Episode 10 By The Light Of Dawn

This episode puts our Shadow World through a very long night. And by the light of dawn, lives have changed and decisions have been made.

Madzie starts the night under Valentines thrall, but is saved by Magnus.

Alec believes he has to give up Magnus, until he thinks he has lost him for good.

Magnus gets a look at Ithuriel’s vision and solves it… sort of.

Jace believes he has demon blood, until the Soul Sword proves otherwise.

Izzy is in denial, until her addiction almost costs her everyone she loves.

Simon is a normal Vampire, until Jace’s blood changes him.

Alec and Magnus realize their love is stronger than any fight or misunderstanding.

I love the way that Alec is cautious yet sweet with Madzie. Somehow he finds a way to remember that she is both a child and a warlock and treat her as such. Just when you think he can’t be more amazing, we get this scene.

This poor child. You just know that Valentine has spent all this time messing with her head and convincing her that he is the good guy and the Shadowhunters are the bad guys. I just want to pick her up and run away with her to safety.

I do cheer, though, when she locks Alec in the elevator before going on her killing spree. Atleast she remembered that she (and we) love him!

It doesn’t matter what he is doing, Magnus always captivates me. Maybe it’s because he’s a Warlock. Maybe it’s because he’s so good. Maybe it’s his gift of sarcasm (so much like my own). Maybe it’s the absolute perfection and beauty with which Harry plays him. Maybe it’s all of the above. Truly, for me, he is the ultimate Queer Character.

Magnus - Angels are higher beings. They communicate through metaphors. Morgenstern means Morning Star. As in ‘how art thou fallen from heaven, oh Lucifer, son of the morning.’ The vision seems to be speaking of a demonic… Morgenstern.

Jace - Me. That’s why Valentine wanted me under his control. I can derail his plan. I can destroy the Soul Sword.

NO JACE!!!!!!! It’s not you!!!!!!!

Magnus - And destroy yourself in the process.

MAGNUS, NO!! Tell Jace it’s not about him! He’s not Valentine’s son!! Wait! Magnus doesn’t know that yet!! DAMMIT!!

Raphael - It’s not like that. I’m not like that. I’m just not interested in sex.

I had a feeling that Raphael was Asexual. I am so happy that I was right! The Asexual and Aromantic communities are so under-represented and I love Shadowhunters for doing this. And I love David for playing it so damn well!

Izzy, my Goddess, I know that you’re mad at Alec. But turning off your phone was so irresponsible. I get it. I know how controlling drug addiction is. But you will regret asking Raphael to do that.

My sweet Simon! I love that he tries to reason with Valentine. It’s useless, but he tries anyway.

Magnus - I’m not used to feeling so powerless.

Oh, Magnus, me heart! You’re not powerless! You’re powerful and amazing and wonderful and loved. And needed. Which is why they didn’t want you at the Institute. In case it all goes wrong…

Alec, my heart, telling off Aldertree. Again! You really are making it so hard to stay mad at you. Which I still am. Because you still owe Magnus an apology!

Jace being scared for Alec, being so scared of losing him, is so heartbreaking. They’re so intense and I am so intrigued by the whole Parabatai thing.

Izzy, my goddess, from a recovering addict - please get your shit together! For the love of the Angel. The others need you!

Magnus - I don’t care what happens to me, Clary.

Clary - Alec’s gonna be okay. Simon’s going to be okay. We can do this. You and me.

This whole scene is so heartbreaking. Magnus willing to sacrifice himself to save Alec and Simon. Clary comforting and encouraging him. I really love their friendship so much.

This barely restrained look of disdain that Alec gives Aldertree cracks me up. Every time!

Alec! Do not listen to him! You and Magnus have already proven that a Shadowhunter and a Downworlder can make a relationship work. Aldertree made his (fatal) choice. And you’re right, it was a choice he made, not one he had to make. You’re better than him!

MAGNUS!!! YOU CANNOT BE AT THE INSTITUTE!!!!!!!!!

Madzie, we know you’re a smart little girl. You knew that Alec was a good person. Please see that in Magnus. Please believe him about Valentine.

The way Magnus handles Madzie is so damn adorable! This man is not just a Warlock! He’s a fucking God!

I love Archer Alec. We all know this. But the man does carry that Seraph Blade extremely well… 😏

Look at my Goddess. That’s how you make an entrance! Absolute badass! Even while in withdrawal.

The fact that Jace was willing to sacrifice himself to save Clary and the Downworld is so heroic! And proof that Jace is not just a conceited pretty face.

Also, I really wanted him to say ‘I have the power.’ right here.

This moment, when Jace realizes that he never had demon blood and that Valentine used him and set him up so that Valentine would be able to activate and use the sword is devastating. This look on his face kills me. I just adore Dom!

Alec - Where’s Magnus? He wasn’t here, was he?

Alec! Don’t look like that! Magnus is okay! He has to be!

And the look on Simon’s face when Alec asks where Magnus is - it’s almost as heartbreaking as the look on Alec’s face. Almost!

And the devastation on Jace’s face, when he realizes Magnus might be dead because of what he did - his refusal to let Clary comfort him - it’s sooo crushing.

Look at my beautiful warrior, kicking Valentine’s ass!!

Oh, look Aldertree. Valentine in custody. And look who’s bringing him in. One of the best Shadowhuntes in the Shadow World. The one you gaslit and ran out of the Institute. Take that you prick!

Y’all, I am not a crier. Like, I hardly ever cry and it takes a lot to get me there. But this Malec scene gets me every damn time!

The fact that Magnus’ first reaction is to think that Alec was only worried about Madzie is devastating. But then his face lights up when he realizes Alec was afraid for him is so damn sweet.

And Alec confessing that fear. Then saying ‘I love you’ to Magnus for the first time! And Magnus saying it back! OH MY GOD! I never thought my Queer little heart could feel so much. But these two always get me.

And this is another very important moment that Malec give to the LGBTQIA+ Community!

And then this kiss! It’s not their first one - we got that in Season 1. But this one is also so important. I mean, it follows that first ‘I love you.’ How could it not be?!

And the way they cling to each other! It’s just all so sweet and amazing. And so damn important for the Queer Community! And I watch this scene, over and over, an obscene amount of times!

This look on Simon’s face, when he realizes he can stand in the sun, is so sweet. I love Daylighter Simon!

Poor Jace! Once again, he doesn’t know who he is or where he belongs. Once again he is left drifting and asking where he came from. And I hate that!

See you next time for Mea Maxima Culpa.