In the dystopian world of “The 100,” survival is a brutal game, and few characters embody this struggle more intensely than John Murphy. Introduced in the very first season of the popular Netflix series, John Murphy The 100 quickly establishes himself as a controversial figure. While the narrative often positions Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake as the central leaders guiding the hundred delinquents sent to Earth, Murphy’s journey in season one is a stark exploration of injustice, mob mentality, and the harsh realities of a world turned upside down. Far from being a simple antagonist, Murphy’s experiences in the initial episodes lay the groundwork for one of the most compelling character arcs in the entire series, starting with his tumultuous introduction in season one.
From Delinquent to Scapegoat: Murphy’s Early Days on Earth
When the hundred juvenile delinquents are dispatched from the failing Ark space station to test Earth’s habitability, John Murphy is among them. Initially, Murphy aligns himself with Bellamy, embracing the newfound freedom and rejecting the rules of the Ark. This rebellious streak, fueled by resentment towards the authority figures who governed their lives in space, immediately sets him apart. He embodies the chaotic energy of teenagers suddenly liberated from strict confinement, eager to test boundaries and live without restraint. This initial portrayal, however, is just the surface of a much more complex character.
Murphy’s confrontational nature and quick temper are evident early on. He clashes with Wells Jaha, Chancellor Jaha’s son, representing the very authority Murphy despises. These conflicts, while seemingly driven by petty rivalry, highlight a deeper resentment simmering within Murphy – a rejection of the system that deemed him and the other delinquents expendable. This animosity, however, is misinterpreted by many of his peers, setting the stage for the tragic events to unfold.
The 100 season one Netflix cover art and promo poster. Currently streaming on Netflix.
The Accusation and the Mob: A Descent into Injustice
The pivotal moment that defines Murphy’s season one trajectory is the murder of Wells Jaha. Following Bellamy’s misguided advice, the young Charlotte, traumatized by the Ark’s harsh justice system, kills Wells with Murphy’s knife. The discovery of Wells’ body ignites chaos and fear within the fledgling community. Clarke, grief-stricken and seeking immediate answers, jumps to a devastating conclusion. Based on Murphy’s prior conflicts with Wells and the presence of his knife, she publicly accuses him of the murder.
This accusation, made without investigation or evidence, unleashes the mob mentality lurking beneath the surface of the hundred’s fragile society. Fueled by fear and a thirst for retribution, the group turns on Murphy. Despite his vehement denials and pleas of innocence, the crowd, swayed by Clarke’s authoritative pronouncements, subjects him to a brutal beating. This scene is crucial in understanding the themes of “The 100” and the dangers of unchecked power and impulsive judgment.
The Hanging and the Confession: A Moment of Brutal Truth
The mob’s fury doesn’t end with physical violence. Driven to a frenzy, they drag Murphy to a tree and hang him. This horrifying scene underscores the breakdown of order and reason in their desperate new world. Even as the noose tightens around his neck, Murphy maintains his innocence, desperately pleading with Bellamy. It is only Charlotte’s agonizing confession, witnessing the horrific consequences of her actions, that saves Murphy from certain death.
Charlotte’s admission of guilt should have been a moment of collective realization and remorse for the hundred. Instead, it becomes another point of division. While some, including Murphy, demand justice for Wells’ actual killer, others, led by Clarke and Bellamy, advocate for leniency due to Charlotte’s age and perceived innocence. This split highlights the ethical dilemmas at the heart of survival and the flawed leadership that struggles to navigate these complex situations.
Banishment and Betrayal: The Price of Injustice
Despite being exonerated, Murphy does not receive justice or compassion. Clarke and Bellamy, rather than acknowledging their grave error and the mob’s brutality, decide to banish Murphy from the camp for Charlotte’s subsequent suicide – an act for which he bears no responsibility. This act of banishment is a profound betrayal. Murphy, already victimized by false accusations and mob violence, is further punished for the community’s collective failures and the tragic choices of others.
This banishment is not just a physical exile; it’s an emotional and social one. He is cast out, deemed a pariah, and forced to fend for himself in a hostile environment. This rejection, after enduring such profound injustice, fuels his bitterness and sets him on a path of further hardship and resentment. The seeds of his later, more morally ambiguous actions are sown in this moment of profound abandonment.
Torture and Transformation: The Crucible of Suffering
Murphy’s banishment leads him into the hands of the Grounders, the native inhabitants of Earth. Captured and tortured, he experiences further brutality and dehumanization. This ordeal, while horrific, becomes another turning point in his character arc. It hardens him, yes, but it also provides a stark lesson in survival and the depths of human cruelty. When he is returned to the camp, infected and weaponized by the Grounders, it is not as a villain, but as a victim transformed by unimaginable suffering.
His subsequent actions, including seeking revenge against those he holds responsible for his torment, are understandable, if not justifiable, responses to the relentless injustice he has faced. Murphy’s arc in season one is not a simple tale of good versus evil. It is a nuanced exploration of how easily individuals can be scapegoated, how quickly societies can descend into mob rule, and how profoundly injustice can shape a person’s path.
Conclusion: The Dawn of Redemption for Murphy
Season one of “The 100” paints a grim picture of humanity’s capacity for both survival and self-destruction. Amidst this chaos, John Murphy The 100 emerges as a character forged in the fires of injustice. While his initial actions are often impulsive and self-serving, his journey through false accusation, mob violence, banishment, and torture reveals a resilient, if deeply wounded, spirit. Season one sets the stage for Murphy’s complex evolution throughout the series. He begins as a misunderstood delinquent, becomes a scapegoat for community fears, and ultimately endures unimaginable suffering. Yet, even in these darkest moments, the seeds of his eventual redemption are sown, hinting at the capacity for growth and change that lies within even the most flawed individuals in the brutal world of “The 100.” His story in season one is a powerful commentary on justice, leadership, and the enduring struggle for survival, both physical and moral.
