SHADOWHUNTERS - "The Guilty Blood" - Freeform's hit original series "Shadowhunters" returns on Monday, January 2 at 8pm ET/PT. (Freeform/John Medland) Shadowhunters: Top Moments from “This Guilty Blood” (Season 2 Episode 1)

Shadowhunters: Top Moments from “This Guilty Blood” (Season 2 Episode 1)

Cade Taylor Reviews, Shadowhunters

Shadowhunters Season 2 Episode 1, “This Guilty Blood,” does an impeccable job of setting the tone for the new season. The show is taking a darker, more mature path this season, and I honestly believe it’s for the best.

New showrunners Todd Slavkin and David Swimmer put their all into this season, and it shows quite well just from the premiere.

It was tough to narrow them down, but here are the top moments from “This Guilty Blood.”

Malec

The Season 1 finale gave all the fans what they wanted: Alec and Magnus finally getting together. Fans cheered all around that Alec finally stood up for himself and did something that makes him happy.

Now? Now comes the tension, awkward talks, and getting used to being out in public.

Magnus and Alec never actually talked about their relationship before Alec came out to everyone and professed his love for Magnus. Well, declared his attraction to Magnus. Don’t get me wrong– I love Malec as much as everyone else. But, they never even went on a date, and now it looks like we’re going to get to see the build-up to their relationship.

While Alec clearly has feelings for Magnus, it’s not his top priority right now with Jace missing. They’ve had severe communication issues, and I hope that instead of just rushing into the “in love” stage of the relationship we get to see them talk it out and grow together.

Simon’s Vampire Transition

Simon Lewis is one of the best characters on the show, and I will go down fighting for him.

Right now he’s lost and not sure what to do. The supernatural world is still completely new to him, and he’s doing his best to learn how to be a vampire. First off, hanging around a ton of werewolves is a no no. Even if he is with Luke.

SHADOWHUNTERS - "The Guilty Blood" - Freeform's hit original series "Shadowhunters" returns on Monday, January 2 at 8pm ET/PT. (Freeform/John Medland)
SHADOWHUNTERS – “The Guilty Blood” – Freeform’s hit original series “Shadowhunters” returns on Monday, January 2 at 8pm ET/PT. (Freeform/John Medland)
ALBERTO ROSENDE, KATHERINE MCNAMARA

No matter how much Simon smiles to everyone’s face and pretends everything is alright, it’s not. His world has turned upside down and now he can no longer be with his best friend at the institute or be out in the sun and live a normal life. He’s forced to hang around The Jade Wolf where he’s clearly not welcomed.

I look forward to seeing Simon and Raphael’s relationship grow and to see Simon grow as a vampire.

Jace and Valentine

As much as I hate to say it, some of my favorite scenes from “This Guilty Blood” are between Jace and Valentine. Their dialogue is remarkable. Valentine is taking advantage of the fact that deep down Jace thinks that he might be a bad guy.

I believe that the demon blood in Jace’s veins makes Jace feel like there’s nothing more that he can do. That no matter what he does to prevent it he’s going to be the villain. He hasn’t totally flipped the switch, but it’s visible that Valentine is getting to him.

“This Guilty Blood” is a phenomenal start to the season, and I absolutely can’t wait to see where the show goes.

Other Thoughts:

  1. How does can Clary not see that Simon has a huge crush on her? It’s so painfully obvious to everyone but Clary.
  2. Maryse turning on Jace is a real kick to the face. She took him in and made him part of their family. How does she think that Jace could leave with Valentine on his own and willingly help him?
  3. Not enough interaction between Izzy and Clary. The fight scene between Izzy and Clary is totally badass, but I want more than that. I want to see the relationship between the two grow as well. I know it’s only the first episode, and I’m getting ahead of myself, but I need it.
  4. I don’t like Jocelyn. At all. She is a total nuisance.

What did you think of this episode of Shadowhunters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Shadowhunters airs Mondays at 9/8c on Freeform.

Cade Taylor is a television and film critic living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV. His love for television developed at a young age, with a concentration on queer stories, sitcoms, teen dramas, and science fiction thrillers. In addition, he works full-time as a news producer, telling the stories of Missourians and helming "Produced in the Bi-State," a segment spotlighting actors, musicians, and entertainers from the St. Louis area. He can be reached by email at cade@telltaletv.com.