Lexa: More Than Just a Commander – The Enduring Legacy of “The 100”
The Making of a Commander
Commander Lexa. The name alone conjures images of a fierce warrior, a brilliant strategist, and a complex leader who captivated audiences of the post-apocalyptic drama, “The One Hundred.” More than a decade after a nuclear apocalypse decimated the Earth, and after surviving a failed attempt to settle the new planet Sanctum, humanity continued to make bad choices. Through it all, Lexa stood out as a beacon of hope and a symbol of progressive representation in a genre often lacking it. Her character arc, while tragically short-lived and ultimately controversial, left an indelible mark on the science fiction landscape, sparking passionate debates about leadership, representation, and the impact of storytelling on fandom. This article explores the evolution of Lexa, her significant impact on “The One Hundred,” and the lasting legacy she holds in the hearts of fans and the broader media landscape.
Lexa’s introduction in the second season of “The One Hundred” immediately established her as a force to be reckoned with. As the Commander of the Grounders, a coalition of twelve clans struggling for survival on the ravaged Earth, she commanded respect and wielded immense power. Her initial appearances portrayed her as a pragmatic and often ruthless leader, prioritizing the survival of her people above all else. Her strength and intelligence were undeniable, and she quickly became a key player in the power dynamics between the Grounders and the Sky People, the descendants of those who had sought shelter in space.
Lexa’s ascent to the position of Commander was not simply a matter of birthright. As the “spirit of the Commander” she had to climb to the highest point of the tower and drink the sacred blood, after surviving the ascension, all of the previous commanders enter the mind. This process, shrouded in tradition and spiritual significance, reflected the complex cultural tapestry of the Grounders. As the leader of the grounders, Lexa had to be calculating, willing to make sacrifices, but also had to be willing to hear opinions. It was that willingness, that strength, that made her a great commander. Unlike the Skaikru, she had the strength of the many tribes, unlike Jaha, she was not beholden to religious fanaticism, she just cared about the survival of her people.
One of Lexa’s defining leadership principles was “blood must not have blood.” This philosophy, born out of a desire to end the cycle of violence that plagued the Grounders, represented a significant shift in their traditional way of life. It was a testament to Lexa’s vision for a more peaceful future, one where vengeance did not dictate their actions. This principle, while often challenging to uphold in the face of constant threats and betrayals, became a cornerstone of her leadership and a symbol of her commitment to breaking the chains of the past. Lexa knew she couldn’t change the past, but she could determine the future.
The Commander and the Sky Person
The relationship between Lexa and Clarke Griffin, the leader of the Sky People, formed the emotional core of “The One Hundred” and had a profound impact on both characters. Initially forged out of necessity, as the two groups sought to form an alliance against a common enemy, their bond gradually deepened into a complex and passionate romance. This evolution, from strategic partnership to genuine affection, was a compelling exploration of love and loyalty in a world where survival was the ultimate priority.
Key moments, such as their shared experiences in Mount Weather and their difficult decisions during wartime, solidified their connection. Their shared trauma forged a bond between the two that was difficult for the other characters to understand. They both had to carry out difficult choices to ensure that the most would survive. Lexa’s willingness to trust Clarke, despite the historical animosity between their people, demonstrated her open-mindedness and her belief in the possibility of peace. Clarke, in turn, came to respect Lexa’s strength, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to her people. But it was more than respect, it was love.
Their relationship faced numerous challenges, including cultural differences, political tensions, and the constant threat of violence. However, their ability to overcome these obstacles and remain true to their feelings for each other resonated with viewers and solidified their status as one of the most popular couples on television. Lexa didn’t care if Clarke was a Sky Person, all she cared about was love. All Clarke cared about was keeping Lexa by her side.
Vulnerability Behind the Armor
Beneath the stoic exterior of the Commander, lay a deeply vulnerable individual. Lexa grappled with internal conflicts, torn between her duty to her people and her personal desires. Her relationship with Clarke brought out a softer side, revealing her capacity for love and compassion. The viewers had the chance to see the woman under the commander. It allowed them to connect with the character more, to see her as a person and not a machine.
Lexa’s vulnerability was not a weakness, but rather a testament to her humanity. She grappled with the weight of her responsibilities, the burden of making difficult choices that had life-or-death consequences. Her love for Clarke, while a source of strength and happiness, also exposed her to emotional pain and the fear of loss. This was made even more apparent when she had to turn her back on the Skaikru, and risk the lives of Clarke’s people. Lexa knew that she would suffer in the end, but her people would survive.
By humanizing Lexa, the writers of “The One Hundred” created a character that viewers could connect with on a deeper level. They made her a multidimensional person. Her struggles, her fears, and her desires made her relatable and resonated with fans who saw themselves reflected in her journey. It also made her death so much more painful.
A Symbol of Representation and A Spark for Controversy
Lexa’s portrayal as a powerful and complex queer character was a significant step forward for representation in science fiction. Her relationship with Clarke was a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ visibility, showcasing a same-sex romance in a mainstream television show. Her strength, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her people challenged traditional gender norms and provided a positive role model for viewers who identified with her.
However, Lexa’s story was not without its controversy. Her untimely death, just moments after she and Clarke consummated their relationship, ignited a firestorm of criticism and sparked a heated debate about the “bury your gays” trope, a harmful pattern in media where LGBTQ+ characters are disproportionately killed off.
The outrage that followed Lexa’s death was fueled by the perception that her character had been sacrificed for shock value, perpetuating a long-standing pattern of marginalizing and erasing LGBTQ+ stories. Fans felt betrayed and heartbroken, arguing that her death reinforced harmful stereotypes and undermined the progress that had been made in terms of representation. The death also felt cheap and preventable, with the bullet clearly not meant for her. It became clear that the writers and showrunners thought of her relationship with Clarke as a simple plot point to elevate the main character, rather than a relationship that could stand alone.
In the wake of the backlash, the showrunner of “The One Hundred” issued an apology, acknowledging the pain that Lexa’s death had caused and expressing a commitment to do better in the future. While the apology was appreciated by some, it did little to undo the damage that had been done. The controversy surrounding Lexa’s death served as a wake-up call to the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of responsible representation and the need to avoid perpetuating harmful tropes. The death also exposed a darker side to the fandom, with fans engaging in harassment, doxing, and other toxic behaviors that targeted the writing staff and actors.
The Legacy of the Commander
Despite the controversy, Lexa’s impact on “The One Hundred” and the broader media landscape remains significant. Her character challenged conventions, broke barriers, and sparked important conversations about representation and storytelling. She was so much more than a commander. She was more than a love interest. She was a symbol.
Lexa continues to be a beloved figure among fans, who celebrate her strength, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to her ideals. Fan art, fan fiction, and online discussions continue to keep her memory alive, demonstrating the enduring impact she had on viewers. Her image is everywhere, from tumblr to twitter, a constant reminder that representation matters.
Her death served as a catalyst for change, prompting the entertainment industry to re-evaluate its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and to strive for more authentic and nuanced representation. While the industry still has a long way to go, Lexa’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of telling diverse stories and creating characters that resonate with audiences from all backgrounds. We have seen more queer representation in mainstream media, and while the burying the gays trope still exists, creators are more cautious and considerate of their audience.
Lexa’s legacy is complex, a mix of admiration and disappointment. She represents both a step forward and a cautionary tale. While her character will forever be associated with the controversy surrounding her death, she also stands as a symbol of strength, leadership, and the power of representation.
She was more than just a commander. Lexa was a symbol of hope, a beacon of progress, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love and loyalty can endure. The lessons of her life and the tragedy of her death continue to resonate with fans and will continue to shape the landscape of television for years to come. The conversation that was started when she died has become a movement. Lexa may be gone, but her impact will never be forgotten.
