WiC Watches: Shadow and Bone season 1
Episode 6: “The Heart Is an Arrow”
The sixth episode of Shadow and Bone is possibly the series’ weakest, though that’s not saying much given how well done most of the show is. “The Heart Is an Arrow” feels like a place to catch your breath after all the developments in the previous episode. All of the main characters flee from the Little Palace as General Kirigan and his Grisha begin scouring nearby villages looking for Alina.
Alina’s first interaction with the Dregs is pretty short-lived, despite them having her cornered as she emerges from the back of the wagon they stole. As she uses her power to avoid becoming their prisoner, Kaz’s insistence that she’s not the real thing backfires. She gets the best of him and Jesper, and Inej, true to her faith, lets the Sun Summoner go.
Of course, with no experience being on the run, it doesn’t take long for Alina to find herself in trouble. Fortunately for her, Mal finds her hiding in the woods and agrees to help her get away from the Darkling and find the stag, which she can use to enhance her power.
The reunion between Mal and Alina is sweet, and addresses all the frustration and resentment building between the two since what happened on the Fold. It strengthens their relationship and is satisfying to see after such a long period of silence.
While Alina and Mal catch up, Kaz and his friends have trouble finding their way out of town, especially once the Darkling and his followers arrive. This results in the highlight of the episode: a showdown between the Dregs and the Grisha, which proves that magic doesn’t necessarily equate to an automatic win, especially when it’s up against years’ worth of skill.
Watching Jesper and Inej take on members of the Second Army is very entertaining. It’s emotional for Inej, who finds herself up against the sister of the Grisha she killed escaping the Little Palace. Knowing Inej’s resistance to taking lives, it’s hard to watch her face the consequences of doing so, especially since she’s forced to push back against her morals once again.
Perhaps the best part of the Dregs facing off with the Grisha is the brief interaction between Kaz and General Kirigan. If you’ve ever wondered who would best who in that confrontation, this will give you an answer, and it’s not as clear cut as you’d think given the Darkling’s powerful abilities.
“The Heart Is an Arrow” also returns to Nina and Matthias, who seem to be the only survivors of the storm that wrecked the ship a couple episodes back. As they float on a board in the middle of the freezing ocean, viewers will surely get a laugh out of Nina trying to convince Matthias it’s in their best interest to help one another. Their quippy interactions continue to lighten the mood for the remainder of the episode, even if their begrudging friendship with one another feels a little fast-moving and unearned.
“The Heart Is an Arrow” is full of character moments that set the stage for the latter half of the season. Although it’s mostly comprised of planning for what’s next, it promises big things to come. It’s a necessary — if a little quiet — addition to the show.