Previously on Shadowhunters, Jace seemingly killed Jonathan/Sebastian (however we were left on a little bit of a cliffhanger there), Magnus and Alec reunited, Simon sacrificed himself to the Seelie Court in order to free Maia, Valentine raised Raziel and then killed Jace with Clary subsequently using the one wish Raziel can grant on bringing Jace back to life whilst killing Valentine in the process, and then just to top it all off we get our first glimpse at....Lilith?
Phew, Shadowhunters sure knows how to do finales, and after a 7 month hiatus, they're back with a vengeance with 'On Infernal Ground'. We have everything that makes the show enjoyable; romance, friendship, action, comedy, intrigue - and the groundwork for a plot that looks like it could take the show to new heights.
Season 3 also brings new locations with it's new characters, as Lilith sets her plan into motion to revive Jonathan. Her path leads the Shadowhunters to the hospital, where Catarina sheds some light on both personal and professional matters, and also leads multiple other characters into a supernatural showdown. 'On Infernal Ground' gives us an insight to the sheer power of Lilith, and she is definitely going to be a formidable foe for our main characters. I'd expect some epic fights in the back half of 3A.
Elsewhere, Simon tries to escape the Seelie Queen, Magnus puts on a brave face in front of Alec after losing his position as High Warlock, and Ollie tries to get answers from Luke.
'On Infernal Ground' explores the darkness within multiple characters and how they choose to express that darkness; sometimes positive and sometimes negative. This episode definitely sets up the overarching plot for 3A and hints at multiple personal arcs and conflicts that will arise and come into play for certain main characters.
And with that I'm going to leave you with a few teasers to get you through the next month:
- There are changes in position/power both inside and outside the Institute.
- We get to see some new runes.
- A character may fall on old coping mechanisms.
- Another character tricks one of their allies.
- "I've always dreamed of meeting someone like you."