Predictions for the next three episodes:
Based on the fact that Clarke gets her forehead wound in tomorrow’s episode, and the fact that she still somewhat has it during the leaked morning after sex scene, and the fact that 3x07 has an SV rating, Clexa is gonna do the dirty next week (GET HYPED). It’s also possible that tomorrow’s episode ends with an implied sex scene (not enough to earn the S rating), and the morning after scene will open their interactions in 3x07. (tbh I’m anticipating at least a kiss tomorrow)
I really want to say that the only footage from the S3 trailer we’ve seen is from episodes prior to the two week hiatus. I find it hard to believe they had footage ready beyond 3x08 for the extended trailer that came out in December. That means Ontari soaked in nightblood blood is happening within the next three episodes.
We’re also pretty sure Alycia’s not going to be in episodes 3x08-3x10 (although I don’t know how sure we are. is this just an educated guess based on reports of ADC not being in the entire season and the fact that Kim is writing 3x11? anyone have sources?), which means something has to happen to justify her not being there, seeing as she’s the grounder commander and all. Some have speculated that it’s because she dies by Ontari’s hand and we see her in the City of Light later in the season since there is no death there. I call bullshit, because:
That means they’d be killing Lexa in the same episode she romantically reconciles/has sex with Clarke. Seems a little gratuitous and a waste of all the build-up to their relationship, right? Not to mention obvious, given Lexa’s own direct reference to Ontari’s appearance only happening after her own death. Even the brutal-as-shit writers of The 100 know that would be a major narrative misstep, but moreso a waste of a character and actress that’s not just beloved by fans, but by those involved with the show. Smart showrunners keep characters that have been instrumental in bringing in new viewers around, especially when it’s a show that hasn’t already been guaranteed multiple season renewals. There is NO good reason to just go and kill Lexa. Plain and simple.
My prediction, as well as many others’, is that Ontari is going to Anakin Skywalker all of the nightbloods, except Lexa. This is pretty much a certainty, honestly. HOWEVER, Lexa can’t retaliate and kill Ontari, just as Ontari can’t kill Lexa, because of the nightblood thing and however it ties into the CoL.
The narrative demands that Ontari become commander somehow, in order to justify Lexa’s absence, and the ongoing tension between Skaikru and grounders. Plus, you know, there’s that clip of her sitting in the Commander’s throne, so we know it’s gonna happen. I think it’ll come about in one of two ways:
Ontari is going to use Lexa’s “weakness,” aka not retaliating against Skaikru for the massacre, to justify taking command, and her people will turn against her and force her into exile (can’t kill her because of the nightblood thing). Somehow Clarke gets away and is able to return to Arkadia.
However, I prefer, because ANGST: Somehow Ontari is going to get a hold of Clarke, tell Lexa she will kill Clarke if she doesn’t relinquish her title, and Clarke’s here thinking either well fuck, I know Lexa loves me but she’s always gonna put her people first, or Lexa, you have to let her, she can’t take command, and then surprise! Lexa agrees. Plus there’s the fact that if Ontari kills Clarke, she gets her “power,” and Lexa still won’t be able to kill Ontari, and the grounders may follow whoever has the power of Wanheda regardless.
Narratively, either of these makes Lexa’s love for Clarke/compassion/desire for peace become her “weakness” and downfall as a leader, but sets up the rest of the season to prove that these traits are actually strengths.
I think we’re going to get a lot of crazy emotional material from ADC and Lexa in this situation either way and it’s gonna break us. So Ontari lets Clarke go as per her deal with Lexa (I think whatever episode Eliza isn’t in isn’t going to be 3x08) since Lexa stepped down. Lexa obv can’t go to Arkadia with Clarke, so she has to go into hiding, maybe with Luna? Which will explain her absence for however many episodes. Might get a sweet, emotional moment between Clexa before they have to separate.
Now that Ontari is commander (which explains Jason’s comments about how if Skaikru hadn’t attacked the army, they would be fucked), Clarke returns to Arkadia to warn them of what might be coming. Cue Skaikru reunions - Jasper and Clarke scene probably - alongside whatever main conflict is going on with CoL and Pike being a total fuck.
I definitely think something is going to happen to Lincoln in this episode and he’s going to die (based on Ricky Whittle throwing shade lately and landing a starring role in another series. I don’t know much about the industry but I’m pretty sure that, contractually, networks don’t allow actors to be cast in a starring role while being a series regular on another show. Guest star, a la Alycia, maybe, but not starring). Pike will be responsible. This explains Octavia beating the shit out of Bellamy. I think this will be the episode that Bell finally realizes how fucked up Pike’s actions/motivations are, and he’ll snap out of it, but it’ll be too late, and he’s gonna have to work his ass off for dat redemption arc for the rest of the season/probably even beyond.
Cue Bellarke hug, extremely apologetic Bellamy, Clarke being a forgiving angel and trying to be there for him in the wake of Lincoln’s death, Octavia disowning him, and him feeling responsible/like a monster. He looks like he’s taken a pretty good beating in their hug scene. The Bellarke arc and dynamic is definitely central, and I think we’ll end the mid-season finale with them back on the same page/team. Yay!
As for what happens beyond that? No clue. Ontari staying in command leaves room for future conflict in future seasons between Grounders/Arkers. And we know Lexa plays a part in the finale - maybe not in a way we expect. The City of Light is obviously the endgame conflict for this season, but we don’t really know anything about that, so. I think there’s some level of misdirection going on because why would Jason encourage people to watch them shoot what would seem like a pretty important scene? I’m excited to find out. Either way, I absolutely don’t think they’re going to kill Lexa this season.
It’s definitely a lot to cram into only three episodes, and this doesn’t even include everything with the CoL and whatever garbage Pike is gonna be up to with sending farm station people out for water samples (???), but when has The 100 ever moved at a leisurely pace?