Five Best Moments of “Shadowhunters” Episode 2.02, “A Room Into the Dark”
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Shadowhunters episode 2.02, “A Room Into the Dark.”
If there were any doubts among viewers that the second season of Shadowhunters would be darker and grittier than the first, “A Door Into the Dark” is sure to have dispelled them. As this season’s second episode, it picked up right where the first left off: with Valentine and Jace reappearing on the ship after their conflict with the vampire Maria. Almost immediately, it becomes apparent that one of the prevailing themes of this episode will be confrontation: Jace confronts Valentine about his mind-games; Clary confronts her mother about her lies; Alec confronts Clary about her role in recent events—and so on and so forth. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to identify a character who is not confronted in some way, shape or form over the course of this episode.
Another trend that viewers are sure to notice is revelation. Many, many secrets are spilled, secrets that are bound to affect the course of the show moving forward. As such, “A Door Into the Dark” contained several significant and memorable moments that are worth noting. Therefore, without further ado, here are my picks for the five best moments from Shadowhunters episode 2.02, “A Door Into the Dark.”
Clary Learns a Dark Secret (And Viewers Get a Flashback)
In the previous episode, we learned that, while Jocelyn was pregnant with Jace, Valentine injected Jace with demon blood. This time, we get to see more of the emotional fall-out of that revelation. Finally, we have an answer to as to why Jocelyn has been acting so aloof and afraid of Jace. More so, viewers are treated to a flashback in which they get to see some of the repercussions of Valentine’s actions. Nevertheless, Clary remains determined to save Jace regardless of the risk. But will Jocelyn be swayed by Clary’s optimism? Only time will tell.
Raphael Shows Up Out of the Blue
I was wondering how long I’d have to wait until David Castro graced my screen as the vampire Raphael again and, luckily, I didn’t have to wait long. With his usual style, Raphael reappears to remind Simon where his priorities should lie and what will happen if Simon doesn’t follow through with his obligations regarding Camille. Will Raphael prove to be a friend or foe this season, or will he stand on the sidelines, waiting to see who emerges as the victor? Regardless of how involved he’ll be in the conflict with Valentine, one thing is for certain: he is not one who should be underestimated.
Simon Goes to Magnus for Help
I never knew how much I needed more Simon and Magnus scenes before this episode aired. In a desperate attempt to find Camille, Simon turns to Magnus for help—and the results are just as magical as you’d expect. Simon’s quirky dorkiness and Magnus’s sarcastic wit combine to create some of the most engrossing and entertaining moments of the entire episode. I loved watching them play off each other and come to an understanding in this scene, and I especially loved getting the chance to watch them work together. With any luck, we’ll get more scenes like this one in the future.
Alec and Izzy Set a Trap
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Izzy and Alec infiltrated a fight club? Well, this episode made that dream a reality with one epic scene after another. After Izzy proved that she is, in fact, the most badass Shadowhunter of them all, she and Alec devise a plot to catch the Circle members that are kidnapping mundane fighters for Valentine. However, things don’t go according to plan. Let’s just say that Circle members take that whole “Silence is golden” motto to the extreme.
Clary and Jace Make a Break For It (And Alec Attempts a Dangerous Spell)
In what is arguably one of the tensest moments of the entire episode, Clary conspires with Dot to escape Valentine’s clutches with Jace while Alec tries a risky tracking spell to track down his parabatai. Adding to the suspense, the episode routinely switches back and forth between both developing plots, keeping viewers guessing as to which would be successful. Ultimately, Clary and Jace succeed in escaping Valentine’s clutches, but the fate of Alec is left standing on much more precarious ground.
Honorable Mentions:
Simon Faces Off With a Fire-Breathing Snake
As it turns out, tracking down Camille isn’t as easy as it sounds. After portaling to India, Simon and Magnus are left searching for clues in her lair. However, while Magnus is busy collecting all of the belongings that Camille took from him, Simon finds himself face-to-face with a fire-breathing snake. Hilarity of course ensues, but something much more important happens as well: Simon finally learns how to use his mind-control abilities! Way to go, baby vamp!