Reviewed by Owen Bush.

After the peak of explosions from last episode’s dauntless finale, for those everywhere, the riveting conclusion for The 100 season two was building immensely. Every angle was perceived differently as Clarke made the ultimate sacrifice, and this episode, titled “Resurrection” saw the developments from that shockingly brutal moment, that would, of course, change Clarke as a leader, a friend and possibly most significantly, a daughter. With the writers obviously succeeding the story into it’s final development before the defiant conclusion, The 100 continued to flourish with impressive action, as well as adding core morals that seem to subtly seep through, this episode’s was that victory stands on the back of sacrifice and with this, set the episode up with a strong and atmospheric tone.

Sparking with flames, the episode drove quickly into the response from the attack with distinction and speed, the effects have definitely improved from the previous season, and although some of it is wasted with giant gorillas (…), this episode conquered those effects nicely, this in turn helping suggest Clarke’s feelings after her decisions previously. It was emotionally large and was almost a resemblance to war today, and how it’s responses are always so brutalizing for all. Lexa, although a little frustrating to watch at times, worked well with Clarke once again, her morals that are so very strong and individual continue to warm to Clarke and as more sacrifices are made for the greater war, both the audience and Clarke continue to question the morals of war, and the intelligence of those behind it. This developed into the episodes centre with the sniper snooping between the forests, it was applied well but I would have liked to have a more detailed story behind it, for example, a plan from Cage, thus making things more structured – but all in all, it was a solid theme for the story and consequently made the audience tense.

Admittedly, I have sometimes found the scenes within the cracks of Mount Weather more exciting than those with our original group – certainly not by much, both have a diversity between action and emotion, but the Mount Weather/The 47 moments just seem more divergent and unexpected, I’ve grown very fond of the characters I once knew little of, and the initial captivating cliff-hanger from season one has paid off in ways I would never have expected, and continues to shift the series into something new, less-linear and awesomely exciting – this episode was definitely no difference, minus the exception. Jasper and his team are fully fledged ruthless leaders and as this episode suggests, victory is slowly grasping their way (it’s a shame things aren’t the same back with Clarke, but we can’t have everything). The comparison of intelligence from the beginning of the season with luxury, idleness and blind faith, to now, with gritty strategies, wise minds and forward-thinking is staggering, almost horrific, the way they so easily outsmart and ruthlessly kill Mount Weather guards (although, I’m sure we all would too!) We’ve seen all characters develop sufficiently, ironically, Mount Weather has helped grow them into free warriors and the writing is credited wonderfully by me and The 100’s swamps of fans at how it so easily develops the characters without it being rushed. A brief mention of the wonderful cinematography on this scene, insanely done – very Kingsman.

Let’s just say, all the Chancellors have had good moments, and well, not so good moments (maybe it’s a Chancellor trait..), specifically with Abby, I have had issues with her reasons for being so negative and crude towards many, including Clarke. However, this episode was one of her good moments, and after last episodes appalling response to Clarke’s rather crucially demanding decision, the writers took her to a safer, subtly glorious sequence. The compassion shown between her and Kane is equally significant, both always look for the best, and both have always taken risks, and as the emotion poured out, it felt as if we have known these characters for such a little time and yet, we really know them. Although they weren’t the most visually exciting or thrilling to watch, they were still very nicely developed throughout the episode, and I hope we see Kane and Abby more, but rather than separately, as a pair. Paige Turco(Abby) worked extremely well in conveying the emotion and as things got more dire as the episode progressed, I was really scared this would be the last time we saw these two vicious leaders.

The one thing that minored the episode lightly, was the introduction of Maya’s Dad. Now, I have mentioned in many reviews for my love of Maya, she is strong, genuine and kind, but also has that sense of struggle with what’s happened to her life. For me, Maya didn’t need a rather unexpected and random addition to her story with her Mum being the reason she wanted to stand up for what was right. I loved the way she stood up for what was right because she morally knew what was wrong. Her Dad made her whole story seem all a little cluttered, and the introduction of her Dad felt only welcomed because of the next stages of the plot. Although rather tedious, it didn’t ruin the episode, just hindered Maya’s development and strength, which is a shame for a character that has had some terrific development so far. On the other hand, some of the twists and turns for Maya within the episode made up for her slightly cringey Father, with Maya slowly suffocating, the sequences were almost like something from an action blockbuster, it was fun, exciting and riveting.

Lincoln faced more troubles again, still subtly developing his inner Reaper qualities – although a little random at times, I’m still glad they’re subtly continuing these themes, it makes for a more realistic and suitable watch. His love, Octavia, also had some stunning moments, showing her strength as a leader and ferociousness. Her development, as with the others, has been insanely written – looking back, I would have never expected Octavia to be such a clever, intriguing character to watch.

As previously mentioned, Clarke keeps facing boundaries as both a human, and a leader. As she shot the sniper, her morals seem to be thrown away, her judgement flawed and her life messy, but this makes for a less superficial story, she’s been through so much as a young, independent girl and with this, you make errors and you fail because of the pressure within you, this radiates within Clarke and it’s timeless to watch, with Eliza Taylor(Clarke) continuing to show her superb skills.

With Abby and Kane safe (only just), Indra, Octavia and Lincoln all reunited, Jasper and team bulking up their allegiance, and Clarke and Lexa watching from the horizon, a electrifying montage kicked in and I do love The 100’s montages. The piece clicked into action with smoothness, once again the episode concludes lighting the action with more flames, as the burning war will soon rage…

Verdict : 9/10

The 100 didn’t need any resurrection, as with the previous episode, ‘Resurrection’ is just as insanely galvanizing, picking up the stake where it left off and never letting go, whilst minor flaws may have caused inconsistency, the episode continued to pound the action and yet again, the audience is left heaving for more.