The 100
The 100 (Photo: Warner Bros)

The 100 Series Ending Explained: Transcendence, Survival, and Clarke’s Lonely Finale

The CW series The 100 concluded with its seventh season, marking the end of a journey through survival, moral dilemmas, and the fate of humanity. The finale, written by showrunner Jason Rothenberg, aimed to wrap up the complex storylines, offering answers to the struggles of its characters and their quest for transcendence.

The episode drew comparisons to other series, particularly Battlestar Galactica, due to its philosophical questions surrounding human evolution and the afterlife. However, while it provided some closure, it left many viewers uncertain about the show’s final message and the ultimate fate of humanity.

The finale brought together elements from throughout the series, including moral choices, the idea of transcendence, and the longstanding struggle between various factions. Despite the bloodshed that had characterized much of the show, the final moments were surprisingly subdued in terms of death, raising questions about what it means to “live” and what the cost of transcendence truly is.

The finale also introduced the concept of transcendence in a more explicit way, leaving viewers to ponder whether humanity had truly achieved evolution or if it had simply given up its essence in pursuit of something greater.

Clarke Griffin
Clarke Griffin – Eliza Taylor (Photo: The 100/Warner Bros)

Clarke Fails the Test: A Missed Opportunity for Transcendence

One of the key moments of the series finale centers on Clarke Griffin and her attempt to pass “The Test” of transcendence. As expected, Clarke fails the test, which is in part due to the immense weight of the violence and destruction she has caused throughout the series.

Clarke’s actions, including numerous genocides, disqualify her from moving forward into the collective consciousness that transcendence promises. However, her failure does provide the opportunity for a touching reunion, as her deceased lover, Lexa, appears as the form of the Judge guiding Clarke through the process.

Although it is revealed that this appearance is not truly Lexa but a manifestation of Clarke’s greatest failures, the emotional impact of seeing her again is significant. In contrast to Clarke’s failure, Raven and Octavia become instrumental in humanity’s survival. Raven manages to buy humanity more time by pleading with the Judge, while Octavia’s actions in convincing the warring factions to lay down their weapons prevent the extinction of humanity.

Her speech, emphasizing unity and the rejection of war, serves as a pivotal moment in the finale, suggesting that humanity still has a chance, even if Clarke does not.

The concept of transcendence is central to the finale, though its precise nature remains vague and confusing. Transcendence involves the idea of joining a collective consciousness where individuals shed their physical forms, becoming part of an eternal, pain-free existence.

However, this idea raises several philosophical questions that the finale never fully addresses. The most pressing question is whether transcending means the loss of human identity—if those who undergo transcendence cease to be human and are instead absorbed into a greater, emotionless entity.

The Judge, the mysterious figure guiding the characters through the transcendence process, lacks empathy and presents transcendence as a choice devoid of personal attachment or emotional connection. This raises questions about whether this new existence is truly desirable or whether it is a form of death. The finale does not offer clear answers to these questions, leaving the audience to speculate about the implications of transcendence and its place in the show’s larger narrative.

The Last War
The Last War (Photo: the 100/Warner Bros)

The Deaths in the Finale: A Surprising Few

Given the show’s reputation for killing off major characters, The 100 series finale is notable for its relatively low death count, at least in terms of traditional deaths. The two major villains—Cadogan and Sheidheda—are the only significant characters to die during the finale. Cadogan’s death comes quickly when Clarke shoots him while he is attempting to take the transcendence test on behalf of all of humanity. His death is seen as fitting, given his cold pursuit of transcendence and the countless lives he sacrificed for his cause.

Sheidheda, a recurring antagonist, is killed by Indra in a climactic moment that feels deeply personal. Indra, who has been haunted by Sheidheda’s actions, finally takes revenge for the death of her father, as well as the many atrocities he committed.

With Sheidheda’s death, the door opens for Octavia to deliver a crucial speech, urging the remaining humans to put aside their differences and embrace a peaceful future. These deaths, while significant, are overshadowed by the idea of transcendence, which in a sense, represents a larger existential ending for most of humanity.

Survivors of The 100: Choosing to Stay Behind

Despite the mass transcendence of humanity, some survivors choose to remain behind, opting for life on Earth rather than joining the collective consciousness. This decision is pivotal, especially for Clarke, who is left alone due to her failure to pass the test.

The survivors include Raven, Murphy, Emori, Echo, Octavia, Levitt, and several others, all of whom decide to live out the remainder of their lives on Earth. This marks a significant moment in the series, as they choose to hold onto their humanity, even if it means the end of the human race in a traditional sense.

Interestingly, Madi, Clarke’s adoptive daughter, chooses not to stay behind with the group, likely due to the fact that she would outlive them all. It is explained that Madi believes Clarke would not want her to choose this fate, a decision that highlights the complexity of familial love and sacrifice. The group’s decision to remain on Earth serves as a bittersweet conclusion to their long journey, emphasizing the importance of relationships and personal connections over the pursuit of an unknown afterlife.

Whether the series finale of The 100 is a happy ending is up for debate. On one hand, the show ends on a peaceful note, with the survivors living on a pristine Earth and free from external conflicts. The major threat of extinction has been avoided, and humanity has the potential for a fresh start. However, this peace is juxtaposed with the grim reality that the human race as we know it has essentially ceased to exist, replaced by a collective consciousness that removes the very essence of individuality and emotion.

On the other hand, the choice to stay behind with Clarke can be seen as a hopeful act, where these characters embrace their humanity, even if it means living without the promise of transcendence. The final scene, which sees these characters gathering on Earth for a quiet life, suggests that happiness can be found in personal connections and the rejection of transcendence, despite the dark and uncertain future that looms over them.

The finale of The 100 tackles complex philosophical themes, particularly the nature of humanity, identity, and the search for meaning. The concept of transcendence—whether it is a form of evolution or the death of individuality—remains largely ambiguous. While the finale offers some closure in terms of character arcs, it leaves several key questions unanswered, particularly about the true nature of transcendence and what it means for the characters who chose to remain on Earth.

Ultimately, the ending reflects the core themes of The 100—the cost of survival, the consequences of violence, and the search for a better future. While it may not provide all the answers viewers were hoping for, it underscores the importance of personal choice and the enduring value of human connection.