Shadowhunters 2×13: The Rise of Jacemaia

WHAT. AN. EPISODE. I can safely tell you after watching the episode more than once…or twice…or three times…this is BY FAR one of the strongest episodes of this supernatural series to date. With touching character moments, important issues addressed, and the birth of a new ship, Those of Demon Blood certainly packed quite a punch or two!

Two very important things came up in this episode and I was shocked Shadowhunters went there: Simon talking about his Jewish heritage and why he was opposed to giving a blood sample to clear his name and Maia talking about being stopped by cops for being black. I love this show dearly but often times the writers will choose to side step an issue rather than face it head on. It was refreshing to see two characters bluntly but eloquently discuss issues they face daily and why they could not stand by and let the Clave discriminate against them. Simon and Maia are two characters who are proud of their backgrounds and aren’t afraid to challenge other’s viewpoints. Furthermore, Jace apologizing to Maia for blindly following his newfound Grandmother despite feeling she was in the wrong was icing on the cake.

Even though Simon and Maia were wrongly imprisoned by “the world’s most terrifying Grandma”, it did give these two a chance to have a nice conversation. It was nice to see them talk again like old friends and Maia encouraging Simon not to mess things up with Clary, despite her feelings towards him. Even more so when she sympathized with Jace, knowing what it’s like to want a family.

Which leads me to my favorite parts of the episode and my new favorite ship: JACEMAIA. Oh boy do these two have chemistry. When we first met Maia, she was offering a wounded and on the run Jace a drink on the house and use of her bar’s phone. There’s something serendipitous about Jace being the first person to meet Maia when she was introduced on the series. Although we have come a long way—okay, maybe not that long—from their first encounter and I am truly thankful for their character development. Between their conversation about Jace finding his place in the world to his sincere apology for his role in implanting a tracking chip in her, these two truly bring out the best in one another.

Not to mention these two ignite the screen whenever they have scenes together and look damn good while they do it if I do say so myself. So that end scene between Jace and Maia was very much a welcomed treat and a long time coming. These two characters practically invented the term “sexual tension”. With lingering glances, flirty banter, and the way they can make each other smile, these sexy individuals were destined to intertwine, both figuratively and literally. It was delightful to see Jace engaging with someone who isn’t Clary and letting himself act on his emotions, and for Maia to let her guard down a little while taking control of the situation. They compliment each other so well and their dynamic invigorates the series.

All that aside, it’s equally refreshing to see an interracial couple on a popular series, something that is sorely missing in most series currently on air. It’s also important to note that Jace fully accepts Maia for the strong-willed firecracker she is and she isn’t riddled with clichés or stereotypes. Maia completely owns who she is and makes no apologies for it, which is one of the main reasons Jace is so drawn to her as opposed to challenging that. While Jace is not doubt guilty of the white savior trope, he is much more three dimensional than most lead male characters who are as white and as handsome as he is. He may have a hard exterior, but that’s only to protect himself from getting hurt as he is possibly the most sensitive and emotional character on the series. Together Jace and Maia boldly convey what a powerful interracial couple they could be and present a far more interesting pairing than what we’re accustomed to seeing.

Personally, this what my favorite episode of Shadowhunters yet and I truly hope the writers continue to write interesting pairings who benefit one another, especially if that pairing is Jace and Maia. Give me all the Jacemaia—there is no such thing as too much from this lovable duo!

Photo Credit: Freeform/John Medland