'Shadowhunters' | 'Dust and Shadows' S02E05 Review
Following an episode driven by plot (and a major character death), this week’s episode of ‘Shadowhunters’ aptly titled ‘Dust and Shadows’ focussed on its characters, which is always the program’s strength.
The all-round emotion and intense character building makes Episode 5 particularly powerful, enhancing the plot from where it last left off; this is without a doubt the standout episode of the season so far.
SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SO MANY SPOILERY SPOILERS!
Episode 5 ‘Dust and Shadows’ takes place two days after Clary’s mother Jocelyn is killed by a demon-possessed Alec. Throughout the episode, we see Clary and Jace deal with their grief in very different ways. Clary wants to use a warlock to bring her mother back from the dead, and Jace - oddly enough is the sensible ‘big brother’ figure to everyone.
We also see Alec struggling with his guilt, which takes form in several ways. Most of all, supporting Clary without question in her trip to the warlock - Iris Rouse, to bring her mother back; this backfires spectacularly when Clary backs out of the agreement, but unfortunately not until after she makes a blood oath to produce a warlock baby for Rouse as payment.
Meanwhile at the Institute, Isabelle is struggling to heal from the infected wound she got after also being possessed by the demon. In an attempt to be put on a one-of-a-kind mission, Isabelle ends up receiving treatment from Aldertree, which the audience is told is ‘yin fey’; this does not bode well as yin fey is highly addictive and dangerous.
In an episode full of outstanding scenes, it is Alec Lightwood that builds the episode to its highest emotional and poignant point. Interestingly, the two standout scenes to feature Alec actually revolve around Clary.
Up until now, Alec has acted as an antagonist to Clary’s protagonist; however, this week he takes responsibility for hurting her, though it was not his fault. He also reaches out to apologise to Clary, and stands by her when she mentions the chance to bring her mother back. Although this scene ultimately shows Clary manipulating Alec’s guilt for personal gain; Alec is sincere, making this scene one of important character building and healing.
Most powerfully, the conclusion of the episode sees the group gathered at the Shadowhunter funeral. Though Katherine McNamara captures Clary’s grief, distress and inner strength remarkably, it is Alec’s breakdown in the background that will break viewers’ hearts. Alec shakes, sobs, and his tears pour freely. It is perhaps the most beautiful scene in the ‘Shadowhunters’ series, period.
Other characters were given their moments to grieve, the actors delivering with much impact. Magnus sharing his memories of Jocelyn and his own mother with Clary was bittersweet, while Jace’s quiet mourning and the only character to really be able to shoulder up his fellow Shadowhunters was such a nice change of pace. And finally, Clary was very much in tune with her book-model that, as a fan of the books and television series, it was glorious to watch. Clary was powerful and smart, and willing to try everything she could to get her mother back, until it risked hurting others.
Though an unbelievably powerful episode, Simon’s characterisation seemed out of place. Although he does perform a Jewish prayer for Clary’s mother, he also cracks bad jokes and doesn’t seem to comfort Clary in the way a best friend should. What is most outrageous though is Simon’s leaving Clary alone so as to mend his relationship with his mother. Although arguably giving Clary what she wants, it just didn’t feel right, considering the supposed strength of their friendship.
‘Dust and Shadows’ is about the characters dealing with the consequences of their actions from last week’s episode, and it was expertly focussed throughout. If the episodes continue with this stellar balance of plot and character development, it will well surpass its first season.
‘Shadowhunters’ airs weekly on Netflix.
