Ep 1. On Infernal Ground

After a long wait, Shadowhunters are back with their third season, and they kick off with a spellbinding premiere episode, "On Infernal Ground." The series picks up where the second season left off, following the aftermath of Valentine's death and the war between humans and demons.

"On Infernal Ground" opens with the introduction of a new character, Lilith. She is an enigmatic and powerful demon, and her appearance in New York City sets off a chain of events that will have a massive impact on the Shadow World. Meanwhile, Clary, Jace, Alec, Isabelle, and Simon continue to grapple with their complicated relationships and inner demons.

The first few scenes serve as a recap of sorts, filling in the gaps for viewers who may have forgotten the intricate details of the show's previous storylines. The episode wastes no time in plunging us headfirst into the action. The Shadowhunters face off against a group of demons who are attempting to break into the Institute.

The battle is intense and well choreographed, showing off the Shadowhunters' combat skills and giving us a glimpse of some of the new weapons they'll be using this season. The demon designs are suitably scary, with a mix of practical effects and CGI creating creatures that are both fascinating and horrifying.

One of the biggest questions heading into season three was how Jace's resurrection would impact his relationship with Clary. "On Infernal Ground" wastes no time in addressing this issue. Jace and Clary's relationship is as passionate and tumultuous as ever, with the two of them trying to navigate their feelings while dealing with the challenges of being Shadowhunters.

Elsewhere, Alec and Magnus must deal with the fallout from Magnus' decision to abandon the war effort in the previous season, a move that left Alec feeling betrayed. The two of them are forced to confront their issues head-on, with Alec expressing his frustrations in a heartfelt and emotional scene that is sure to resonate with fans of the couple.

One of the standout moments of the episode involves Simon, who finds himself in a mysterious and dangerous situation. He has to use all of his wits and resourcefulness to survive while also uncovering clues about Lilith and her plans. The plotline is tense and gripping, with several twists and turns that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Throughout the episode, Lilith lurks in the background, her motives mysterious but her power undeniable. She is a formidable opponent, and her introduction adds a new layer of complexity to the Shadow World. The final scene of the episode is a shocking cliffhanger that sets the stage for the rest of the season, with Lilith proving herself to be a major threat to the Shadowhunters and their allies.

Overall, "On Infernal Ground" is a strong season premiere that will leave fans eagerly anticipating the rest of the season. The episode balances action, romance, and intrigue in a way that will satisfy fans of the show, while also introducing new plotlines and characters that keep things fresh and exciting. With the Shadow World facing its biggest threat yet, the stage is set for an epic season of Shadowhunters.