In the seventh season of the popular sci-fi drama "The 100", a significant character departure left fans curious and craving answers. Season seven marked a major shift in the storyline, with Pipe Keller, portrayed by Chole Hale, leaving the series after nine seasons.
But why did Thirteen, also known as/I was , leave "The 100"? The departure of this beloved character has been a subject of intense speculation among fans. Let's delve into the reasons behind this decision and explore the impact it had on the series.
The Context Behind Thirteen's Departure
Thirteen's absence in season seven didn't come as a sudden shock to viewers familiar with the show's history. The character had already experienced a significant storyline shift in season six, which hinted at a possible departure.
In season six, Thirteen joined the Disciples of theymbol, a group that worshipped Praimfaya, the radioactive event that destroyed most of the planet's surface. Her change in alignment hinted at the direction her character might take in subsequent seasons.
The Impact of Praimfaya
The destructive event of Praimfaya changed the course of many characters' lives in "The 100". For Thirteen, it marked a turning point in her ideology and her path in the series. The disaster left her traumatized and seeking solace in the Disciples' belief system.
By season seven, Thirteen had become fully devoted to her new faith, a development that ultimately influenced her decision to leave the series. Her new belief system required her to focus on missionary work, which aligned with her character arc but led to her departure from the main storyline.
Season Six: Foreshadowing Thirteen's Departure
Season six provided crucial context for Thirteen's eventual departure. During this season, the character faced a profound crisis of faith, which began to shift her priorities and values. Her turn towards the Disciples of theymbol foreshadowed her decision to leave the series in season seven.
This choice to explore Thirteen's spiritual journey and its impact on her character's trajectory allowed for a more organic and meaningful departure. Instead of a sudden, unexplained absence, Thirteen's exit felt like a natural progression of her character arc.
The Significance of Thirteen's Absence in Season Seven
The absence of Thirteen in season seven was noteworthy, not just because of the character's prominent role in previous seasons, but also because of the impact it had on the show's dynamics. Her departure, and the void it created, allowed other characters to step into the spotlight.
Thirteen's absence enabled new relationships to form and deepen, such as the bond between her former love interest, Clarke Griffin, and her adopted sister, Octavia Blake. It also allowed for the exploration of new themes and storylines, further enriching the series.
The Characters Who Stepped Up in Thirteen's Absence
In Thirteen's absence, several characters stepped up and assumed more significant roles in the series. Clarke Griffin, for instance, took on a more active leadership role, both within the Sokhya Valley and in the larger world beyond it. Octavia Blake also played a more pivotal part in the series, her journey serving as a counterpoint to Clarke's storyline.
Other characters, too, filled the void left by Thirteen's departure. Raven Reyes, now fully committed to her role as the leader of the spacecraft's crew, became a central figure in space-faring storylines. Meanwhile, Gaia, an old friend and sometime ally of Thirteen, assumed a more prominent role in the ground-based plotlines.
Exploring New Themes and Storylines
Thirteen's absence in season seven allowed the show to explore new themes and narratives that might not have been possible with her in the series. For instance, the show delved deeper into the political tensions between the various factions of surviving humans, a storyline that was less explored in previous seasons.
The absence of Thirteen also allowed for the exploration of new character dynamics. Clarke's relationship with the new character, Roslin, for example, provided a fresh perspective on Clarke's leadership and her ability to form alliances. These new storylines and character interactions further enriched the series and its ongoing narrative.
In the end, Thirteen's departure from "The 100" was not just a physical exit but also a symbolic one. It marked a shift in the series' dynamics and a stepping back from one central character to allow others to shine. As the show continued to evolve, Thirteen's departure became part of its larger storyline, a natural progression in the ongoing narrative of survival and adaptation.