I am a really huge fan of The Mortal Instruments books, so I am adjusting to the changes made to television adaptation. Now that that is out of the way: I am invested in the show and interested to see where it goes. I have learned to view the show as a separate being from the books, because that’s what it is. No matter what, these are characters I am very fond of in a world I adore. So, without further adieu, here are my 5 rants and raves from season 1 episode 3 of Shadowhunters titled “Dead Man’s Party”.
RANTS
- Jace and Clary’s relationship seems to be moving a bit too quick for me. Some of the moments between them seem right and thoughtfully paced, but others feel rushed. I cringed during almost the entire steele scene in the graveyard. I just think that things should be moving a bit slower due to the fact that they just met and all. Maybe, people behind the scenes are trying to get as much story as possible. If so, I can see where they are coming from.
- This is just something that bothers me on anything. I am not a big fan of the whole slow-mo, time-lapse thing. Teen Wolf uses it from time to time, and I’ve noticed that Shadowhunters has been using it a lot. That’s just a technical thing that just bothers me. I hope I’m not the only one. I just don’t think it looks clean.
- This is the only rant that I have that directly coincides with me being a fan of the books. It’s been a while since I have read the series, but from what I know, runes don’t give shadowhunters superpowers. It seems like the shadowhunters have these weird tricks they can do with their speed, jumping, excreta. Maybe I’m wrong. Let’s talk about it in the comments, if you’re a fan of the books too! I know that this is something that I will eventually get used to with time.
- The lines! Some of the lines that I’ve heard over the past 3 episode have been a bit much. This could totally just be my own personal taste, but some of the lines just make me cringe. This may be something that also dwindles out with time, hopefully.
- The steles seem to be a little basic looking. I FEEL SO MEAN SAYING ALL OF THIS, BECAUSE IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING AND THINGS ARE PROBABLY GOING TO GET BETTER! I just think the steles look like plastic and like they don’t weigh anything.
RAVES
- SIMON LEWIS! Finally, I can gush about Simon Lewis and Alberto Rosende’s portrayal of him. I think he is doing such a fantastic job! The comedic timing he has is incredible! The look on Simon’s face towards the end of this episode when Clary calls him her best friend breaks my heart. Simon’s mannerisms and silly quirks are top notch. I am just really enjoying Simon! (I am also loving Alec!)
- When the lines aren’t cringe-worthy, I’m normally laughing hysterically or doing that thing that middle school kids do when someone gets in trouble and has to go to the principal’s office. This show’s wit is there and thriving. I love it! The sarcastic banter that bounces between every single one of these characters is amazing.
- I am completely invested in Jace and Alec. Their relationship and dynamic as family, Parabatai, and more is so intriguing and compelling. I look forward to delving into that as more relationships form, romantic or not, with new characters.
- I am also really enjoying the dialogue and relationship between Jace, Alec, and Izzy. I think the show has done a really good job of showing where these characters stand with each other and showing their relationships with each other. Obviously, those 3 have been together for quite some time and that’s evident – in a good way.
- Izzy’s whip. Need I say more?
If you want to see more about either the rants or the raves mentioned above, catch the next episode this Tuesday on Freeform at 9/8c. Here’s the promo:
I agree with everything you said. As for the “runes give them superpowers” thing, I really think it just depends on how you interpret the books. I always saw the runes as giving them superior abilities. The show only seems to be taking that to the next level. It surprised me a lot at first, but I am getting use to it. Overall, I can’t wait for the show to improve. It’s very interesting, there are just a few lines that really bug me.
Nephilim have abilities superior to mundanes, but not necessarily superior to – say – vampires. The runes are supposed to heighten their abilities – not give them superpowers. Jace and Clary’s extra dose of angel blood gives them a few abilities other nemphilim don’t have (but speed wasn’t one of them).