Shadowhunters: Lilith has been in the shadows long enough

On this week’s Shadowhunters, most of the gang learned that Jace is in fact the Owl. Now, it’s time for his master to make her grand entrance.

Crafting a villain is a tricky thing for most shows. But Shadowhunters has gotten it right twice now.

Lilith has made quite the impression this season. She’s corrupted ley lines and possessed more than 30 people, including Jace. While the audience has known for awhile that he’s the Owl, this week, it was finally revealed to the characters.

But that’s only part of the reveal we needed. Now, it’s time for Lilith’s unmasking.

SHADOWHUNTERS – “Salt In The Wound” – With the Owl’s identity revealed, Alec, Isabelle, and Clary head to Alicante to try and find a way to stop him. Luke and Simon team up to track Lilith’s latest possible victim. Maia reflects on her past. This episode of “Shadowhunters” airs Tuesday, May 1 (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. EDT) on Freeform. (Freeform/John Medland)

ANNA HOPKINS

Holding off on her full debut for the first few episodes makes sense. It gave us as an audience time to get used to a new villain. Valentine was bad, but he was so good at it. Lilith is even better.

We’ve seen her good (ish) side and her sadistic side. We understand why she’s doing what she’s doing, and in a way, can empathize. At its core, Lilith’s plan is just about bringing back her son, and she’s made serious headway, all without fully revealing herself.

We’re six episodes in, and all the Shadowhunters really know is that a Greater Demon is on the loose. They don’t know who or where Lilith is, or why she possessed Jace. It’s impressive, but it’s wearing a little thin.

Lilith is clearly more powerful than we’ve seen her so far. Of course, she can’t use her abilities to their fullest without giving herself away. When she does finally stop holding back, she’ll be even more formidable.

It’ll take everyone to stop her, relying on one another and utilizing their strengths (there’s a serious Avengers vibe that could come through). It won’t — or at least, shouldn’t — be one big standalone battle.

That’s the struggle that deserves a six-episode arc. Granted, that could still happen, and hopefully, it does. Right now, the drama is mostly centralized in the romantic relationships of the characters. It’s made for an emotional story, with undeniably great themes, but now it’s time for action.

Anna Hopkins has played Lilith brilliantly so far, and there’s so much more to the character to see. If not next week, then hopefully soon.

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

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