Monday night’s episode of Freeform’s Shadowhunters was not for the faint of heart (or those with sensitive stomachs). Gory murders, a Downworlder uprising, nepotism – oh, and dancing. You can read our full review here, but here are some bite-sized bests from episode 2×13.
WARNING: Graphic imagery.
1: Goriest Moment:
A slice-and-dice de-runing.
We were not prepared for Shadowhunters to go full-on Game of Thrones with what has to be the Goriest Moment yet. As if the grotesque jar collection along the serial killer’s den wasn’t enough, we actually got to see them in action cutting right into a victim like a Thanksgiving turkey (kudos to the props and special effects teams). After seeing something like that, Max’s kidnapping at the end of the episode was made all the more heart-stopping! But kids and pets are always safe in the end, right? …Right?
2: Most Awkward Moment:
Simon and Luke discuss “safety.”
Vampirism can bring up a lot of awkward double entendre conversations, and Luke wasn’t exactly helping that this week when he brought up “safety” between Simon and Clary. Come on, he must have known what that sounded like when he said it! Still, we’re glad to hear that Simon and Clary are being safe in every kind of way. We’re also glad to see that Luke is still in full dad mode with Simon, even though it sort of means both of his kids are dating now…wow, these guys really earned the Most Awkward Moment of the week!
3: Wild as Hell:
Alec Lightwood vs. the Clave.
“You sound like Valentine.” Forget about Jace being “Shadowhunter royalty” because Alec was absolutely regal this week. Talk about leadership! Alec stood up for what he knew was right and unflinchingly admitted that his personal relationships had everything to do with it. Going toe to toe with the Inquisitor (and by extension, the Clave and its prejudices), and comparing her to Valentine, was equal parts classy and Wild as Hell. In an episode all about standing up for the rights of the historically oppressed, we’re really proud of Alec for being on the right side of history.
4: Episode MVP:
Maia Roberts takes a stand.
As great as it is to see a Shadowhunter stand against his own when he knows they’re in the wrong, sometimes the words of an ally just don’t cut it. That’s why the one true hero this week is Maia, who wasn’t about to let the Clave do her people wrong without putting up a fight. Sure, Maia could have wolfed out, but instead, she looked Jace straight in the eyes and decked him with a resounding punch that was, hands down, the most satisfying moment of the week. Even hand-cuffed, Maia didn’t stop serving up the truth and the real-world parallels about the Clave’s behavior and their treatment of Downworlders, reminding them that she’s not only a werewolf but a black woman. Flawless Maia, you are most deservedly the Episode MVP.
5: Best Scene:
Magnus puts on his dancing shoes.
It is always fun to see magical friends having some dancing fun in times of sorrow and angst, but it is particularly fun when we get to see the magnificently talented Harry Shum Jr. show off his lightness of foot! In an episode full of horror, this scene between Magnus and Dorothea dancing right off the roof to old vinyl tunes (though not as old as them) was a ray of moonlight in the darkness (and this week’s Best Scene). We sure hope we get to see more of Harry’s dancing in the future…maybe Magnus can convince Alec to give it a whirl!
6: Best Crime-Fighting Trio:
Izzy, Raphael, and Meliorn team up to save the day. It’s kind of awesome.
The sheer badassery! Look, we see a lot of cool team-ups, from werewolf packs to vampire clans to our favorite Parabatai – but a team-up between a Shadowhunter, a seelie, and a vampire? That’s something to write home about! It’s undeniable that they looked awesome and hot as hell as they stormed in to save our littlest Shadowhunter, and we hope we get a few more chances to see this Crime-Fighting Trio kicking butt and saving the day.
7: Most Swoon-Worthy:
Malec says, “I love you.”
Tensions ran high between Alec and Magnus this week as Alec struggled between his gut, heart, and the Clave’s orders. After the same struggle included such a traumatic experience for Magnus last week, it was certainly a relief to see Alec go with (and towards) his heart at the end of this episode. We’re always 100% here for Malec declaring their love for one another so this week’s Most Swoon-Worthy moment really was no contest!
Shadowhunters airs Mondays 8/7c on Freeform Tuesdays internationally on Netflix.
