Shadowhunters is definitely good at building a slow burn when it comes to relationships, but it is even better at torturing the characters with unrequited love.
Alec Lightwood is not your typical brooding hero. While he does carry the weight of the Shadowhunting world on his shoulders, the heavier weight is that of unrequited love. Alec definitely rocks the strong and silent type vibe, but as I have watched the relationships unfold on Shadowhunters it is clear he is in love with his best friend and parabatai, Jace Wayland.
Alec is fantastically complicated because of his love for Jace. The fact that being gay in the Shadowhunter world is taboo adds an extra layer to the character. Jace is, of course, oblivious to Alec’s feelings and doesn’t understand why Alec is surly when Clary enters the picture. Clary, on the other hand, realizes right away that Alec has feelings for Jace and that, in part, adds to his dislike for her.
The last two episodes have seen Alec and Jace argue over Clary. Alec is definitely jealous but he is also concerned for Jace’s well-being. Jace is clearly more reckless now that Clary is in the picture and she has become his focus. In these moments, Matt Daddario brings Alec to life in a way that is both believable and heart breaking. The fight between Alec and Jace in “Moo Shu to Go” brought to light just how differently Alec and Jace view their relationship.
Alec realizes how complicated his feelings make things, but feelings are hard to change. Luckily for Alec, Magnus Bane has entered the picture, giving him a glimpse of what someone having feelings for him looks like. I don’t think Alec will easily forget about Jace, but having someone who reciprocates interest is definitely a step in the right direction.
Let’s take a minute to talk about Matt Daddario, who plays Alec. The first few episodes didn’t give Alec a lot to do but scowl and follow Jace around. By mid-season, however, Alec has found his own space to grow and show who he really is as a character. Matt Daddario balances Alec’s strength as a Shadowhunter with the vulnerability his feelings create. I don’t think there is a better actor for the job of Alec than Daddario. His scenes with Magnus also prove he can do the character justice, but Malec is a conversation for another time.