Last week’s episode of Freeform’s Shadowhunters featured Clary high as a kite (not as fun as you would think); not one, but two awkward family dinners; and both Ithuriel and Papa Lightwood getting hot new make-overs. You can read our full review here, but below are some bite-sized bests from episode 2×16.
1: Episode MVP:
Maia Roberts, being quick on her feet.
Wouldn’t we all want to have a friend like Maia at those awkward family dinners? Even though Simon was dragging his feet at the idea, he would have been in for some deeply mortifying moments if Maia didn’t have his back every step of the way. Complimenting the kugel? Check. Charming Bubbie Helen? Check. Getting emo-boy extraordinaire Simon Lewis to smile? Our girl’s got it. Maia Roberts is the true MVP!
2: Best Make-Over:
Ithuriel’s glow-up.
By the Angel! No, seriously, check out this heavenly creature in all his glory. After Clary released the Angel Ithuriel from his imprisonment as a feeble but still awe-inspiring old man, it’s no surprise that Clary didn’t recognize him at first when he appeared to her with some prophetic words and a hot new look. We may have missed what he said, though, just drooling over that jawline.
3: Best Effects:
Clary hadoukens a portal into existence.
Good news on the portal front: Magnus can take some rest! It turns out our clever Clary has the angelically convenient power to create portals herself – apparently just by focusing on the idea of a place. We’re interested in finding out more about this power, but right now we’re amazed by those kickass special effects!
4: Most Swoon-Worthy:
Jace heals Clary with his own body. Goddamn.
It certainly was a bonding adventure this week when things got a little hallucinogenic in Idris, but this episode hit critical Swoon-Worthy levels when Jace used his own angelic abilities to heal Clary’s mind, cradling her in his arms and making sure she was back on her feet – and ready to battle with their complicated relationship status another day.
5: Best Performance:
Will Tudor makes us feel all the emotions.
Listen. We know that Jonathan is a bad guy. It’s been made astoundingly clear. But Will Tudor tugged at our heartstrings with Jonathan’s deeply tragic backstory and brought through the tense struggle between Jonathan’s need for revenge and his heartbreakingly earnest desire to be loved by his dad. Even if his dad is Valentine. Will Tudor’s ability to make Jonathan simultaneously a terrifying yet sympathetic villain is what makes him this week’s Best Performance.
6: Most Awkward Moment:
This wholesome family dinner.
Aside from the genius of paralleling an honest and lovely (though a touch awkward) family dinner in the Lewis household with, well…these two, this last scene between Valentine and Jonathan takes home our Most Awkward Moment award. Just your average genocidal maniac making a home-cooked meal for his murderous demon child son. Just…wholesome. The tension in the room was exquisitely portrayed, especially in the sudden meekness and wary submissiveness we could clearly see in Jonathan’s hunched shoulders. This was an absolutely riveting – and decidedly awkward – dynamic.
Shadowhunters airs Mondays 8/7c on Freeform and Tuesdays internationally on Netflix.
