Shadowhunters Season 3 Episode 5 Review: Stronger Than Heaven
Justin Carreiro
at
.
Updated at
.
A winner got called in the war over Jace's mind. Unfortunately, the victor isn't exactly someone we wanted -- at all.
Lilith succeeded in ripping away Jace's love for Clary on Shadowhunters Season 3 Episode 5. He is now a shell of his former self, and with her complete control over him, nothing will get in her way of completing her mission. This is a sad day for 'Clace' fans.
Even when he's trying to be good, trouble seems to find him.
Jace made all the right moves to focus on his health. After experiencing more blackouts, him deciding that he needed to visit the Silent Brothers was the best course of action. Even though we knew the truth, he took the right proactive measure to fix a condition he thought he had.
Clary trying to keep him from seeking treatment, on the other hand, was frustrating to watch.
It's understandable why she sought out the angel and tried to get answers; all of these instances happened after he was resurrected. And her efforts did inevitably reveal that a bigger evil was at play. But, she kept pushing off any chance of him getting help because it affected her life and situation.
Related: Shadowhunters Season 3 Episode 4 Review: Thy Soul Instructed
Jace got the courage to admit that he needed help. If he were fine (which he was), the Silent Brothers would've cleared him, and if he weren't, he would've needed the support regardless. The continued delay only hurt more people in the process.
An angel died, and Jace lost his love because they couldn't take a step back and do what was best.
Jace: I’m thinking of going to the City of Bones for treatment.
Clary: The Silent brothers?
Jace: They have a history of helping shadowhunters with mental health issues.
Clary: Jace, we don’t know that’s what you’re going through.
Jace: There’s a family history.
Clary: But you didn’t start feeling this way until after you were brought back. Do you really think that’s a coincidence?
Jace: I think it was a trigger for something that’s always been there. Look, I can’t sit benched and do nothing. If there’s even a chance that the Silent Brothers can even help then that’s...
Clary: But what if they can’t? Jace, the Clave would deem you unfit for duty. You’d be de-runed.
Jace: And what choice do I have? I can’t live like this.
I may be hard on Clary because of her actions during Shadowhunters Season 3 Episode 5, but she did do some good things. Like, for instance, coming clean to Luke about using the angel's wish to bring Jace back.
She needed to talk to someone about it. Jace was acting erratically, and if it did have something to do with the resurrection, she needed help and support to fix it. Luke would always stand by her and not tell anyone.
The return of Cleophus was a pleasant surprise for "Stronger Than Heaven."
After the storyline with Valentine, her return didn't seem like a possibility. It's surprising that she didn't end up in the City of Bones for her earlier betrayal; her change of heart must've given her some favor with the group.
Regardless, she's back, which meant the potential for character development and backstories about Luke. (The story about him being afraid of the dog was hilarious when you realize now that he's a werewolf.) And the convenient connection to the main plot, like with reaching the angels.
Her role as a former Iron Sister will no doubt come into play again in the future.
Speaking of the angel, poor Ithuriel! His death was pretty horrific to watch, even for a supernatural series like Shadowhunters.
Nevertheless, the special effects for the claw through his bleeding heart were pretty good. It wasn't entirely believable, but the attention to the arm helped to amplify the shock. And the editing tied it all together perfectly.
Lilith's demon bat, on the other hand, looked totally CGI.
When you compare the ash demon that Izzy fought against the bat who stole a bit of Clary's soul, there's a clear divide. The face of the bat was probably what did it for me. The demon looked too bright for the nighttime setting in the forest, and the face looked a tad unfinished; the bat needed a bit more definition.
Don't get me wrong; Clary would be scared seeing this creature in person after it killed Ithuriel. The bat itself wasn't the most standout of monsters that Shadowhunters has ever done.
With Lilith succeeding in her plan of giving Jace the potion, do you think his love is completely gone forever?
Magnus was pretty clear that it would erase every trace amount of love and memory the person had. And Jace stated that he felt nothing. However, we're talking about the big love that is 'Clace.'
They can't be over with, right? Magnus must have an antidote that will reverse the curse.
Jace: Are you seriously going to live in your van?\
Simon: I don’t know! At least my van’s not going to spy on me while I sleep.
[Simon tries to close the door but Jace stops him]
Simon: Look, I’ll find another place. I just don’t want to be a prisoner of the Wolves Templar.
Jace: I think that’s a bit extreme.
Before Jace became a shelf of his former self, seeing him interact with Simon was an engaging plot.
These two characters have great chemistry together. The guys act like reluctant step-brothers who say they hate each other but in actuality find each other pretty cool. (Strange comparison? Think about it.)
Related: Shadowhunters Season 3 Episode 3 Review: What Lies Beneath
Jace may have used Simon's situation as a diversion tactic to not focus on his mental health, but he got the job done. He knew that he couldn't trust Kyle and something about the apartment was too perfect. As a shadowhunter, he was taught to pick up on all those signs. His suspicion came naturally to him.
Kyle is part of the Praetor Lupus, so his role is mainly to protect Simon. And for someone like Simon who had been lied to many times before, it wasn't surprising that he took off running. He's already on edge enough as is; he didn't want that feeling at home.
Though, as we discussed in the review for Shadowhunters Season 3 Episode 4, he could sacrifice that feeling to live in that apartment. (Come on! It's rent-controlled and has lots of space in New York City. A reluctant vampire can make do living with a werewolf bodyguard.)
He made the right choice to return and embrace the situation. He was stuck with Kyle.
Isabelle: Can I borrow a dress? I need something Mundane to wear.
Clary: Going undercover?
Isabelle: Something like that.
Clary: Izzy, is there something going on?
Isabelle: Ugh, I’m going out tonight...with the doctor.
Clary: Tell me everything!
Isabelle: It’s just dinner. I’m only doing it so he can leave me alone.
Clary: Well, then why go out with him at all?
Isabelle: You’re right. I should cancel.
Isabelle and Dr. Charlie looked pretty cute together while on their date. You could tell that he was really into her and wanted to keep the night going. Even with all her hesitations beforehand, Izzy also seemed to be interested too.
He definitely won her over after coming back into the alleyway to check on her.
After the fight with the ash demon, she didn't need any help; she had a simple fall and could've healed herself with a rune. But, his overt kindness and gut feeling to check on her showed a new side to him that impressed her.
Isabelle may have said she would never date a Mundane. However, Dr. Charlie might be her exception to the rule.
The Magnus and Alec drama came up yet again! For as much as we ship this couple, they have shown time and time again that they don't want to work on their issues. And the pair has a few things they need to discuss.
Case in point: The issue of time.
Magnus is a centuries-old warlock while Alec is still a fairly young guy. Their relationship might be new, but time will eventually rear its ugly head after a few decades. You could see the effects of this based on the box that Magnus keeps of his past loves.
Alec was concerned about their future. He doesn't want to be another memento in the box when he passes away from old age while Magnus will eventually move on and date someone else. That realization is a big concern that looms over their relationship.
The way Magnus brushed it off was concerning. Focusing on the now is all well and good, but that issue will pop up in the future, and he can't escape it forever. Alec is going to get older, and they need to both be on the same page that they will be okay with that reality.
Alec: What if I moved in?
[Awkward silence]
Alec: Bad idea?
Magnus: No, it’s a wonderful idea...for the future.
Alec: Okay, umm, I just thought.
Magnus: We’ve been seeing each other for less than two months. Alexander, once we move in together, our relationship will change.
Alec: Yeah, we’ll be closer.
Magnus: There’s no such thing.
But, the most mind-blowing fact: They've only been dating for two months! TWO MONTHS?! (What is the timeline on Shadowhunters?)
Magnus broke up a wedding on Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 12 and the pair were dating throughout Shadowhunters Season 2. Has time been that condensed?
When you put it all into perspective, Alec asking to move in with Magnus after two months was troubling. He is rushing too fast into this relationship. We can give him some slack because this is his first real relationship, especially one with a man.
But Magnus and Alec have done a lot for a couple that just started dating two months ago. Like, throwing out "I love you" and talking about the future. It's no wonder Alec thought now was the perfect time to move in with Magnus; the entire relationship had been throwing him off from a typical dating timeline.
As much as this is hard to say, but maybe Magnus isn't into Alec as much as Alec is into Magnus?
What did you think of "Stronger Than Heaven"? How will Lilith's potion affect Jace's relationship with Clary? Is Magnus and Alec's relationship in trouble? Will Simon ever trust Kyle?
If you missed the latest episode of Shadowhunters, you can watch Shadowhunters online via TV Fanatic. Come back here and share your thoughts in the comments.
Justin Carreiro was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.
