Family reunions never go as planned. With secrets surfacing and alliances being made, our favorite characters have a lot to atone for before judgment day. Here are my thoughts about the episode 16, “Day of Atonement.” 

Family Affairs 

The demon Jonathan Morgenstern (Sebastian) continues to be the villain this season. He continues to show his true form and darkness to Valentine which reminds his father that he is made out of Valentine’s creation. Jonathan (Sebastian) talks about his arrival to The Institute, boasting about his demonic blood.

Jonathan admits his one weakness: family. He admits that he would never kill his own father even though Valentine sent him to hell in order to save the other boy (which I am assuming is Jace). Thanks to the soul sword admitting truth, Valentine reveals that Jonathan has always been his greatest creation. This leads father and son to join evil forces and rage war on The Clave.

Robert Lightwood returns to institute to deliver orders from Imogen. Alec is less than amused to see his father, mentioning his affair. Izzy has her own problems as she finds herself protecting her family. Her mischief seeking brother, Max was caught reading through private fire letters from the inquisitor by their father.

The Lightwoods continue to butt heads over the politics of The Clave and saving family. Alec senses something is wrong with Jace, thanks to their parabatai bound. With clearance from his father, Izzy is sent to Lake Lyn to save Jace and Clary.

Alec sees through his father’s lies and seeks the truth. He asks about the fire letters of Imogen and the secret Max had discovered. Robert confides in his son that the soul sword was never recovered. The Clave lied about the Soul Sword to keep the downworld from uprising in fear. We learn that Jonathan (Sebastian) possesses the soul sword which leaves the fate of world in his diabolical hands.

Simon and Maia 

Simon continues to wallow in his sadness over his breakup with Clary and feeding on a mundane. However, thank to his wolf friend counterpart Maia, he is able to find a little light amongst the darkness. The two find themselves at the Lewis family dinner where Maia is introduced as Simon’s girlfriend with no objection.

Maia seems to win the approval of Simon’s mother, sister and grandmother. It was nice to see Simon laughing and smiling. But the family dinner takes a somber tone as those about the table share honest moments of weakness. Maia shares a personal part of her life, blaming herself for her relationship with her parents. She shares the death of her brother and favoritism towards her sibling which led to her running away from home.

I really enjoyed these two together and love their dynamic. Maia and Simon have always shared an understanding of another. They have great chemistry and I am here for these two!

Clary and Jace

Clary continues to use her ability to create runes.  However, they tend to be more problematic than good. She is nearly drowned in Lake Lyn after jumping headfirst into the portal only to be saved by Jace. The two find themselves at Idris and quickly learn that they are vulnerable. Clary realizes that her steele is missing and decided to head back to the lake to retrieve it. However, that is not the only thing that goes missing.

Thanks to Izzy coming to the rescue, Jace learns that Clary drank the lake water that causes one to lose their mind, which explains the cries of Jace in the woods and the visit of the angel, Ethereal. Izzy and Jace go on the rescue mission to save Clary. Jace, using his angelic powers, is able to self-activate a rune to heal Clary.