We’re finally through the first season of Shadowhunters – the television attempt at adapting the wildly popular The Mortal Instruments series.
And, well, it was an interesting couple of months.
When the show premiered, I shared my thoughts on the first episode… and my opinions haven’t changed much since.
It’s been a while since I’ve read the books, so I can’t speak for all the inconsistencies there are (or aren’t) but a few things stand out to me. The first few episodes stay fairly consistent to the story – that much I remember – but soon, things start to deviate. The one that stands out to me the most is the wedding between Alec and Lydia. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that wasn’t in the books, right? The addition just seemed awkward and forced. I honestly didn’t really understand how it fit into the plot – and if it was in the book, it probably didn’t need to be there either.
I’m usually one of the few people who is on board with changes in adaptations – they’ll always be there and I’d rather just get used to them than constantly fight them. But I don’t like them when they don’t serve a definitive purpose – and the wedding of Alec and Lydia didn’t serve a purpose except to add more familial tension and a problem for Alec and Magnus.
Aside from the plot – which still got the main point of the books across, changes or not – the writing still didn’t impress me as the show progressed. It’s very cheesy, and the acting contributes to that cheesiness. I mean, some moments were just cringe-worthy.
However, some actors definitely grew into their characters. Emeraude Toubla, who portrays Isabelle, was one of my favorites by the end of the show. I’m also very happy they toned down her outfits. As I said in my premiere review, they dressed her kind of skanky and it wasn’t something I was happy about. Aside from a few questionable outfit choices, I found her to be pretty convincing.
Also, here’s one that shocked me, I liked Simon in this. Alberto Rosende managed to get me to like a character I absolutely hated in the books. I stopped reading the series because the fourth book focused on him in the beginning. When I say I didn’t like Simon, I mean it. Rosende and the writers managed to make me like him. Go them! He just wasn’t completely useless and winey in the show.
I still can’t stand Clary, though.
The sass was just so unconvincing from McNamara. Just sayin’.
Overall, I didn’t absolutely hate this but I didn’t love this. I found myself not feeling consumed in the story at times, like the wedding. While the acting wasn’t anything Oscar-worthy, I feel like that and the writing was on par with other teen-audience shows like The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars. So I can’t complain too much since I love those shows.
I’d give season 1 an overall rating of: 
34 Comments
A 3/5 rating is fair, I think! I feel like the acting did get better as it progressed. But you’re right – they added Lydia in, mostly to play with the dynamics of Alec and Magnus’ relationship and to cause drama for the Lightwood family, I guess?
But… Alec and Magnus were my favourite part. I barely noticed them in the books, but I’m happy they got screen time. I didn’t care about Jace and Clary, at all. I think I got tired of the whole ‘we’re siblings, no we’re not!’ thing during the books too.
Simon was good! I agree on that! haha
Yeah, some of the actors got more comfortable in their characters as it went out. You could tell. But I still can’t stand Clary. She’s my least favorite which is probably what makes it kind of hard to watch with her being the main character and all xD I wasn’t convinced of either relationship (Jace/Clary, Alec/Magnus), they seemed thrust together. So, we’ll see in season 2 if it gets better.
I thought she… yeah. I don’t have much to say that’s positive… I’d kind of have Shadowhunters on while I was doing other stuff, so I could focus on it when it was interesting haha
But I definitely felt more for Alec and Magnus than for Jace and Clary! Season 2’s getting more episodes, right? Hopefully more time for character development, relationships, everything. Fingers crossed 😉
hahah I kind of did the same thing. I missed a few important scenes, but oh well xD
I haven’t looked too much into season 2, I just know there will be one. I’m still waiting to find out if there will be a season 2 for The Shannara Chronicles 😀
I still haven’t finished Shannara! I need to do that asap! That one was actually pretty interesting!
Even though it has some bad writing, corny acting and questionable CGI just like Shadowhunters, I kind of like it better xD
I don’t think it was quite as bad as Shadowhunters! Plus, there’s more going on in Shannara, I think? hahaha
It’s more fantasy rather than urban fantasy (is that right ? I’m pretending to know my genres right now 😛 ) So, there is definitely more world building to it.
You know your genres! That might actually be why it’s better. Because world-building makes it so interesting?
I think so. I like a good new world to get into. But I still like stories based in today’s world. It’d be bad if I didn’t since my NaNo story takes place in a world like today xD
Sounds like it gets better (a little) as it goes. I haven’t seen any of this (so why am I commenting? I don’t know!) lol but I remember seeing previews for it and wondering if it was any good. It LOOKS like it could be fun. Maybe S2 will get better. I know the books are pretty popular aren’t they?
I mean, sort of. It’s still pretty corny. It is ABC Family, though (or Freeform, whatever). It’s not like it’s HBO so…. The books are super popular. I stopped reading after the third book, but there are about 15 books in the shadowhunter world with the tv show focusing on the main 6-book series.
Ah yes, Shadowhunters. It’s not ACTUALLY good, but it’s kind of entertaining and so far I’m still watching. I’m disappointed, because I think the world COULD have made for a really great show, but the writers just aren’t good enough to do it justice. Cassandra Clare’s writing can be very cheesy too, but it’s mixed with earnestness and recognizable feelings and her characters’ motivations make sense. More importantly, Clare has great one-liners, which the show just doesn’t pull off at all. To have lines THAT cheesy and still make them look good, the actors would have to be phenomenal and they… aren’t. I like Alec and Izzy (and I really like the parts they have together) and I also like Luke and sometimes Magnus, but pretty much all of the others aren’t great. I also really didn’t understand what the show was doing with Jace/Clary and Alec/Magnus. They just pushed them together with no foundation for a relationship at all? Like, when Magnus talks at Alec like he has some kind of right to stop his WEDDING, like he’s letting Magnus down, even though they barely know each other. And yeah, the wedding was just weird. I didn’t mind Izzy’s clothes though. She dresses like that in the books and I was fairly happy they kept it at first. I know that they changed it to reflect that she’s taking her mother’s advice and accepting more responsibility, but I sort of hoped that she’d realize that she can still be herself AND be awesome and responsible at some point. Anyways, not a huge fan of the writers OR the actors, but it’s not so bad that I’ll stop watching right now.
It’s a show that’s not great but I can’t seem to stop watching. I guess it’s mainly out of curiosity on the direction they decide to take with the show. I agree, the writing is pretty bad but I don’t know, the writing is horrible for some of my other favorites so I feel like I shouldn’t be too nitpicky with that xD I agree that they don’t pull off the one-liners and sass in the show though. It’s so corny and cringe-worthy lol I wasn’t convinced with the relationships either. It definitely felt forced from episode one. I thought they took the modernization of Izzy a bit far with some of the outfit choices. Like, she goes in to fight demons in 6 inch heels and a dress that barely covers her ass? I don’t know xD
When I watched the first episode the cheesiness overwhelmed me and I could barely stand it, but once I got a few episodes in I started to love it. I haven’t read the books in forever so I honestly couldn’t remember if the wedding was in there and doubted myself, but yes, it was definitely an addition.
I adoredddd Simon in the books so I was happy with this new Simon. I mean, he’s no Robert Sheehan, but he fits the bill nicely. He does kind of feel even more like a doormat in the series though. I so agree about the actor that plays Isabel though, and Alec’s actor too. I feel like these two have their roles down, and I actually ended up liking Alec more as a character because of it.
I’ve always just tolerated Clary so I didn’t expect much from her. But I think Jace gets a good amount of one-liners in, and he seems less cheesy? But maybe I’m distracted cause this Jace is attractive, vs. the movie Jace who was not at all (to me at least).
But can I say, and I regularly tweet about this, why is Hodge so sexy? Like… in the books I pictured him as an older dude, with a bit of a belly, like a sort of great uncle type. But he’s so so different in this series??
Oh man, that’s how I felt with the first episode! So bad xD
I feel like I’m one of the only people that doesn’t like Simon! D: That’s funny we had different opinions about him in the TV show! I thought he was a little more useful, sort of. I mean, in the books I always pictured him crying, I don’t know why. So, I’m happy with what the show did with him. Also, I know Izzy is promiscuous in the novels but not THAT promiscuous. I get they were trying to make it more modern, but I just hated her outfits. They were just too much for me lol
I don’t remember my feelings on Clary in the book, and I feel like I liked her in the movie. But I just don’t like the actress they chose for her. Her voice kind of got to me and I didn’t find that sass convincing at all. The actor for Jace was pretty good. They did a better job at casting him for the show than they did for the movie.
ALSO YES. LIKE WHY? I also imagined an older uncle time person. Kind of like how the movie cast him. I think maybe they just wanted to appeal to audiences? Sex sells or something?
Hahaha I could picture an always crying Simon. I suppose I liked in because I’ve always been something of an underdog fan, even a sad, panting underdog that doesn’t seem to give up. I could see that, they were pretty flashy. I’m clearly desensitized because I didn’t even bat an eye. I did hate that wig though…
The actress looks more like what I imagine Clary would, but isn’t the most amazing actress. I kind of think she’s gotten better since the beginning though?
I think that’s exactly it. But it’s ABC family so it’m not too surprised that they sexed it up.
hahah I’m usually a fan of the underdog too, I just wasn’t on board with Simon for some reason. & Oh, yes, that wig….
I agree they made her look more like Clary, but yeah, she wasn’t the best. Personally, I didn’t think she got much better. I still didn’t find any of those one liners convincing, but I guess she got a little more “into it” if that makes sense? Like, more facial expressions maybe.
Yeah that makes sense, like a little more into the character, but not necessarily better at delivering lines and such
OMG. I love this review. I’m a huge Shadohunter fan. BUT I couldn’t even make it through the first episode of the show. And i’m like you, I’m normally all for TV/Movie adaptions. But this one was horrible. I liked the movie sooo much better and I didn’t really even love the movie.
hahahah it’s so corny! I actually do like the movie better than the show and I thought the movie was pretty bad. That’s saying a lot xD But it’s a show I love to hate. I’ll keep watching 😛
I probably have to agree with everything you said. As you know, I HATED SIMON IN THE BOOKS TOO. But I feel the same way you do! I love him in the shows! I love how he’s been portrayed so far and I hope that doesn’t go downhill in future seasons (do we get future seasons?). And same with Isobel. I really enjoyed her by the end of the season where I was super sceptical about her at the start. I’m not the hugest fan of McNamara as Clary, like you said, her sass is ridiculous and she’s probably one of the more cheesy characters. As far as I can remember, the wedding was NOT in the books, Evan and I were both unhappy that they threw that in there, but whatever. Also, to me, Hodge looks weirdly young compared to the rest of the Circle members. Maybe it’s just me, and I know they weren’t all exactly the same age when they were in the Circle, but he kinda looks closer in age to the kids than the adults. Anyways, it’ll be interesting to see what they do for season two. I kinda love to hate this show. It’s hella cheesy and the acting isn’t amazing, but I still watch it every week anyways, so kudos to them I guess 😛
We are getting a season 2! I like how they waste no time in announcing that but we’re still waiting for a confirmation of whether we’re getting a season 2 of Shannara JUST WTF. I want to know!
anyways
McNamara is…..no. I like Collins WAY better as Clary. Also, YES. Hodge was way too young. Again, I think the movie cast that role better. Maybe they were just trying to make the show appeal to younger people? or sex sells sort of thing? I don’t know.
I love to hate it too, though. It’s so corny you have to love it! lol
YAY! They better hurry up with Shannara. Do you know how the ratings were? I feel like the graphics and acting were much better in Shannara than Shadowhunters… So…. We better get a season 2.
Yeah… Let’s talk about sex ba-by, let’s talk about you and me! Let’s talk about all the good things that SELL ON TV! See what I did there? HAHAHA sorry that was bad.
I think the ratings were mixed. People were comparing it too much to Game of Thrones – so it got some negative reviews for that. But some people said it was a good epic that appealed to younger audiences. So we shall see!
LOLOL but seriously! Like Izzy’s outfits?! She does not dress like that in the book. They modernized and sexed it up lol
Wait. What? Game of Thrones? You can’t even- sfkjhsdkjfdskhf. THEY AREN’T EVEN CLOSE TO THE SAME ASIDE FROM THE FACT THAT THEY’RE FANTASY. We can’t get into this, LOL, but they’re ridiculous.
I know. That was one of the biggest piss-offs for me, but I’m glad they tuned it down towards the end of the series. Still skin tight, but not so much showing. I mean. Whatever floats your boat and gets you ratings, but try to keep the characters in tact lol.
LITERALLLYYYYY That’s what they compare it to AND ONLY because it’s fantasy. They try to say that it’s not living up to GoT. WELL UH DUH. Game of Thrones is on HBO and has a huge fucking budget. xD
YEAH. I’m glad too. I get making her a little promiscuous, but they went a little crazy at first. I’m glad they toned it down.
That makes literally ZERO sense. Like. That’s like comparing Outlander and the Doon series’ because they both take place in Scotland. Seriously? Like. No.
hahaha AGREED. They’re two very different stories.
This = SO MUCH YES: “I’m usually one of the few people who is on board with changes in adaptations – they’ll always be there and I’d rather just get used to them than constantly fight them.” I usually like an adaptation as well as the book, because well, I guess I’m not difficult to please when it comes to that. I’d rather be entertained than over analyze changes… although because I’m a reviewer, I will confess, sometimes I have fun doing it. 😉
Either way, Katherine just isn’t working as Clary (and I’ve not even read the books!), I’m comparing her to Lily, who I liked better. I do like Movie and TV Show Simon, and like TV Show Jace. Once I either get my laptop fixed or a new one, I’ll have to finish this season (been watching it on iTunes). Great thoughts, Molly! 🙂
Same. I get things will be changed. It’s not the end of the world to me – unless it’s over the top, like the changing of the ENTIRE plot for Allegiant. That was a bit much to me? haha
I really don’t like Katherine as Clary. I wasn’t a fan of the movie when I saw it but honestly, I’m kind of preferring the movie over the show xD
I know that the series is very cheesy, I totally agree. But that just makes me love it so much more 😛
Wait… how couldn’t you have liked Simon in the books?? But yes, Alberto is perfect!
I finally managed to upload my own review. Here’s Part I. If you’re interested go check it out! 🙂
I just couldn’t stand him! He was always crying about something lol The show did a good job with his character, though. Also, I only read up until book 3 so I don’t know if his character improves.
I’ll be checking out your review now 🙂
I think he does improve. He gets sassier 😀 And selfrespects himself more.