Shadowhunters, over the course of its three-season run, created one of the most dedicated fanbases out there, who are still hoping to resurrect their beloved show. Even without the exploits of Clary Fray, Alec Lightwood, and the rest of the crew, Shadowhunters made sure to end the series with a bang, so to speak, that left audiences a little choked up and hopeful in equal measure.
Looking back at the character’s first lines in comparison with their lasts, their stories come to life and their final moments bring satisfying conclusions to their journeys. These two lines showed the growth and change that they went through over the course of Shadowhunters.
Jocelyn Fray
First: "You Did It! Yay!"
Last: "If You Do, As Quick As They Gave You Your Gifts, They Will Take Them Away."
Introduced as Clary’s mother, Jocelyn is more than excited when Clary tells her she got into the Brooklyn Academy of Art. After her death, Jocelyn appears as a ghost to Clary in the final episode. Jocelyn warns her to stop drawing runes otherwise the Angels will take her powers away.
In the first episode, Jocelyn appears to be like every other normal person, however, it’s not long before her Shadowhunter powers are known. In different ways, both her first and final lines display her deep love for Clary and how she always wants what’s best for her daughter.
Valentine Morgenstern
First: "You’ve Returned. I’m So Sorry It Had To Be This Way, Jocelyn."
Last: "But You Will Never Be Rid Of Me. You Are A Morgenstern."
In the first episode, Valentine is displayed as an antagonist when he sends his men to kidnap Jocelyn. When they return with her comatose body, he apologizes for his actions. After Valentine is resurrected in Familia Ante Omnia, one of the best Shadowhunters episodes, Clary wants to be rid of him forever. Valentine informs her that whether he is dead or not, he will always be there because he is her father.
Valentine was a dangerous rogue Shadowhunter and it remained that way until the end. Even in his final moments, he sees it as a perfect opportunity to taunt Clary.
Maia Roberts
First: "Well, You Look Like You Could Use A Drink. And A Towel."
Last: "Okay."
Needing to escape the police, Jace ends up in The Hunter’s Moon where Maia works as a bartender. She is first heard commenting on Jace’s appearance and offers him a drink. One year after Clary loses her memories, Maia is now the pack's alpha and has opened her restaurant for Downworlders. When Simon says he needs to leave, Maia simply responds with "Okay".
Maia’s final conversation with Simon demonstrates her desire to unite Downworlders. However, While Maia’s first line sets up her character perfectly, her final line is somewhat disappointing for one of the strongest characters in the series.
Magnus Bane
First: "You’re Not Protecting Her, You’re Deceiving Her."
Last: "To Us."
A flashback to ten years prior introduces Magnus as a warlock. When Jocelyn asks Magnus to take Clary’s memories, Magnus does not approve and believes Jocelyn is deceiving her daughter. One year after his wedding to Alec, Magnus is now the High Warlock of Alicante and is last heard making a toast with his husband.
His first line shows his protective instincts as he believes people shouldn't be lied to, and this remained until the end. His romance with Alec had become a fan-favorite aspect of the show and he was no doubt one of the best characters in Shadowhunters.
Luke Garroway
First: "Same MO As The Others?"
Last: "Thanks To You."
In the first episode, Luke is introduced as the detective who is investigating the mysterious death of an unknown woman. One year after Alec and Magnus' wedding, Luke returns and congratulates Alec on being the Inquisitor of the Clave. Noting that Downworlders and Shadowhunters are now working together, Luke recognizes that it is because of Alec.
Not much has changed in of Luke’s personality between his first and final because he always tried to do what was right. As a Downworlder, he understands the struggle of relationships between themselves and Shadowhunters, therefore, is pleased that there is finally development between the two.
Isabelle Lightwood
First: "Hey, There, Big Bro."
Last: "And Head Of The Institute Or Not, I Can’t Pull Any More Strings For You."
Before their mission, Isabelle approaches Alec and refers to him as her big brother, immediately revealing their sibling relationship. By the final episode, Isabelle is dating Simon and is now Head of the Institute, however, she makes sure that Simon knows this doesn’t mean he’ll get special treatment.
Isabelle was one of the most empowering female characters of the decade and was uniquely special. From hunting with her brother to becoming Head of the Institute, Isabelle proved that despite moving up in the world, that wouldn’t stop her from being completely fair in her treatment of others.
Alec Lightwood
First: "Isabelle, Let's Go."
Last: "To Us."
Preparing to hunt a demon, Alec’s first heard telling his sister Isabelle to hurry up because they need to leave. In the finale, Alec and Magnus finally get married. One year later, he is now the Inquisitor of the Clave, and his final line is him making a toast to himself and Magnus.
The first line shows Alec’s determination with his missions, but his last suggests that he has now found more important things in life. Although Alec didn’t want to it it, there was an immediate spark between himself and Magnus, and their relationship was by far the best in the series.
Simon Lewis
First: "Give Me The Professors' Names And I… I Will End Them. You Know, With…. With A Scathing Email To The Dean."
Last: "You Have To Let Her Be, Jace. You Have To."
Introduced as Clary’s mundane best friend, Simon isn’t happy when he believes that Clary didn’t get accepted into art school. By the final episode, Simon is a Daylighter and is dating Isabelle. When training with Jace, Simon tells him that he needs to leave Clary alone despite the fact he is hurting.
While Simon was just Clary’s geeky best friend at first, he later proves himself to be a loyal member of the Shadow World. His form of love towards Clary varied throughout the series, but he proved their friendship remained strong as he always wanted what was best for her.
Jace Herondale
First: "You Can See Me?"
Last: "Yeah. Yeah, I’m Jace."
The opening sequence shows Jace hunting someone whilst believing he can’t be seen. When he bumps into Clary, he is surprised to know that she can see him. After Clary loses her memories, Jace is heartbroken and can’t help but check up on her. Following him out of her art exhibition, Clary recognizes him and calls him Jace, to which Jace confirms.
Jace’s first line demonstrates his confusion at how Clary can see him, whereas, his last displays pure relief that she still re him. Although their interaction is left unresolved, it suggests that they may rekindle their relationship again.
Clary Fairchild
First: "Hey, Can You Watch Where You’re Going?"
Last: "What Are These Tattoos On Your Neck?"
When the series begins, Clary is a normal 18-year-old girl who wants to go to art school. Her first line is aimed at Jace when he bumps into her outside a club, setting in motion her Shadowhunter legacy. In the final episode, Clary heartbreakingly loses all her Shadowhunter memories, however, when she sees Jace again, she recognizes his tattoos.
In the final episode, Clary’s right back where she started, resembling her character in the first episode. However, despite losing all her memories, it shows that being a Shadowhunter runs deeper as she still re Jace and his Shadowhunter markings.