Top 15 Moments from Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone Season 1 delivers a nearly flawless adaptation of two beloved Grishaverse series, Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone. The trip to Ravka isn’t always a pleasant one, but you’ll be highly entertained throughout your journey and will come away with some wonderful new friends.

If you haven’t already binged this wonderful season, you should do that immediately. There are spoilers all over this article. You’ve been warned!

Now it’s time to reflect back on some of the best moments of the season. Whether it’s laugh-out-loud funny, applause-worthy, or featuring everyone’s favorite goat, there are some fantastic moments during Season 1.

In chronological order, here are our top moments from Shadow and Bone Season 1:

1. Introducing Kaz, Jesper, and Inej (Season 1 Episode 1)

We all flailed a bit whenever the Crows appeared on our screens, right? I definitely did.

Kaz, Jesper, and Inej all get a perfect introduction befitting each of their characters. You could tell right away that the show and the actors were going to do them justice.

Jesper’s introduction features him being a cocky little shit. The first shot of Kaz is of his cane followed by him giving Jesper orders. As for Inej, she slips in while Kaz’s back is turned, gives him intel, argues with him (and Kaz calls her “one of a kind,”) and then she slips out the window.

Their first scenes reveal a lot about the characters and their dynamics as a group, while also letting everyone know that they may look adorable, but they are criminals (adorable ones).

2. Discovering the Sun Summoner (Season 1 Episode 1 and 2)

I’m cheating a little bit because this “moment” is actually a couple of moments, but they all relate to the same thing — the revelation that Alina is the Sun Summoner of legend. It’s such a big moment that it had to be on this list.

Everyone reacts to this bit of news differently, and it changes the course of a lot of people’s lives, not just Alina’s. Naturally, Alina goes through the most changes, what with being shipped off to the Little Palace and learning that a lot of people now want her dead. But, this news changes Mal’s plans and Kirigan’s.

This is also when it becomes clear how Kaz, Jesper, and Inej are going to factor into the show. They’re going to kidnap a saint, much to Inej’s dismay. It’s the perfect way to bring them into the mix.

3. A Demolition Expert (Season 1 Episode 2)

Kaz: Jesper, you ask for an explosive expert on every job.

Jesper: Because I don’t want to be the one you point to and say “explode something for us.” That is not a Jesper talent. I shoot things with style, and I look good. Just play to my strengths, boss.

There’s so much to love about this moment.

You’ve got Jesper being an absolute dork, discussing his strengths and weaknesses. You also get a better sense of the dynamic between him and Kaz. Yes, Jesper works for him, but there’s a fondness there. They’re a family, one that isn’t above mocking each other.

Kaz never stops walking even when Jesper does his little pose while saying he looks good, causing Jesper to have to catch up to him. And then there’s Kaz responding to Jesper’s sass in kind with his deadpan response of “Entering the Little Palace requires us to be quiet, blowing something up, we’ve likely failed.”

This moment probably made every Six of Crows fan, including myself, flail a bit. It’s fantastic foreshadowing to Wylan joining their ranks as a demolition expert. Here’s hoping he shows up in Season 2.

4. Crossing the Fold with the Crows and a Goat (Season 1 Episode 3)

This scene is chaotic in a way that can only happen with Kaz, Inej, and Jesper. It starts out with Jesper frantically running through a minefield, trying to escape an angry mob that’s following him.

Prior to them crossing the Fold, I didn’t think it could get any better than the sight of Kaz carrying a goat. I was so wrong.

When things start to go sideways because the volcra are attacking and Jesper didn’t bring enough coal, Jesper starts to panic and is ordered to grab the goat. The conductor basically instructed them to bring along an emotional support animal in case anyone freaked out on their journey.

The Conductor: I need you to calm down. Hug the goat. Shut the hell up.

And Jesper really, really needs an emotional support animal in that moment. Watching him cling to the goat, soon to be named Milo, is an absolutely hilarious sight.

Also, that is the chillest goat I’ve ever seen. He’s calm when the volcra start attacking, and he doesn’t flail about when Jesper is carrying him and starts shooting the volcra. Kaz somehow knew how to pick the right goat for the job, not even fully knowing what the job was.

5. Alina Makes Progress (Season 1 Episode 4)

It’s so rewarding to see Alina finally get the hang of her powers, especially considering the beating she’s gotten from Zoya during a sparring session and from Baghra’s cane in the name of training.

Alina is proud of herself for proving others wrong and making some actual progress. You can see the determination on her face as she storms into Baghra’s hut and demonstrates her new control over her powers.

It’s not a completely happy moment, though, because it only happens after Alina seems to make peace with Mal no longer caring about her, which we know is a lie. Unfortunately, the pain she feels is necessary to get her to this moment.

I wouldn’t go so far as Baghra when she says that “needing anyone else is weak,” but you shouldn’t wait on someone else to save you. Alina needed to realize that she could do this on her own. She doesn’t need anyone else to tap into her powers, and it’s something she continues to work on throughout the rest of the series.

6. Discovering a Stowaway (Season 1 Episode 5)

After all that planning and preparation, including discovering the Conductor’s hidden agenda and tricking him, the Crows walk away from the Little Palace without managing to nab Alina. All appears lost, but then the universe decides to play a little joke.

Alina escapes all on her own and stows away in the carriage that Jesper just so happens to have secured for their getaway. It’s absolutely hilarious in a “are you kidding me?” kind of way.

Of course, Jesper’s completely smug when Kaz and Inej show up, all defeated. Instead of cluing them in immediately on their stowaway, Jesper just saunters around being cryptic, loving that he knows something Kaz doesn’t. He’s such a little shit, and that’s why we love him.

In addition to the hilarious aspect of this moment, this is when Alina starts to make choices for herself. She learned the truth about Kirigan, and she’s done being manipulated. It’s a relief that we don’t have to see her be an unknowing puppet at the Little Palace any longer.

7. Nina and Mattias Getting Along (Season 1 Episode 6)

Even though Nina and Matthias spend the majority of the season off on their own, not connected to anyone else’s storyline, you have to admit that they provide some darn good banter.

Enemies to lovers will always be one of my favorite tropes, and Nina and Matthias embody it perfectly.

We go from seeing them hating each other, to Nina realizing that her remarks, especially the slightly lewd ones, get under his skin…and that she rather enjoys watching him squirm because of them.

Nina: Relax, this isn’t where I have my way with you.

Matthias: I can’t wait to be back in my own bed.

Nina: Yeah, I can feel just how much you hate sleeping next to me.

Not only do we get to experience a fun twist on the “there’s only one bed” trope — they have to keep each other warm so they don’t die — but Matthias saves her life. There’s nothing like a near-death experience or two to really bring people together.

Eventually, Matthias starts to warm up to her, and the two are (briefly) happy together.

8. Kaz vs. The Darkling (Season 1 Episode 6)

Shadow and Bone features a lot of delightful crossovers between the two Grishaverse novels, and each one is as fantastic as the next. For book fans, it’s something totally unique to Shadow and Bone, proving that there are still surprises left in this world for us.

Kaz’s run in with the Darkling (Kirigan) is set up almost as if it were a duel. Two badasses in dark coats staring across at the other, waiting for the right time to take their shot. The music is ominous, adding to the intensity surrounding their meeting.

The Darkling has to face a bit of reality here — Alina left him by choice. He falters, slightly, when Kaz breaks the news to him. Then, Kaz being Kaz, continues to bait him by saying that Alina didn’t want to be “a captive anymore.” He knew darn well how to best hurt the Darkling.

While the Darkling may have been the favorite to win this showdown, you can’t rule out Kaz’s ingenuity. He manages a swift escape.

9. Cinnamon Roll David (Season 1 Episode 6)

Davis is too pure for this world and must be protected at all costs.

He’s minding his business, reading a book, when the big bad Jesper throws open the carriage doors, startling him. The book, by the way, is a Ravkan edition of Shadow and Bone.

After all the showdowns with Grisha that Jesper, Kaz, and Inej just faced, it’s comical that David attacks with a book, even Jesper can’t believe it. Unfortunately for David, he doesn’t make it too far before Kaz whacks him across the head with his cane.

And then, after the attack, he raises a finger when he wants to speak to the Kirigan. Granted, speaking to Kirigan is a terrifying task, but the one finger raise and wave is an interesting choice.

As if it couldn’t get any better, Kirigan starts to tell him that he doesn’t need to raise a hand (well, finger) to speak, but then he gives up and just calls on David. It takes a lot to throw Kirigan off his game a bit, but David manages to do it all in the name of being polite and not interrupting his superior officer.

10. What Do You Believe In, Kaz Brekker? (Season 1 Episode 7)

Wow, drown me in Kanej feelings why don’t you.

After telling Jesper that she’s leaving (another beautiful scene, by the way), Inej goes to say goodbye to Kaz and winds up in a different conversation altogether.

He doesn’t offer up any goodbyes or reasons to stay. Instead, he admits that she was right all along about Alina, the sun summoner, and opens up to Inej a bit.

Inej: Kaz, if not Saints, what do you believe in?
Kaz: Myself.
Inej: Why did I even ask?
Kaz: And you, and Jesper, my Crows.
Inej: Because we flock to your bidding like the animals of vengeance you named us after.
Kaz: Crows don’t just remember the faces of people who’ve wronged them, they also remember those who are kind. They tell each other who to look after and who to watch out for. No saint ever watched over me, not like you have.

The fact that Inej is so stunned so can’t initially look him in the eyes is one great element of this scene, but then there’s the “not like you have” part where they are both looking at each other. It’s impossible not to swoon at such a beautifully romantic sentiment. “I love you” doesn’t hold a candle to it.

Kaz doesn’t open up about his feelings to anyone, ever, and the fact that he does is enough of a reason to get Inej to stay.

11. Milo Saves Mal (Season 1 Episode 7)

In case you haven’t noticed, this is a Milo fan account. He’s such an unexpected delight. Who would have thought Milo would be so important to the show?

Without him, Jesper would have lost it while crossing the Fold, and they would have never made it out of there alive. And now, Milo is the reason why Mal is able to break free and stowaway on the skiff, ready to save Alina if she needs him.

Honestly, I was thrilled at just seeing Milo alive and well, but him being the hero of the show is what he deserves.

Jesper may not know the full extent of Milo’s heroism, but he will definitely make sure all of his friends remember just how wonderful of a goat and friend Milo is.

12. Alina Holds Her Ground (Season 1 Episode 7)

Alina may be a prisoner again, but she finds the strength to tell off both Genya and Kirigan. Talk about two applause-worthy moments.

Alina finally has all the pieces in front of her, and she knows that the people who she thought were her friends were actually lying to her and manipulating her. And Alina, understandably, has had enough.

I’ve never been more proud of her. Seriously, there was cheering. Sure, she’s formidable when wielding her powers, but Alina can also be a total badass using only her words as she stands up to people who betrayed her.

Alina: You don’t care who suffers as long as you win.

Darkling (Kirigan): Fine, make me your villain.

Kirigan tries to save himself, to manipulate her into believing Baghra was lying, but Alina’s strong enough in her convictions to know that whatever his version of the whole truth is, his methods and beliefs do not line up with hers. And his world is not one she wants to be a part of.

Alina finally has the confidence in herself and her powers to know what she wants, when she’s being manipulated, and what’s right.

13. The Final Showdown in the Fold (Season 1 Episode 8)

No matter what, this was going to be an epic fight. The fact that the Crows are a part of it makes it even better. It’s one battle in the dark with volcra swarming and our favorites are helping each other and battling for survival.

You’ve got Mal being discovered by the Crows, Inej protecting Zoya, Mal attempting to protect Alina, Zoya saving Inej, Jesper going out shooting, Kaz saving Jesper, Inej attacking Kirigan, and Kaz protecting Inej.

There’s a lot going on, all while volcra and the darkness are swarming. It’s a compelling final showdown, and it’s great that the show takes its time with it, allowing us to explore it from multiple angles.

14. Alina Fights Back (Season 1 Episode 8)

Alina: You may have needed me, but I never needed you.

While this occurs during the final showdown, it deserves its own moment for the sheer badassery that Alina exhibits. While all the fighting mentioned above is happening, Alina’s mainly been on the ground, until the stag appears to her and reveals the truth about who earned its power.

The vision of the stag gives her the courage to make a boss move and give an inspiring hero speech. And then, there’s Mal with the assist, knocking the Darkling off the skiff.

It’s a great way to end the fight at the skiff and send Alina on to the next part of her hero journey.

15. New Friends and a New Adventure (Season 1 Episode 8)

After surviving the Fold, Alina, Mal, Zoya, and the Crows settle down to recoup and figure out their next moves. Between the clearing and the boat, there’s a lot of good character moments. Our favorites get to interact with any ulterior motives at play or any threats looming (that they know of, at least).

After a beautiful chat with Alina, Inej is tempted to go help her saint in her battle, causing Kaz to be vulnerable enough to say that he needs her.

Oof, these two are going to be the death of me. Kaz is only ever vulnerable with Inej when there’s a chance she might leave him, and he can’t bear the thought of it.

And then, there’s the small glimpse we get of a second season, where Nina overhears Kaz, Jesper, and Inej scheming and discussing their need for a heartrender. All it takes is a look, and you know that shortly thereafter, Nina will join their ranks and get them to assist with saving Matthias.

As for Alina and Mal, their future is less certain, but at least they’re together.

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What are your favorite moments from Shadow and Bone? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Shadow and Bone is now streaming on Netflix.

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