This is a general discussion, including theories, speculation, and opinions. For the discussion regarding how the wiki should be edited to reflect 604 developments, see Thread:86209.
In my opinion: no, Clarke is NOT dead.
A few similar cases:
- The host still lives after taking ALIE 2 (Flame)
- The host still lives after taking ALIE 1 chip (Key to the CoL)
Obviously, there are differences, but the most comparable case is when ALIE took full control of Raven – even if Raven was lost or locked away for a while, she still lived and was able to return to her body.
I know Russell said the mind is erased, but I question how literal that is and if Russell really knows it as fact. Even if no one has previously escaped from being Prime after insertion, does it really mean it's impossible. Also, Clarke previously had the Flame and the chip, so that may affect things.
And from real-world perspective:
- Clarke is the primary character of the series. If she was to die, it'd be in some grand event. Not this unclear, plain way.
- JR has noted the importance of Clarke and Bellamy multiple times, e.g. "…Bellamy and Clarke have always been the center of the show, and their relationship is so important to everything we do." EW, "As always Bellamy and Clarke are at the center of the show and that relationship is hugely important." IGN – how would that work if one is dead?
- The show has already gone through the mess of killing an LGBT female after a sex scene, is it really going to try that again? I'm saying no.
We know for sure that Clarke's body is still alive, even if it's controlled by Josephine. To add to that, in my opinion, Clarke's mind is still alive too.