reyes

Harper McIntyre

Alie

Hannah Green

Denae

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 13 (maybe the shortest length of time?)

Total times episode passes Bechdel test: Passes with Raven and Alie. No other female characters communicate at all.

Number of deaths in episode: 2

Female: 0 i think

Sexualized moments: 0

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: “We could shocklash Pike’s fascist ass and hand him to the grounders.” HARPER!!! This line was amazing. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: There are zero. No friendly lady interaction. 

So, there is very little that happens for and about women in this episode. Raven is basically following orders until the end when she realizes she doesn’t remember Finn and she remembers that is bad. That moment gave me chills, Lindsey just nailed it. And Jasper’s casual emotional poking. Something is wrong with Raven, and through his trauma and self destroying, he senses it. She is not reacting to anything about Finn. Anything. And I do appreciate that about Jasper.

When Raven says “I don’t remember Finn.” OH MAN. Listen, I am a well known not lover of Finn. But I appreciate how much Raven loves Finn and care about her FEELINGS for him. 

I have to say here: It makes ZERO sense for Abby to not be in this episode. Kane and Sinclair are arrested and Abby is NO WHERE TO BE SEEN. Are you KIDDING ME? Abby would have been there fighting the moment she heard about it. I understand they only have Paige for so many episodes... but this has become obvious this season. It is frustrating how they just leave characters out of plots that they SHOULD BE IN. How come Raven isn’t ever told about Kane? Lincoln? Why doesn’t Jasper have a thought on Bellamy becoming a mass murderer? Why doesn’t Bellamy notice Raven is getting worse? WHY DO THE ADVENTURE SQUAD ALL IGNORE THE FUCK OUT OF EACH OTHER THIS SEASON? Why doesn’t ABBY try to talk to Bellamy? Why hasn’t Harper checked in on Raven? Or Jasper? I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS SHOW SOMETIMES. 

This seems to be the one episode a season where the ladies take a back seat to the men. Unshockingly, it is one of my least favorite episodes.

Screen caps from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x07 Thirteen

Writer: Javier Grillo-Marxuach

Director: Dean White

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 19 (Jaha, Kane, Bell, Jasper, Monty, and Lincoln are in credit only)

Number of female characters credited in episode: 6

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin (in credit only)

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes (in credit only)

Commander Lexa

Indra

Beca

Peri Gordon

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 35

Total times episode passes Bechdel test: I mean. yes. Such yes.

Number of deaths in episode: Lexa and it also shows the end of the world. So billions. 

Female: Half the world and Lexa

Sexualized moments: 1 extended love scene

Female: 2

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: This entire episode is dedicated to Lexa.

Badass Female Friendship Moment: This entire episode is dedicated to Clexa.

Polaris Flasback:

So, was I the only one shipping Beca and Peri? Well, congrats Beca, you helped destroy the world. ARE YOU PROUD. I mean, from America alone you could destroy the world. It seems like overkill to even go for China’s. Just have the USA destroy everyone.

Beca, I don’t know if Alie 2 would have actually done what you hope it would have. I wonder if we will ever learn more about her plan, what she thought she was doing, and how Alie 2.0 would help. 

Polis:

Lexa commands every room she is in, doesn’t she? When she’s teaching children and making rules. She is the sun in which everything revolves. I would watch Alycia act anything. (I mean that, I have suffered through Fear the Walking Dead for her). 

I am not actually sure what Octavia wants from Clarke and Lexa in this. I think honestly Lexa is doing everything she can to keep from destroying all of them. Clarke knows that. I think she actually just understands that Lexa has no other option here. Octavia- i am not sure WHAT Octavia wants. She wants Clarke and Lexa to fix everything but can’t actually offer any solutions on her own. It’s very frustrating. How do you enforce a blockade without a kill order? What SHOULD the grounders do? Arkadia has slaughter 300 people and attacked another village. I understand Lexa’s situation. Octavia has never been good at looking at the big picture. She is also not the planner of the group. 

Speaking of Octavia and frustrating. Can she stop telling grounders of color how to be a grounder. O, you’ve been a grounder for less than a year. Find your chill. 

I DO appreciate Octavia giving Clarke an hour to say goodbye. And I get her frustration. Clarke has been hiding for a long time. It’s time for her to step back up. And I think Octavia might be the only Skaikru who KNOWS Clarke and Lexa are in love. She saw it before and she sees it now. 

All I am going to say about the sex scene was it was one of the most beautiful love scenes I have ever seen on TV. And it was the love scene these two deserved.

What followed next was. Well. Let’s skip down and talk about it.

Big fan of O and Indra’s power walk out of Polis. 

The life and legacy of Commander Lexa:

Let’s take some time to talk about Lexa, Clexa, and the Bury Your Gays trope.

This topic has been talked about by much smarter people than me at great length. But I want to give my piece. I understand Lexa had to die. The narrative they wanted to tell dictated it, and ADC is on another show. You can’t have a character like Lexa and have her be what? Clarke’s long distance girlfriend who Clarke sees 3 times a season? That makes no sense. So, I can appreciate that the show and the narrative needed to kill Lexa. I also actually love everything about Lexa’s actual death. Clarke and Lexa and even Murphy in the background. It was amazingly shot, the music was perfect. As far as death scenes, they gave Lexa a goodbye. She didn’t die off screen, alone, quickly, or unimportantly. Her death even moved the entire plot forward. It wasn’t just Clarke, but the entire universe shifted when Lexa died. Her death was important. 

The issue was how she was killed. Lexa and Clarke finally, FINALLY, after basically a season of build up have sex. They finally admit what is between them. Clarke finally allows Lexa in. A male father figure disapproves of Lexa and Clarke’s relationship, like he disapproved of Costia. And he decides that Lexa is unable to make the choice herself so he steps in and tries to get rid of Clarke. Not only get rid of Clarke, but start a war. Of course, we all know this fails and he ends up killing Lexa. And there is it. The world’s greatest warrior, the most powerful human on the planet, a queer young woman, dies for nothing. She doesn’t die in battle or saving Clarke or doing ANYTHING. She has no AGENCY AT ALL. She walks into a room and is dead. Stray bullet takes out the most powerful woman in the world. Clarke, who saved Jasper after he was SPEARED IN THE CHEST cannot save her. 

This episode is why I struggled so hard getting these reviews up over the last year. I knew I would have to get here, to this episode. And I needed time. You all who read this know I am a giant Clexa stan. I ride or die Clexa and their love story touched something in me I cannot explain. This episode devastated me. I was SOBBING. I couldn’t function for days. The entire next day I was depressed. We were 100% baited by a straight man who doesn’t understand what it is our community has gone through. Lexa’s death was a terrible reminder that we have made so much improvement, but we have so much more to go.

The way they killed Lexa was not feminist at all. It was horrifying and I am disappointed in them. 

Reshop, Heda.

*screencaps from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x06 Bitter Harvest

Writer: Kira Snyder

Director: Dean White

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 25 (Jaha in credit only)

Number of female characters credited in episode: 9

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Commander Lexa

Zoe Monroe

Alie

Hannah Green 

Enera

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 33

Total times episode passes Bechdel test: YES YES YES.

Number of deaths in episode: 1 

Female: 1

Sexualized moments: 0

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Clarke deciding NOT to kill Emerson. It is part of her slow return to Clarke versus Wanheda. It takes more bravery to stop violence then it does to continue. Also, the “May you live forever.” OH MAN CLARKE. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: Abby and Raven! Abby really cares about Raven and I really just adore their friendship/ mother-daughter bond.

Polis

Bitanic! Okay so flustered Clarke when Lexa finds her drawing is so cute. “Oh! That’s- not finished.” Oh Clarke. You are adorable. And in rewatching this episode, the groundwork for what Titus does in the next episode is there. It’s slowly building. I wonder when exactly he makes the choice. Is it when they arrive at the impasse? When Clarke refuses to kill Emerson? When is it that Titus finally has the thought “I am going to have to kill her.”

So, Clarke. Lexa has your number here. You do everything you can to save your own people, talking Lexa into what is a truly dangerous concept in this land and you cannot even follow your own word. Not only are you being a hypocrite, but Lexa is disappointed in you. WE WERE ROOTING FOR YOU. 

The conversation between Clarke and Titus is interesting. I had actually kind of forgotten about it until this rewatch. I do believe that Titus wants the best for Lexa and wants to keep her safe and alive. I just think he has the totally wrong plan on how to do it. Ironically it’s this conversation that convinces Clarke NOT to kill Emerson.

Note: Dear show runners, this should have been the episode for the sex scene. After Clarke doesn’t kill Emerson, she goes to Lexa and they have sex. This is how you keep it from happening in 7. THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD SEX HERE. 

Arkadia

Okay Hannah, really? You’re going to kill a little kid? What the fuck is wrong with you? I know Pike gets all the hate in this arc, but oh man Hannah Green is deeply disturbed. I actually dislike Hannah more than I dislike Pike. But that might be because they work to make Pike at least kind of redeemable whereas they never bother doing that for Hannah. 

HEEEEY Doctor Mechanic. Abby really does love mothering Raven, since Clarke basically won’t let her. It’s a very sweet moment of Abby being concerned and Raven being- Raven. I never really want them to bone, but oh man it is quality when they share the screen. Again, ACTING. 

I love a good rebellion. Kane, Miller, and Octavia on the comms trying to keep Pike from fucking everything up is enjoyable. I mean, Octavia totally over estimates her abilities and really wants to believe everyone will do the right thing. And they never do. I get that she’s in a terrible situation here. There is no good out. Either way, people are going to die. She is just trying to keep everyone alive. 

I do like that Octavia gets told to stop telling the Grounders who they are. This really just blows up in her face. Poor angry little floor girl. 

I really wish they would have explained why they leave Abby out of this rebellion. She should have been included. Or at least explain why she was not included. GIVE ME A LINE ABOUT WHY ABBY DOESN’T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON EVER. 

MONROEEEEEEEEEE NOOOOOOOOOOO. I am so sad about Monroe’s death. I will continue to be sad about it for YEARS. YEARS. HARPOE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALLLLLLL.

*screencaps from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

No need, I can tell you are spineless, short sack, no balls, bitch slapped male. Your kind will be 'DEALT' with during the next four years. Mark my words.

I literally do not even know what this means? I am a woman? How are you going to deal with me? Wtf this is a fandom blog what are you even doing here?? I do not even understand what you are referring to.

[cosmicwarden-deactivated2018020]

I know it’s ridiculous, but the “person carrying an absurd and improbable number of weapons must remove them all (to the bewilderment of those around them)” trope is still one of the best tropes of all time.

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x05 Hakeldama

Writer: Charlie Craig

Director: Tim Scanlan

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 28 (Monty and Jasper do not appear)

Number of female characters credited in episode: 10

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Commander Lexa

Indra

Emori

Alie

Hannah Green

Denae

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 29

Does the episode pass the Bechdel test: Another easy pass. 

Number of deaths in episode: 300 grounders and Otan

Female: probably 150sih?

Sexualized moments: None

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: SHOUT OUT TO OCTAVIA. She really gets to do something in this episode, which is not always the case. They have a little bit of an Octavia problem this season, but we will get to it when we get there. But I greatly enjoy her here getting to be the one who sneaks in and out of Arkadia and ends up saving Clarke. I have so many complicated feelings about their friendship and I really love how deep they care for each other while also really struggling with coming to a middle ground. It’s so interesting to watch. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: I really like the Indra and Lexa dynamic. We don’t see a LOT of it but what we do see is really fantastic. Indra is very loyal to Lexa and to the Commander. I actually have a lot of questions about Indra in general and her back story. 

So, one of the things I really love about this episode is all the powerful women happening in it. Lexa, Indra, and Clarke all really powerful women who are making huge choices. They also happen to be two queer woman and a woman of color. All the scenes with the three of them together were chilling in their power. They also all command a room acting wise. I love acting that does something to me and these three are mind blowingly good. I kind of cannot believe they are on a CW show.

Clarke and Octavia have some huge issues they need to work through, and I wonder if they actually ever will. They have been at odds since season 1 and have never had the space or time to work through any of it. I think it really started with Clarke allowing the torture of Lincoln. O never really got over that. And it’s been building and building since. 

Octavia was MADE to be the spy. I like the dynamic between her and Kane. She is such a little spy baby. Kane is her Daddy McBeard.

Raven and Abby have one of my favorite dynamics. Abby really doesn’t seem to understand what Raven needs: which is not just to be useful but to have her normal life. She gets such a great arc this season with learning how to find purpose in her life again. And I love all the pieces that Abby plays into that.

I really like the moment between Abby and Clarke. They rarely get moments, and this one really sweet. “Come with me.” I suspect Abby needed that from Clarke. She needed to feel wanted. Even though she said no, I bet that felt good.

Raven and the chip. OH MAN. The scene where she decides to take the chip was breathtaking. Lindsey’s acting is off the charts good, give this woman an Emmy.

The Bellarke of it all...

Okay so, I decided to come at this Bellamy and Clarke scene from a more open mind this time around. I was so mad at Bellamy the first time i watched this because I am so tired of Clarke having to apologize for what she has been forced to do. Also, I was not in much of a forgiving space after Bell killed 300 people in cold blood. But I have had some time and space and over the hiatus I have remembered that I actually really do love Bellamy Blake. So, I’m going to try. 

I still am mad at Bellamy for this, for tricking her into believing in him and cuffing her, for deciding he knows best for her. He is doing to Clarke here what he always does with Octavia. Grown Up Bellamy knows best. I honestly believe Bellamy thinks he is saving Clarke here. He is going to keep her in Arkadia, keep her safe, and make her see reason. I understand that. And he has a lot to be mad about. Clarke did leave. And that needs to be said out loud. She walked away and Bellamy could not. He has a right to be upset about that and he has every right to feel like she’s abandoned him. Honestly, she has as far as he can see. He doesn’t see what she does in Polis to keep them safe. Bellamy is the kind of person who really believes when he is right and the people he loves are not following him, he needs to force them to follow him. Because he was taught that is how you keep who you love safe. Octavia HAD to go into the floor or they would all die. Even if she didn’t want to. She HAD to. He had to force her to, for her own safety. I suspect this is the same thread. Bellamy believes Clarke is going to die if she stays with Lexa. That Lexa will turn on her and kill her, or allow someone else to kill her. I actually believe that this is what he is thinking in this moment. So, he does what he was taught, he forces her to stay. I want to say here that I do not believe at all that Bellamy believed if he handed Clarke over to Pike, that Pike would hurt her. I believe that Pike would have ended up having to kill Clarke, because had Pike taken Clarke and locked her up, she would have done something to get killed. And I also believe if Pike sentenced Clarke Griffin to death, Bellamy would not have stood for that. Bell is a Slytherin. Bellamy would have killed Pike before letting him touch Clarke. I believe that with my entire Clexa shipping heart.

But at the same time, everyone on this show beats up Clarke emotionally. And this season is maybe the worst of if. Octavia is always mad at her, Bellamy, Jasper- she is everyone’s punching bag for their grief. I understand why she decides over and over to stay in Polis. I think it makes sense and I cannot blame her for it. And after this scene, when the person she trusts the most turns on her, what does she have left in Arkadia? She tries to get her mom to leave with her, but Abby has finally let go of Clarke and will let her do what she needs to do. Raven didn’t even know Clarke was BACK in Arkadia, and I feel like this was a little bit of a loss. Of course, Raven seems totally unaware Arkadia has turned into a police state. So, Bellamy has betrayed Clarke (as far as Clarke is concerned). Which makes her leave again and plays into her staying away so hard. Facing Arkadia is only bearable if Bellamy is there. 

Bellamy handcuffing Clarke was not okay. But neither was Lexa keeping Clarke under guards for a week without Clarke’s consent in Polis. I need to make sure I recognize that they both held her against her will because they wanted to keep her safe.

*screencaps from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x04 Watch the Thrones

Writer: Dorothy Fortenberry

Director: Ed Fraiman

Total time in episode: 41

Total number of character credited in episode: 28

Number of female characters credited in episode: 10

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes (credit only)

Commander Lexa

Zoe Monroe

Harper McIntyre

Nia

Ontari 

Hannah Green

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 23:24

Does episode pass Bechdel test: It passes in the beginning with Nia and Lexa’s show down in the throne room. 

Number of deaths in episode: 1

Female: 1

Sexualized moments: 1

Female: 2 ladies in nightgowns

Male:

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: Lexa killing Nia. Holy shit. The entire fight scene was really bad ass and I am so impressed with Alycia. But I cheered like a blood thirsty monster when she threw that spear through Nia’s chest. I kind of feel like I need to relook at my life and my choices.  

Badass Female Friendship Moment: Given the only positive female interaction we see is really Clarke and Lexa, they get it. The moment when Clarke is dressing Lexa’s wound and she seems to come to an understanding about how to move forward with trusting her is a giant step in their relationship. I agree that this would have been too soon for them to move to sex, but I sure read a lot of fic about it. ;)

Polis

So, we don’t get to see much in terms of how this actual government works, but I do really love seeing Heda Lexa. She refuses to back down to Nia and she is smart in her game of chess against her. Nia might be a real bitch, but again, it is so awesome to see a show down between two women in such power. 

Clarke is trying to play the game here, but she’s not there yet. She’s a great leader and her time in Polis is helping her become a better politician. Which, is good and bad. One of the the nice things about Clarke was she didn’t play games very well. She was smart, but she wasn’t playing chess. Season 3 pushes her in that direction some. 

Also, it wouldn’t be something from me if I didn’t mention all the Clexa happening here. Yes, obviously Clarke is trying to make sure her people still stay safe and Lexa being in charge keeps her people safe but it is obviously more. Clarke doesn’t want Lexa herself to die. Because she cares. I don’t know if she’s in love yet at this point, but the feelings are there are they are strong.

Someone told me the fight scene is basically the Big Game with the girlfriend cheering on, and I not only agree with that but I am so here for it. Lexa fighting Roan is one of the best fight scenes on the show. Alycia’s got the form of a dancer and she really uses that to work to her advantage. Roan is nearly twice her size in muscle. And Clarke is so here for Lexa fighting. 

NIGHTGOWN SCENE. “Do you ever talk about anything other then your death?” Just leave me here in my trash bin to die. 

Note: I totally get why people who were either really not shipping Clexa or apathetic about them did not care for this plotline. It is basically every Clexa fic wish ever. As a shipper, I ate this up. But for all the non-shippers out there... I feel for you.

Arkadia

Really the only female story line that is happening in Arkadia is Abby. She spends most of it not being a super effective chancellor, but it is nice to see her as a doctor again.

Oh Lincoln, you should have listened to Octavia and left when she offered. You would probably still be alive. 

Not a ton happening over here. Polis and the boys got most of the screen time.

*screencaps from http://screencapped.net/

[thefeministhundred]

IT IS HAPPENING

Hey guys! So, basically life got a little crazy for a while and I was unable to do these. BUT. then I went to Unity Days and got super jazzed about this show coming back and now I am BACK IN ACTION. 

I posted 3x03 tonight and have an episode a day scheduled through Friday. We will pick back up on Monday with 3x08 and post through that entire week. I will probably post straight through the weekend until we are 100% caught up. We can do this you guys. I will review season 4 WITH THE SEASON. It will be great.

And this is working out because we wanted to do a rewatch anyway.

GET READY. TEARS ARE COMING. 

[thefeministhundred]

Feminist Review of The 100: 3x03 Ye Who Enter Here

Writer: Kim Shumway

Director: Antonio Negret

Total time in episode: 42

Total number of character credited in episode: 28 (5 main cast men are not in the episode)

Number of female characters credited in episode: 11

Clarke Griffin

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Raven Reyes

Commander Lexa

Indra

Queen Nia

Gina Martin

Echo

Singing Grounder

Street Vendor

Amount of time at least one female character is the focus of a scene: 36:31 (mind you, there are at least two minutes of credits) This episode had the single most amount of time women where in focus of the show so far. 

Bechdel test pass: SUPER PASS. It starts with Clarke and Lexa talking.

Number of deaths in episode: 6 + 35ish Farm Station

Female: The only important female death is Gina.

Sexualized moments: None unless you are me and need a moment from all the bowing.

Bad Ass Woman Moment of the Episode: So I know a lot of people hated this moment, but I fucking love Lexa kicking the Ice Nation dude out of the tower. I mean, it was super obvious to everyone but that dude what was about to happen. Also, bow down bitches always plays in my head during that. 

Badass Female Friendship Moment: So I really loved Raven and Gina in this episode. I was all ready to ship Bartender Mechanic. SORRY GINA. IT COULD HAVE BEEN BEAUTIFUL. 

“I will never bow to you.”

Five seconds later....

GROUNDER WEDDING.

Okay so this is a super lady heavy episode. We will break it down by location.

Polis

Clarke and Lexa’s relationship is so complicated and it gives me so many emotions. I really enjoy that they let it all play out. Clarke’s rage, Lexa’s grief. 

I love watching Lexa teaching the little Nightbloods. It’s a new version of her and I think it fleshes her out some. And god I hated Titus from the beginning. I understand, from his point of view why he thinks Lexa is hurting her career and putting her life in danger by helping Clarke, but god I hate him so much. And yes, it is totally a biased hate because of what happens later.

The Clarke and Lexa knife at throat moment KILLS ME. Clarke is so raw and desperate and she wants to be that person. She really does, but she can’t kill Lexa. And Lexa is so broken by how broken Clarke is. I am often curious how far Lexa would have let her go. Could Clarke have slit her throat in that moment? I almost feel like Lexa would not stop her... 

Abby and Clarke! In the same scene! Awww, Abby just wanted her child back and Clarke is still too broken to be that. She’s still in Wanheda mode and will be for several more episodes. I also like that Abby finally realizes that she is not actually made to be their leader. Kane is so good at it. I have some issues with Abby in season two, but I really like her again in season 3. Good job, Abby.

However you feel about Lexa, watching a room full of powerful people bow before this woman brings chills to my body. The two most powerful people in this world at this moment are Heda and Wanheda. Two young, queer women. This is why this show is so important to me, this scene. These moments. Seeing myself as not just a sidekick or a one off guest but as the protagonist and one of the most powerful people in the world. Lexa bowing back to Clarke honestly made me stop breathing the first time i watched it. Just, unable to function from it all. 

Mount Weather

I love that we get this Raven/Octavia/Gina stuff. They seem like over the however many months it’s been, they really all got a little closer. It’s nice to see super confident Raven is back. Until she isn’t. But oh man, Raven and Sinclair. Their relationship really gives me a lot of emotions. Raven needs all the people loving her. She deserves all the things. 

The problem with Gina.

Okay, let’s talk about Gina. There is no question at all that Gina was fridged to send Bellamy to the dark side. It was something I really throught this show wouldn’t do, and I am super bothered that they did. They introduced a character just to have her killed off the move a man’s plot line forward. It is one the least progressive things this show has ever done. I think it was a pretty clear indication that season 3 was going to embrace some tropes it had previously rejected, which was going to be a pretty big downside to this season. If they had continued to stay away from the fridging, sexual assault, lesbian death, and POC dying in the MUD they really could have fixed a lot of stuff wrong with this season. I really hope they have learned. Also, it bothers me how Gina’s death is very torture porn. We watch her die in super intense detail and it felt very...gratuitous to me. This show really looses points in their feminist tally from Gina. And she is not the last person fridged this season. :( Also, I don’t understand why Bellamy didn’t react. I guess he was shocked? But even moments after finding out his girlfriend was dead he was still like “Clarke come home or I’m mad at you.”

Yeah. Bellamy is in love with Clarke.

RIP Gina. You deserved better and I think I could have liked you.

*all screen caps are from http://screencapped.net/