There’s a council meeting going on, with Clarke sitting in and watching, getting the rundown on the purpose of the council. “The clan that stands against one of us, stands against us all,” Lexa tells them as the queen of the Ice Nation is brought in. She’s confessed to being the one responsible for the destruction of Mount Weather in last week’s episode and looks almost happy to be there, despite what’s sure to be a tragic end. They ask Wanheda what she wants to be, and Clarke tells them she wants justice. Naturally, Queen Nia tells them she does not answer to them; she doesn’t need a defense, after all, Lexa does. Curious eyes turn to her as the prisoner calls for a vote of “no confidence.” Lexa’s guard is quick to demand she be taken out, but all the members of the committee vote with her.
Lexa is not threatened. The Ice Nation reminds her that this is Lexa’s rule, that a unanimous vote is against her, removes her from her title as commander. Though Clarke tries to get her to recognize it’s not unanimous as she remains seated, Nia throws back in her face they don’t recognize the legitimacy of the Sky People as a clan. However, Lexa’s guard comes to their defense; as the Skaikru have taken their spot as the 13th clan recently, her motion has failed and she will face the consequences of that action, as well as the fellow people who stood with her. The Ice Nation isn’t fazed; they know Lexa won’t do anything.
However, Lexa’s not backing down without a fight, which is what she knows Nia wants. “We both know what you want. If you think me unfit to command, issue that challenge and let’s get on with it,” Lexa tells her cooly. Lexa accepts her challenge, taking it one step further when the Ice Nation’s queen has her son fighting in her place, and Lexa refuses to let anyone else fight for her. The Ice Nation is pleased.
Back at Arkadia, there’s a council meeting going on. Pike is ready for a retaliation, but Abby tells him that Ice Nation has already taken credit for the attack and is being appropriately punished. This isn’t an answer he wanted to hear. Grounders are not to be trusted, he tells her, pleading for an attack to be done now. He’s not happy Kane and Abby are not willing to march into battle, unwillingly accepting that they were simply “collateral damage in someone else’s war.” Abby cuts him off, telling him they’ll take it up with their advisers and challenging him to take it up with her.
Outside, Bellamy is waiting for the meeting to be over to speak with Kane. He turns in his jacket and gives up his post because he feels responsible for the death of the 49 after he left with Echo and didn’t stay to defend his people. Kane tries to reason with him, telling him he made a reasonable choice, and it’s so clear, so evident that Bellamy is now not only still dealing with the fallout of the Mountain the first time, but he’s also shouldering the blame for the second time on his own. We saw as Clarke exiled herself because of the blame, and Bellamy is doing it this time; he’s come so far from the boy who purposefully riled up some anarchy just because he could, but he’s still the same boy who risked his own life shooting Jaha just to get a chance to get on the ship with his sister and protect her.
Outside of the council meeting, Jasper and Monty are arguing about the Mount Weather memorial before they’re interrupted by Octavia and the arrival of several grounders. Nyko brings in several Grounders who are sick and have been promised Abby’s help. It’s clear that Octavia is still considered an outsider by her own people, as a guard tells her, “You’re one of them, you help them in.” Nyko apologizes for Mount Weather.
Meanwhile, Jasper has run off and breaks a hole in the wall, running off in the forest as a hesitant Monty follows him.
Back at Polis, Lexa is speaking with some of the children training to be Nightbloods. As the children are dismissed, Aiden, one of Lexa’s “most promising,” stays behind; shall Lexa die today, Aiden will most likely take her place. He pledges allegiance to the 13th clan, should this be the case, and is dismissed as well. Turns out Lexa’s being more careful than that; she’s asked Indra to have some of her warriors settle around Arkadia to protect them. Clarke’s not pleased with that, though; she’s seen Roan take out “three men in the time it took the first to hit the ground,” and worries for her. Lexa remains stubborn, insistent she’s going to fight for herself.
Roan is getting a “pep” talk from his mother before their fight. She’s insisting that she chose him because he’s their best, and once Lexa’s taken care of, not only will his banishment be over but their people will be “stronger than ever.” Roan doesn’t necessarily look impressed or influenced by this speech, certain that his mother doesn’t actually care about his well being as much as she cares about herself and her power. She gives him her sword, asking him to fight for the clan if he’s not going to fight for her. “I want her head,” she says before walking off.
His talking-to isn’t quite over as he’s interrupted by another blonde. Clarke tells him she knows he had nothing to do with Mount Weather, which is why she hasn’t turned him in for giving her the knife. She knows he doesn’t want part in this and that it was all his mother’s plan. She wants him to be king and appeals to him by reminding him that his mother’s going to cast him out again once she has another reason to. Though he can’t kill his mother himself, Clarke can.
She goes to the Queen, asking what would happen if she changed her vote against Lexa. The Ice Queen assures her that her people would be safe, and with Lexa dead, she wouldn’t need the power of Wanheda. Clarke easily agrees, claiming “her priorities are with the living, not the dead,” when asked about Mount Weather. Though Clarke initiates a blood oath, a guard notices something amiss and prevents the treaty from continuing. She stops Clarke from poisoning Nia and, in return, is allowed to live so Clarke can deliver the message that a new commander has already been chosen.
Lexa’s guards are worried for her, aware with each passing moment that this is all a setup. Lexa’s determined to win and not fall deeper into their trap. Clarke pleads with her to be more sensible, but they’re cut short when her guards announce it’s time.
In Arkadia, the memorial is in full swing for the fallen members of Farm Station. When it comes time to speak for Gina, Bellamy takes a courageous step forward and says a few words on her behalf before several soldiers interrupt. Turns out an army of 300 soldiers is camping out less than a mile from their camp - which Kane and Abby already knew. Pike is understandably upset by the fact that they have so many Grounders, especially one with their radio. Kane tells them this was Lexa’s call as she’s trying to keep them protected from any other armies. Pike is not in agreement; though Abby tries to keep the peace, he’s not interested in it. He’s angry at the Grounders and rightfully so; after all, their encounters have been overall negative when it comes to the people who were on the Ground first. He calls for the Grounders to go home, and someone takes aim at Lincoln, though some come to his defense. Pike stops the fighting, reminding them, “The enemy is not in this camp, the enemy is out there.”
A dejected and hurt Lincoln leaves the room, refusing Abby’s help, and nearly collapses outside their room. He’s not one of them, a fact he’s now painfully reminded of. He refuses to press charges while Abby patches him up, but Pike isn’t swayed by Lincoln’s civility, defending the man who hit him. Octavia tries to get him to leave with her, but he’s determined to help the Grounder/Skaikru relations from inside the border.
Outside the walls, an unsurprisingly drunk Jasper is being belligerent while Monty tries to stop him, which has unfortunately been the theme for them this season. When Jasper wanders off, Monty searches his bag, finding several empty bottles of liquor and what appears to be Maya’s teeth in a jar in his bag.
Once Jasper wakes up, Monty finally confronts him. Jasper’s mad at everyone and doesn’t understand why Monty isn’t. How is Jasper the one screwed up when Monty’s the one that helped Clarke? Monty essentially tells him he’s just as screwed up as they all are, but he’s trying to survive. He wants Jasper to shape up or ship out, and Jasper chooses the latter, leaving him painfully alone.
Inside the walls, Pike is talking to Bellamy; he tells him that he’s right, it’s his fault. But it’s Pike’s, too, as he also let his guard down when trusting Echo. They vow “never again” to let this happen and influence him to support him in attacking the Grounder army first. Oh, Bellamy, no. “You’re asking me to get you the guns? That’s treason,” he tells Pike.
“Survival,” he tells him. “You call that treason? I’m willing to suffer the consequences of protecting our people. Are you?” Yeah, there’s no way this ends well.
Polis is excited at the prospect of a battle. Lexa and Roan stand side by side, ready to fight. “Someone must die today,” the rules dictate. They get their swords ready, and both seem to be in some agreement with Clarke. Roan quickly gains the upperhand, but Lexa’s not going down without a fight, leaving Roan unsteady. They battle for dominance, but Lexa proves to be the better warrior, knocking him when she’s down (literally). Queen Nia is not pleased, reminding Roan if he dies, he does not die a prince, but a coward. In turn, Lexa aims the spear at Queen Nia, killing her and naming Roan her successor.
Despite my less than favorable feelings towards the Commander, I must admit that this was easily the best scene in the episode; it must be acknowledged that the Ice Queen not only tried to overthrow Lexa several times but also killed Costia, Lexa’s original love. Watching her get closure and appoint Roan in her place was probably as satisfying for Roan and me alike. Aiden looks on, clearly impressed with the Commander.
At night, Lexa comes to talk with Clarke, who patches her up. Lexa thanks Clarke for backing her up at the council meeting earlier, but Clarke tells her it was best for their people, which Lexa tells Clarke the fellow ambassadors who didn’t back her up were also doing. It’s clear that Clarke’s on her way to forgiving Lexa for the events at Mount Weather all those months ago.
Arkadia is less functional. Bellamy is clearly on Pike’s side, but Lincoln, Harper and Monroe aim to stop them. Bellamy tries to remind them he’s doing what’s best for his people, which he’s always one. Monroe and Harper fold easily, but Lincoln’s less swayed. He gets attacked but manages to subdue the man who attempts an attack on his life. Octavia comes to his side, and Kane tries to diffuse the situation, which results in Bellamy and Co. getting thrown into lockup. Pike refuses to let this go without a fight. Pike’s people want him to be on the ballot and, including Bellamy, get marched away chanting his name.
They’re released in the morning with news that Pike has been elected the new chancellor. “Our people are now your responsibility, Charles. I hope you take that seriously,” he warns.
“I intend to,” Pike replies in what sounds more like a warning than gratefulness. His first official act is to pardon himself and the others, with his second being to reject the brand that made them the 13th clan. His third? They’re going to finish what they started, heading out to take out the nearby Grounders. Kane tries to stop Bellamy, but he’s decided he already has.
Nope. No way this ends well.
The 100 airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on The CW.