Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me” is the powerful beginning of an intense season. As we cover the season, we will analyze an aspect of each episode every day. That way, we can fully delve into what is behind the story that we see. And, of course, our editorial about the show has to be about Kanej and their on-screen magic. Ready?
Here we go!
Wishes for Impossible Things in Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me”
Kaz always wanted to free Inej. From the first episode of the show, we saw that it was a priority for him. He took the job of kidnapping Alina in part to make sure Inej remained free. But in Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me” that possibility collapses… just when it was close to becoming a reality.
He can’t secure her freedom, not now that Pekka has put a target on their backs and taken everything that was his. Kaz also can’t put her in the middle of his vendetta against Pekka. And he especially cannot allow Pekka to return her to The Menagerie. The war has begun. Kaz can’t keep Inej by his side, not if the price is that she’s caught in the crossfire and in danger of returning to The Menagerie.
So even though it’s slowly killing him, Kaz asks Inej to run away in Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me.” Kaz promised her freedom and if he can’t offer her that, he can, at least, offer her a way out. A way out that Inej will accept. Not long ago, she raised the possibility of traveling with Alina to protect her and he asked her not to.
Kaz can’t even look at Inej as he tells her because it’s…too much. Something in Kaz’s chest hurts like hell. But it doesn’t matter as long as he’s sure Inej is safe. And he will take care, somehow, to get her the freedom he promised.
It’s clear that Kaz means well in Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me.” However, he does not realize that the decision to stay or go rests with Inej and her alone. Kaz, somehow, in an attempt to protect her, is deciding for her.
And Inej doesn’t intend to allow it.
“I’m Not Leaving You” Is Kanej Aesthetic and We’re Sobbing
For her part, Inej can’t believe that Kaz is pushing her away like that in Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me.” It hurts her and she’s disappointed that it’s so easy for him to get rid of her, like she’s not important. As if she were interchangeable.
Besides, living as a fugitive is not freedom. Not for her. And then Inej looks at Kaz, she really looks at him, and she realizes that he’s avoiding her gaze. Inej knows him and realizes there’s a lot more to his offer than Kaz lets her see.
And she doesn’t plan to leave him. She can’t. Perhaps, as things are in Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me,” the most rational thing would be for her to disappear, at least for a while. But she can’t do it.
What Inej feels for Kaz is like a flame that has been burning for years. Inej doesn’t dare name it or even has hope about it, but it’s still there. And she can’t just abandon Kaz when he needs her the most. Because when we love someone we don’t abandon them, no matter what.
Kanej’s Burning Flame in Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me”
Inej doesn’t know what the consequences of staying in Shadow and Bone 2×01 “No Shelter But Me” will be. But she doesn’t care at all. Her heart tells her that she is right where she needs to be.
Kaz needs to be sure that Inej is safe, but he can’t help but feel relieved when she chooses to stay. When she chooses him. So, even though Kaz worries about what might happen to her, he doesn’t insist anymore.
Inej’s choice was taken away too many times. And what Kaz feels for her, what he doesn’t dare accept even in his head, is too powerful to do that to her one more time.
Shadow and Bone season 2 is streaming now on Netflix.
