The CW produces quality sci-fi show in 'The 100'

TV Shows on the CW are often fairly one-dimensional, despite regularly boasting storylines fueled by teen angst and turbulent love triangles. Granted, that doesn't prevent millions of viewers from tuning in every week. Once in a while, the CW is able to break away from this stereotype and create shows that respectable TV watchers would spend time on. "The 100" (2014-present) is an example of a science fiction TV show that finds a good balance between guilty pleasure and quality content. It began last spring and is currently halfway through its second season.

"The 100" is based on the book series of the same name by Kass Morgan. It takes place about 97 years in the future, after a nuclear war has destroyed life on Earth. The only survivors were those who were inhabiting the 12 space stations orbiting the Earth at the time of the war.These survivors joined together to form a single station named "The Ark." The Ark's life-support systems are failing and will require months to be repaired, and its oxygen supply won't last long. One hundred juvenile prisoners are sent down to Earth on what was believed to be a suicide mission to see if it is inhabitable. It turns out that living on The Ark has given the survivors an immunity to the radiation, so, for them, Earth is livable.

Each prisoner has his or her own story that details how they ended up in prison. Clarke's (Eliza Taylor) father realized The Ark's life support was failing and tried to warn everyone. When he was captured and killed for going against the orders of the Chancellor, Jaha (Isaiah Washington), Clarke was taken in as an accessory to his crimes. She leads the group of teens on a mission to Mount Weather, where they hope to find preserved supplies left over from the war. What they didn't expect was being brutally attacked by Grounders, the few survivors of the war. This begins a deadly conflict between the "Sky People" and the Grounders.

Clarke is joined in her leadership position by siblings Octavia (Marie Avgeropoulos) and Bellamy (Bob Morley), Finn (Thomas McDonell) and engineers Jasper (Devon Bostick) and Monty (Christopher Larkin). The actors are supported by a strong script and deliver surprisingly convincing performances, allowing for a brief reprieve from the typical content quality of most CW shows. Each character has a unique, defining feature that makes it easy for the viewer to connect to them and care deeply for them. Taylor and Avgeropoulos are clear standouts among the crowd, expressing a range of emotions rare for young actors and actresses.

The book series isn't particularly well-written, but the show manages to expand upon it and add a level of maturity to the subject matter. The theme of "us vs. them" is present in many layers. The government on The Ark viewed the juveniles they sent down as expendable, risking the youths' lives for the survival of the population. The juveniles see the Grounders as savages, looking down on them as barbaric and violent. The most interesting relationship that emerges is not that between Clarke and Finn, but rather Octavia's blooming, secret and complex relationship with a Grounder, Lincoln (Ricky Whittle). Avgeropoulos and Whittle have clear chemistry and are, arguably, the best part of the show.

The majority of the show takes place either inside The Ark or in the forests on Earth, so there isn't much room for inventive cinematographic techniques. Admittedly, the camerawork is lacking, but those watching the CW aren't generally looking for creative camera use.

"The 100" has improved during its one-and-a-half season run, and will most likely continue to do so. It's a strong contender among CW shows. In the grand scheme of things, "The 100" isn't visually masterful, nor is it an incredible TV show. It is, however, solid entertainment. It is a guilty pleasure that viewers should not feel guilty for watching.