Basic Superlatives: “The Mortal Cup”

During the long and arduous journey that is the wait until Shadowhunters Season 3, we have decided to go back to the start and relive the most outstanding moments from the episodes that we have not covered (you can read more of our Shadowhunters Superlatives here).

This first foray into Freeform’s Shadowhunters featured Clary having the worst birthday ever, Simon “Forever Young” Lewis, and a strange visitor from the Upside Down. Check out some bite-size bests from episode 1×01.

 

1: Best Foreshadowing:

Simon sings a song dripping with bloody irony.

Real subtle, guys. But to be fair, any person who hasn’t read the book series may only glean the subtext of this clever song choice upon repeat viewings. As he sang “Forever Young” to the small crowd at the coffee shop, little did Simon know that he was soon doomed to be eternally underage and forever in need of a fake ID.

 

2: Worst Day Ever:

Clary has the Worst. Birthday. Ever.

In just one day, Clary was coerced into killing God-knows-what, her room was burnt to a crisp, her mother got kidnapped, she overheard her stepfather seemingly betraying her, she was attacked and poisoned by a demon, and she began to realize that her entire life had been a charade. This would be a lot for anyone to handle on a normal day, let alone their birthday – way harsh. We are sure these birthday surprises went beyond the stretch of Clary’s imagination no matter how artsy and creative she may be. And while we don’t want to point fingers at Jocelyn (may she rest in peace), her parenting techniques were kinda to blame for her daughter’s 18th birthday being the Worst Day Ever.

 

3: Episode MVP:

Jace is Clary’s blond knight in leather armor.

Let’s face it, Clary would’ve been totally screwed if Jace hadn’t taken it upon himself to look out for her. From the second he bumped into Clary and realized she had the Sight, something told him she would need his help when stuff would inevitably hit the fan – and not too long afterward, it did. Jace swooping in like a hero and taking Clary under his wing made him our Episode MVP.

 

4: Best Introduction:

Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Stealing the Scene.

This scene, which featured Magnus Bane looking fabulous while surrounded by fawning members of both sexes, established him as a powerful and confident figure right from the get-go (and even hinted at his bisexuality). And, just in case you needed even more proof that he was V.I.P. status, he rose from his makeshift throne to engage in a little power play with a Circle member that made it abundantly clear to everyone that he runs the club. Best Introduction ever.

 

5: Monster of the Week:

Demogorgon, anyone?

Maybe we have Stranger Things on the brain, but this thing bears a pretty strong resemblance to a Demogorgon. Awarding Monster of the Week on the very first episode may seem like jumping the gun, but this creature was seriously creepy and set the tone for the series. Granted, the monsters have gotten a major glow-up since, but this was a good way to get fans of the supernatural hooked. The moment you’ve seen something like this, there ain’t no turning back. Welcome to the Upside Down, Clary Fray.