In a media world dominated by post-apocalyptic juggernauts like “The Hunger Games” and “The Walking Dead,” it can be hard for programs which lack star power and blockbuster budgets to catch mass public attention. But amid the fray, “The 100” stands out from the rest, defying expectations and innovating an overdone genre.
The premise of “The 100,” now in its second season, is standard fare: after a nuclear war, surviving humans are forced to leave Earth and take refuge on a giant spaceship — the Ark. When the Ark begins running out of oxygen, the leaders must decide whether to kill some of their passengers or return to Earth.
In a test to see if Earth is inhabitable, a group of teenage delinquents — the titular “100” — are sent to form their own society. The 100 survive against all odds under the leadership of Clarke (Eliza Taylor), the tough girl with a point to prove; Finn (Thomas McDonnell), the bad boy with a heart of gold; and Bellamy (Bob Morley), the protective older brother.
Season one ended in a cliffhanger as the 100 fought off an attack from the Grounders, a group of people who survived the nuclear war and stayed on Earth. Leaders of the Ark made the risky move to launch themselves to Earth in a desperate attempt to stay alive. With the fate of several characters hanging in the balance, season two wastes no time in getting back to the action.
“The 100” excels at creating suspense and always finds new ways to surprise its audience. Every resolved plotline raises countless other questions, and something new lurks around every corner — keeping the series interesting and audiences on their toes.
The show avoids stereotypes by giving its characters depth and layers — everyone has a backstory, and no one is exactly who they seem to be. In an unexpectedly tender moment, Murphy (Richard Harmon), a major antagonist in season one, weeps while explaining why he feels responsible for his parents’ death. Scenes like this prove it is possible to empathize with any character on this show, even the bad guys.
Taylor continues to be a standout, playing with such heart and determination that it is impossible not to root for her. Raymond J. Barry, who plays the president of the group of Mount Weather’s inhabitants, is a suitably creepy addition to the cast. His potentially sinister motives are unclear, challenging viewers who seek to side with this dubious character. The vast array of characters and storylines can be dizzying at times, but “The 100” makes the chaos work, skillfully walking the fine line between complexity and confusion.
After an enthralling first season, “The 100” had a lot to live up to, and it certainly met the high expectations. Fans can expect to see even more fast-paced action in the rest of the season as the 100 cope with new leadership and the strange Mount Weather community. “The 100” is back in full force and shows no signs of slowing down.
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