The Ruined Finale: How The 100’s Concluding Episode Dismayed Viewers

Many beloved TV shows have faced criticism due to unsatisfactory finales, and one of the most frequently cited examples is The 100. Its final season, particularly the sixth season, was marked by a rushed pacing, questionable character development, unresolved plot threads, and a departure from the original source material. This article explores why and how The 100’s final episode disappointed its audience.

How and Why It Was Ruined

Pacing Issues

The final season of The 100 faced intense criticism for its rushed pacing. With only six episodes to conclude a sprawling narrative, many fans felt that character arcs and plotlines were hastily wrapped up without adequate development. The abrupt conclusion to a storyline leaves viewers feeling unsatisfied.

Character Development

Long-established character traits were often disregarded in favor of dramatic twists. A notable example is the sudden turn of Dora Nolens (“Daen” alias Dorian) towards tyranny. This shift felt abrupt and inconsistent with her previous motivations and values, leading to a sense of disappointment among fans.

Plot Holes and Inconsistencies

Fans pointed out several plot holes and inconsistencies in the story. A key element, the resolution of the Night King storyline, felt unsatisfactory and poorly explained. These unresolved threads led to frustration among viewers who had invested significant time and emotion in the series.

Lack of Source Material

The show diverged significantly from the source material, which is a common critique of the finale. The departure from George R.R. Martin’s book series created a disjointed experience for fans who felt the show was no longer representing the original story.

Case Study: The 100

While multiple TV shows have faced backlash over their finales, The 100 stands out as a particularly damaging example. Its premise, a group of teenagers sent to Earth from a space station after a nuclear apocalypse, initially captivated viewers. However, the decline began in the sixth season. When the group was forced to abandon Earth and cryogenically freeze themselves 100 years into the future, the finale took a radical detour.

The series finale, aptly titled “The Last War,” was a pivotal moment that left viewers feeling disillusioned. Instead of a climactic battle or resolution, the episode consisted of a series of tests to determine whether humanity is worth saving. At the end, characters were given a choice: go into transcendence or live out the last of their days as the last members of society. This conclusion felt like a complete slap in the face to fans and detractors alike.

Conclusion

The downfall of The 100’s finale can be attributed to rushing the story, inconsistent character development, unresolved plot threads, and a significant departure from the source material. These factors combined to create an ending that left many fans feeling unsatisfied and betrayed. While some might argue that this ending was necessary for the show’s vision, it ultimately contributed to the cancellation of the series and its legacy in television history.