Shadowhunters review: Family is a complicated thing

Ohana means family. And when it comes to the Morgensterns, family means no one gets out unscathed. It’s a messy situation.

Last week, we officially hit the halfway point of Shadowhunters‘ final episodes. And yet, up to that point, we hadn’t seen our favorite big bad. Sure, Jonathan is technically 3B’s main villain, but what’s the Prince of Hell without his Queen/Mother?

Ironically, that’s the exact question that Lilith had for her son this week, after giving him a warm welcome. Apparently, surprise kissing runs in the family.

Still, as psychotic as she is, Lilith’s main drive has always been helping Jonathan; of course she was confused on why it had taken him this long to come see her.

Well, as it turns out, being burned alive in Edom leaves some pretty lasting mommy issues. Go figure. Jonathan isn’t there to free her, he’s there to kill her. That’s the Seelie Queen’s price for information on the Morning Star sword.

Credit where credit is due; it took Clary and her friends an entire half-season to get to Lilith. Jonathan was in striking distance within a few hours. He had Lilith where he wanted, until Clary summoned the Queen.

To be honest, I was worried the writers had forgotten about this power. It’s been referenced a handful of times this season, but not often utilized. This was the perfect time to bring it back.

This audience with the Queen was out of different necessity. Clary’s done with this twin rune, and if Lilith put it on, she can take it off. At least, you’d think so. But no, not even the Queen of Hell – or rather, former Queen, thanks to Asmodeous – can separate the Morgenstern kids.

Only Glorious can do that. It’s a blade that’s essentially the opposite of the Morning Star sword, and yet another brilliant tie-in to the Mortal Instruments books.

But before we can focus on that, it’s time to fight! Jonathan has arrived and he’s not exactly thrilled about his mother and sister hanging out. And yet, there’s still something so satisfying about this “family” photo.

In the ensuing fight, Lilith escapes with Cain, which is a bit too convenient. We already dealt with Heidi as a distraction, do we really need another secondary villain? Then again, now that Jonathan’s been captured, he could probably use some help.

Worth pondering: when Simon fed on Jace, he became a daylighter because of Jace’s pure angel blood. Now that he’s fed on a demon as strong as Jonathan, could there be aftereffects? My gut  says yes.

Speaking of aftereffects, let’s check in on Magnus. His body has officially rejected Lorenzo’s magic, leaving him temporarily comatose, and facing a big decision; does he keep the magic and risk dying, or give it up and risk his self-identity.

I confess, seeing Magnus cling to his magic is growing a bit old. It’s understandable, considering how long he’s had it, but also reckless. Magnus has always been a risk-taker, but dying for magic is extreme, even for him.

That coma did give us a sufficiently adorable Malec dance dream sequence, but beyond that, it was a nightmare scenario, for Alec and for viewers.

In the end, seeing Magnus finally give up the magic once more is tough, but ultimately necessary. That said, there was a certain defiance in his eye when he hugged Alec that had me worried. Will he try to obtain magic yet again?

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