After the attack at the Citadel in last week’s “Iron Sisters,” Clary is on high alert to find Cleophus, but Luke isn’t so sure she can be trusted. Meanwhile, Izzy’s yin fen supply is running low, and she’s getting desperate, while Magnus and Alec grow even closer in "How Are Thou Fallen."
Magnus and Alec are too cute for this show
One of the most important aspects of a genre show is taking a break from the action and the mystery long enough to allow the characters to develop and make connections with one another.
While we are given the hilarious gift that is Jace coaching Simon on relationships, the better connection here is watching Alec and Magnus navigate the new waters of theirs.
While Magnus has been taking Alec on dates through portals to far away countries, Alec gives Magnus the first gift he’s had in a long time - a small token meant to bring him good luck. That simple gesture gives Magnus pause as he realizes that he’s never quite felt the way he feels for Alec about anyone else. He’s also used to people wanting something from him, not giving him a gift just because they want to. Alec, on the other hand, realizes that Magnus makes him happy in a way that he hasn’t been before, and he’s ready to take the next step in their relationship.
Despite the Shadowhunter and Warlock of it all, the relationship between Magnus and Alec might be one of the best things to come out of the show right now. Their development feels natural, genuine, and it’s a joy to watch unfold. The same can’t be said for Jace acting out with new flings because he’s upset about the path his life is currently traveling.
Izzy is feeling the yin fen
There’s no Aldertree interfering in Izzy’s life this week or lording his knowledge of her yin fen use over her, but that doesn’t mean she gets a break. Izzy is clearly already addicted to the yin fen. She can’t get enough and her supply is out. What does this mean? For one thing, Emeraude Toubia gets to turn out a stellar performance of a junkie in need of a fix.
For another, Izzy makes increasingly desperate decisions.
She goes to a magical drug dealer in hopes of getting yin fen, but is thwarted by Magnus, whether it’s on purpose or not. After that avenue goes nowhere, she turns to Simon, telling him that Shadowhunter blood is great for anxiety. Of course, the look on his face has her backtracking and telling him it was just a joke. This all leads to her seeking out some not-so-friendly vampires for a fix. I can’t wait to see how she explains herself and what kind of consequences are in store for her. It can’t be long now before someone realizes she’s an addict, right?
Clary learns from her mistakes
Considering Clary is the least experienced of the core Shadowhunters, she’s the one most likely to make the same mistakes over and over again.
It’s about time she learned a thing or two outside of drawing runes and using a sword. Though she initially trusts Cleophus, she doesn’t give Luke a lot of pushback after speaking with her. Why? Only Valentine calls her Clarissa as Luke’s sister does. It’s a small thing, but a big catch for Clary.
I’ve often found Clary to be the weak link on the show, so with a small catch like this one, she feels like she’s getting a little more comfortable in her skin. She’s becoming a better Shadowhunter as the season goes on, and I hope that trend continues, especially since, as we see in this episode, the angels can talk to her.
The verdict and what’s next
One of the strongest episodes of the season, I loved the stronger focus on Alec and Izzy and the movement on the mythology in the show.
4 out of 5 stars.
Next week, the youngest Lightwood returns as the family prepares for his rune ceremony in “Love is a Devil,” but everyone will have to face their biggest fears as the celebration is interrupted. You can bet that some of those fears are going to be directly impacted by the results of the “Day of Wrath” demon attack.