'Shadowhunters' | 'Hail and Farewell' S02E19
The Shadowhunter family expanded this week with Sarah Hyland ('Modern Family') officially joined the show to play the Seelie Queen. Although a definite highlight, this was not the only positive for Episode 19.
'Hail and Farewell' saw Valentine and Sebastian/Jonathan on the run since the latter’s discovery by Clary in the Institute last episode. Although being hunted not only by the Clave but the entire Downworld, the two are surprisingly confident, taking time to lay traps and remain out in the open whilst doing so.
In the meantime, relations between the Downworld and the Clave are breaking down, with Magnus deciding to band with the Seelie Queen to protect his people, with the cost being giving the decision-making to said nefarious queen. Somehow, despite their better judgement, Raphael and Luke decide to also join this deal, leaving the fate of the entire Downworld in the fate of the Seelie Queen’s hands; this has Alec understandably frustrated, who is now preparing for a war on both sides, along with cutting pointed but heartbroken looks to Magnus during the emergency Downworld Council meeting.
Jace and Clary are trying to use their angelic powers and connection to their advantage which causes some badly timed tension between the two of them, but also leads to a pretty epic make out scene by the end of the episode.
If you’re feeling bad for Simon at this time, don’t, because he is not only dating Maia now, on the mends with Clary, and feeling the least threatened by everyone, but he is also holding a lot of power against the Seelie Queen who he meets and rejects for the second time this episode.
Sarah Hyland was a wonderful addition to the Shadowhunters cast and played a different side of the Seelie Queen. The idea that the Seelie Queen can change her age and appearance so drastically is canon with the book, but much more effective visually, especially when played by such a talented actress.
Sebastian was by far the stand out this episode: there is an interesting dynamic being played where his actions are dastardly and horrendous, yet his reasons invoke sympathy and pity. The beginning scene where Sebastian is, quite frankly, throwing a massive tantrum was rather fun to see because you couldn’t help but feel bad for him; this was only extended further when given hints, both visual and verbal, that all Sebastian wants is his father’s love and approval. The inclusion of the scene set at the children’s playground with Sebastian watching with yearning really hit viewers over the head, but also doubled to show how callous Valentine and the Circle are by conducting their tawdry business right there where innocents could be hurt.
It was fun to see some good old fashioned shadowhunting going on this episode too. Alec, Izzy, Jace and Clary on the search for Valentine and Sebastian while fighting off forsakens was both action packed and rather pretty to watch. It seems like all those training montages have finally built up to something.
It was so, so good to see Raphael return to the screen also. His apologising to Izzy and reaction when Izzy stated she knew there was more than just addicts craving each other between them was heartfelt, quiet, and moving. Everytime the two of them are together on screen there is a stillness, sweetness and poignancy that demands all the attention.
One cannot talk about Episode 19 without acknowledging the ending. Although it seemed inevitable (because the writer’s have not been subtle about foreshadowing the queen’s ambiguity), the scene not only concluded the episode beautifully with a strong impact, but promised so much drama and consequences and finality about the season finale next week. By seeing Valentine and the Seelie Queen walk off into Central Park arm in arm with the Seelie soldiers wordlessly accepting the change of alliance, we were left with not just a sudden moment of clarity of where the plot is heading, but the tantalising bittersweet sense of dread and anticipation for the next, and last, episode of the year.
As far as build-up goes, 'Shadowhunters' Episode 19 definitely delivered. The season finale promises to be one worth watching!
'Shadowhunters' Season 2 airs weekly on Netflix.
