Every Shadow World fan was thrilled to hear that their favorite book series, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, was going to be turned into a television series after the disappointing movie adaption. Shadowhunters premiered January 12, 2016 on Freeform with a completely different cast than the movie as well as a new plan for the plot.
Although it went off the path of the first book, City of Bones, with a few character additions and scenes, unlike the movie, this series stayed true to the book. With Cassandra Clare herself overseeing the script and casting, it would be hard not to make the fans happy. Dominic Sherwood and Kathrine McNamara were chosen to play the main love interests Clary Fray and Jace Wayland (maybe not Wayland exactly). Matthew Daddario, Harry Shum Jr., Alberto Rosende, and Emeraude Tobia portray the supporting characters Alec Lightwood, Magnus Bane (best gay warlock to ever live), Simon Lewis, and Isabelle Lightwood. Overall, the casting of every character big or small was spectacular.
When it comes to the demons and magic in any series, the special effects have to be perfect and the creative department of Shaowhunters did not fail to deliver. Every little detail was the best they could be, from the reactions of characters in the back to the epic fight scenes of werewolves, fairies, and vampires (just to name a few of the creatures).
Season One went along with the original plot as best it could while still making it interesting for new viewers. Clary Fray is introduced to a new world of demons and Downworlders that was hidden within the common world when she runs into Jace Wayland at a club. The twist? She is the only one who can see him. She is plunged into this new world that she realizes she was always a part of because of her parents. While learning and training to fight for the human race, she and Jace, along with Isabelle, Alec, Magnus, and Simon, race against Valentine Morgernstern (Reign’s Alan Van Sprang) to find the Mortal Cup.
Ending Season One with a cliffhanger and transitioning into the plot of the second book, City of Ashes, the producers left the audience wanting more. Season 2 has been confirmed, granting fans’ wishes.