Clarke Griffin and Octavia Blake have always had a complex relationship. While they initially became friendly, things took so many turns throughout their time together they covered every base from enemy and ally to friend and family. Depending on the circumstance, Clarke and Octavia’s relationship has been all over the place. Yet, it was always clear that when necessary, the two would work together and be on the same side when the event called for it.
Their relationship has not been easy to track, but that is one element that makes it so intriguing. Were Clarke and Octavia really friends? They have helped each other and hurt each other numerous times throughout the series in the name of survival. Clarke and Octavia care about each other, but they have also seemed willing to hurt each other if they feel it is necessary.
Not Friends: Clarke Planned To Kill Octavia
While Octavia was Blodreina, she put Madi’s life in danger by recruiting Madi to be Octavia’s second. Blodreina was willing to do anything it took to take the valley, so Clarke reacted to protect Madi, and in doing so, went down a dangerous path.
Clarke was prepared to kill Octavia to protect Madi. She even showed up to Octavia’s room with a gun. However, Clarke ended up cutting a deal with Octavia instead because she realized Octavia did not want Madi to take power, but Bellamy did.
Friends: Clarke Protected Octavia Against Lexa
Since Octavia knew that Lexa and Clarke were aware of an impending bomb that could kill many in Ton DC, Lexa considered her a threat. To take care of that, Lexa asked one of her men to kill Octavia. Clarke prevented this and told Lexa that Octavia was not to be killed or harmed and was trustworthy.
Even though Octavia had made it clear she was not thrilled with Clarke, Clarke still ensured that Octavia was safe and protected on their journey.
Not Friends: Octavia Sentenced Clarke To Death
Season 5 was not great for Octavia and Clarke’s relationship. They were constantly at odds between leadership roles, Madi’s part in everything, and the upcoming war.
So, when Octavia saw Clarke as a threat to her goal, she sentenced Clarke to death. Again, this doesn’t end up happening as Bellamy intervenes and poisons Octavia to ensure Clarke’s safety. Blodreina was not one to give up. Still, she did not make another attempt on Clarke’s life, even if the two hurt each other numerous times after reuniting.
Friends: Octavia Says She Understands Clarke
While trapped by the Disciples, Octavia reveals that after having helped raise Hope, Octavia understands Clarke and her protectiveness and connection to Madi. Such a big development between them improve their relationship, as did the fact that they were on the same side in being uncertain about Bellamy’s intentions.
Their upgraded connection comes through again when Clarke reveals she had killed Bellamy to protect Madi. Even if it came across as unrealistic that Octavia could get over Clarke’s choice so quickly, Octavia understood where Clarke’s mind and heart were and forgave her for it.
Not Friends: Ton DC
Due to Lexa’s influence, Clarke was willing to accept Lexa’s leadership choice to keep the impending missile a secret and escape, not to alert Mount Weather that an inside man was hiding in their facility. Unfortunately, that meant escaping without alerting anyone to what was happening or bringing anyone with them. Such a decision left Octavia’s fate undetermined until after the blast.
Although Clarke is relieved to find that Octavia and Lincoln survive the encounter, Octavia feels betrayed and hurt that Clarke not only left Octavia’s survival up to chance but also left innocent people to die.
Friends: Clarke And Octavia Side The With Grounders
In a rare moment, Clarke and Octavia side with each other against Bellamy. Bellamy’s stance with Pike while Clarke and Octavia side with Lexa and the Grounders is a unique position for the trio.
Still, it gives Clarke and Octavia an interesting chance to develop as individuals in their friendship and connection to the Grounders. Clarke and Octavia continue to become more deeply involved in Grounder society earning respective nicknames, “Wanheda,” “Skairipa,” and “Blodreina.”
Not Friends: Clarke Sides With Eligius
One of Clarke’s biggest betrayals was when she left Bellamy to die, took Madi, and left to join McCreary’s side during the war for Eden. Everything had been going so horribly for everyone that Clarke just desperately wanted Madi to keep her home.
Clarke does this knowing that she is leaving everyone behind for a chance at Madi’s survival. This was not a great moment for Clarke and Octavia’s relationship either. Still, Clarke ended up changing sides before the battle broke out and let Madi become the Commander.
Friends: Clarke Tells Madi Stories About Octavia
For six years, Clarke told Madi stories of her friends before Praimfaya. Of them all, Madi decided that Octavia was her favorite. Considering how complicated Clarke and Octavia’s relationship had been up to Praimfaya, that begs the question of how Clarke looked at those moments and how she saw Octavia.
It seemed that Clarke framed them as Octavia’s growth from the girl under the floor to the savior of the human race. Still, Clarke’s stories about Octavia must have shown that Clarke thought well of Octavia for Madi to determine the warrior as her favorite.
Not Friends: Clarke Locked Octavia Out Of The Bunker
While narratively, this plays out as a bigger conflict between Clarke and Bellamy, there is still a lot to say about the dynamic between Clarke and Octavia. Clarke had wanted to save Bellamy, Octavia, and Kane during her plan to steal the bunker.
However, Bellamy was the only one found in advance. Bellamy argued and pleaded to let Octavia inside, but Clarke was resistant, knowing that opening the bunker door could kill them all. In the end, Clarke lets Bellamy open the door because she didn’t have it in her to kill him to prevent it.
Friends: They Consider Each Other Family
When speaking to Hope, Octavia describes Bellamy, Clarke, and Madi as her family. Given how much she and Clarke had been through together, it is certainly interesting for Octavia to say that. While Octavia and Clarke seemed to be on the brink of mending fences when Octavia helped save Clarke from Josephine, Octavia makes this statement to Hope before that ever happens. Instead, Octavia and Clarke’s last real interactions had been the aftermath of Earth’s destruction.
Clarke goes out on a journey to find Bellamy, Octavia, and Echo. When Clarke reunites with Octavia, the two share a hug and bond while being captured. Clarke and Octavia also seem happy to see each other on Earth after transcendence.
