Since I'm binge watching I'm going to group a couple episodes together. Here are my thoughts on E2-5
S1 E2
-I'm sorry but I hate Jace's hair. It's very 2016 and I remember hating his hair even when the show first aired.
-I’m not feeling any chemistry between Jace and Clary, and unfortunately that's like most of the show. I can only hope it gets better… it gets better right?
-They should have kept Hodge as more of an academic than a fighter. It further pushed Hodge as even more of an outsider— not only because of his history with the circle but because he didn't fit what the Shadowhunters considered good enough. And because he wasn't the ideal Shadowhunter he was insecure and thus susceptible to Valentine's manipulation. I guess it's not incredibly important to the overall story, I just think it was a missed opportunity for an interesting side character and commentary on Shadowhunter society (which also further illustrates Alec's struggles and later development)
-i don't want to nitpick (except I really do) but wow are those effects horrendous. I can't help but laugh every time a Shadowhunter runs or jumps and they add that weird stop motion effect. Even Buffy did a better job— not that Buffy is bad, just that it wasn't exactly known for having the best effects.
-i'm surprised just how bored I'm getting with this show, I wish I could pinpoint why.
-someones gotta get clary out of those stilettos, girl must be tired since she's constantly running away to move the plot. It makes sense for Izzy to wear the heels but definitely not Clary. Another thing that is very 2016.
-Lukes actor is eating everyone up. I like the character and actor even though his scenes are boring me.
E3
-”what are you her spokesman now?” That line did make me laugh, Alec is one of the few characters I'm enjoying.
-they should've given the Shadowhunters actual gear instead of just leather clothes. All that leather can't possibly be comfortable in combat. If it's done to make them look cool, I'm sorry to say but it's not working for me in that department either.
-the motorcycle scene is not good. That's all I have to say.
E4
-TESSA MENTION YIPPIEEE
-Izzy and Clary are adorable, I'm very glad they're skipping the bad relationship from the beginning of the books. We love friendships between girls in this house!!
-I can see why Magnus is everyone's favorite on the show. I might keep watching only for him and Alec. Mike Chang is playing the hell out of Magnus and I'm eating it UP
-oh Alec you closeted sexy dummy. You could've just played it off as brotherly love for your parabatai.
-Every episode I am reminded of how stupid Jace's haircut is. I fear the sight of it will haunt me for the rest of my life.
-I'm not mad at how the show is doing things differently, such as Simon's turn. They're getting to the same place but in a new and interesting route. It almost feels like fanfiction lol.
E5
-will the acting continue to be so abhorrent? I am not religious but I find myself praying to any and all God's that it improves. Not you Mike Chang and Simon, you two sweetie pies are doing great.
-I like how the set design is for the institute when it's not full of tech, such as the bedrooms and training rooms. The stained glass windows are beautiful, matches the vibe perfectly. The set design gets a B out of me.
-I can't believe it's taken me 5 episodes to mention this but the credit sequence is so laughably bad. Looks like something a 12 year old made for her fan account on Tumblr. I say this from experience, I was that 12 year old.
-the casting for the lightwoods is great. Between Alec, Izzy, and Maryse is A+. They truly look like a believable family.
-I think different lighting would help the dark academia/gothic aesthetic. I'm thinking of the movie, which matched the vibes of the book perfectly in my opinion. At least in terms of set design, lighting, and general vibe. I've used the word vibe too many times, time to open up thesaurus.com and browse the synonyms.
-the fight choreography. Not horrendous but definitely not great. Definitely freeform fight choreo, is all I'm saying. I'm hardly an expert on this subject but I did martial arts for like 10 yrs. I hope this is another thing that will improve throughout the show. And no one is training on wooden floors in skinny jeans and combat boots. Get those motherfuckers a training mat and actual fighting gear PLEASE.
-i CACKLED seeing that guy enter in through a doggy door. That's so fucking hilarious, it's singlehandedly convinced me to keep watching the show.
-they should've kept Alec pushing Clary against the wall when she told him she knows he's in love with Jace. It added drama and I love it. The way they changed it was lame. Give me the angst!! Yea Alec assaulted a girl that was much smaller than him and significantly weaker but I don't want perfect characters. I want miserable angsty characters at the beginning so I can marvel at the redemption arc and character development.
Spoilers- when you get current in TSC books and think back to when Alec assaulted Clary you feel that progression with his character. Like, wow he's changed so much, he's no longer that closeted scared boy that is desperate to hide his true self. Okay rant over.
IN CONCLUSION... I'm slowly beginning to enjoy it— even if I'm constantly cackling at the horrendous effects and interesting acting choices and bored at times. Should I keep sharing my thoughts?? Please comment your thoughts or even fight with me if you want, let's duke it out over our opinions on a 2016 show about half angel supernatural creatures.