*Spoilers Ahead*
Regardless of whether you watch "The 100" or not, there is a lot to learn about relationships, both platonic and romantic, from the main characters of this show: Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake. AKA, my favorite OTP.
First, a short summary of the plot of "The 100;" A devastating nuclear war wiped out almost all life on Earth, forcing each nation to send whoever they can up to space so humanity might survive. The nations discovered that they had a better chance of surviving as one people, so they joined all the space stations together to create the Ark, their home until the ground is safe enough to return to.
After 97 years, both oxygen and hope is running low on the Ark, so the council sends 100 juvenile delinquents, without warning or training, down to the ground to save a little extra oxygen and deem whether Earth is survivable or not. The entire series follows these kids as they do whatever they can to survive on a now barren, dangerous planet.
Clarke, arrested for being an accomplice in treason, immediately jumps into the pilot's seat with her knowledge of both Earth and medical procedures, which were gained from her surgeon mother. Bellamy, who purposely committed a crime to get on the dropship to protect his younger sister, clashes with Clarke over a few do-or-die situations, but as their trust in each other grows, they begin to lead side by side.
Here is my analysis of the best parts of the Bellarke relationship, complete with mild spurts of fangirling and my favorite Bellarke gifs.
1. They worked out their differences to lead together.
Yes, they hated each other at first. They fought, they turned against each other, and they put their own agendas above everyone else's. But, when they realized that working together was the key to their survival and the survival of their people, that’s exactly what they did. Little did anyone know that they would end up risking their lives together and loving each other (although it is constantly denied by producer Jason Rothenberg. We see it, Jason. We see all of it.)
*Cough* GOALS *Cough*.
2. They have an incredible amount of respect and trust for one another.
Clarke is known for making the hard decisions, decisions that save her people but often have dire consequences. Although Bellamy doesn’t always agree, he trusts that she is doing the right thing and stands beside her anyways. In order to face the aftermath of one of her deadly choices, she leaves Bellamy and her people behind to find her own way to deal with the pain until she can return. He doesn’t want her to leave, and he doesn’t know what to do without her, but he lets her go anyways because he respects her choice and knows that she’s doing what is best for herself.
"The 100" writers made this scene 1000x more emotional by adding "Knocking On Heaven's Door" over the sound of my heart breaking.
3. I mean, come on. The CHEMISTRY.
I swear all these kids have to do is stand next to each other and I hear wedding bells. You can practically see their connection when they make eye contact or brush against each other. Also, they don't entertain the concept of personal space. Even though both Clarke and Bellamy have other temporary romantic interests in the show, none of those relationships even compare slightly to what these two have. I could add about thirty more gifs proving how in love they are, but I won't take up too much of your time.
Gosh dang it, Bell, just kiss her already.
4. Their most popular nicknames are Mom and Dad/ King and Queen.
Bellamy and Clarke are nothing if not parental figures. They take care of all the young criminals that were sent to the ground with them and are constantly saving everyone from every incoming trouble. Even Bellamy’s sister Octavia ships them. Here they are, running to the defense of their adopted children. Plus, Clarke is always so extra about it. Exhibit A is below.
Clarke, now is probably not the best time to be feeling for Bell's abs.
5. They always protect each other, no matter the cost.
When Clarke is in a pickle, which is more often than not, Bellamy never fails to keep calm and watch out for her while everyone else is freaking out. And not only is Bellamy’s safety her number one concern, but she was willing to give up her freedom, her fight, and her life to save him. If that's not love, then what is?
"A good little knight, by his queen's side." -Raven AKA Alie AKA the only one who sees through the facade.
6. They fit together and complete each other perfectly.
Bellamy without Clarke is like a heart without a brain, and Clarke without Bellamy is like a brain without a heart. It’s evident throughout the seasons that although they aren’t together for different periods of time, amazing things happen when they are. When they are separated, you can tell they are just miserable. It's called reading between the lines.
No matter how you see Bellarke, there’s a lot of love there. Maybe it’s purely platonic, and maybe it will evolve into something more. But let me ask, could two platonic buddies do THIS?
It's nothing, really, just the perfect DRAMATIC POWER COUPLE STARE-OFF INTO THE DISTANCE stunt. Again, what is personal space?
Last but absolutely not least, here is a compilation of Bellarke hugs from seasons 2-4 that will probably make you believe in love again.
Yeah. I'm crying too.
If these .gifs and reasons failed to show you what an amazing relationship these two pals have, then I highly suggest you just log on to Netflix and watch the show yourself. Then we'll talk.
These six components really do make up a solid foundation for a relationship to build on, and having those traits with someone else doesn't have to be a fictional fantasy! The point is, don't sell yourself short on a relationship with someone who won't do all of the above.
Bellarke, in the blessed words of Ellen Degeneres, it’s totally your choice but you should be together. See you love birds in season five.
