Episode 20 City Of Glass
There is so much going on in this episode that the TikTok version of this review will be split into two parts. But you guys get the whole thing now.
The Seelie Queen reminds us why she’s an interesting character. Despite her… flaws.
Clary has fully given into the rune and her relationship with her brother has reached a disturbing level.
Asmodeus plays concerned father and almost convinces me.
Maryse does what no one else could and gets Alec to finally show how badly he is handling the break up.
Magnus and Asmodeus visit Lorenzo with very entertaining results.
King Magnus!
Maryse, being the goddess she is, heads straight to Magnus to give him the full story.
Jace saves Clary.
Izzy saves Simon.
Clary apologizes.
We say goodbye to Jordan. Permanently.
Alec and Magnus make up. Finally.
Magnus and Alec get engaged. Finally.
Magnus makes a difficult decision that requires him to sacrifice himself. Again
It’s too much for Alec and he gives in to all the emotions he has not allowed himself to feel.
Magnus closes the rift and saves the day.
Like Alec I am someone who does not do emotions. Also like Alec, I give into the heartbreak that my wonderful, sweet, amazing Malec is suffering.
Jonathan - I wasn’t flirting.
Seelie Queen - I was.
Sometimes, I just love the Seelie Queen!
Clary really gave into this dark rune so easily. Even with Jace there, she didn’t even try to come back. I’m not mad at it, tho. Because Kat is killig it as Dark Clary!
You have to give it to Asmodeus. He really is going all out to win Magnus over. I almost believe that he cares.
And it’s so clear that Magnus wants to. He’s tired and he’s hurting and Asmodeus, with all his charm, is helping.
A rare Season 3 Parabatai moment. We did not get enough of these two this season, mostly because Jace spent the first half of the season possessed and doing the bidding of the Queen of Edom. But I am still obsessed with their bond.
Meliorn, you sneaky little minx. Telling Jace that Seelie’s sometimes leave a door unguarded. Gods, I adore you!
I am so proud of Alec for finally talking about what happened with Magnus, and showing his pain. Even if it was just for a second. And Matt did it with such perfection. The controlled grief, the barely held restraint, the pain in his eyes and voice - heartbreaking.
Bless Maryse for being the kind of mom that could bring that confession out of her son.
Lorenzo, enjoy this moment of sassing Magnus. It will be the last time you get to do that.
I know Magnus is hurting and Asmodeus is evil incarnate, but Holy Hell, they are hilarious together during this confrontation with Lorenzo. It was a much needed giggle in the middle of all the Malec heartbreak.
“It’s good to be the king, isn’t it?” King Magnus… Well, Asmodeus, I don’t hate the sound of that.
And, then, Maryse going to Magnus to tell him what is really going on and why Alec did what he did - she truly is a fucking Goddess!
Self-promoting FYI but I expand on this conversation on the fanfic I wrote and am posting on AO3. Just search for MystikCeleste.
And the moment that Magnus realizes just what Asmodeus has stolen from him - let’s just say I’m glad I’m not Asmodeus. I would not want that anger directed at me!
Oh Jordan! No!!
The way Magnus’ pissed off look just keeps evolving is terrifying. In this moment, Asmodeus should have known to run.
Dear Hecate, Harry does vengeful so fucking well. Watching Magnus confront his father, go toe to toe with him, then banish him is so thrilling. Harry is truly magical. His talent is so insane. Now go get your man, Magnus!
You know we were not getting through this first half of this episode without me mentioning Archer Alec. We all know how much I LOVE Archer Alec!! The form, the aim, the face. Stunning!
I adore Izzy but she was the wrong one to be weilding Glorious. Especially against Morning Star. It should have been Jace with his pure Angel blood.
“Supervillian is not a good look on you, Fray.” Sweet Simon coming in to save the day, knowing he is putting his existence in danger.
Like I said, it should be Jace with the sword. And I love this moment of Clary. The way she spins to go to Jonathan, the moment she realizes Jace is about to change everything, her scream. I always love Kat’s performances, but she was amazing here!
I know Jonathan is the bad guy, but this transformation is epic!
Izzy throwing herself on Simon to protect him when Glorious explodes is so brave. And sweet.
I know this is not really supposed to be a funny scene but - between Simon’s ‘whatever that was’ comment and the way he and Alec keep looking at each other and trying not to grin - I can’t help but chuckle. They are just so adorable. And endearing.
“I should have fought harder for this family.” I get why Clary says this. And she’s not entirely wrong. At the same time, I get why she gave in to the rune, and Jonathan, so easily. There is something about the pull of maybe having your actual blood love and accept you that is hard to fight.
We don’t get to see the sensitive side of Jace, often. So this scene is really special to me.
I really need these two to kiss, already! For the love of the Angel! They are so perfect for each other and I am NOT a fan of slow burns (I blame TeenWolf for that).
Rest In Peace sweet sweet Jordan.
I love this little smile on Alec’s face when Aline and Helen claim they were just ‘doing research’.
“It’s no problem. We’re Lightwoods.” Hell yeah, Alec! I love your confidence and determination. That said, thank the Angel for Magnus.
Magnus showing up, taking out the demons that are headed for Alec and Izzy, his ‘Sorry I’m late. Traffic was hell.’ Is so epic!! And so begins a string of some of the most important Malec scenes in the series.
Alec’s face when Magnus tells him that he knows about the deal and that Asmodeus can’t come between them anymore - you can see the moment he goes from fear and sadness to relief and love . It’s so beautiful.
Then, when he goes in for the kiss - the pure joy and relief in both of them, it’s just breathtaking and it makes my Queer little heart so happy. Every single time.
Then devastation when Magnus realizes that the only way for his loved ones, his family, to be saved is for him to sacrifice himself. Again. My man is so fucking unselfish and ready to do anything and everything for those he loves. Even at his own expense. He is both breathtaking and heartbreaking in equal measure.
Then the proposal and the exchanging of rings. I both love and hate it. Love it because Malec deserves this engagement, this commitment to each other. Hate it because this amazing couple - who have already been through so much to be together - must go through this final trial before they get their - much much deserved - happily ever after.
This final face to face moment, after the proposal, the love and pain and angst, that is sizzling between them. It leaves me breathless and my heart pounding. Again, Harry and Matt do such a fabulous job. The heart and soul and authenticity they give to this story, it means so fucking much.
Magnus’ “I never thought I’d be a runaway groom.” One final soul-exchanging moment between Magnus and Alec. Magnus turning to look up and then disappearing through the portal. I am absolutely a sobbing mess by this point.
Once Magnus disappears, Alec walking to the spot he disappeared from, Alec falling to his knees in that exact spot, that one lone tear. It’s exquisitely devastating. Like I can feel my heart breaking in my chest devastating.
Jace, Izzy, and Clary coming to comfort him as they watch the rift close. That tear still glistening on Alec’s cheek. The devastation on the faces of Izzy and Jace and Clary. I just want to jump through my screen and hug them all. Or jump through the rift and bring Magnus back. Or both!!
See ya next time for Alliance