Shadowhunters Review: Day of Atonement (Season 2 Episode 16)

Paul Wesley makes his directing debut outside of The Vampire Diaries on Shadowhunters Season 2 Episode 16, “Day of Atonement,” proving what a talent he has. “Day of Atonement” is another beautifully, well-shot episode with enough character progression to make its way to my top five episodes of the season.

My absolute favorite part of this episode is how much we learned about Maia. It’s time that we get to see another side of her, a side where she’s an actual person who is not always dealing with supernatural drama. Yes, she’s a werewolf, but she’s also a grown woman who has other things to worry about and live her life.

Recently it’s Maia who’s been there for Simon, and I think it’s adorable that she invited herself to his family dinner to make sure that he stayed under control and didn’t do anything that he regretted.

I’m torn – on the one hand, Maia and Simon could have an amazing friendship because they both have been through so much trauma in their life, both supernatural, funny, energetic, and outgoing when it comes to life. But at the same time, all of those qualities also mean they’d make an adorable couple.

The way Maia and Simon blush as Maia gives him a kiss on the cheek goodnight has me all flustered because in a sense I feel like we’re being baited with yet another relationship that we’d love but end up never getting.

In all honesty, all I want is Simon and Maia to both be healthy and happy because it’s what they deserve. But this is Shadowhunters, so we all know that won’t last for long.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Clary and Jace, but I’m finally coming around to the idea that they make a good couple. AND if Clary and Jace finally let all of their feelings out in the open and go for it that means that maybe Simon and Maia could become a thing. Maybe. Hopefully.

“Day of Atonement” showcases Alec’s superb abilities at running the institute, a job that he was destined for no matter what he thinks about his leadership skills. Alec is finally in his element, running things and getting business done. Nobody else could do this job better, nobody.

Alec and Izzy’s father barging in and expecting to be welcomed with open arms is ridiculous. We all know that he does care about them, but he doesn’t actively show it and popping up in the Institute at the orders of the Clave is not the way to prove it.

The only good thing that comes from their father showing up is Alec gets to stay head of the Institute, and now they know that the Clave doesn’t have the soul sword. With that type of information in his fold, there’s no telling what kind of leverage he could get.

The only thing interesting to come from Jonathan and Valentine’s interactions is finding out what exactly happened to Jonathan. It turns out that Valentine was the same monster back then as well.

Valentine made Jonathan who he is, injected him with demon blood, and taught him all about chemistry, but then sent him away when he started to become too much. If I were Jonathan, I would still send Valentine away no matter what.

With the secret of the soul sword being out and Jonathan being alive next week’s episode is going to be an eventful one.

Other Thoughts:

• Now that Clary can make portals through runes does this mean that Magnus could help teach her how to master them?
• Alec has to tell Magnus about the soul sword, but I feel like he won’t and it will cause drama between them.
• I love the dynamic between Izzy and Alec more and more every episode. It’ll never get old.

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

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Shadowhunters airs Monday’s at 8/7c on Freeform.

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