The 100 (TV Series) Stealing Fire (2016) User Reviews

Stop Crying

[michaelmangin · 8/10 · 10 April 2016]

Review will contain spoilers . . .

First off, the reviews on here are garbage. You are all crying about losing characters that you have some imaginary connection with. I felt this was a great episode, and if anything, your outrage proves to me that the director did a great job at tossing in emotion. It was riveting to see Lincoln on his knees, and Octavia watching. The way they crafted the scene was great as it only created a great deal of animosity towards the new chancellor. Much like when Hershal on the Walking Dead was on his knees. These people are at war, and they are trying to survive in a world that was destroyed by war. This is what the whole show has been about. There will be death . . .

Things are getting complicated

[tenshi_ippikiookami · 8/10 · 4 April 2016]

If in previous episodes we had had the action centered on Arkadia or on the 12 tribes, in this episode we get a little bit of both. And the better for it.

For starters, after Lexa's death, there is the little problem of succession, and what is going to happen when a new leader rises to power. Is it going to be one that thinks the Arkadia people are ones you can negotiate with, or is it one that believes the "lay waste to your enemies" is a great motto to start your day with? Even if it is pretty easy to see where the episode is going, it is nicely done, and the action and tension are high.

On the other side, not willing to be looked down, Kane's coup and punishment conundrum. We have Pike getting madder and madder, and Bellamy starting to think that now, that his own people are taking the brunt of the tensions, things should change. It is Bellamy being at his most Bellamy: naive, not much constructive thinking, and act before recognizing that maybe thinking is not a bad idea. Is Kane going to be killed? And also the ones that were in with him? The episode keeps us on the edge, and the outcome is, maybe not surprising for some, but not something that can be seen from a mile away, and shocking.

Good episode overall, and things happening non-stop.

Puzzled

[alfimuhamad · 7/10 · 2 April 2016]

I really don't understand why people are so mad with the writing. Yes, Titus's sudden change from not supporting Clarke to supporting her was awkward. And yes, it was weird why everyone was bowing down to Ontari in regard to the Conclave; like why can't the king be the Heda or something? But the show is a natural-born gory show with a gloomy vibe. Its edge and explicit style is what we live for. Understand the plethora of deaths in one episode and don't bash the whole series for it. I don't understand why people are infuriated with the death of children, like why aren't people angry when teenagers die. What in the world, they are still CHILDREN. Killing Lexa and Lincoln was devastating yes but that's what makes the show special: the unexpected. Making this a racial thing is OUTRAGEOUS, and saying that the show is trying too hard/kills too much is like saying the Captain America movies have too much action. This show is great and I can't wait for the season to continue. I understand that the past few episodes have been a haze and that Jason and the CW could do better but don't act like it hasn't been interesting with suspense.

Excellent Episode, Stop trying to pull the show down

[rjj-93693 · 10/10 · 5 April 2016]

This episode was great, I think people are still upset about the whole Lexa thing and really should stop trying to kill the show because of that. If you don't want to watch it don't watch it but don't ruin it for those of us who are still really enjoying it. I mean honestly The show is still really good, In fact I'd say its holding up to the quality it had earlier this season and keeping the momentum moving. And to try to get that canceled because your favorite character died is bogus. I understand what Lexa meant to everyone but please just chill a little and don't attack the show. The show isn't trying to attack you. Im an African American Male and I'm not freaking out because Lincoln was killed. But thats because I personally don't see it as the writing team trying to attack me, I think there were a succession of events that lead to Lincoln's demise that furthered the plot. Lexa's death furthered the plot even more so. And yeah I get that Lexa ideally would've died in a better way, but thats not real. Not everyone gets an honorable death no matter how great of a person they are, sometimes stuff just happens and thats how the world works and we just have to deal with it and I think thats what they're exploring in the show with Lexa's death. Please don't try to kill this show because you don't enjoy that, just stop watching it and don't pay it any mind.

Another Great Episode

[geirikeis · 9/10 · 4 April 2016]

Pardon my English, it's not perfect, but I'll give it a go. Let's get real, "Stealing Fire" is a great episode. The only reason this episode (and the two previous) gets so much hate and bad reviews is simply because they killed Lexa.

Just to be clear, I don't think Lexa got a worthy death. Lincoln on the other hand died a hero, sacrificing himself in order to save other people. Lexa deserved better. A strong, beloved character like she was deserved to go out big. Dying in a dark room by an accidental bullet is not worthy.

But no, she's not dead because she's a lesbian, but because Alycia Debnam-Carey is a series regular on Fear the Walking Dead, and there's a scheduling conflict. And Lincoln wasn't killed because he's a colored person, but because Ricky Whittle was cast as Shadow Moon, the leading role on American Gods. People who complains about homophobia and racism needs to calm down. And what about all the Nightblood children getting killed. It was dark, but why does people suddenly complain now? Does anyone remember the season 2 finale? The episode who holds the highest IMDb rating among all of The 100's episodes (9,5)? Where Clarke killed everyone in Mount Weather, children's included? So many hypocrites.

Stealing Fire is another great addition to the 3rd season of The 100. It's a dark and gritty show who's not afraid to hold back. And I hope they continue to push the limit for what they can do on network TV.

Solid Episode

[Releasethecracken · 9/10 · 5 April 2016]

** Spoiler Alert. You really shouldn't be reading reviews before you watch the episode anyways. **

This episode was pretty solid, it's just that everyone here is too "soft" to appreciate it. Everyone is getting their feathers all ruffled up because the show is killing people. The show/writers do not owe it to anyone to keep certain characters alive over others. People die, that's how the world works. Especially this world. Lincoln's death/execution falls completely in line with the types of characters he and Pike are and the type of world this story takes place in. And other than that, we have Monty (finally) coming through for Team Kane, and the commander/AI plot is moving forward. It looks like there are some good things to come from the rest of the season, and I for one can't wait to see what happens next.

Too Much Violence, Not Enough Hope

[meanyowen · 1 April 2016]

Yikes. This show is trying way too hard to be dark and edgy. There's a difference between portraying a grim world at war and showing a man's brains get blown out and bleed to death into a muddy puddle while his girlfriend watches, a man slit his own throat and drown in a bathtub, and a woman covered in blood throwing the severed heads of children into a crowd all in one episode. It's not good TV. It's disturbing and depressing. It doesn't help that all nine of the characters that died this episode were ones vying for peace, while the murderers and usurpers get to live another day. At this rate there's not going to be any good people left on the show. At this rate, there's not going to be anyone left on this show. There are only so many important characters you can kill in such a short amount of time, especially when their deaths serve no purpose other than shock value or making the remaining characters suffer some more.

The plot is messed up.

[ououzaza · 7/10 · 23 March 2020]

All the subplots are like gone. Just disappear. The 100 didn't care much about subplots and seems to be lost. But it is still watchable.

Don't be mislead by all the haters because theyr favourite character died.

[hatsor · 10/10 · 6 April 2016]

First of all let me say that this show is better and better. It started a bit cringe worthy on season 1 with all the teenage crap.

Since then it evolved and progressed really well, we can see that the characters all changed and are more mature. This is a critic to the reviewers that mark this episode as 1 star. Just because two characters died (A lesbian and an afro-American) IT doesn't mean it's an direct offense to you, because it isn't, a ton of people died at season one, hell all mount weather were killed and you didn't give a crap, now two characters get killed and everyone turns the tables.

From what i see there are no more cultures (per say) on the show, everyone looks at everyone in an equal way, if there is discrimination it's because of the clans they belong. That being said I think the plot is better and better with all the plot twists and interesting discoveries.

I think people got the wrong idea of what the show is about, we are in a post apocalyptic earth, not in a world full of werewolves and vampires.

This is what it means to make a hard choice for those you love

[CG17RH13 · 7/10 · 13 March 2024]

The best of the characters on this show sacrifice themselves for those they love and their people, and that is what makes a devastating and impactful death in a story.

Long before Clarke said "blood must not have blood," Lincoln and Finn preached that very idea. Lincoln was tortured by the sky teenagers, but still sought peace. Finn was stabbed by Lincoln's blade, but still sought peace. These two were the first two non-bigots in this untamed and violent war to choose peace. Finn's character was sorely used by the writers for plot purposes. Initially one of the best characters who acted from a place of reason, they turned him into a monster without any development whatsoever. But still, he turned himself into the Grounders for his people and his love for Clarke. Lincoln was always good. He was made into a drug addicted monster, but he fought it and, aside from those times he was addicted to the red, acted from a very moral place and strived to bring people together. He, too, valued the lives of Octavia and his people above his own. He demonstrated it with his life and it was wholly heartbreaking.

It was great that the show created a lesbian commander in Lexa, but if they wanted to make her death more impactful (beyond the tragedy of once again killing a gay character) they should have actually made her into the wise and strong leader everyone pretended that she was. Instead, they made her into a fickle untrustworthy leader whose choices made no sense. Regardless of what all of the 'shippers say, her character was irrationally flawed to the point of absurdity. That, to me, is the biggest crime against representation in the LGBT community - making her into this unsympathetic character who betrays people left and right. But the deaths of Finn and Lincoln, wow, so hard to bear, but make for riveting tragedy.

Now it's up to Raven (who was sadly missing from this episode) and Octavia to carry the torch of characters worth rooting for. Raven continues to be my favorite, she is wholly authentic, smart, and complicated. Octavia comes in second, but I love her warrior heart. All hail Raven and Octavia.

P. S. Wick, even in his all too short presence on this show, was also fantastic, bringing the comedic relief this show desperately needs. Such an underused and under-appreciated character.

Minorities are not dispensable!

[marylin-63421 · 1/10 · 31 March 2016]

Watching this show collapse from afar has been fun. First kill the lesbian, then the children and finish off by killing the POC. Titus killing himself was actually quite ridiculous to me, and Ontari disrespecting Lexa during her funeral was really unnecessary. I feel like the 100 wants to become like Game of Thrones, but they are failing miserably because they like the well crafted script to pull off so many people without feeling the repercussions of their deaths. Considering people was mad with Lexa's death, perhaps killing Lincon and disrespecting Lexa in this episode was not a good idea. Yep,everything happened while the mass murderer cries a little and we are expected to forgive him with that. Kill Bellamy, Pike and Ontari and maybe people will watch the show again... maybe...

Dramatic, Exciting, and Emotional.

[hedaclarke22 · 10/10 · 2 April 2016]

SPOILERS FOR 3X09 BELOW. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

ALSO, TO THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP DOWNVOTING PLEASE READ MY ENTIRE REVIEW BEFORE MINDLESSLY SAYING THAT IT ISN'T USEFUL.

This episode picked up the pace considerably compared to the last one. When I watched 3x08 I was definitely feeling let down because nothing much happened in the long run that affected the plot. Now I realize that the writers wanted us to have a breath of air between Lexa's death and Lincoln's – something I'm really glad for. So let's discuss this. Episode 3x09 had a lot going on. It was dramatic, exciting, and emotional.

In Polis, Ontari killed the other night bloods and became the commander. Except she didn't really; she's only pretending she has the "flame" which Clarke actually smuggled out of the city. I loved the Polis storyline and am sad to see her exit it because the grounder culture was very interesting to see on screen. Luckily John Murphy's still there and apparently becoming a soft spot for Fake Commander Ontari…? I'll take what I can get (thought I still prefer him to be with Emori!) As a side note I'd also like to point out that Roan's scenes with Clarke and Murphy were gold. It was everything I never knew I needed.

On the Arcadia side of things Kane and Sinclair managed to escape execution. Kane also got a kiss from Abby before leaving. This relationship was brewing for three seasons and the longing between the two was acted out excellently. What really stole the show for me, and most viewers I'm assuming, was Lincoln's bravery and death. Lincoln kom Triku deserved so much more than being shot in the head after he tried to achieve peace between the grounders and sky people for three seasons. He was kind, caring, inspirational and an all around good guy. I was very upset when I saw the scene. However, after taking some time to think about it I also believe that if he was going to be killed off this was a good way to do it. I'm NOT talking about the actual death scene. Seeing a man of colour on his knees getting shot by an authoritative figure resembled the very real problems in our society today. This is an argument I'm very aware of and completely understand. Although Lincoln died by the hands of another person of colour and wasn't the only one set to be executed (Kane and Sinclair were too) I can still sympathize with viewers who think it wasn't right.

What I like about his death is that he died by choice. He chose to sacrifice himself for his people and in doing so died an honorable death. He died as a hero. No one can argue against that. The scene wasn't played out as another black man getting shot in my opinion. Pike, despite his negative qualities, regarded Lincoln with respect and importance. Michael Beach's acting truly showed how Pike didn't take Lincoln's brave sacrifice as something to brush off. Pike actually looked slightly apologetic and even told Lincoln that he would take care of the grounders in prison because of his noble actions. If he didn't take Lincoln's sacrifice as something important then he wouldn't have given him that peace of mind before the execution.

So to conclude, I really enjoyed episode 3x09. Lincoln's death raised the stakes even higher and further proved the point we saw in the season 3 trailer – No one is safe. The 100 started off as a TV show with tough choices and dark themes. Of course the show will push boundaries every season and kill off favourites. That's what happens in a post-apocalyptic world where people are in danger left, right, and center. This is not going to have a happy ending for all the characters and I prepared myself for that right when I started watching the show.

The 100 is a very addicting, dark and compelling story and I'll be here to watch it every Thursday.

Kill them all

[blyaxa · 1/10 · 1 April 2016]

It started with Lexa. Then it continued with Lincoln and innocent children like Aden. Rothenberg, you can just kill off all the best characters and play other pity roles in your own show. Why not? People really love your brilliant plot, they don't watch your show because they love good characters. Oh, may be it's because you can't have good relationships with your own cast? That's why Lincoln is killed, because you bullied Ricky Whittle. So, who will be the next? You really think Luna and Bellark can save your show from collapsing even more? I really loved the 100 until a lot of nonsense began to happen. You will make Clarke light-headed, Bellamy will be forgiven for his sins like nothing happened, Octavia will become ruthless, and Raven will be killed? That's the plot?

This is not a fairytale

[wmaradghs · 9/10 · 2 April 2016]

So everyone is mad on how they killed Lincoln and how Ontari did horrible things. Well if you want a fairytale then at least don't watch this show. Lincoln did what was right. Ontari was also right in her own way. You can't expect mercy from a someone who wants to be leader. And it is in their culture to decide grave things like that by killing :D. That's why everyone else was okay with her actions. This episode perfectly explained that things will never go in your favor. You will have to adjust yourself according to the circumstances that are followed by the current events. Previous episodes were a disappointment and I began to dislike the show but this episode changed my opinion back. I loved this episode.

Wait. Immature sad cases rating it 1 star because..???

[ephraima · 10/10 · 1 April 2016]

Let me get this straight. "People" have rated this as a 1 star because they're little sados who can't take watching a couple characters die? Are you kidding me? While watching this episode I was thinking to myself "damn. This is a pretty good episode". Then I come here and contract aids from seeing it rated 3.8. Grow the hell up!!! It was powerful and to me is showing the development of the characters and the atmosphere.

Moreover, why are people crying like little pathetic babies like "omg! Ontari killed kids! omg! that's disgusting! omg!". Shut it. She's mean't to be brutal, cruel and horrible. Go watch teletubbies if you can't hack it. In addition it seems everyone is playing the race card or sexual orientation card... "omg! killed of a lesbian! This is sooooo bad!" Oh OK. See, I was under the impression that Lexa was 1000x more of a person and character then just being a bloody lesbian.... But no. tragic people nowadays don't see her as a critical character and that her death is very important both in general and for the development of the story. No. All they see is "omg. they killed a lesbian. omg. this is the worst ever. omg. omg." Christ save us..... Same thing with Lincoln too. "omg. they killed that coloured guy. omg. 1000000% racist. omg. this is horrible. omg. 1 star. omg." That all that goes on in their heads instead of seeing the importance of it both symbolically and for how the story will develop and how it's going to affect the other characters etc. Just pure ignorance.

A lot of things were laid out in this one and a lot of interesting things happened and it deserves a solid 8.7 in my opinion.

RELAX EVERYONE, Let's get one thing straight here!

[nimkal · 10/10 · 1 April 2016]

Let's discuss this. OK I understand that the way Lexa died was upsetting. Yes, she deserved a much better way to die. Some of you might think "No she shouldn't have died everything was perfect, and the love was great" Well that's the problem. Everything CAN'T remain perfect in a chaotic world. Rulers will fall, new rulers will come. Maybe she should of died in a better way, but COME ONE her death was bound to happen when she tried to enforce a new idea to her people. CHANGE IS NOT EASY PEOPLE. We've all learned that through history. And in a world of Chaos and conflict, things like these HAPPEN.

IT's MORE realistic THIS WAY. I mean this episode was so badly needed. What an amazing episode honestly! So much emotion involved. And realistic conflict is back. If these things were to not happen, then it would turn 100 into an unrealistic Soap Opera drama TV series. Is this what this show is about? No. Let's all keep that in mind. Also, Lincoln died in such an honorable manner, it was perfect. And now "Wandeha" is in search of a better leader who remains alive somewhere. Now we are talking, the story is finally getting interesting again.

Intense, dramatic and fair. I like it!

[kalin_m · 9/10 · 3 April 2016]

Seriously, people are voting 1/10 because they are upset with a plot twist? So, you loved this show for 2 and a half seasons and now you hate it? This brings quite a mixture of feelings in my head, ranging from LOL to desperation. Since when the forums started deciding how will a TV show plot continue? Enough!

This episode was a turn back to the reality. Some innovative ideas were born too early and died. Some peace talkers will have to wage their own wars now. Old promises have been fulfilled, new have been given. This episode is so true to the world of The 100 that I would really like to give it 10/10, but 9/10 is more realistic. Life happens.

This Show Has Become So Ugly

[leahmythical · 1/10 · 31 March 2016]

I cannot believe they executed Lincoln like that, in chains with a bullet to the brain and dragged it on while Octavia had to watch.

And killing children on the CW Network? What the hell? That was disgusting.

I am ashamed of this show. So done with the CW for letting this garbage air.

This show is so racist, what the hell. What happened to its diversity?

And Jason Rothenberg bullied the actor for Lincoln off the show - nice. Good to know what kind of guy is running this show.

Clarke being treated like that by Titus and then the random as hell switch in his behavior...what is plot and character development anymore on this show?

Take this trash off the air. It is a disgrace.

Sad, but a great episode! To people giving 1 star, you know you LOVE the show!

[Meddanny · 10/10 · 3 April 2016]

Yes, it was very sad! It killed another one of favorite characters!!!!! I was shouting "nooooooooo..." and expecting some miracles. But when I saw Octavia's angry tearful eyes, I knew something amazing is going to happen!!! I cannot wait for the rest of the season.

To people giving 1 star, you know you LOVE the show! I understand your frustrations. I was angry too. It's similar with the story line of "Game of thrones", where many of my favorite characters got killed off, lots of violence, killing, and death. You still have to say GOR is one of the best shows ever!!!

It's NOT fair to give one star. I know it's not deserve a 10 either, but I want to balance the rating.

disappointed by the story telling.

[sanchezghp · 3/10 · 1 April 2016]

I hate giving a rating of 3, because I think the 100 has wonderful actors: Eliza, Richard, Adina... And I am sorry for them. I would give those a 10! (and of course same to Alycia and Ricky) But sorry... the story telling is so very weak now. I used to like the series but now they lost me. It is getting worse and worse: poor dialogue (never heard of the "show don't tell" guys?), characters deaths happening for shock value, extremely quick pacing and then long moments of boredom...

And I find this AI think so very ridiculous...

I am a sci-fi addict though, but I find nothing new here.

I am mourning a series which could have been magnificent...

I don't like rating this a 10 when it's a 7 but people are rating it down bc they're upset

[haileerob1 · 10/10 · 2 April 2016]

Actual rating: 7/10 Breakout Acting: Marie Avgeropoulos and Ricky Whittle

There is yet another problematic trope in this episode (spoilers: it also had to do with a character death), and I hated how the last 3 minutes were shot, but this show is starting to feel more focused on character driven plots like it had before this season. People are just being salty bc a certain character died in a previous episode ( and although it was by a horrible trope it was still meant to drive the plot and the Actress was only available for 7 episodes. At least you guys had half the season dedicated to her whereas a main character got like maybe 13 minutes before dying)

SPOILERS: I think Lincoln/Ricky didn't deserve such a graphic death and that's what upset me most about this episode. He went out being heroic and sacrificing himself though, so at least that's there.

Aside from the character death this episode was good! I hope Clarke comes back and interacts with the main cast though. I think that's another thing that has been missing this season- the delinquents (yes, including Clarke) not interacting. Hopefully, from this episode on it'll be better and the writers will learn and no longer use horribly drawn out and disgusting tropes. Only time will tell.

I did love the mission to get Kane and the other to safety, however, and Octavia's remark about trying to live under the floor for sixteen years. It hurt a little but was still funny. Ontari, I don't necessarily like, but she'll make a good antagonist. Her dynamic with Murphy is also interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing where that leads. Also the Murphy and Roan sass was A+.

Marie Avgeropoulos and Ricky Whittle broke my heart this episode with their phenomenal acting. Rest in peace, Lincoln.

Great episode and great series

[finnickwv · 10/10 · 1 April 2016]

OK, so I'm not sure why this episode, or the past few episodes for that matter, have gotten such a bad rap. I mean, is it really because the writers killed off a lesbian character that everyone is up in arms? Reality check: it's a TV show. Who gives a flip who they kill off? It's purely for entertainment. If you're that upset about it, don't watch it. Find something better to do with your time. Personally, I love the show. I see the reason they killed Lexa off. The actress has a pretty big part in another TV show, so really it makes perfect sense. And there are plenty of shows that kill off the minority, gays, lesbians, straight people, white straight people, etc. So, think about what you're posting before you post. Because most of the posts that I've seen only show peoples ignorance and nothing more.

Favourite episode!

[terencegreen2298 · 10/10 · 1 April 2016]

I really don't understand why the last few episodes have been getting so much hate. Fair enough a fan favourite character got a death which she did not deserve. Just because that episode wasn't exactly great doesn't mean the other episodes should get hate. Ontari is a great antagonist, and her scene when she had the bags of all the heads literally put chills down my spine. Hopefully as the show goes on people will get over the recent deaths and start appreciating the show. The show does seem to be going down the Game of Thrones route which anyone can die and I'm perfectly fine with that. Hopefully Murphy gets more screen time as it seems his story Arc with Ontari could be very interesting.

Wonderful episode

[dressmango · 10/10 · 2 April 2016]

This was a really great episode! The scene in Polis was really good. Ontari as the new 'Heda' will be reckless and her disrespect for Lexa and her politics shows this quite well. The murdering of all the other 'Nightshades' was shocking, but is the one logical way to explain why she's the new commander. I also like the way Titus finally keeps his promise and protects Clarke.

And then there is Arkadia. Just wow. Marcus, Sinclair and Lincoln are sentenced to death and because of this we get a heartbreaking goodbye scene between Abby and Marcus. I love how Octavia saves them by hiding them under the floor. It's a nice parallel to her childhood. And then comes this wonderful, perfect kiss. It was about time and I really hope that we get to see more of Abby and Marcus the next few episodes.

The most shocking scene in 'Stealing Fire' was definitely Lincolns death. It was heartbreaking and I cried like a baby.

In the end it was a great episode and I can't understand all the haters. They give bad rates, because they are still angry about Lexas death. It was tragic, yes, but move on and don't spoil it for us, because it's not fair. This show has really great actors and it's never boring.

You buried yourself The 100. What for?

[alisa-89177 · 1/10 · 1 April 2016]

I from Russia, and am the first time when I leave a comment on a series, but I can't just be silent... I am simply shocked! The Russian fans is shocked! And we aren't lonely in it, there is a lot of us. (Not only in Russia, but also in other countries). And we just don't know that it is possible to tell about the show which kills the most worthy characters... Lexa and Lincoln were those people among Grounders who could cross through the alienation and cruelty, through laws of the world and to open to Sky people, to believe in them, to fall in love with them... They were those who could create together with Sky people the new world - the NEW ERA... An era in which the mankind not just survives, and LIVES!!!

BUT screenwriters and a producer can't think up more than anything except the next death and think that it is abrupt turn... On what I want to tell - it's SUCK!

Jason Rotenberg has deceived not only fans Lexa and Clexa, he has deceived all! Now The 100 not progressive show, but the show where just kill... kill much, it is causeless and cruel just as and in our modern world!

What ideas are born by about this show in teenage audience? The love is a weakness? The worst of us survive? Such ideas - NOT FOR US!

Once Jason Rotenberg has told: "When we will begin to repeat - we will finish!" - I think it is time to stop.

YOU BURIED YOURSELF THE 100!

WHAT FOR?

LIFE IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST SURVIVING! WE DESERVE THAT! THINK ABOUT IT! The whole world already thought...