Clary Fray and Simon Lewis share a bond forged in childhood friendship, a connection that evolves into something far more complex as they navigate the supernatural world of Shadowhunters. While their relationship is a constant source of tension and longing, it isn’t a straightforward romantic trajectory.
Clary and Simon do not ultimately get together romantically in the Shadowhunters television series. While there are moments of romantic tension and experimentation, particularly during a period when Simon becomes a Daylighter vampire, they ultimately realize their enduring connection is rooted in a deep, platonic love and loyalty.
The Complexities of Clary and Simon’s Relationship
Their journey is marked by unrequited feelings, external pressures, and their individual growth as characters. Simon grapples with his romantic feelings for Clary for a significant portion of the series, while Clary struggles to reconcile her love for him with her strong attraction to Jace Herondale. The introduction of the Shadow World introduces even greater complications, testing their friendship and forcing them to confront their desires and identities.
Exploring the Timeline of Their Shifting Dynamic
Initially, Simon’s romantic feelings are predominantly one-sided. As Clary becomes increasingly involved in the Shadow World, their dynamic shifts. The introduction of Isabelle Lightwood, who eventually becomes Simon’s romantic partner, further complicates the situation. Simon’s transition into a vampire, and later a Daylighter, presents new challenges and opportunities for their relationship, forcing them to re-evaluate their connection.
The Importance of Platonic Love
Ultimately, Shadowhunters highlights the importance of platonic love and the enduring power of friendship. While the series explores the possibility of a romantic relationship between Clary and Simon, it ultimately underscores the profound bond they share as friends, a bond that proves to be just as meaningful and impactful as romantic love. This close bond is tested and strengthened throughout the show, making it clear that their connection, though not romantic, is vital to both of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clary and Simon
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Clary and Simon’s relationship in Shadowhunters, offering deeper insights into their journey:
FAQ 1: Why Didn’t Clary and Simon End Up Together?
The series narrative prioritizes Clary’s intense connection with Jace as her central romantic relationship. Furthermore, Simon’s character development led him to find love and fulfillment with Isabelle Lightwood. The writers chose to emphasize the importance of their deep friendship, recognizing that not all close relationships need to be romantic to be meaningful.
FAQ 2: In What Episode Does Simon Reveal His Feelings for Clary?
Simon’s feelings for Clary are implied and demonstrated throughout the early episodes. He begins to vocalize his feelings more explicitly, around Season 1, episode 5, “Moo Shu to Go,” where the tension becomes increasingly palpable. This episode marks a turning point where Simon actively tries to express his romantic interest.
FAQ 3: Did Clary Ever Reciprocate Simon’s Romantic Feelings?
There are instances where Clary grapples with her feelings for Simon, particularly during moments of vulnerability or when she’s unsure about her feelings for Jace. However, she never truly reciprocates his romantic feelings in a lasting or committed way. She values their friendship too deeply to jeopardize it with a relationship she isn’t fully invested in.
FAQ 4: What Episode Does Simon Turn into a Vampire?
Simon’s transformation into a vampire occurs in Season 1, episode 10, titled “This World Inverted.” This is a pivotal moment that drastically alters his life and relationships, including his connection with Clary. This event forces both of them to confront the complexities of their feelings for each other and their evolving roles in the Shadow World.
FAQ 5: How Does Simon Becoming a Vampire Affect His Relationship with Clary?
Simon’s transformation significantly impacts their relationship. Clary grapples with the challenges of having her best friend become a creature of the night, and Simon struggles with his newfound identity and instincts. This period tests their friendship and forces them to adapt to a new dynamic. There’s a brief period where they explore the romantic potential, fueled by Simon’s heightened emotions as a vampire, but this is ultimately unsustainable.
FAQ 6: Does Isabelle Lightwood Interfere with Clary and Simon’s Potential Romance?
While Isabelle’s presence initially creates tension, she ultimately doesn’t interfere in a deliberate or malicious way. Instead, her relationship with Simon allows him to develop romantic feelings for someone who reciprocates them fully, leading him to recognize that his friendship with Clary is more valuable in its platonic form.
FAQ 7: In What Episode Do Simon and Isabelle Get Together?
Simon and Isabelle’s relationship develops gradually. Their romantic connection becomes more apparent and solidified around Season 2, episode 10, “By the Light of Dawn,” although the spark is ignited earlier in the season.
FAQ 8: How Does Jace Herondale Influence Clary and Simon’s Relationship?
Jace’s presence is a constant factor influencing Clary and Simon’s dynamic. Clary’s strong romantic feelings for Jace create a love triangle that complicates matters and prevents her from fully exploring a romantic relationship with Simon. Jace acts as a catalyst, highlighting the contrast between the deep, platonic love Clary feels for Simon and the passionate, romantic love she feels for Jace.
FAQ 9: Does Clary Ever Regret Not Being with Simon?
While Clary might experience moments of doubt or reflection, particularly when Simon is facing hardship, the series doesn’t suggest she regrets her decision not to pursue a romantic relationship with him. She consistently prioritizes their friendship and her connection with Jace. Her choices affirm that she values their platonic bond immensely.
FAQ 10: What is Clary and Simon’s Relationship Like After Simon and Isabelle Get Together?
After Simon and Isabelle’s relationship solidifies, Clary and Simon maintain their close friendship. The romantic tension dissipates, allowing them to support each other without the added pressure of unrequited feelings. Their friendship evolves into a stronger, more mature bond, free from romantic expectations.
FAQ 11: Does the Book Series Offer a Different Outcome for Clary and Simon?
The Mortal Instruments book series, upon which Shadowhunters is based, also does not ultimately unite Clary and Simon romantically. While the series does explore the romantic tension between them, the ending mirrors the television adaptation in prioritizing Clary’s relationship with Jace and Simon’s with Isabelle.
FAQ 12: What is the Biggest Takeaway About Clary and Simon’s Relationship?
The biggest takeaway is the enduring power of platonic love. Shadowhunters demonstrates that a deep, meaningful connection can exist between a man and a woman without it needing to be romantic. Clary and Simon’s friendship is a constant source of support, loyalty, and understanding throughout the series, highlighting the value of these bonds in navigating life’s challenges. It reinforces the idea that love comes in many forms, and that friendship can be just as powerful and fulfilling as romantic relationships.