I. Am. Shocked. This is a #blownaway moment right here...

Simon (FINALLY) told Clary the truth about his feelings on Shadowhunters Season 2 Episode 8. It's not so much that he had the courage to do it, but it's because SHE FELT THE SAME WAY!

Who expected that to happen?!

Simon's love for Clary always felt like he was being friendzoned. We all knew about his unrequited crush and her feelings for Jace. They were BFFs and nothing seemed to change that.

I went into this hour expecting him to confess his feelings and her shooting him down. This latest twist caught me completely off guard. Kudos for pulling the wool over my eyes. Looking back now, I should've noticed the signs.

Clary: Is this because of Maia? I don't want you to think we can't be best friends because you're seeing someone.
Simon: No, you see that's it! I don't want to see anyone...anyone else. I'm in love with you, Clary. But I realize that you might not feel the same way and it might get weird...
[She kisses him]
Simon: We did that?
Clary: We did.
Simon: We did.
[They giggle]
Simon: How was it? Was it, you know...?
Clary: Weird?
Simon: Yea...
Clary: In the best way possible.

• Permalink: I'm in love with you, Clary.

The theme of Simon's feelings for Clary was pushed heavily throughout this season. In fact, it was a bigger focus now than it was in the first season. Without Jace blocking his path, his romantic story was pushed as more of a possibility.

Simon even got a new potential romance that didn't progress because of his crush for Clary. Meanwhile, Clary got jealous seeing Simon and Maia together. The development was there.

I still don't believe Clary and Simon are endgame. You haven't won me over yet. Sorry "Climon" fans!

The characters have great chemistry together, and it was good seeing them happy. However, it felt a bit sudden for Clary to be won over. It came out of nowhere.

Simon being in love was obvious; we already knew this. Clary not being shocked over Simon's feelings and making the first move didn't feel right. It was way too easy for BFFs to go from friends to romance.

In contrast, I wouldn't be surprised if Isabelle and Raphael were to start something.

Who is rooting for this relationship to happen? I am! They have a spark.

Isabelle: I thought you hated me?
Raphael: Call it an intense dislike.
Isabelle: So why are you helping me?
Raphael: I don't know.

• Permalink: Call it an intense dislike.

He saved her from being attacked, and she comforted him about his past. However, I hope that he doesn't give her more venom. She's in a weakened state going through withdrawals.

Isabelle has manipulated him once with her blood. Her desperation to get venom drove her to do something rash. It would be a shame if she used him and corrupted him with Shadowhunter blood. That would be villainous of her.

Max's Rune Ceremony did not end up going smoothly. Though, I lived for all the passive aggression being thrown at each other. It was like watching a subtle reality show.

What did you think of the "insecurity spell" twist?

I quite enjoyed it. This spell gave us a deeper look into how these characters are feeling. And they didn't hold back.

Alec is torn up over killing Jocelyn, Clary doesn't trust Simon with Maia, and Jace thinks Maryse wants him dead. The first one we already knew and Jace's situation stemmed from internal sadness. But like I mentioned above, Clary's insecurity completely throws me off.

Why is she this insecure already? He and Maia had one date. Clary just started dating him...

If one good thing came out of this party (besides people being more honest), I would say is the interaction between Maia and Jace. I think they enjoy picking on each other. This may be an interesting friendship to follow.

Jace: Can I have a beer?
Maia: I thought I smelled cocky...
Jace: Magnus must really be scraping the bottom of the bartender barrel.
Maia: Awww, you still bitter about getting your ass kicked by a werewolf?
Jace: In case you forgot, that was a three against one fight.
Maia: Well, I'm actually happy I didn't maul you to death.
Jace: Why? So you can slowly annoy me to death instead?
Maia: No because now I know you didn't kill Gretel.

• Permalink: Awww, you still bitter about getting your ass kicked by a werewolf?

Did anyone else like the fight between Iris and Magnus?

That was one of the highlights. The special effects team did a good job with the spells and magic featured. The addition of the magical attacks, and the way the scene was cut, added to the tension of the fight.

Magnus's spells have gotten a serious upgrade this season. He's been using his powers a lot more, with little bursts here and there. This is the first time where it was featured heavily, and it added so much more to the scene.

There is so much hidden subtext in Shadowhunters. It reminds me of watching X-Men. (Similar to a humans vs. mutants debate.)

Maryse's hatred of Magnus and Jace had nothing to do with them personally. It was more of who they were and where came from. Neither could control their identities; Magnus was born a warlock, and Jace was infected prenatally by Valentine.

Jace: What do you want?
Maryse: I want to talk to you.
Jace: There's nothing to talk about.
Maryse: I think there is. Max is right, you're not his brother.
Jace: What?
Maryse: You were a 10 year old left on our doorstep. I had no choice but to take you in. But if I had known you were a demon, I would have done this years ago.
[She throws axe and they fight]

• Permalink: You were a 10 year old left on our doorstep. I had no choice but to take you in.

The Shadowhunters always claimed themselves to be superior and looked down on others. This may be why there's a big divide between Shadowhunters and Downworlders. It's one of the growing themes this season.

It's great to see Maryse show compassion and love to her son Jace, as well as show Magnus kindness. This character has been typically stoic and follows the Clave's traditions. This was a big change for her.

The biggest revelation was about Clary and the sword. I predicted in the review on Shadowhunters Season 2 Episode 7 that she could be holy and wield the blade. Magnus (somewhat) confirmed this.

Her rune being a gift from the angel was a nice touch. It answered the burning question of where this image came from. And it created even more questions of why she is the one with this connection

The vision of the demon and the sword must play a bigger role later on down the season. I don't think we've met the person quite yet; there's still some time before Valentine's plan. I have a feeling it will be a big twist that will shock us.

What did you think of "Love is a Devil"? Will Simon and Clary's new relationship last? Could Raphael be the one to cure Isabelle? Is Clary's life in danger being the one who could wield the sword?

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.