'SHADOWHUNTERS' IS BACK! | Season 3, Episode 1 - only on Netflix
The strutting, training montages, character angst and relationship drama are back, which can only mean one thing: 'Shadowhunters' Season 3 has finally arrived!
SPOILER ALERT!
The first episode of the season, 'On Infernal Ground' follows on not long after the events of the Season 2 finale. We see Clary (Katherine McNamara) finally get her official Shadowhunter ruins, and discover that Jace (Dom Sherwood) and Clary have decided to keep secret the fact she used the Angel Raziel’s wish to bring Jace back to life. There are already apparent consequences as Jace is tormented with nightmares and hallucinations of Sebastian telling him to hurt Clary. Then there's the ominous queen of demons - Lilith (Anna Hopkins), who is killing and possessing civilians to create black magic and revive Sebastian.
Most of the episode, however, follows the drama of other characters: specifically, Luke, who tries to convince his detective partner Ollie (Alexandra Ordolis) that she is delusional and that werewolves don't exist; which is made difficult by the fact he is a werewolf pack leader who is terrible at being inconspicuous.
Magnus is going through a struggle of his own since his decision to side with the Seelie Queen last season (a bad move), and has now been removed as the High Warlock of Brooklyn.
Finally, Simon is once again in a weird situation, seemingly held prisoner in the Seelie Court to serenade all the fae. Of course, this turns out to be just a show. In reality, the Seelie Queen brands Simon with a magical spear and remains silent about what the brand is or its purpose. Fans of the book series might have an inkling, as a brand on the forehead was a signature of Simon’s in the last three books of the 'Mortal Instruments' series, but we will have to wait for in-series confirmation for that to be proven correct.
For the most part, this episode was two-parts cheesy to one-part creepy. Some battle scenes (particularly the dark, abandoned marketplace) were uninspired, convenient and almost comedic in nature, logically making no sense whatsoever.
Somewhat better but still rather forced was the foreshadowing. The Seelie Queen’s silence and forthright concern for Simon, although performed well, seemed rather out of character and blunt. So was the later conversation between Maia and Simon, where Maia calls him brave and stupid.
In a similar vein was a line spoken by Alec to Magnus, where he claims "I’m not going anywhere" - akin to saying "what could possibly go wrong?". It put viewers on alert that something devastating would happen. Then again, if the aim of the episode was to make us aware of the terrible events to come, and to make us dread it, then 'On Infernal Ground' can be considered a success.
One thing that should be applauded though are the special effects. Although not gifted with the largest budget, there was a definite step up in this episode, which is very promising for the rest of the season. Seeing Idris for the first time was super exciting, as was villain Tim Dempsey (Randal Edwards) as he turned into something out of a Miyazaki film (although the upside-down face looked a little like a caricature). A for effort, though!
However, a concerning note should be made on ‘Malec’ (Magnus and Alec), who were rather awkward this episode. When Alec visits Magnus at the beginning of the episode, and Magnus confides that he lost his role as the head warlock of Brooklyn, it makes sense for Alec to sit beside Magnus on the couch. Instead, he stands in the middle of the room with his arms behind him, as if in parade rest. One could argue that it still reflects the awkward kinks in their relationship – but really, after last season and all they have been through together, as well as all the screen time that is so fantastically spent on them, it’s time we get to see a full, comfortable and healthy relationship in full swing. Although affection isn’t necessarily a part of every relationship, we need to see this issue addressed in one way or another. For heaven’s sake, Magnus and Raphael are more affectionate than Malec right now!
There is obvious room for improvement for the rest of Season 3, but based on what was seen in its premiere, there is also lots of potential yet to come. Fans of the series should definitely be excited.
'Shadowhunters' Season 3 episodes air weekly on Netflix.
