SHADOWHUNTERS: “Original Sin” (S3E12): Tying Up Loose Ends As The Final Battle Looms

The end is nigh, and it was never as apparent as in “Original Sin”. While it’s an indication that the final episode is drawing closer, it was a relief and also a disappointment to know that some storylines would not be dragged on. A relief, for example, that Clary’s (Katherine McNamara) predicament will not be dragged on an entire season, yet a disappointment at how rushed the resolutions throughout the episode felt. So rushed in fact, it gives off the feeling as though a longer inclusion of storylines was originally intended, the shortening and compactness a result of the show’s cancellation.

Thankfully, and most important to note, the writers are not focused on only the end, but also the journey they will be crafting to take viewers there. While not immediately apparent to the characters, or viewers, there are still tricks up the writers’ sleeves, new challenges still presented to the characters of Shadowhunters. The end may be near but not without one last compelling clash of good and evil.

Saving Clary

While ready to give up on the possibility that Clary could still be alive, Jace (Dominic Sherwood) has quickly jumped on board with Luke’s (Isaiah Mustafa) theory of the moving apartment, finding further evidence to validate his claim. The first example within the episode of a possible shortening of a preexisting storyline, Jace and Luke figure out that Clary is in Siberia – most likely with Jonathan (Luke Baines) after a successful resurrection spell. Realizing the danger Clary could be in, they portal themselves to her location only to find an abandoned shack – and evidence of Clary’s attempt to escape. Too late, they return to the institute, enlisting the help of Alec (Matthew Daddario) and Magnus (Harry Shum Jr.).

Yet, while the gang tries to catch up to her current whereabouts, Clary tries to plan her own escape, all while Jonathan does everything he can to try and prove to her he has changed, earn her trust. If this wasn’t the final season, I wonder how long the entire Clary is dead and missing storyline would have carried on. I was relieved at the swiftness of its conclusion, and effectiveness at being reshaped to further drive a new storyline – one that will most likely prove to be the greatest challenge the Shadowhunters have faced to date.

The Mark of Kane

Simon (Alberto Rosende), driven by grief and fear, set out into the sewer tunnels of New York City at the end of “Lost Souls”, seeking out the oldest vampire in an attempt to find the knowledge to remove the mark of Kane. Bestowed on him by the Seelie Queen, with the intent to destroy Lilith (Anna Hopkins), the mark has brought only destruction and death to those he cares most about, a guilt he is struggling to live with. To protect those around him, and in order to renter the world, Simon believes the only way is to have the mark removed.

One of the directions I was not expecting this storyline to take was a a biblical turn, the story of Adam and Eve, as well as Kane and Abel, intertwined into the connection of the Devil and Lilith. The familiarity of the biblical creation of man and the introduction of evil felt appropriately placed within a story that has shaped itself around the demons of the night, terrors that tempt the human heart and the human spirit. Its realistic good vs. evil depictions draw out the empathy for the creatures on screen, adding a bit of realism to the supernatural. It also provided a means to end the overarching Mark of Kane.

While the conclusion of this storyline seemed more evenly paced than Clary’s, it still felt rushed – though also opening the door for further challenges and turmoil for our characters before the final season concludes. There are more demons to slay before the end arrives – both in the real world and within themselves.

Making everyday count

I was unaware that by losing his powers last season to save Jace, Magnus had also lost his immortality. I’m glad the series did not follow in the shoes of The Vampire Diaries by swiftly aging Magnus to extinction, though it was unnerving to see the confident former warlock trying to savor every minute of his now limited time on earth.

Kicking off with a steamy choreographed training session between Alec and Magnus, and when they are not trying to help Jace find Clary, a whirlwind of experiences fly past, the need to push onto the next thing preventing Magnus from learning the beauty of savoring a moment. As Alec explains to him, they are unlikely to remember the dumpling they tried years earlier, but rather the day. It is an interesting moment of self discovery, not just as a human but as partner. While not the strongest moment in the episode, though one that will definitely satisfy shippers of this couple, it was a gentle way of keeping both characters relevant within a fading storyline.

Original Sin: Conclusion

“Original Sin” was more about tying up loose ends, and setting the stage for the final battle between good and evil. It was nothing more, and nothin less than that. The Morning Star sword seems to be the latest threat to the downworlders, a family heirloom that may have different functions depending on which Morgenstern child wields it. Isabelle could be facing her own personal demons again, her past addiction and means of coping by pushing others away battle she may have to fight one last time.

If there is one thing we know, Jonathan is pissed – and you won’t like him when he is angry.