For fans of The Moral Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare, the TV adaptation, Shadowhunters, is a whirlwind of excitement and emotion. No page-to-screen adaptation is ever perfect, but as loyal fans of the books, we feel it our duty to both criticize and love the TV show. We have stuck with it every step of the way and now look back on what an emotional journey that has been throughout two intense seasons.
1. Excitement
Who isn't freaking out over the big news that our beloved book series is getting its own television show?! The movie had flopped, so this internet buzz immediately grabs our attention. We welcome each new cast member with eagerness and fan art. Finally, the pilot premieres and the hype was so real that no plot holes or changes can bother us.
2. Optimism
Season one continues and we can’t help but notice it’s not quite like the books, but no worries. It’s only episode two, we tell ourselves. There is so much hope for the future. The cast has immense potential, so the only way forward it up. Haters will hate, but Shadowhunters is a great show!
3. Wariness
All of the sudden new characters were coming out of nowhere and shapeshifting runes became cringe-worthy. What happened to the book plot? We just have to trust the director and writers because they have a plan. The special effects aren’t great, and we’re not sure why Hodge is now oddly attractive, but carpe diem right?
4. Confusion
So much for following the book plot. We’ve got a lot of “drama” that isn’t relevant and plot holes that are quite frankly confusing. Fans are losing hope that this show can reach the splendor of the series it was based on. Why are all these things happening? Where is Jem when you need him?!
5. Frustration
About the time that season one is coming to an end, our expectations for Shadowhunters are pretty low. We tried so hard to stick with it, but our faith is waning. At the very least, could Jace act like the sassy diva that he truly is? Could the institute quit being so high-tech and fight demons instead? We need an angelic miracle to get this show back on track.
6. A Second Chance
Season two starts back up and as much as we want to hate the show, your duty as fans is to give it one more try. The actors have grown up a little; Jace and Clary look more like themselves. There’s not much else on TV, so we might as well give it a go.
7. Newfound Appreciation
To our surprise, season two is actually good. A new production and screenwriter team takes charge and wait, is this really the same Shadowhunters we disliked in season one? Finally, the plot is (mostly) following City of Ashes—Valentine’s ship looks exactly like we imagined and Malec is killing the game.
8. Sudden Obsession
Believe it or not, we hesitant book lovers are now enjoying each episode without cringing! The plot may be slightly different from the books, but Maia is here and life is good. Jace is acting like book Jace! The shape-shifting rune is absent! All of the sudden, this is an intense TV series and we love it.
9. Anticipation
Each week we’re really looking forward to a new episode—how far we’ve come! The weird nonsensical additions don’t really bother us anymore because we’re so entranced by the quality dialogue. Thank goodness (or should I say thank the angel?) we didn’t give up on this show. The writers are giving us allusions to some wonderful book memories and we can’t wait to see where it’s headed.
10. Fangirling
As tough as it may be to see a favorite book series be trampled by Hollywood, we stuck with Shadowhunters, and it seems that loyalty is paying off. This show definitely requires our perseverance, but it's exciting that it’s finally starting to feel like the books. Let the crackpot theories and excitement continue.
