i decided to wait until episode 8 had aired before i made a decision on how i felt about the last few episodes. there were so many great moments (not just good, truly great) and i love the show for every second of those–BAMF magnus, jace banter, maia (alisha steals every scene she’s in), luke’s protective streak, eme’s acting, alec coming into his own, simon’s story weaving in all of the characters….
and yet, here i am. “here” being this nebulous spot between frustrated and understanding the limitations of a show that features seven main characters. all seven of whom of i’ve grown to love in their own unique ways and want to see pieces of each of their stories just as much as the others.
i can’t deny that i started watching shadowhunters because of magnus and alec, though. and episodes 7 and 8 have given me some of the best moments between them. harry and matt own every scene they’re in together. period. full stop.
so how did i end up “here?”
their first time together and magnus revealing his eyes to alec are two major events that were missing from show!canon. i had hope that both would be treated well by writers who have, so far, exceeded my expectations when it comes to magnus and alec. and yet, as i finished last night’s episode i couldn’t help but be disappointed by the writing.
it wasn’t the lack of a morning after scene at the beginning of episode 8 that finally tipped me over the edge–it was the situation in which alec saw magnus’ cat eyes.
with one two-minute scene we could have seen magnus and alec in a pre-sex or morning after setup where magnus decides to let down the glamour for alec, and alec alone. no on-screen “sex” needed. that would’ve been even more intimate and personal than any sex scene. i can’t help but wish that, in this case, harry and matt had been given the material to show us those two events through alec and magnus’ experiences. instead we got fade-to-black, a conversation with jace, and magnus revealing those eyes in front of a woman he detests….
i can’t sugercoat it. in a show that has treated malec with such care until now, these two “firsts” were a complete and utter misfire. those are opportunities for show!canon that we’ll never get back.
i’m not pissed. im just beyond disappointed.
and if you know anything from following me, it’s that i’m cynical and sarcastic, but i also have a lot of gratitude and hope.
those misfires don’t dampen my enthusiasm to see what comes next. harry and matt consistently deliver portrayals of magnus and alec that are on point, emotional, and include details that make every second matter. i’ll still be in front of my tv next monday at 8pm excited about what comes next.
in the iconic words of ruelle, where do we go from here? well, there’s nothing in show!canon that says (yet) that was actually the first time alec saw magnus’ eyes. and there’s nearly nothing to go on for their first time together. so, as for me, i’m going to be writing. and i hope you are too.
‘cause this is what fandom is for.
we develop new worlds. branch off into alternate timelines. we fix shit.
