Introduction
John Murphy wasn’t born a leader, and he certainly wasn’t destined for sainthood. In the brutal world of *The 100*, where survival was a daily battle and moral lines blurred into non-existence, John Murphy carved a path that was as complicated and morally ambiguous as the world around him. From his initial portrayal as a troublemaker exiled from the Ark to his eventual role as a reluctant savior, Murphy’s journey is arguably one of the most compelling and transformative in the entire series. He was a survivor, a pragmatist, and, against all odds, a testament to the idea that even the most flawed individuals are capable of profound change. John Murphy’s story is not just one of surviving a post-apocalyptic world, but also a journey of self-discovery and unexpected redemption. He defied expectations and proved that even in the darkest of times, there is always a chance for growth.
Murphy’s Early Days: Villain or Victim?
The story of John Murphy began under a cloud of accusations. Living on the Ark, a space station struggling to survive with dwindling resources, Murphy’s actions were seen as selfish and dangerous. He was implicated in petty crimes and ultimately exiled to Earth, deemed expendable by a society clinging to its own survival. But the circumstances surrounding his exile were far from clear-cut. The incident involving Charlotte, a young girl driven to desperation, painted Murphy as a villain, but it also highlighted the mob mentality and the rush to judgment that permeated the Ark’s society. He was a scapegoat, a convenient target for the fear and anger of a desperate people.
His experiences early on had a profound impact. Abandoned and left to fend for himself in a hostile environment, he learned that trust was a luxury he could not afford. He developed a survival-at-all-costs mentality, a pragmatic approach to a world where morality was often a liability. Was John Murphy truly a villain in those early days? Or was he a victim of circumstance, a product of a system that had failed him and a society that was quick to condemn? The answer, as with many things in *The 100*, is far more complex than it initially appears. His actions, while often questionable, were driven by a deep-seated fear and a desperate desire to survive in a world that seemed determined to destroy him.
Key Moments of Transformation
Throughout the series, John Murphy faced a series of trials that tested his limits and forced him to confront his own demons. His encounter with the Grounders marked a significant turning point. Captured and tortured, he experienced firsthand the brutality of this new world and the lengths to which people would go to protect their own. This experience, though horrific, also instilled in him a greater understanding of the Grounders’ perspective and the complexities of their culture.
Later, his journey to the City of Light revealed his unwavering skepticism and resilience. While many sought refuge in ALIE’s artificial paradise, Murphy remained wary, seeing through the illusion of control. His resistance played a crucial role in helping others break free from ALIE’s influence, demonstrating a surprising capacity for leadership and a commitment to protecting those around him.
His journey with Emori to Alpha presented new challenges. Their relationship blossomed amidst the hardships they faced, forging a deep and lasting connection. The trials they endured together strengthened their bond and allowed Murphy to see beyond his own self-preservation, recognizing the value of companionship and love in a world defined by loss and destruction.
Even in the face of immense pressure, John Murphy made difficult choices. His time with the Shepherd’s people tested his loyalty and forced him to confront the ethical implications of his actions. He wrestled with the dilemma between helping his friends and potentially saving humanity, a choice that highlighted his growth and his evolving sense of responsibility.
Relationships: The Heart of Murphy’s Evolution
The relationships John Murphy forged throughout the series were instrumental in his transformation. His connection with Emori stands out as a defining element of his character arc. Their love story, born out of shared adversity and mutual understanding, was one of the most genuine and enduring in the show. Emori’s unwavering belief in him, even when he doubted himself, provided him with the strength to overcome his past and embrace a better future. Their shared outsider status created an unbreakable bond, a testament to the power of love and acceptance in a world that often offered neither.
His relationship with Bellamy Blake began as one of animosity and distrust. However, as they faced countless dangers together, they developed a grudging respect for one another. Over time, their animosity gave way to a sense of camaraderie and even friendship, demonstrating the potential for growth and understanding even between those who initially seemed destined to be enemies.
His interactions with Clarke Griffin were often fraught with tension, driven by their conflicting priorities and approaches to leadership. While they often clashed, they also recognized the value of each other’s skills and were willing to collaborate when necessary. Despite their differences, they shared a common goal: the survival of their people.
Even his relationship with Raven Reyes, which started on a rocky footing, evolved into one of mutual respect. They recognized each other’s intelligence and skillsets, and became allies in the face of adversity.
Morality and Moral Ambiguity
John Murphy’s morality was never black and white. He operated in the gray areas, making choices that were often difficult to reconcile with traditional notions of right and wrong. His pragmatism, his willingness to do what was necessary to survive, often led him down paths that others would not dare to tread.
He betrayed others and forged alliances out of self-preservation. He lied, cheated, and manipulated, all in the name of survival. But his actions were not always driven by selfishness. As the series progressed, he increasingly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice his own well-being for the sake of others, showcasing a growing sense of empathy and responsibility.
John Murphy occupied a unique space in the moral landscape of *The 100*. Unlike Clarke, who often struggled to reconcile her actions with her conscience, or Bellamy, who was driven by a strong sense of duty, Murphy operated from a place of pragmatism and self-preservation. This made him a complex and unpredictable character, but it also made him a valuable asset in a world where clear-cut morality was often a liability.
Legacy and Impact on the Show
John Murphy’s survival skills proved invaluable to the group time and again. His resourcefulness, adaptability, and willingness to do whatever it took to survive made him an indispensable member of the team. He saved lives, thwarted threats, and navigated treacherous situations with a cunning that often surprised those around him.
He played a pivotal role in saving humanity on numerous occasions, whether it was resisting ALIE’s control or helping to find a way to transcend in the final season. He consistently rose to the occasion, proving that even the most unlikely of candidates could become a hero when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
His growth and change throughout the series had a profound impact on the narrative of *The 100*. He challenged assumptions, defied expectations, and demonstrated the potential for redemption in a world that often seemed devoid of hope. His story served as a reminder that even those who have made mistakes are capable of change and that even in the darkest of times, there is always a possibility for a better future.
Conclusion
John Murphy’s journey in *The 100* was not a straight line to heroism, but a tangled web of survival, mistakes, and unexpected growth. He wasn’t the chosen one, the natural leader, or the moral compass of the group. He was simply a survivor, a flawed individual who, through sheer force of will and a little bit of luck, managed to not only endure the apocalypse but also become something more.
Was John Murphy ultimately a hero? A villain? Or something in between? Perhaps the most accurate answer is that he was human, a reflection of the complexities and contradictions that lie within us all. His story reminds us that redemption is possible, even for those who have strayed far from the path, and that even the most unlikely of individuals can rise to the occasion when faced with adversity.
In the end, John Murphy, the scoundrel turned reluctant savior, left an indelible mark on the world of *The 100*. He proved that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, there is always hope for change, and that even the most flawed individuals are capable of greatness.
“I survive.” – John Murphy
