Never make a blood oath. It's a rule of thumb we should all follow!

Clary should know better than to have made a deal blindly. After the events on Shadowhunters Season 2 Episode 9, I don't think she ever will.

It nearly killed her and hurt everyone.

"Bound by Blood" played on the theme of curses and forced motivations.

I liked that these characters, while flawed but genuinely nice people, had a looming threat forcing their choices. More often than not it was for a bad reason. They had no choice but to come to a decision.

Clary going through the blood oath put everything into perspective for her. Life and death aren't so simple. And her life impacts everyone if she touches the sword.

I loved the subtle coincidence of the curse starting to affect her hand. It was a great reminder of the dangerous power she holds. She could destroy worlds with a single touch.

Kudos to the special effects team for the design. The blood oath looks like fire engulfing her body. There's no telling what it would've looked like if she failed the promise. Not even Magnus could've saved her.

Even with the curse afflicting her body, she chose the lives of all the Downworlders over herself. This was a brave thing for her to do. She'd rather sacrifice herself than let Valentine use her.

It's great to see Clary make a decision for her future. She's spent the majority of Shadowhunters Season 2 reacting to the decisions and actions of people around her. This is the moment she took a stand to push herself forward.

Clary: I can't let Valentine activate the soul sword...so whatever happens, you can't let him take me alive.
Simon: Alright. Clary, you're kinda freaking me out.
Clary: Trust me, I've thought about it and Magnus was right.
Simon: What are you talking about?
Clary: I would rather die than let Valentine destroy the Downworld. I need you to promise me if Valentine ever gets to me again...
Simon: No, absolutely not!
Jace: I promise. If it ever comes to that, I won't let him take you alive.

• Permalink: If it ever comes to that, I won't let him take you alive.

Is #Climon moving too fast? (And when did Simon get buff? Inquiring minds want to know...)

The couple has only been together since Shadowhunters Season 2 Episode 8. They kissed a bit and went to a party together. Now they're shirtless making out in a canoe.

Clary: This is so weird.
Simon: Are my fangs in the way? Because I could totally...
Clary: No, you're fine. It's just the canoe is a little small. Ouch!
Simon: Be careful.
[They shift around]
Clary: I can't believe I let you talk me into this.
[They kiss]
Simon: It's okay. I got you.
Clary: Oh great, in that case we'll just go down together.
Simon: Well, I mean, I'm pretty sure this thing is untippable.
Clary: Oh yea?
Simon: Yea.
Clary: We'll just have to see about that.
[They kiss and takes off his shirt]

• Permalink: I can't believe I let you talk me into this.

I feel like they haven't been together that long. Sure, they're best friends, and Simon always had a thing for Clary. However, this feels too fast to happen in TV time.

If Jace hadn't killed the mood, their relationship would've progressed further. (They weren't slow in taking off Simon's shirt!) I didn't think they would be this far in already.

Raphael: I wasn't lying about what I said. There's something about her. I haven't felt this way in a long time.
Magnus: You're so hooked on her blood you can't separate your feelings from your addiction.
Raphael: Isabelle and I are no different from you and Alec. And I thought you of all people would understand.
Magnus: If you truly believe that, see if you still feel the same when you're not getting high.

• Permalink: Isabelle and I are no different from you and Alec.

Isabelle and Raphael's romance is also potentially in the same boat. (Not the canoe, of course.) They got together during "Love Is a Devil," too, and already Raphael is saying he has feelings for her.

Don't get me wrong, I like the chemistry between these characters. It was great to see him reveal details of his past to Isabelle. I much prefer Isabelle being with Raphael than Victor Aldertree; I loved when she turned him down.

Though, I tend to agree with Magnus. I think his addiction to her blood, and Isabelle's addiction to his venom, are clouding their judgments. They're intoxicated to each other. Without it, I don't know if it will last.

Do you think they like each other or is it simply addiction?

Alec's actions and reasoning confused me. He didn't make any sense. Why did he blame Magnus, of all people?!

Isabelle has been suffering, and Alec never noticed. He was in his "Malec" world while his sister slipped into vampire biting. Noticing it now doesn't excuse it.

And Magnus not telling Alec about one strange activity doesn't make the fault rest on him. Isabelle lied to him; it's as simple as that. Alec just wanted to place the blame on anyone to hide his own guilt.

Maia shouldn't have tried to kill Clary. However, I can't fault her for thinking rationally.

Millions of people would die if Clary touches the sword, including Maia. Fear can drive a person to do bad things, and she justified her action to save her life. The same goes to the council who wanted to kill Clary.

Maia is not a villain, but she makes bad choices to protect her werewolf side.

Though, Luke locking her away in the storage room was cruel. Claustrophobia isn't a joke; it's a serious condition. She must've been freaking out every second in there.

Maia: I know about the soul sword. I was there at the party, I heard everything. If Clary touches it, we're all dead.
Luke: And that gives you the right to kill her?
Maia: You think this is easy?! You know me, you know I don't want to hurt anyone.
Simon: Really? It's not what it looked like.
Maia: One life versus millions. If killing Clary is the price of saving the entire Downworld, then I'm willing to pay it. She has to die.
Luke: That is not your decision to make!

• Permalink: If killing Clary is the price of saving the entire Downworld, then I'm willing to pay it.

Valentine manipulating Madzie into getting what he wants shows how vindictive this character is. I love to hate him. He will get his comeuppance someday.

The location of his temporary prison was creepy. It reminded me of Joker meets Final Destination 3. There's something about a spinning carousel and non-public fair that creeps me out. (I watch too many horror movies.)

Looking back now, everything from the fair music to the attractions subtly tied the twist together. Valentine was manipulating Madzie to get her to trust him. Suffice it to say, his plan worked.

How do you feel about Valentine kidnapping Simon?

Simon's life is in danger, but I hope Valentine doesn't kill him for merely being Clary's best friend and boyfriend. With the winter finale upcoming, this will be a great spark toward fighting Valentine.

Simon already died once to become a vampire. I don't want to see him die again.

What did you think of "Bound by Blood"? Do you think the group will save Simon in time? Do Raphael and Isabelle have genuine feelings for each other? Will Maia ever forgive Luke for locking her in that room?

If you missed the latest episode of Shadowhunters, you can watch Shadowhunters online via TV Fanatic. Come back here and let us know what you think.

Justin Carreiro was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.