Top 15 Moments from ‘Shadow and Bone’ Season 2

Despite Shadow and Bone Season 2’s flaws, there are so many fantastic moments as we watch our favorite characters interact. Some of these are the first meetings of characters we’ve been waiting for, and some are noteworthy because they are favorite book passages being brought to life.

If you haven’t already watched Shadow and Bone Season 2, you should exit this list immediately. There are spoilers all over. You’ve been warned!

Now, let’s discuss some of the standout moments of the season. We laughed, we cried, and we may have flailed a bit.

In chronological order, here are our top moments from Shadow and Bone Season 2:

1. Kaz and Jesper meeting Sturmhond (Season 2 Episode 1)

One of the joys of Shadow and Bone is watching characters interact in ways they don’t in the books. While Sturmhond is no stranger to the Crows, their first meeting doesn’t go down exactly like this.

If you’re not a bit in love with Nikolai Sturmhond after this scene, I don’t know what to tell you. Patrick Gibson proves in this moment that he was perfectly cast and is going to be fantastic in this role.

Between Kaz not knowing who he is, Sturmhond being affronted by that fact, and Jesper calling him a pirate, it is absolutely delightful to watch the three of them interact. There are so many great bits of dialogue in this scene, and you find yourself thinking that their time together is over far too soon.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give an honorable mention to the fact that this scene also features Kaz sharing that he knows Jesper is a durast.

2. 5 Crows are Better than 3 (Season 2 Episode 1)

We have almost collected the full set of Crows! Now we just need to get Matthias out of Hellgate…

There’s so much joy in watching Nina and Wylan join Kaz, Jesper, and Inej. We knew it was coming, and yet the five of them finally being in a room together still brings a smile to your face.

One of the best parts of them all being together is exploring some different relationships within the Crows, as well as seeing Nina and Wylan reacting to how Kaz Brekker operates.

Nina doesn’t put up with any of Kaz’s nonsense, much to Kaz’s chagrin. As for Wylan, he’s still a bit jumpy around Kaz. What’s really sweet is we do see Kaz showing some concern about Wylan’s health. Of course, he’s still trying to manipulate Wylan into helping out with his nefarious schemes, but hey, Kaz still cares.

3. Alina and Mal Find Safe Passage (Season 2 Episode 1)

It doesn’t take too long for danger to catch up with Alina and Mal. They don’t even make it a day in town before the first army is chasing Mal through town, wrecking carts and merchandise that Mal very cutely pays for.

In the midst of all that chaos, Tolya and Tamar are spotted in town, which immediately puts every book fan on the edge of their seat. There’s the joy of seeing these two for the first time along with the anticipation of what their presence means — Alina’s about to meet Sturmhond.

While we don’t get to see much more than Alina, Mal, and Sturmhond’s initial exchange in this episode, the build-up to this moment is what lands it on the list. Also, talk about a way to end an episode.

4. Sturmhond Teasing Mal (Season 2 Episode 2)

While a lot of us went into the season eagerly waiting to see Alina and Sturmhond/Nikolai interact, it’s safe to say that Mal and Sturmhond took us by surprise.

Mal doesn’t really have any friends outside of Alina. In fact, he mainly only interacts with her.

Sturmhond: Besides, I’m not handing you over to the Fjerdans.

Alina: You’re not?

Sturmhond: Saints no… I’m sorry, is it offense to say that in the presence of a living saint?

Mal: Okay. What do you want with us then?

Sturmhond: With you? Nothing. Honestly, I’m not even sure who you are.

Enter Sturmhond. He enjoys poking fun at Mal, whether it’s commenting on his unimportance or showing no interest in learning his name. Sturmhond’s teasing could’ve easily been more rude than funny, but it thankfully never comes across that way.

Perhaps it is because Mal is so serious all the time that he needs a bit of teasing or the fact that Mal definitely wants Sturmhond to pay a bit more attention to him, or at least learn his name.

5. Jesper Remembers Wylan (Season 2 Episode 2)

There’s something so very Jesper about the fact that he cannot remember Wylan until he’s on top of him. And, of course, he stops in the middle of a fight to remark on how he knows who Wylan is now.

Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 1, “No Shelter But Me,” hints that Wylan and Jesper had already met before, and there are a lot of other small moments that suggest that Jesper has forgotten their meeting.

We’re stuck waiting for Jesper to remember, so we can learn the details. The truth does not disappoint, and you can’t deny the thought that Jesper shows off a bit in the fight afterward for Wylan.

I’m still not sure how I feel about Jesper and Wylan ending the season already in a relationship, but even I can’t deny the perfection of this moment.

6. Zoya and Alina Reunited (Season 2 Episode 3)

It’s safe to say that Zoya wasn’t anyone’s favorite character last season. She was not the most welcoming to Alina, and so it’s nice that our first scene with Zoya on Shadow and Bone Season 2 showcases a different side of her.

There’s more to Zoya than a mean girl. She can recognize when she’s wrong, and she’s not above putting aside past differences for the sake of Ravka (Zoya’s one true love). On top of that, she shows Alina that she’s in Alina’s corner.

This probably isn’t an obvious moment to choose, but Zoya becomes a (lovable) main character in later novels, so it is important that the show puts in some work to develop her a bit further.

7. All Hail the Bastard of the Barrel (Season 2 Episode 4)

This is the Kaz Brekker we all know and love.

He’s ruthless, and he’ll do whatever it takes to see his enemies defeated in a way that best works for him. He may be bloodied up by the end of it, but Kaz will still be smiling, basking in the downfall of his enemy.

Nina points out on Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 2, “Rusalye,” that Kaz could simply ask her or Inej to kill Pekka, and they’d be able to do it easily with far less fuss, but that’s not what Kaz wants.

Kaz wants Pekka to realize that the young boy Pekka conned years ago has bested him now, and Kaz will have Pekka on his knees begging for mercy. And what Kaz wants, Kaz gets, and it’s a glorious scene.

8. King Shit (Season 2 Episode 5)

A lot has happened to Nikolai in less than 24 hours. His engagement party was attacked, and his brother and father were murdered, making him the King of Ravka.

Becoming the king is a big enough ordeal already, but under these circumstances, in the middle of a war, it’s a lot to put on even his broad shoulders.

Nikolai makes it clear what kind of king he is going to be when he pardons Genya, offering her protection. He does so after initially learning who she is, and he later stands up for her when his mother spots her and tries to have her hauled off.

Disagreeing with your family takes guts, and I’m proud of him for it. Ravka has its fair share of problems, but Nikolai shows that he’s determined to do everything in his power to make things better for both Grisha and Otkazat’sya.

9. Alina Attacks the Darkling (Season 2 Episode 5)

There’s something so cathartic about watching a woman use a man’s ego and emotions to manipulate him. You can feel a part of your soul healing while watching Alina con her way close to the Darkling.

He has been basically saying the same thing to Alina since they met to try to get her to join him and stand by his side, so it’s fairly easy for Alina to devise the best tactics to deceive him.

Admittedly, her attack could’ve been executed a bit better, but Mal did interrupt her. The only thing that would’ve made Alina’s arc with the Darkling even sweet is if she was the one to sever the connection between her and the Darkling, but Baghra did a decent job of it.

10. Alina and Nikolai’s Goodbye (Season 2 Episode 5)

This is the moment that cemented my fate as an Alina and Nikolai shipper. Their chemistry is phenomenal in this scene.

Nikolai’s still his normal, confident self, but there are moments of vulnerability, which is rare for him, and part of the reason why this scene works so well.

While the Darkling constantly tries to convince Alina that he’s a better match for her than Mal, Nikolai understands how much she loves Mal, and he doesn’t try to come between them. He respects their relationship. He’s okay if she never chooses him, but man, do we wish she would, even briefly.

The depth of Nikolai’s feelings are revealed a little bit later on  Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 7, “Meet You in the Meadow,” when Dominic shares that Nikolai doesn’t part with his lucky compass ever.

11. Inej’s Hallucination (Season 2 Episode 6)

I briefly considered combining everyone’s hallucinations (and Wylan saving the day) into one moment, but the more I thought about it, the more my Kanej shipper self realized I only wanted to discuss Inej’s hallucination. Also, I don’t want to dive into (sorry) Kaz’s trauma.

Inej’s hallucination is a happy one. She’s with Kaz, who is mature and healed enough to give himself to her. He doesn’t need to hide behind his armor and hold himself at a distance from her. He’s all in.

Aside from giving us a glimpse at a romantic Kanej moment, Inej’s dream also confirms her feelings for him in a way we hadn’t gotten before this.

There’s also something so heartbreaking about Inej realizing it isn’t real because Kaz is touching her and seconds away from kissing her. It’s what you deserve, Inej. Sadly, she’s right, and Kaz needs a lot more therapy before he’s ready to be what she needs.

12. Alina and Inej reunited (Season 2 Episode 7)

Talk about an entrance.

When everything is looking bleak, and Alina’s about to be hauled off by a shadow monster, our favorite wraith swoops in and saves her saint. As Alina says, there’s no one better suited to wield a mystical blade than Inej.

Alina and Inej’s friendship is so heartwarming. Inej got to meet her hero last season, and it went as well as anyone could’ve hoped for. Inej not only has gotten the honor of saving Alina’s life twice now, but she also gets the honor of calling Sankta Alina her friend.

It’s a beautiful friendship, and one of the unexpected joys that have come out of Shadow and Bone.

13. A Badass Durast (Season 2 Episode 7)

Jesper grows a lot this season.

He’s been working on coming to terms with his durast abilities. Jesper’s used to keeping his Grisha nature a secret, but he’s been slowly opening up to the thought that it’s not something that needs to be hidden.

When he uses his buttons as weapons during this fight scene, it’s impossible not to be proud of him.

Honorable mention goes to Nikolai’s head tilt when Jesper realizes the Sturmhond truth, and Kaz wondering what “nightmare they’ve gotten [themselves] into.”

14. Kanej Pain (Season 2 Episode 8)

Give me all the Kanej angst, please and thank you. It’s written so well, and Freddy Carter and Amita Suman deliver a standout performance.

A couple of times this season (and last), Kaz has offered Inej a chance to leave. He gives her money on Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 1 in order to allow her to go help Alina. And now, he’s asking her to stay.

Kaz: Stay. Stay in Ketterdam. Stay with me.

Inej: And what would be the point?

Kaz: I want you to. I want… I want you.

Inej: And how will you have me? With gloves on? Fully clothed? Your head turned so our lips never… touch. I will have you without your armor, Kaz Brekker, or I will not have you at all.

This exchange is one of the most beloved ones by book fans, and it’s obvious why. Kaz finally admits to what he wants, and while Inej wants this so badly, she won’t sell herself short and get anything less than what she deserves.

15. A New Sturmhond (Season 2 Episode 8)

I don’t mind this deviation from the books.

Mal gets to go off on a new adventure and be his own person. His purpose is no longer tied to Alina. After learning how much of his life unknowingly centered around her and her destiny, he deserves to chart his own course.

Nikolai, once again, gives up his lucky compass, which in my mind says that he cares about Mal quite a bit.

I’m looking forward to Mal’s Sturmhond interacting with the Crows next season. He hasn’t had the opportunity to really spend time with them, and I’m going to need Kaz and Jesper to critique Mal’s performance as Sturmhond. It would be delightful.

—

Which moment during the season was your favorite? Share them in the comments below.

Shadow and Bone Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Top 15 Moments from Shadow and Bone