Bellamy Blake made his first appearance in season 1 of The 100, embarking on a perilous journey that spanned seven seasons until his tragic demise just before the series finale. Portrayed by Bob Morley, Bellamy underwent significant character transformation from the pilot to the final season. Initially, he was depicted as a selfish and arrogant individual, but by season 7, he was manipulated by a religious military faction. This drastic shift in his character arc left many fans feeling dissatisfied, as the final season seemed to undermine the extensive development Bellamy had experienced throughout the series.

In the context of The 100, a gritty post-apocalyptic science fiction series, character mortality was a constant threat, often overshadowing other shows. Viewers witnessed the characters face overwhelming dangers from both nature and humanity, navigating a world filled with moral dilemmas. Over the course of seven seasons, numerous characters met their end; however, Bellamy’s death felt particularly unwarranted and unjust, even though it was intended to serve a narrative purpose within the show’s themes of survival and sacrifice.

Understanding the Themes of Survival and Sacrifice in Bellamy Blake’s Death

Clarke’s Heartbreaking Decision: Sacrificing Bellamy to Save Madi

Initially, Bellamy Blake and Clarke Griffin, portrayed by Eliza Taylor, had a rocky start in the series premiere of The 100. However, as the narrative progressed, they cultivated a profound connection that blossomed into an extraordinary partnership. Their relationship evolved into a deep friendship, which many fans interpreted as having romantic undertones. Therefore, it came as a shock when Clarke made the heart-wrenching decision to end Bellamy’s life in season 7, episode 13, leaving viewers distraught over the fate of one of the show’s most cherished characters.

Ultimately, the show’s core theme revolved around survival and sacrifice. Clarke believed she was sacrificing Bellamy for the greater good, specifically to save her adoptive daughter, Madi. Following the shocking episode where Clarke killed her best friend, creator Jason Rothenberg took to Twitter to elaborate on the rationale behind this controversial decision. Rothenberg highlighted how the complex dynamics of survival and sacrifice were integral to the show’s narrative, making Bellamy’s death a poignant reflection of the sacrifices characters had to make.

“For seven seasons, The 100 has been a show about the dark things that humanity will do to survive and the toll those deeds take on our heroes’ souls. We knew Bellamy’s death had to go to the heart of what the show was all about: Survival. Who you’re willing to protect. And who you’re willing to sacrifice. His loss is devastating, but his life and his endless love for his people will loom large and affect everything that comes after, to the very end of the series finale itself.”

For Rothenberg and the creative team behind The 100, Bellamy’s death was a narrative necessity, aligning with the show’s overarching themes. They sought to illustrate the extreme measures individuals would undertake to ensure the safety of their loved ones. However, many fans felt that Bellamy was indeed one of those individuals for Clarke, leading to widespread discontent when she ultimately took his life, just a few episodes prior to the series finale.

The Shocking Impact of Bellamy Blake’s Death on Fans

Fans Anticipated Bellamy’s Survival Until the Series Finale

As previously mentioned, Bellamy’s unexpected demise in The 100 season 7 was particularly shocking because it was at the hands of Clarke. Their relationship, while initially fraught with tension, evolved into a bond characterized by mutual respect and admiration, making their dynamic one of the most compelling in the post-apocalyptic drama. Consequently, when Clarke made the drastic choice to end Bellamy’s life, many viewers perceived her actions as inconsistent with her established character.

Although Clarke believed her actions were justified in order to protect Madi, many fans pointed out that there were alternative routes she could have taken that wouldn’t have resulted in Bellamy’s tragic death. Unfortunately, once the event transpired, it was irreversible. The fact that Clarke pulled the trigger and ended Bellamy’s life became an undeniable part of the series’ canon, leaving fans to grapple with the emotional ramifications of this heart-wrenching truth.

Another significant aspect of Bellamy’s death that left audiences reeling was the timing of such a major character’s exit, occurring so close to the series finale. While the threat of death loomed large throughout The 100, Bellamy was perceived as a character who would likely survive until the end alongside Clarke and Octavia. The unexpected nature of his demise in the midst of the season felt abrupt and poorly timed, raising questions as to why such a monumental moment wasn’t reserved for the series finale.

The Reasons Behind Bellamy Blake’s Absence in the Series Finale

Bellamy’s Absence: A Narrative Decision for the Series Finale

Regrettably, Bob Morley did not reprise his iconic role as Bellamy Blake in the series finale of The 100. Although several beloved characters returned for the finale, such as the fan-favorite Lexa, Bellamy’s absence was notable during this pivotal moment for the show. His character’s exclusion during the finale was consistent with the events that transpired earlier in the season, where he met his tragic fate.

For context, the other main characters, including Clarke, took part in a test to determine if they could achieve Transcendence. However, since Bellamy was already deceased, he was not able to partake in this crucial moment alongside his friends. The decision made by the main characters to continue living on Earth, regardless of the test results, further solidified Bellamy’s absence from the series finale, marking the definitive end of his character arc, which had been a central part of the series.

Examining the Criticism Surrounding Bellamy Blake’s Death

Fans’ Discontent with Bellamy’s Season 7 Character Arc

The characters in The 100 were often faced with morally ambiguous decisions, forcing them to confront difficult choices. Notably, both Clarke and Bellamy made decisions in season 2 that resulted in grave consequences, including the deaths of innocent individuals. However, by the time season 7 arrived, fans observed that the characters had evolved significantly. Thus, when Bellamy found himself brainwashed, the audience reacted with disappointment and frustration, as it felt like a regression rather than a natural progression of his character.

While it was plausible that Bellamy’s experiences in Etherea could lead to profound changes, many fans criticized the portrayal of his character arc, feeling it came across as rushed and inconsistent. The fact that not even Clarke, his closest ally, could reach him during this pivotal moment led many long-time fans to feel that their deep friendship had been undermined. Ultimately, his death felt avoidable and unnecessary, leaving audiences wishing for a different outcome.

Moreover, the manner of Bellamy’s death appeared to serve as a shock tactic rather than a meaningful narrative choice. His unwavering commitment to the Disciple led to a sudden and tragic end, which rendered the development of his character throughout season 7 moot. Having followed the journey of Bellamy and Clarke as central figures in The 100, fans felt that Bellamy’s absence from the series finale represented a significant missed opportunity for a more satisfying conclusion.

The 100 is a sci-fi post-apocalyptic TV series set ninety-seven years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization. When a spaceship housing humanity’s lone survivors send one hundred juvenile delinquents back to Earth in hopes of possibly re-populating the planet, they discover that Earth is still inhabited. Now constantly in a state of power flux with warring clans, cannibals, and mountain-dwellers, the juveniles must attempt to survive while re-establishing contact with the Ark.

Cast

Devon Bostick , Christopher Larkin , Marie Avgeropoulos , Sachin Sahel , Richard Harmon , Chelsey Reist , Henry Ian Cusick , Bob Morley , Jarod Joseph , Paige Turco , Adina Porter , Ricky Whittle , Eliza Taylor , Isaiah Washington , Lindsey Morgan , Tasya Teles

Release Date

March 19, 2014

Seasons

7

Showrunner

Jason Rothenberg

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