Shadowhunters Season 3, Episode 11 review: Lost Souls

Clary’s family reunion

At the start of Shadowhunters Season 3 Episode 11, Clary is thought to have been killed by the explosion at Lilith’s apartment, and though we don’t see a formal funeral service in the premiere, several characters with whom Clary had strong relationships each mourn their loss individually. The montage evolves to show a combination of present-day scenes and flashbacks, focusing on three characters’ perspectives: Simon, Magnus and Jace. The specific images and moments used throughout the scene are incredibly touching, particularly for Jace, who is still trying to process his vivid memories of the Owl’s actions during his possession (but more on that later).

One primary element of dramatic irony in the episode is that the audience knows Clary is in fact alive, and we’re kind of obsessed with her thriller movie-esque family reunion. She finds herself in a complicated supernatural situation where her ingenuity and critical thinking might not be enough to protect her, and the terror of it all grows as we watch her slowly begin to realize just how serpentine her current living situation is.

But Jonathan Morgenstern is just trying to be a really awesome big brother, okay?

Both characters remember their the happenings during Season 2B, and watching Clary and Jonathan try to out-manipulate one another in this new environment is incredibly captivating. Season 3B Clary gets gritty, thoughts racing through her mind at a mile a minute, and though Jonathan is making an effort to put her at ease, it’s admittedly a lot of fun to watch her weigh-out her foreign, limited options.

It’s not about what Clary and Jonathan say, it’s about the choices they make. Because of their history and unique circumstances, the initial suspense surrounding how they each fight for control builds in a way that feels organic and new to the series. We also think book-lovers are going to enjoy seeing how the show has played with the inter-dimensional logic and glamour of the apartment — which we already saw move locations in Season 3A.

Clary learns the hard way that there is a reason why Jonathan needs to be a protective older brother, and the realization dramatically climbs to a memorable, horrifying point that’s going to stay with you through to the following episode. (But my live-watch notes do also say “OMG I love them,” if that’s any consolation…)