Just a reminder, spoilers galore!!
First: I was so freaking right about this being “A Lie”=”ALIE”. ALIE GUARDED. At the expense of Nyko. ??? Didn’t I JUST say that he wasn’t allowed to fucking die? There are no damn Trikru members left. It’s just Indra and…. yep. Anyway. This was a mixed bag for me, but I will say that I cried a lot.
Arkadian Antics
The show starts off with ::gasp:: a funny scene! Don’t worry, this is the only laugh your fragile psyche will have for the whole 43 minutes, so enjoy it:
I daresay even Clarke was moderately amused.
Now, we know Jasper has gone off the deep end, but apparently Monty thought it was a super idea to prank Clarke while she tried to save the damn human race. Seriously, guys? I am not saying you can never have fun, but a prank war in the middle of the apocalypse… well, this is why neither of you made The List. Just saying.
Of course this prank includes breaking into the office where Clarke kept The List. That was kind of easy, and annoying, but whatever. So Jasper finds the list and is pissed because Clarke is “not god”. I don’t think she claimed to be, and at least she is doing shit instead of pulling pranks and jumping into acid rain with her mouth open. Jasper could not be a bigger hypocrite if he tried. Anyway, he does try to announce the list, but Clarke electrocutes him. And I for one am pleased.
And then… Monty announces the list anyway. Because he’s a sore loser. I don’t even know. We’ll get to this.
A Lie Guarded (ALIE Guarded!)
Look, if you need more proof that my theory was right all along…
Anyway, this is where several of our Arkadian friends have jaunted off to, Luna in tow, to figure out how to make more nightblood. This should go well, considering it’s only episode 4. They board a boat (Emori’s former boat? Idk, I assume they don’t have a plethora of boats hanging around) to go to ALIE’s island. Luna is not a fan of this idea, but Nyko tells her that these are good people, that he trusts them, and she should too. She goes, but grudgingly.
That is when the drones come. You don’t want to read about these, so these are… shooting drones. And they shoot people. Like Nyko. And Jackson. But Nyk0 dies and I am pissed.
Anyway, most of the time spent on ALIE Island is running from drones and trying to not die. Until Raven finally enlists some help from Luna. Which is good because:
- Raven convinces Luna to help them by manipulating her with the recent traumatic death of a little girl Luna loved.
- Raven admits to Luna that she needs her help (this is progress for Raven, so yay!)
- Raven and Luna make a badass team, taking down the drones.
Anyway, most of this was kiiiind of boring, and mostly speculation about what the hell the drones are trying to protect ALIE from, so I have a feeling this was more of a setup than anything else. Plus I am pissed about Nyko. But they did find Becca’s amazing lab!
Hasty Lies the Crown
Does anyone understand why Roan suddenly does a complete 180 from “I trust Clarke” to “Echo says you were meanies”? I do not. Especially because he didn’t even talk to Clarke. He is just taking Echo’s word, and since when does he give a fuck about what Echo thinks!? But… he does, I suppose.
But before Roan can excommunicate Skaikru, Kane has some words with Octavia about all the beheading and murdering she’s been up to lately. Kane is less than tickled.
I wish Kane had a mic to drop.
But then he must go, because he is called into the principal’s office Roan’s stolen throne room, to be told that he has been a bad boy, and Echo found Bellamy and someone named Stevens who you needn’t get attached to. Stevens spilled all the secrets because he sucks, and now Roan and his ridiculous crown are done with Skaikru’s lies. Kane tries to explain the plan, about Luna, the nighblood, the lab. But no one cares.
Kane is like “get that weird shit off your head, I can’t even take you seriously! How can I explain science when you look like this!”
Alas, Roan doesn’t know or care about science, and he changes alliances certainly more often than he changes his underwear so…
That didn’t take long.
JahaBall
(Arkadian Powerball, as it is.)
Oh this is so stupid. People start yelling because they aren’t on the list. “And why is CLARKE on the list?” they ask. (Did literally NO ONE notice that it isn’t even her handwriting?) Riley is back, and he is the ringleader of the nonsense. Because of course he is. He’s been back for 5 hours so yeah, give him a spot. But then Jaha decides that WAIT! If you don’t like Clarke’s super pragmatic and well-thought out list, it’s fine. We’ll just throw that shit away and do a lottery! Because that is how I would want the fate of humanity to be decided- by the people who play the fucking lottery.
But for some reason, and maybe because he didn’t electrocute anyone post-prank, everyone likes Jaha’s idea better than Clarke’s. So they go off to work, happy as can be. Only… Jaha gives Clarke the list back, intact. I don’t know if anyone else noticed this, but I did.
I don’t think the original list will ever actually be used, and I definitely don’t think this lottery system will. I think Jaha was just telling people what they wanted to hear, and getting Clarke the workers she needed. Smart move, Jaha. Later, Clarke apologizes to Jasper for shocking him, but tbh, I think she was in the right here. No one else is doing shit-all to think up anything else! No one else wants to be in Clarke’s position, so maybe unless and until they do, they calm down? Anyway, I like that Jasper thinks about a future. He seems a little… calmer here.
“She wouldn’t be taken alive.”
So after Echo kills What’s-His-Name, Bellamy and Kane are taken prisoner. Roan tells his people to bring in Indra and Octavia and get rid of the rest of Trikru. Um, is that necessary? I think not. Anyway. Echo and two randos hunt down Octavia as she tries to flee Polis to get the word out to Arkadia. As you can imagine, shit gets ugly. O holds her own against the randos, but eventually, Echo overpowers her.
Commence sobbing. All the ugly sobbing.
Now. No one can survive this. NO. ONE. I cried so hard I thought I was going to throw up. And Holly messaged me AS she watched. So I knew what happened, but I was traumatized on her behalf. Because it was awful.
Then Roan and Echo go to take the prisoners back to Arkadia. And those prisoners, as you may remember, are Bellamy and Kane. And my heart was BROKEN. I know that some people have mentioned that they noticed O in the promos and knew she didn’t die. Well, I am clearly not that observant, because I was sure she was dead. Because THAT. HEIGHT. With an injury! ANYWAY, when Roan tells Bellamy and Kane what’s up, Bellamy starts out fully confident. But then.
And just when you thought you might be able to breathe/hold it together…
You’d be wrong.
Poor Kane realizing that his last interaction with Octavia was a fight was awful too. And I kind of liked that Roan and Echo legitimately did seem sorry. It almost gives me some hope for them after all. But I swear, if they try to make a romance out of her and Bellamy, I WILL scream. Loudly.
“Home, Helios. Take me home.”
Okay, look. I know this was easy. Too easy. And we have thoughts. Because do I generally like this in shows/movies/books? NO. No I do not. But, as I said to Erica…
So what happened? Well, she didn’t die, and that sets it up so that she can warn them, right?
I mean, I will take it. But I really need some answers. Like how a human being can survive a sword impaling them and a fall off a cliff and climb on their horse. I know O is a warrior princess but come on.
The Tinder Box
Holly had an interesting idea about the whole Octavia making alive thing. I hate her idea, but we should discuss it, yes? Yes.
SOBS ????
Anyway, from the look of things, next week is going to be a hot mess. Captives, and more fighting, and fucking RILEY being back to make a real disaster of things. Bet Bellamy wishes he “accidentally” didn’t save him ?
So, what did you all think of the episode!? Did you realize O was alive, or did you cry like me? And did the “easiness” of a few of these things bug you too? Let’s talk!
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I SO agree about Monty and Jasper. Everyone is working their ass off and they’re… pranking Clarke. With foam. Losers. And yes I enjoyed it too when she shocked him. 🙂 I did like the Jaha “float” scene though… and nice BTW on the ALIE GUARDED thing. I wouldn’t have caught that.
I was so pissed that Nyko got killed by a fucking DRONE. Come on… and do you think we’re going to have crazy mutants on the island? I hope so!! But I did like that “I happened line” by Raven. that was nice.
Roan was so disappointing here. You know how I feel about him just being a plot device at this point. I mean the whole 180 thing. basically if you’re Skaikru and you end up in the throne room of Polis, you’re fucked. Period. Game over. I mean Lexa betrayed Clarke, now Roan is going to war. they just need to forget about alliances w/ Grounders, i think.
“How can I explain science when you look like this?” HA! No doubt. Awesome.
The only thing I’m going to say about Echo was her facepaint was kinda rad. But you’re so right- I mean look at that river, there’s no WAY O survives that. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but when she falls- they show her going over, then Echo looks and her body is in the river. they don’t actually show her descent do they? I’m just guessing- maybe she somehow grabbed some vegetation or shit on the way down, and that sorta broke her fall- I know it’s bullshit, because DISTANCE, but I’m trying to figure how they’ll spin this??
Honestly I thoguht this show just killed her off when she went over. I may have swore at my screen. I was like did they fucking do that?? So when she crawled out of that river I didn’t even give a shit how she survived (well yeah I did) but like you, I’ll TAKE IT this one time. but to put Bellamy i that spot kinda makes me mad at the writers? It just seems manipulative. And frankly when I saw the preview with Arkadians squared off against Roan, I was like- you know what? Just have a war. They’re always “almost” at war. the Grounders are assholes (course so are a lot of the Arkadians) but maybe they just need to have a war. then worry about radiation lol.
So okay, the floating Jaha thing WAS funny, and I agree, they have to have some levity in their day of course. I think that would have been fine- even Clarke seemed to think it was okay and she has zero percent fun. But the foam? Didn’t that not only waste time, but some kind of resources? Instead of figuring that shit out, maybe Monty could have figured out water purification. Again, this is why he did NOT make the list.
OOOH do you think it is some kind of mutant!? That would be interesting! Like more of the gorilla!? I love that gorilla. We haven’t seen him in a long time, hmm… ? Or like… mutant PEOPLE, like that large dude with the… head problem? I assumed it was another group of people. Like… Idk, there have to be other people out there. HEY, maybe those guys have a bunker!
I am seriously (and sadly!) starting to think you are right about Grounder alliances. I wanted to be all for the Grounders not being awful but… come ON. Every time there is a little bit of progress, there are so many more steps back. But then… sometimes they almost seem like they care? Like Echo DID seem legitimately upset when she killed O. And I think Roan really WAS sorry- and he did save Kane and Bellamy? I cannot tell with these people, they are such messes.
We had better get a good explanation for this fall/sword through the stomach survival. I mean, I am willing to live with it (because I realized how NOT okay I was with Octavia dying) but… come ON. Look at the gif- the one when she falls over- it shows the full fall- there is no WAY she didn’t die! Though, she did seem to almost tuck her head into her body? She definitely broke her ass though, because she seemed to fall ass-first. Which maybe is how she survived, idk.
And what is going to happen now? Clarke won’t want anyone to shoot at Roan because he has Bellamy and Kane, but what is stupid Riley doing? There is obviously a reason that his dumb self (also a plot device, clearly) is involved. And the promo shows him being a “loose cannon” (their words). So… what the hell? Someone is probably going to kill him. Or he is going to kill someone important. I am scared. Especially since there is a week hiatus after The Tinder Box, and hiatuses usually mean “let’s let the fans mourn for a week”. GAH.
Yes! Monty, of all people. Although it was nice to see Clarke (almost) crack a smile??? And the gorilla!! Yes where did he go? We need more mutants- I remember in S1 when we saw that fucked up deer I was like woah, WTF? We need to see more of that! I’m hoping there are mutants on the island * nods approvingly*
I think you’re right about the Grounders, there are good ones. Maybe it’s just these constant betrayals that are also a plot device. The thing about roan is when he told Echo to kill Trikru, that PISSED me off. Okay you’re breaking an alliance, I get it, but to slaughter Trikru for no reason. I thought the Grounders were al about honor. So at that point Roan sorta wasn’t the character I thought (hoped) he’d be, and that’s disappointing. I wanted him to be a permanent partner for the Skaikru and if they just go back now to him being okay, oops didn’t mean it, it just doesn’t seem consistent. I mean he’s either an ass or he isn’t? Or maybe Grounders just have an “asshole” mode and you have to deal with it?!?
I didn’t realize it showed her falling all the way down. Bummer… I was kinda clutching at a “she grabbed some roots” thing to slow her fall. I just don’t know how they’re going to do this?? LOL about breaking her ass… I know right?
Riley sux. Seriously off him. Do we always have to have a Pike?? And yes he is CLEARLY a plot device. As if they don’t already have enough asshole Arkadians to fill that niche. I never thought about the hiatus… oh no…
I agree, Clarke needed a half-smile. Hell, she needs a full-blown chuckle, but we can’t expect miracles here. GAH that deer.. ::shivers:: But yes, that thing shocked me, which was good, because it was like “oh, this show isn’t kidding”. So yes, more shocking things works for me too! Though I bet we don’t get a lot of Island time this episode, unfortunately. I think it’s Abby and Raven’s turn for a week off.
And TOTALLY agree about Roan in regards to Trikru. WHY kill them? Just because Indra and Nyko were certainly with Skaikru, the rest weren’t automatically! They;d been part of the alliance for… well, who knows how long, but a LONG time. So you’re just going to kill them? Why won’t the OTHER clans then think “well, looks like Roan is just going to kill ALL of us anyway” and try to kill him? Does he not understand that? Or… maybe that’s the point? Maybe they WILL join Skaikru against him? If it comes down to that? I really think that Roan is a terrible leader. Which is maybe GOOD, in a sense, because they can’t ALL be Lexa, you know? But he isn’t as awful as Ontari, so maybe he;s just… their Jaha? ?
I mean- if she landed in a deep enough pool of water, would her fall be broken enough for her to survive? Obviously if it is rocks, no. But water, mayyyybe? Maybe there was a big lilypad and it cushioned her? (REALLY pulling at straws here, but UGH I need answers!)
And RIGHT with Riley? He is definitely a Junior Pike and we do NOT need that. And also, he has zero personality, which equates to me giving zero fucks about him. So I just want someone to shoot him and be done with it already. Wonder where our other plot devices, Ilian and Gaia will be during this? ?
I am scared. I mean, I am super sad that Nyko died but… he was NOT a “big” death. This is… alarming. And he is the only one who died so far, right (I mean, from the actual recurring cast)? In FOUR episodes? Am I forgetting (blocking out) someone? I am not prepared.
Oh my gosh Ilian has disappeared! I totally forgot about him lol. So much for him being a big new addition to the season. *snort* And Gaia too- out of sight out of mind. Yeah Nyko was cool. I feel like I didn’t spend enough time on his death in my recap, I was running out of room, but… kinda sad.
LMAO “big lilypad”. Some damn thing must have broken homegirl’s fall cause… yeesh. And how did Helio the wonder horse just end up down there after being way up on the cliff? Nice coincidence. Were the writers drunk when they wrote this up? Still I think this means Octavia is safe, I mean assuming she survives and doesn’t die of her injuries. They’re doing the whole Bellamy thinks she’s dead so he’s hollowed out grieving, they can’t false alarm that and then go and really kill her can they?? At least not for a while… course w/ this show…
I hope they go with the uneasy alliance at best/ open hostilities at worst when they sort this Roan stuff. Like I said before I don’t think it works to have an alliance- they’re better off antagonistic maybe? and then it puts Indra in a tough position. But if Trikru get wiped out maybe she becomes Skaikru? Yay!!
I know exactly what you mean about the deer. Even after 4 seasons that’s like the most effed up thing I’ve seen lol. I thought the same thing- man the Earth is screwed!
RIGHT? They played him up SO. MUCH. in the beginning- like every site was all about the “new key cast members” and so far, Gaia has… prayed? And Ilian tried to steal a chip. Woooo, excitement. ?
OHHH good call on Helios’s appearance! I had NOT thought about that! ALSO- where she fell? There was no BEACH THERE! There was just a… rocky, woodsy cliff? So did she also take a little swim, too? The plot holes are getting deeper. I *hope* it means she’s safe. But like you said, we never know with this show.
I feel like… what could we even SAY about Nyko’s death? IMO, it wasn’t good enough. He had a HUGE role in getting the Grounders and Skaikru to be allies, if you think about it. Had he not helped Lincoln, and Octavia, they’d never have had that start of an understanding. And then O wouldn’t have saved him in return, and then GAH- you see how this would play out? Abby broke into Mt Weather to save Nyko, etc etc. And then one drone, boom, over, no fanfare. Someone better mourn for him, damn it.
Indra is basically Skaikru at this point I think bwhahah. Kane would never let her be clanless. IS there any Trikru left? On my rewatch, I realized that that soon-to-be dead guy told O that Indra was warning the village… so I assume there is SOMEONE left? (No idea who at this point- what about the Trikru that Lincoln sacrificed himself for? Where are those guys?!)
And you’d think there WOULD be more mutations, but maybe not if everything is just dying now? It is eerie.
This latest season has been a bit of a snooze-fest for me. However, this latest episode was VERY good in my opinion. The whole pact between Ice Nation and Skaikru made for some boring interactions and I’m glad it’s *at least* temporarily broken.
I’m kind of over Jasper at this point. I mean, I understand that he’s been very mentally affected, but he’s putting a lot of people at risk by acting out. I think they need a medical intervention, therapy-wise or medication-wise.
I thought it was hilarious the Aragorn/Octavia scene. I found it less believable that she would survive it vs. Aragorn…
Oh NO, I am so sorry you aren’t liking it! I am REALLY enjoying it so far, the stakes all seem so high. But I am glad you liked this episode! I felt like the alliance was always VERY shaky, and had a feeling Echo would be involved in its demise. Damn Echo. And I agree with you wholeheartedly about Jasper! He needs some medical attention. They have all kinds of supplies, I am sure some kind of mood stabilizers can be found. And how are there no therapists on this Ark!?
I didn’t like the way they did the Octavia thing, and I REALLY hope we get some answers that don’t completely defy science and physics and biology and such 😉
I think my biggest problem with season 4 is that it doesn’t compare to the previous ones (in my opinion). Season 1 & 2 especially we’re amazing. I feel like the plots are losing their originality these days and the characters are too static.
See, I think the reason I do like this one is that it does feel a little more like Season 1, in survivability at least. And I DO love the character arcs. I am sorry that you are not feeling it more! I felt that way about The City of Light last season- I just wanted that plot to END.