'Shadowhunters' | 'You Are Not Your Own' S02E12
This week’s instalment of 'Shadowhunters' is an improvement upon all the areas that were missing in Episode 11, and gives us that roiling mass of emotional tension we fans adore.
SPOILER ALERT!
In ‘You Are Not Your Own’, unknown to the majority of characters, Magnus and Valentine switched bodies thanks to the greater demon, Azaziel from last week, and neither are happy about it.
As viewers, we must watch Magnus be tortured both physically and emotionally as he begs Alec to believe him about the switch. Meanwhile, Valentine is not coping well being a ‘filthy warlock’ and despite being free, still feeling as powerless as ever (which is a good look for him).
Meanwhile, Izzy returns to the Institute and brings Sebastian with her, making for some interesting reactions. Izzy herself is still dealing with the repercussions of her addiction to the yin fen and somehow ends up turning to Simon for support. Simon, for his part, is still jumpy about being a daylighter and not sure whether to be super happy or super weary about this new ability.
One of the most interesting developments in this week’s episode is Jace being identified as a Herondale. Valentine reveals it in the most emotionally manipulative way to both Jace and Inquisitor Herondale, who happens to be his grandmother. We don’t see much of Jace’s initial reaction (because he is being held hostage by Valentine in Magnus’ body) but later we see a moving scene between the Inquisitor and Jace in which a family ring is passed on to him, and a bonding moment between two proud individuals who are now blood family.
Alan Van Sprang and Harry Shum Jr have to be commended for their acting skills, not only because of the character switch, but also their attention to character detail. For instance, Van Sprang evokes sympathy as Valentine, because the viewer genuinely believes he is Magnus. In the previous episode, the audience felt some satisfaction when seeing him tortured, but in this episode it breaks the viewers' hearts. Van Sprang's facial expressions and transforming Magnus-as-Valentine into a vulnerable and different character completely is incredible to watch.
Shum Jr on the other hand, had to play angry, awkward and strong, and achieved this to varying degrees. What is amazing is how Magnus carries himself differently, and how much humour there is to see Magnus struggle with magic. The best detail that expresses this feature in the moments where Valentine-as-Magnus fails at using magic, and his initial reaction is to tap his hands like you would a faulty remote. It is hilarious and yet so genuine, conveying Shum Jr’s talent in a single moment so brilliantly.
In an episode overflowing with dramatic scenes, perhaps the most intense is that between Clary and Sebastian. Clary has been struggling to use her angel blood magical ability to create new runes. Sebastian, realising this is because she is suppressing some of her emotions about losing all her family, especially after finding out Jace is not her brother decides to forcibly bring it out in a powerful and intense dialogue. Clary is understandably brought to tears, which is heartbreaking to watch, but the strength this emotion gives her character, and the determination in which she takes down Valentine (once he is switched back to his original body) is magnificent. This scene is some of 'Shadowhunters’ best when it comes to writing, directing and acting.
Finally, Izzy’s ongoing story of addiction is beautiful and important to watch. It is great to see Izzy’s confidence and smile back, but also this underlying vulnerability that peaks out more than it used to with different characters. Her bonding moments with Simon in this episode in particular are so positive it actually feels good to watch. Especially at the end of the episode as the two walk under umbrellas in the rain and give the emotional support each other needs: Simon by quietly sharing information on AA support groups without making a big deal out of it, and Izzy reassuring Simon about his relationship with Clary in a short and funny comment. Whether you ship Sizzy or not this is a special moment worth savouring by all fans of the show.
With such an excellent episode under the belt of the show creators though, it makes you wonder what lays ahead for the rest of the season. One gets the sense the emotional turmoil has only just begun.
'Shadowhunters' is available weekly on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.
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