SHADOWHUNTERS Vamps it Up

Episode 1003 “Dead Man’s Party”

OK. Early on, I made the comparison between Shadowhunters and The Nine Lives of Chloe King, and I said that this show is doing it better. That doesn’t mean this is great television, because it’s not. But I think that’s more because of the source material, not the production team.

I admit, I’ve not read the books. I don’t have any interest in angsty teen drama YA lit, or chick lit, or teen lit, or anything that’s geared toward teens and tweens. I already lived through those years — a very long time ago — and I really don’t want to revisit them in the stuff I read.

But these recaps aren’t about the books. They’re about the television show, and the reviews evaluate the show on its own merits. I want to like this show, mainly because I know Kat, and I want her to succeed in her career. And if you keep expectations low, and consider the target audience, and consider the network this show is on, it’s still a decent show. It’s at least still holding my interest.

This week, more intrigue as the vampires enter the story. Clary (Katherine McNamara) finds herself pushing the Shadowhunters to rescue Simon (Alberto Rosende) before the vampires can have their way with him. And we get More! Emotional! Staring! between our leads…

So, everyone is after The Mortal Cup. Valentine wants it in exchange for Jocelyn, and the vampires want it in exchange for Simone. Clary (Kathrine McNamara) wants to go after Simon right! now! and doesn’t consider the consequences. Nor does she really understand what she’s wanting to do, as battling vampires is probably not in her wheelhouse yet. Something the rest of the Shadowhunters remind her, along with the notion that it’s a big risk to take any action against the vampires without the sanction of the Clave, else the magical realm get embroiled in another war.

Clary doesn’t really care about all that. She just wants to get Simon back. And then get her mother back. And then try to get her normal life back. Not sure that last one is ever happening, but at least there’s a chance they can rescue Simon pretty easily. As long as they can do it on the sly and not draw the attention of the Clave.

For his part, Simon is blissfully ignorant of just how much danger he’s in. Of course, he realizes that being a hostage is a Very Bad Thing, but he reasons that as long as he’s a hostage with value — i.e. bait to trap Clary — then they’re not going to kill him. Very astute of him. And much to the irritation of Raphael (David Castro), Simon just is a nervous ball of energy. Just talks and talks and talks and talks and talks…

Meanwhile, back at the Batcave, the Shadowhunters have decided it’s best to beg forgiveness than to ask permission, mainly because Clary has decided “The word is ‘no.’ I am, therefore, going anyway.” So to keep her from getting killed, Jace (Dominic Sherwood) convinces Alec (Matthew Daddario) and Isabella (Emeraude Toubia) to go with them.

Camille (Kaitlyn Leeb), the leader of this particular vampy band, wants to turn Simon — just for the fun of it, of course — so she’s keeping him juiced on Bloody Marys and sucking his blood, biding her time until the Shadowhunters fall into her trap! But Simon spills the beans that Clary doesn’t have the Cup, doesn’t know where it is, and doesn’t even remember anything about any of her life as a magical half-angel.

Camille instantly suspects Magnus the Warlock.

Retrieving a stash of weapons from the grave of Mary Mulligan, Team Clary splits up — Alec to retrieve his bow and arrows from the Batcave Institute, Isabella to pump her Seelie (read that “half-angel/half-demon”) friend Meliorn (Jade Hassouné), who’s more than a friend. And Isabelle’s interrogation process takes the “Family” out of ABC Family.

Meliorn is also seeing Camille, and since Seelies can’t lie, he — eventually — tells Isabelle that there’s a secret entrance to the vampire lair, and Isabelle meets up with Alec, who almost didn’t quite get caught by Hodge the Reformed Circle Member Now Paying Penance (Jon Cor), and brother and sister go skipping into the lion’s den to distract the vampires from below while Jace and Clary sneak in from the roof.

How’d they get to the roof, you ask? Flying motorcycle powered by demon energy. The flying motorcycle Jace and Clary stole from Brad the vampire at a biker bar where Jace taught Clary to “see” through the layers of rune protections. Able to see vampires as vampires, she falls prey to Brad’s charm spell — just enough to distract Brad so Jace can step in and steal his keys.

Come on, demon-powered flying motorcycle. Everyone’s gotta have one.

The rescue goes by the numbers: Alec and Isabelle put down let’s-lose-count-of-how-many vampires while making their way upstairs, while Jace and Clary close in on Camille, who gets told by Raphael to get while the gettin’s good.

Leaving Simon in the knife-wielding hands of Raphael, who takes Team Clary in tow and leads them all up to the roof. In a surprising turn of events, Raphael lets Simon go, telling Jace that if Valentine gets his hands on the Mortal Cup, no one will be safe. It’s a “remember this later” moment between Raphael and Jace, which means Chekhov’s Gun has just been loaded.

But then! Clary! puts! Simon! in the! Friend Zone!

And he notices the pulse beating in her throat. . . . . .

 

Shadowhunters airs Tuesday nights at 9/8C on Freeform.