Episode 18 Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen

The title’s rallying cry is one that our beloved Malec should have heeded., Because they are either in a fall or headed for one.

Alec is struggling to not feel the fall after lying to Magnus and sending the Warlock storming away.

Magnus is spiraling straight into a devastating fall as he agonizes over Alec’s betrayal.

Beneficial to us, Magnus takes us on an beautiful trip down Malec memory lane, in the midst of his spiral.

‘Sebastian’ sends himself falling back into having to be Jonathan. All because a 12 year old was too clever.

Magnus makes a decision that sends Alec, and an entire fandom, falling into a black pit of despair and heartbreak.

Clary helps the team take another step forward when she figures out what and where the Mortal Mirror is.

I send myself falling off the edge of sanity by agreeing with the Seelie Queen.

And I am left conflicted between utter joy at the amazing Malec romance scenes we were given and utter devastation at that break up.

How is it that Jace cannot tell that something is wrong with Alec? I mean, I can tell and I’m not his Parabatai.

“Is everything okay? You told Magnus about the Soul Sword, didn’t you? Wow. That bad.”

Atleast Izzy pays attention.

Also, no Izzy. Luke told Magnus. Alec got caught in his life.

Okay, I can’t believe I’m about to say this - but I agree with the Seelie Queen. She’s the only one making any sense right now.

My poor Magnus. He’s so torn. He’s hurt and angry with Alec. But he still loves him. He is not thinking clearly, right now.

My love, you need to listen to Luke!!

Magnus, my sweet man, you’re going to want to take that call.

The first flashback in the trip down Memory Lane that Magnus takes us on. Here, we go all the way back to season 1, between episodes 6 and 7. The morning after Alec shared his strength with Magnus and helped him save Luke’s life. Such a funny, and sweet, moment.

“I trust you. I don’t know why. But I do.”

Oh Alec! What happened to that trust?

“Trust makes you do strange things.”

I’m going to have to take your word on that one, Magnus.

Tell me why - knowing that Jonathan is in the Institute - none of them look at the new guy that came out of nowhere!

Alec, where’s that suspicious mind? Oh, I know! It’s distracted knowing that you broke the heart of the most amazing guy ever!

Ugh! Look at that face! And here we go, into Magnus’ second memory. This time we’re going 11 episodes back to episode 7 and that ill-timed Fade to Black moment.

The fandom protested and the show listened. I love how sweet and giggly and soft they are. It’s a rare moment of seeing Malec get to be loving and romantic and happy. But this is one of my fav moments. And it’s an important one in the Malec story. And Harry and Matt did an absolute phenomenal job! Once again, they did the LGBTQIA+ Community proud.

And when Magnus loses control over the glamour on his eyes, Alec’s reaction is perfect. Telling Magnus that they are beautiful and that he is beautiful is so damn romantic.

Even in his pain, he is going to help Max and be there for Alec in his pain. Because Magnus is a god!

“Time for new rules.”

Hell yeah, Luke!

The devastation on Magnus’ face when he has to tell Alec, and the family, that his magic can’t save Max - only the Silent Brothers can - breaks my heart

And the way Alec turns to Magnus, the way this look begs him to find another way, OH MY GOD!!

But Magnus is there, offering what he can - comfort and support.

Our third, and final flashback - in this episode, anyway - is the morning after that first time. Between episodes 7 and 8. This one is as sweet and soft (and as important) as the one before it.

The teasing, the giggles, the way they look at each other, the softness. It’s beautiful and precious. And it almost makes me wish I could understand the concept of falling in love. Until I remember why we are getting these flashbacks. And, again, Harry and Matt nail the whole scene!

I spend so much of the both seasons wishing for more sweet, romantic Malec moments. I am grateful that the showunners finally gave them to us. Shadowhunters broke the mold and did what the shows that came before it were to afraid to do. And that’s give their Queer couple the same respect they give their straight couples and show them having a honest relationship full of fun, romance, trials, and drama. And I am so fucking grateful!

Back in the present, even though Alec goes to sit with his family, Magnus chooses to stay. In case Alec needs him.

It’s so sweet how Magnus runs right to Max’ room to protect him, after Jace lets them know that Jonathan is on the move.

I both love and hate this breakup scene so damn much. Love it because it’s so well done. Harry and Matt just knock every fucking moment out of the park! Hate it because it hurts so damn much! But I get why Magnus did it. Really Alec left him no choice. The lack of trust devastated Magnus. Alec, my love, ‘sorry, I made a mistake’ only works so many times.

But OH MY GOD! The way Magnus cradles Alec’s face, Alec closing his eyes and leaning in to the touch, the pleading, the tears they both refuse to shed - it’s all devastating. And done so fucking well!

Magnus telling Alec that he is holding Magnus back from protecting his people, reminding him that he once asked what Magnus is afraid of and saying that it is this - OH MY GOD! I just can’t!

Alec barely holding it together. Trying to get control as he watches Magnus get on the elevator! Complete devastation!

Magnus raising his head and them locking eyes one last time before the elevator doors close - absolutely DEVASTATING. This scene is one of the rare things that makes me cry. Every Time!

I love this meeting of our four Shadowhunters. Watching them work together as Clary figures out what the Mortal Mirror is and where it is, is fascinating. They do make a great team.

Only two more episodes of Season 2 to go. See ya next time for Hail and Farewell.