Shadowhunters: Is [spoiler] REALLY working for Lilith?

The Owl’s true face was revealed on this week’s Shadowhunters and left everyone’s heads, well, spinning. But is this just a fakeout?

Three episodes into Shadowhunters season 3, and we have our first major reveal: the identity of the Owl. He has been instrumental to Lilith this season, tracking down and possessing people to join her ranks.

For Jace, all signs pointed to Jonathan Morgenstern being the Owl. When Morgan Young escaped her attempted possession using pepper spray, it indicated that the Owl was at least partly human. Jonathan is also the only person who would truly need to hide his face behind a glamor like the Owl.

Then, of course, there are the dreams Jace has been having about Jonathan, though has only told half the truth about.

In the final minutes of “What Lies Beneath”, it was discovered that the face that actually lies beneath the Owl mask is none other than Jace himself.

SHADOWHUNTERS – “What Lies Beneath” – The Shadowhunters try to track down the new imposing threat, while Jace has a suspicion that Jonathan is back and behind the mundane attacks. Simon tries to figure out what The Seelie Queen did to him during his time in the glade. Alec decides to host a Lightwood family dinner at MagnusÕ house after a surprising visit from Maryse. This episode of “Shadowhunters” airs Tuesday, April 3 (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. EDT) on Freeform. (Freeform/John Medland)

DOMINIC SHERWOOD

The signs were subtle, but they were there. In this particular episode, the key was Jace’s eyes; they’re bleary, occasionally bloodshot, he even rubs them to soothe some irritation. The simple explanation is just that Jace wasn’t getting enough sleep. After all, he was studying footage of the Owl (well, of himself) nonstop.

As it turns out, that was some lasting effects of the pepper spray.

There was also the moment that the Owl let Clary go free. Assuming it was Jonathan, the reasoning behind that is simply that he refused to hurt his sister — that was a major aspect of his personality in the books.

Now, it seems the Owl let Clary go because he’s in love with her, even in demon form. For Clace shippers, it’s the ultimate affirmation of love.

The reveal was a twist that many fans didn’t expect. I admit I was part of the masses that didn’t put it together. But there were plenty of fans who saw it coming from miles away.

Now the main question is… is Jace conscious of his role in Lilith’s plan?

Right now, the assumption is that he is possessed himself. After all, he’s a model Shadowhunter — well, except for the part where he’s hiding the secret of his death, and asking Clary to do the same. Why would he willingly help the mother of all demons?

In all likelihood, this is a fakeout, meant to stir the pot and add more drama. The writers went for a similar plot when Jace was apparently working with Valentine. The concept of Jace as a villain, consciously working against the Clave and everything he’s known since childhood could be interesting, if done right.

Asking Clary to keep his death and resurrection a secret isn’t the first time Jace has broken the rules. He’s been doing it since season one. Perhaps something in him finally broke, and Jace is truly Lilith’s right-hand man (until Jonathan returns). It’s highly unlikely, but this show does love its twists.

Regardless, if things were complicated between Clary and Jace before, this reveal is sure to set back any progress they’ve made.

Shadowhunters airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Freeform.