Shadowhunters - Bound by Blood - Review

This week on Shadowhunters Alec finds out about Izzy’s drug problem and goes off on her, Raphael and Magnus. He then takes charge of the Institute by threatening Aldertree. Clary becomes a target of the Downworlders, including Maia, when they realize killing her would stop Valentine’s plan to kill them all. Valentine kidnaps a whole bunch of people including Clary, who manages to escape and Simon. 

MVP: I like this side of Alec. It’s a shame Magnus wasn’t around to see his confrontation with Aldertree because you just know he’d be grinning in the background. It seems that Alec took a few pointers from his mother when it comes to destroying someone verbally. Considering how long I’ve waited to see Aldertree get his ass handed to him, it was very satisfying to watch. I wish he’d cut Magnus some slack, though. I feel like he was a bit too hard on him. Izzy was pretty good at hiding it. I didn’t mind the fight with Raphael, though. It was bound to happen, no way around it. I can understand that the vampire blood is acting as a (less lethal) replacement for the Yin Fen and therefore he is helping her, but I still don’t consider their relationship all that healthy. 

Worst decision making ever: Oh Luke, those were some pretty bad choices. First, there’s locking up a claustrophobic werewolf with control issues. Because there’s no way that could end badly. Traumatizing someone is always a great way to get make someone less homicidal. I’m honestly surprised his pack hasn’t tried to overthrow him yet. Especially since he seems to value Clary’s life more than theirs. That can’t sit well with them. Then he tells the Seelies that Clary is the key to their destruction. What exactly was he expecting there? The Seelies have always looked out for themselves, why would this be any different. Of course, they’re going to declare Clary public enemy nr. 1. 

Cutest couple: I’m guessing Clary and Simon won’t last much longer. They’ve been too steady as a couple, and writers don’t like that. I’m guessing the winter finale next week will throw something at them. Like perhaps a renewal of the triangle with Jace. I’m surprised at how much I like them. I don’t actually ship them yet, but I really appreciate them together. I like how Clary insisted on including Simon in their search. Honestly, he’s been left out of things too much this season. 

Winter finale predictions: 
- Epic fights 
- Closure for the Yin Fen storyline (I hope) 
- Kickoff for Simon’s book 3 storyline 
- Dot sacrifices herself or something 
- Aldertree either leaves or does something even worse 
- Cliffhanger (duh) 

Best quotes: Jace: “I promise. If it ever comes to that, I won't let him take you alive.” 
Magnus: “Magic can’t create fears, only bring them out.” 
Alec: “From now on, I’m calling the shots. Don’t ever threaten my family again.” 

That’s it for this week. Check in again next week for an all-new review (I promise it'll be longer) and let me know in the comments what you thought of this week’s episode.