It seems like a common mindset for our favorite group of heroes. It’s also a rather well-worn sentiment shared by almost everybody. We all feel alone in some way, in some form, like perhaps the world is against us. But sometimes, bonds forge that bring people together, and whether it’s a healthy, strong relationship or intense family ties, we are all able to relate on some level.
Shadowhunters has gained a large following (and they aren’t only book fans – its success is all its own) and they are, in all honesty, one of the most passionate fandoms I have ever seen. Brought together with a shared love, this fandom fights alongside our beloved characters in their search for love and justice, and stands by each other throughout everything – supporting artists, fan fiction writers, reviewers, the actors, the crew, and each other on a personal level, too. We may not be part of the wonderful cast of actors who bring these stories to life, but we’re what connects the show to the world and are just as important to the well-oiled machine that is Shadowhunters.
I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You
The impact of Malec, a healthy relationship which actively disproves stereotypes of gay and bisexual people, shows respectful communication and is full to the brim with heartwarming moments; all of this strung together with an overwhelming amount of love, is revolutionary. High Warlock of Brooklyn Magnus Bane and Head of the New York Institute Alec Lightwood defy all odds by being together, and whilst their relationship is not perfect – they rarely ever are – it is filled with beautiful, genuine moments that even just as a viewer, we can all appreciate. I cannot imagine how many people are affected by this portrayal on-screen, and how many more were given the courage to come out or even just accept who they are because of it. As their story continues to build, I feel (as I’m sure so many do) that the ride will be bumpy, and heartbreaking, and full of the giddy and real moments we’ve all fallen love with.
Who Am I to Stand in Your Way?
Shadowhunters has never shied away from having their female characters be empowered and empowering to others. From our leading ladies to their mothers, to their friends, there is never a moment where they are pushed back. For a young girl, teen, or woman, getting to see female characters be strong, vulnerable, and passionate, but not weak is something very rare, and is heavily, and rightly, drawn upon in the show. Our show presents two young females who rely upon each other from the moment they meet without being at odds, and it promotes such a lost message about female dynamics to viewers. We see mothers who would do anything to keep their children safe. We see women fighting beside men at the same level and succeeding, and not being the ones who need saving (more often than not, the ‘damsel in distress’ trope is reversed). It’s something that is emerging more often now in media, and Shadowhunters’ assurance that women can be strong, and sexy, and independent, without the added drama of female competition, is an incredibly positive statement.
Somebody to Die For
Family ties are something that binds many characters in the show together and are honestly one of my favorite things to watch. One of the most heartwarming relationships in the show is the bond between the Lightwood siblings (yes, this includes Jace). They are loyal to a fault and will do whatever it takes to protect each other. Even Jace, who is not family by blood, will do anything for them as they will for him. Another relationship we’ve seen evolve and strengthen is the bond Luke, Simon, and Clary share. While it did already appear strong in the beginning scenes of the pilot, we’ve seen through this ragtag family how the problems they each face do not have to be suffered alone. Both of these dynamics show that family doesn’t always mean blood, family is sometimes who you choose – whether it’s your adopted brother, or your best friend, or that cool detective who was always there for you growing up. It also shows that wanting to do anything for them, whether that be joining a supernatural fight club or attending a Yom Kippur dinner even though you can’t eat, goes alongside your love for them. It’s something we can all hope for and aspire to share with our own families.
Not About Angels
One of the joys of Shadowhunters is that every character has their own role to play, and at some point, are integral to the plot. This, alongside the multitude of storylines, creates a much bigger world which gives the audience more opportunities to engage and relate. We see each and every character’s significance, their different walks of life, their different joys and struggles. We don’t have a story fixated on just a couple of characters and the problems they face exclusively – instead, we are given a broad spectrum of characters and scenarios that enable anyone to find someone or something to connect with intimately.
Throw the Fear
Regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, everyone matters in this world, and the issues our characters face highlight what it means to be human. The topic of racial profiling, brought forward by our resident badass Maia, demonstrates both the discrimination she endures for being a black woman and the Clave’s discrimination against Downworlders for their demon blood – this real-world parallel is paramount in grounding one of the show’s bigger narratives. Simon’s heartbreaking retelling of his Bubbie Helen’s experience in Poland makes each and every action the Clave executes against the Downworld feel so much more devastating and real. We also see how Alec’s coming out has impacted his life – believing positions won’t be given to be him because of his sexuality and his dating of a Downworlder man creates a bias the Clave doesn’t want to deal with. We regularly see our characters standing up for what they believe in and pushing through whatever obstacles face them in order to do what’s right, even if it costs them personally. This is important in our society – it spreads the message that just because everyone else is doing something, it doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do and fighting against that might just inspire a much-needed change.
These are the things that connect the show to the world we live in. The story may be just fantasy, but the relationships, emotions, trials, and tribulations are not and neither are the things they teach us. Whilst we are caught up in the messy stream of daily life and all it entails, it’s the people we love and the things we fight for that ground us. Family, whether they’re blood or not, are the ones who are with us through everything. Love comes in many forms and should never need an apology; it is always worth fighting for. And regardless of who you are, you can fight. You can be anything you want to be – the world doesn’t define you.
Shadowhunters shows us that even the mightiest of heroes – just like us – are looking for a place to belong. But it also shows us that the world is made better by being true to who we are. And that’s one hell of a message for a television show.
Shadowhunters will return with Season 3 in early 2018.
