Finale
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments TV series that ran for almost four years has come to an end. I feel like it is a bittersweet ending but above all, I am truly happy that this show happened. Inspired from the book, Shadowhunters, written by Cassandra Clare, the show has given justice to the colorful story of the Shadow World, now, I’ll be sharing you more of my thoughts about the show!
The Storyline
Cassandra Clare’s writing prowess was even more developed by Ed Decter and streamed the series at Freeform TV. The storyline is quite different from the book but I am not complaining though, both media have its own artistry and I respect that very much. I remember that I got so hooked on the books of Cassandra Clare when it came out, not gonna lie, but I read it through e-books through my Blackberry phone at that time!
The Casting
We all know that The Mortal Instruments came out as a movie first but the casting in the TV series was not disappointing at all. Kat Mcnamara (played as Clarissa “Clary” Fairchild) developed her acting skills throughout the series and I love her portrayal along with Dom Sherwood (played as Jace Herondale). Well as of the rest of the cast, hands down to everyone too, especially Matthew Daddario (played as Alec Lightwood), Harry Shum Jr. (played as Magnus Bane), Alberto Rosende (played by Simon Lewis) and Emeraude Toubia (played as Isabelle “Izzy” Lightwood).
The Heavenly Fire Twist
How wise and intelligent Isabelle can be? I mean, she’s an example of a badass chic, beautiful with brains, not to mention the fighting skills and the head of the weapons department (if that’s what they call it) of the New York Institute! The backfire of the explosion of the sword in her was a great twist, and this leads them to go to Edom for Magnus. That too was such a climax towards the end of the series!
Family Ties: Jocelyn Fairchild and Luke/ Maryse Lightwood & Luke
It was pretty unexpected when Clary’s mother, Jocelyn had to die in the middle of the series, instead of marrying her best friend, Luke (played by Isaiah Mustafa), but that’s alright! Also Maryse, I never thought that she could be a mere mortal, she still looks powerful though and her motherly traits showed up nicely. Her tandem with Luke isn’t so bad, I just wonder how it would turn out given that Luke was turned back into a Shadowhunter.
Max Lightwood
May I just say that his death in the book series was so painful? It really broke my heart but in the series, he grew up to be a very strong Shadowhunter. Seeing him training with his sister, Izzy, was a breath of fresh air and leading up to saving the Los Angeles Institute against the then villain, Jonathan Morgenstern, was such execution of bravery. He may not be always included in the series but I like to highlight him as well because he is a good example of a brave child proving that he is a worthy Shadowhunter.
The Seelie Queen
The Queen of the Fair Folk showed selfishness and kindness throughout the movie ( I like the transition of the age of the Queen, btw). From giving the Mark of Caine to Simon Lewis to helping Jonathan Morgenstern, phew, she’s really something. I wonder though how the Fair Folk had turned out when The Seelie Queen was murdered, did Meliorn take over or is there another descendant of the queen?
Valentine and Sebastian/Jonathan Morgenstern
Oh, these villains were so aggressive but a bit stubborn, I guess, lol! Valentine should’ve been a better father to Jonathan but then again, we need antagonists in every story, right? Honestly, though, I was a bit teary-eyed during the death scene of Jonathan when even his own sister, Clary killed him for the better good.
Lilith/Camille Belcourt
How could I forget? The Queen of Hell, Lilith, the mother of Jonathan and the vampire, Camille Belcourt. These lady villains, among others, were also memorable for me. They were vicious, self-centered, but then, they failed. Sorry for them, the Mark of Caine of Simon and Magnus is too powerful than them!
Maia and Jordan
These werewolves have mastered compassion throughout the story of the TV series. I always loved the character of Maia from the book and it was excellently portrayed on TV. Maia and Jordan should’ve been a good couple but, of course, an alpha, who is Maia, should only be focused on her duty! At the end, it’s amazing how she put up her own restaurant & bar to unite all creatures of the Shadow World.
Isabelle and Simon
The development of the love story of Isabelle and Simon was quite abrupt and I even thought that Isabelle and Raphael could be a good couple. Their story is an example of a distinct friendship turned into a peculiar but blissful love. I would really like it though if Simon would turn into a Shadowhunter (just like in the book), but still, they make a cute couple, right? Fierce and passionate like Izzy and soft-hearted and kind like Simon.
Magnus and Alec
This couple is the best example of “Love Wins” in the story. Their love story is truly unique, full of surprises and challenges knowing that Magnus Bane is a warlock and Alec is a Shadowhunter. The “Malec” wedding was so epic and I also cried in that scene! Just another thought too, in the book, I believe, Magnus lost his immortality, in the series, he remained as a warlock, but the uncertainty of their future is still interesting and exciting.
Clary and Jace
From the beginning, Jace Herondale’s stern, fierce, powerful and mysteriously flirt character developed to be a one-of-a-kind performance on the show. Clary, on the other hand, was a (sometimes) stubborn but selfless individual that saved the Shadow World. This couple is so strong, their love for each other was undeniably inevitable even towards the end of the last episode.
The Ending
The ending for me was unexpected but I think they pretty much wrapped up the show very well, I couldn’t agree more on that! Kat Mcnamara’s acting from when she was about to lose her memories to shifting her emotions to expressionless was just so superb, and I was crying like her while watching that scene, by the way! It is an open-ended ending and us, Shadow Fans, assume that Jace and Clary ended up together a couple. Who knows, Clary didn’t get back her memories but when she had a developing relationship with Jace, the Angels probably gave her another chance in the Shadow World.
My Final words
I could go on and on about my thoughts on Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments but I guess I should sum this up already in a few more words; Blissfully mysterious, Superb cast performance. Excellent fantasy story. #ShadowhunterLegacy lives on! Kudos to all who made this show so extraordinary!