Shadowhunters 2×10 Review: “By the Light of Dawn”

The midseason finale of Shadowhunters changes everything going forward. Everyone was affected by the events of this episode. It’s unclear where things are going, but there’s definitely going to be some positive and negatives after these events.

This episode did a couple of team ups: Alec and Aldertree, Luke and Jace, and Clary and Magnus. In order, we’ll start with Alec and Aldertree. The two of them didn’t really do anything other than to reveal how Aldertree use to date a Downworlder, and how he believes that type of relationship will never work. The information didn’t work simply because of the moment when it is revealed. Alec brought up the subject during the worst time when Aldertree should’ve been more focused on shutting down the power, and since he told it at that time, his story didn’t have much emotional impact to it because it felt extremely forced. Not to mention his circumstances were very specific and didn’t feel like a good idea as to why all Shadowhunters and Downworlders shouldn’t date.

Next up is Luke and Jace. The two of them did a decent job together. They managed to get the Downworlders to hear out their plan, although, it felt too easy that everyone was on board. The best part of their team up was actually the scene with Maia. This scene worked because it showed the priorities of the two characters and how much family meant to them. Jace was determined to save Simon for Clary, and Luke wasn’t willing to leave his pack member/surrogate daughter behind.

Clary and Magnus ended up being the best of the teams. In one foul swoop Magnus was able to save Madzie and Clary was at least able to take down two Circle members. Both scenes worked because on the one hand there was Magnus the powerful warlock that only needed to use the power of compassion to save Madzie, while Clary used her training to take down two enemies that she wouldn’t have been able to take down before. It shows how far she’s come.

Once again the show reveals how deadly Valentine can be. He used Madzie to suffocate Shadowhunters, and he easily cut Simon’s throat open without flinching. There was also the moment when was explaining to Clary that he wanted to destroy the Downworlders for her. In his own twisted way, he sees himself as the hero. In a way, he slightly won because he was able to destroy a decent portion of high ranking Downworlders. Valentine is also cunning and played a long game in order to put his plans into motion, plus Jace was his backup plan because he had the angel before.

The problem with Valentine this episode was that he was so easily taken down. He’ll most likely escape capture, but there was no reason that Jace should’ve beat him this time and not the other times they’ve dueled. Also, Simon took him down twice, which lead to two moments where logic flew out the window because he could’ve easily killed Valentine and saved everyone a lot of trouble.

One character that will hopefully be out of trouble is Izzy. She found out Raphael lied to her and now she wants nothing to do with him. Hopefully she can shake off her addiction and get better.

Now for the things that will change everything going forward. Simon drank angel blood and now can walk in the sun without burning. What does this mean for other Downworlders? Jace has angel blood and can use the soul sword, and he’s not related to Clary. A good portion of the Downworlders died. Alec and Magnus said they loved each other. Dot is getting better and could possible help in the future. Clary sent the soul sword away. A mysterious figure now has the sword in their possession.

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Shadowhunters airs Mondays @ 8/7c on Freeform

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