When The 100 Season 5 came and went, left in its wake were plenty of discussions and opinions.
But one of the most memorable additions to the show came in the form of Raven Reyes and Zeke Shaw, otherwise known as Pilot Mechanic for those that love them together.
In a way, Raven and Zeke reflected the minimal amount of hope still left on a show that loves to build off tragedy and darkness. Happiness looks good on those two, and in exchange, they share that happiness with the audience.
Raven and Zeke proved that not everything always to be hopeless, you have to allow yourself to be happy instead of letting the worst parts of the world get to you.
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They weren't always given the screentime they deserved, and it is even possible that they moved too fast, with the two not getting to spend much time together before they made things official. But so what?
Raven and Zeke are the perfect example of a successful fast burn, relying on good acting and amazing chemistry to carry half the weight that the writing might not have had the opportunity to.
But with The 100 Season 6 premiere episode came Zeke's shock value death on Planet Alpha. Just after Raven and Zeke got to spend some quality time together, quickly that became them saying goodbye and Zeke's story coming to a close.
In a lot of ways it isn't fair that a character like Zeke, who had nothing but potential, is ripped away before it can be explored properly. If it is a matter of an actor having another obligation, there are other options like just no waking him up or having him disappear like other characters have or even just putting him back in cryo.
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Fans couldn't help but notice the difference in which the premiere handled Kane's inability to be around much this season vs. Zeke's possible inability to be around as much.
But this isn't about Zeke's death, this is a slideshow that reflects on the fast but not any less meaningful relationship between Raven and Zeke.
They were epic and they had so much more to offer with their love story.
The 100 Season 6 premieres Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
Stick around TV Fanatic for more features, slideshows, episode previews, and reviews of the upcoming season, and
watch The 100 online if you need to catch up on the adventure.
1.
That Time Zeke and Raven Made Romance Look Natural
Finding time for romance on The 100 can be difficult unless you are Zeke and Raven. Usually, Raven is known for seizing the day when it comes to her romantic storylines, but there is something different about this time around. This felt the most genuine and came from a place of love, what a power couple move.
2.
That Time Zeke Was Willing To Risk His Life For Raven
Zeke was willing to sacrifice his life for Raven without even thinking about it twice. A good relationship, however quick it might take to form, has to feel authentic. Neither the audience nor Raven doubted at that moment what Zeke was saying. They may have had only one season to form a bond, but they proved that it was possible if the work was put into it.
3.
That Time Raven Was Able To Just Be Comfortable With Someone Again
It takes a second for Raven to connect with someone new, especially if at first they couldn't be trusted. Zeke and Raven though turned that fast burn expectation upside down, creating comfort between the two and such an easy understanding of the other. Zeke could tell exactly the kind of person Raven was, and he was so good for her that he broke down her walls before our eyes. Just look at these two and the way they can't stop all this happiness.
4.
That Time Raven and Zeke's First Kiss Destroyed Everyone With Its Power
How many fans can say their favorite ship had an epic first kiss? Fans of Pilot Mechanic can definitely claim that because these two managed to steal the spotlight during an episode about cannibalism. It didn't feel like a rush, it felt like it was about time that these two found a way to make a move.
5.
That Time Zeke and Raven Gave Us Hope For Their Potential Future Together
The 100 Season 6 offered so much potential for what Zeke and Raven could have been. It isn't just about their romance either, it is the way that Zeke could have fit in on his own with the group. There was so much more story to tell, so the only fast burn to worry about is the burn out of something that could have been refreshing and necessary to the narrative.
6.
That Time Zeke and Raven's Newly Discovered Bond Felt Effortless
Not to be that person but sometimes a romance is all about the connection. Before these two even met they had this existing banter and chemistry, the fact that it only turned up a notch when they met is a sign that these two were able to work so effortlessly.
7.
That Time Zeke Was There To Comfort Raven
Raven getting hurt by Abby was rough, to say the least. Having Zeke present for Raven in these kinds of vulnerable moments made it feel genuine when they would eventually get together. They don't just like each other, they support and were there for one another. Zeke also showed that he could be that support system for Raven, something that will be truly missed.
8.
That Time That Zeke and Raven Demonstrated How The Enemies To Lovers Trope Works
Enemies to lovers isn't a trope easy to execute, it is all about the development that comes between the two points in the romance. Raven and Zeke actually had that glow up, going from two people on different sides to two people who wanted the same thing. They had interests in common and there was chemistry, it worked in all the ways it should because the foundation was thought through well.
9.
That Time Zeke Looked Out For Raven Above All Else
These two didn't know each other for long, and yet this was a swift scene that solidified what could be. Zeke and Raven against the world, by each other's side, making sure the other is safe.
10.
That Time It Was All About The Little Things
This isn't anything big, just a detail showing how priorities work for Zeke. He is always looking out for Raven and how can fans resist rooting for this kind of growing relationship?
11.
That Time Zeke Was a Totally Adorable Dork About Raven
The biggest tragedy is the fact that Zeke won't get to ride motorcycles on the new planet, but we did get this tender moment between him and Raven. It doesn't come close to a whole season dedicated to their romance, but this is a moment the audience and Raven will look back as what could have been.
Yana Grebenyuk
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