Last night’s episode was all tricks and no treats for our favorite Shadowhunters and mundanes. Here are my thoughts and highlights from “The Beast Within.”

An ill-timed Halloween episode brought a terrible treat to fan favorite couple, Malec (Magnus and Alec). Once again, Alec finds himself in a desperate state to save Magnus and turns to the last person he knows for help, Asmodeus. Just like Lorenzo, daddy dearest has his own stipulation for his assistance: break up with Magnus. He claims that Magnus’s love for Alec makes his son weak and overtime Magnus will resent Alec. So why not do the inevitable and end their relationship?

Alec, unwillingly, agrees to Asmodeus’s terms in what is the most selfless and heartbreaking breakups on television. However, is there a silver lining? Perhaps the silver lining is seeing the length both of them will go to to save the other and, with Asmodeus on his way to hand deliver his son’s abilities, Magnus will figure out what Alec did to ensure his happiness.

Some other tricks this episode was trying to free Clary of her bonding rune to Jonathan. However, the heavenly fire serum created by Izzy fails to work. This leaves Clary bound to her brother for what could be life. This is a problem as the Seelie Queen sends an assassin to kill Jonathan, making Clary collateral damage. But after giving into the darkness, Clary saves Jonathan and vows to protect him at all cost.

There were some treats this episode when Simon’s sister, Becky pays him a visit to take part in some Halloween festivities. The two have a lot of catching up and, despite being bummed about her brother’s breakup with Maia, Becky is quick to catch the vibes between Izzy and Simon.

Simon gains the courage to act on his feelings thanks to his sister’s pep talk. Sadly, the two are interrupted by an attack at the institute (the supernatural attacks have terrible timing sometimes).

Overall Thoughts

The episode packed all sorts of emotions leaving fans emotionally invested in their favorite characters. The season is coming to an end with only two episodes left and the writers are doing a great job tying loose ends and storylines while keeping the viewers entertained.