Shadow and Bone is ACTUALLY Great? | Explained

[@lilil9752]

The Crows being in this show is pure shameless fan service to gain more audience, and as a fan i feel served and i have been gained as an audience

[@chaiky6556]

I am not immune to fan service

[@barbarasusej]

LOL. The show would have been so boring without them.

[@ioanaberbece8137]

Fan service done right! I'm not even mad.

[@iamconfused1258]

Honestly, if they weren't in the show I probably wouldn't have watched it

[@lilil9752]

@@iamconfused1258 Neither do i ,to be honest i wasn't exited for Alina´s storyline

[@JohnBogna]

"HUG THE GOAT. SHUT THE HELL UP" was one of the best moments of the show for me.

[@martinacosta3821]

that scene is burn into my brain forever hahaha

[@marissaelliott6102]

Facts. ❤Milo

[@GraceT]

Can’t forget “I should have brought Milo.” “Who’s Milo?” “THE GOAT!”

[@clane7904]

inej's faith is also incredible. my friends and i joked about "imagine getting asked to kidnap jesus" but like... she met a religious figure. she got to meet a saint and we saw exactly how special that was for her which was so neat

[@abbywolffe4114]

You're right but I love that analogy, is it like they're kidnapping Jesus

[@almiranara]

wow that analogy really put things into perspective for me

[@supolik2]

Honestly I was kinda scared when she was gifted a dagger in the end of season one, you know imagine if religious figure, that you are obsessed with gave you a weapon. Like what if she takes it as a holy mission upon herself to kill people in the name of her religion ????? O_o

[@hekate206]

@@supolik2 In Inej's faith it's not a problem to connect a blade to a saint. On the contrary. In the books, all her knives are named after her saints (which is why in the show she tells Alina she already knows how to call the new one she gave her 😉). Also, Alina didn't give her the knife on a whim, but to make up for Inej's other knife that Alina used and got lost in the process.

[@Gudule3000]

@@hekate206 I think it's intresting non the less. Especialy with Inej and her "no kill" rule. When she kill people, she commit "a sin" in her eyes, but the only concequencies are, you're pal is not dead and Jesus pat you in the back and give you a knif. In this situation, I think you can expect the character to be confuse or not picking up the right message. And it can be a realy intresting arc for a character

[@librarianontheloose]

Freddy Carter was a revelation as Kaz. Can't say enough about that dude and his fascinating face.

[@isabellapowell579]

im sorry but that is the funniest way ive ever heard someone positively describe freddy carter

[@kimberlyl3727]

fascinating face sums it up PERFECTLY!

[@droolingstar7577]

through out watching it I wonder why this guy looks so tense. It works so well tho

[@talx736]

I honestly want to cry every time I see him, because he literally embodies Kaz the exact way I imagine him

[@luuuuux_]

@Umamaheswari G I know, right?

[@goodjobeli]

god kit young as jesper was perfect casting, he was such a scene stealer, no wonder he's already got a second netflix contract lol

[@idontneedaname318]

literally every time he was on screen was a delight. think he was my single favorite casting choice

[@leah3801]

I mean if you wonder through the stuff he posts online just as himself...Kit is Jesper. He's got Jesper's exact personality and it's beautiful

[@ApequH]

Rewatching every scene to see his background acting was so worth my time

[@RenaissanceRockerBoy]

He made me love Jesper even more than in SOC, which I didn’t even know was possible lmao

[@vanshikathakur6742]

What is the 2nd contract?

[@starcrossedgirl23]

I knew Ben Barnes' character was evil from the moment I saw him, but what can I say. Prince Caspian was my childhood crush and he will forever have my bias.

[@Lina09.04]

Same!! I was so excited to see him because i was obsessed with narnia

[@ohifonlyx33]

He was so obviously evil, that I was like "maybe he's not evil and they just want to mislead me" but nope. he's the bad guy.

[@HeartofFlame]

Same here!!! That man has only gotten better with age. Like daaaang where did he go to come back looking like that? 🤣

[@Lina09.04]

@@HeartofFlame I SWEAR

[@smellgood97]

omg. so true!

[@reviewsbyjacob9350]

I'm glad about how they handled sex and relationships in this show. They acknowledged that the characters were attracted to each other without gratuitously sexualizing them. I was afraid this would be 'Riverdale' with magic, and I was glad to be proven wrong. The show wasn't perfect, but the fact that they were able to smash two books together, explain the lore of the world, adequately flesh out a dozen characters, and tell a coherent story in less than seven hours of television is pretty impressive. Edit: Wow, I was not expecting this many likes! Thank you!

[@nicoletaelor279]

This is exactly how I felt. The show focused more on people’s reactions to others, like how we’d see Matthias looking at Nina rather than showing Nina “from Matthias’ perspective”, which to me felt way more intimate and I want more shows to do this.

[@forgetmenot277]

Absolutely! I also love how they handled Kaz and Inej, it's about the longing stares and the killing people for each other babeyy

[@madisonrhone6586]

@@nicoletaelor279 I’ll

[@tmntaddict]

Yes! I was afraid of any sexualizing and very relieved how they handled it, including whats-his-name-older-than-Edward asking for Alina's consent (although I didn't like their brief interludes anyway). It was all kept at a respectful distance to not sour the whole thing. And kudos to representation!

[@rose-nn3wj]

One thing I don’t like tho is that of all the characters the only one who had a sex scene was Jesper. Netflix has a tendency of oversexualizing gay characters and I feel like we really didn’t need him to have a sex scene.

[@DuelistKoi93]

The moment Alina ignored Bahgra's instructions, I immediately said "thanks for extending the series for at least 3 seasons". The day after, the producer's said they have material for "at least 4 seasons". My excitement is immeasurable and my day is made.

[@razoberry]

well, i mean in the books she does listen to her and there’s still three books in the shadow and bone series? so i don’t think that would have mattered to the extension of the plot??? but anyways lol

[@lunnaris27]

@@razoberry in the books, Alina doesn’t exactly listen to Baghra either? Baghra tells Alina to run away to another country and disappear, but Alina ends up finding Mal (or the other way around😂), and instead of going to Novyi Zem, they go hunting for the stag, which is how Alina ends up w the collar... bc the Darkling finds her

[@cnanden]

Well technically grishaverse is 7 books in total, so since they’ve combine SOC and SAB and likely KoS and ROW then it means they may actually cut a lot. Especially if they will still proceed with only 8 episodes and not ten as originally planned (because budget had to be stretched).

[@chaiky6556]

I'm really glad you addressed that consent extends beyond sexual/intimate acts. The fact that Kirigan asked if Alina was sure before he kissed her is *of course* important, but he still violated her body when he put ANTLERS IN HER COLLARBONE

[@misspenguinsupreme9923]

He's playing her that's why, he had to look like a good guy

[@TheDrexxus]

@@misspenguinsupreme9923 I don't think it was "playing" really. Men like that don't see themselves as bad guys or villains, they see themselves as gallant, heroic, and worthy of admiration and worship and they'll act kind and gentle and sweet sometimes to encourage that line of thinking in others. What makes them really sinister is that when the chips are down, and they are outright rejected or disliked, they immediately switch to "well i dont care, im doing it anyway, regardless of what you say or think or do". People like that always result in failed relationships because even though it can, and often is really good, sooner or later something will come up that they aren't about and there will be zero compromise or effort to make it work, just trying to force you to go along and play your same role even when your feelings change.

[@barbiquearea]

@@misspenguinsupreme9923 He does have romantic feelings for Alina, however the way he treats her is more possessive and therefore toxic.

[@AmandaTheJedi]

@@misspenguinsupreme9923 Nah I think he meant it, he's just so fixated on his ultimate goal that he couldn't see the hypocrisy in his actions

[@LoveMe-yg7iv]

@Umamaheswari G I mean, Ben Barnes actually confirmed Darkling did catch feelings for Alina and it was love for the first time in decades for him.

[@proudtobeinvisible]

my favorite shadow and bone moment is when Jesper is desperately manifesting a demolition expert and im like look at you, you funky bi-king who's manifesting his dyslexic boyfriend

[@idek7438]

And then he hooks up with a stable boy who physically kinda looks like Wylan. I see Jesper has a type

[@mentallyunstable1926]

mildly related but thank GOD someone acknowledges that jesper’s bi. it’s never mentioned in the show (which i’m hoping changes in the second season) and in the after party the host calls “jesper a *gay*, gun slinging, goat lover”.

[@oliverbrown6660]

Wait which episode was that in?

[@femcel1014]

@@mentallyunstable1926 i think they were using gay as an umbrella term tho? like queer?

[@mentallyunstable1926]

@@femcel1014 i understand using gay as an umbrella term, i do it all the time, but i think it would be been better if they had specified bi or just said queer as an umbrella term. in this context most people would interpret gay as only attracted to men so i think they should’ve said bi or queer.

[@curtisdavenport2308]

Jesper has been my fav in the books and Kit did him JUSTICE!!! Also all hail Milo, he needs to be protected at all costs & is an unofficial crow member!

[@marcyheil5038]

Amen to that

[@stma05]

I want to see Jesper talk about Milo but not mentioning he's a goat and Wylan being jealous

[@barbiquearea]

Jasper was so awesome.

[@luuuuux_]

@@stma05 that would be perfect

[@paigestubbs9718]

@@stma05 yesssssssss

[@Sarah-hf1xf]

"No mourners. No funerals" as someone who read the books I scream when they said that.

[@ferdousikhanam5043]

YES!! And the “fine, make me your villain”

[@luuuuux_]

I straight-up died

[@adrianacoimbra5357]

I think that when the darkling says that he "made something" he is mesmerised because normally grisha can only manipulate whats around them but he actually created something so its kinda extraordinary

[@olivia1609]

Yeah it is extraordinary because the Grisha use little science while I’m pretty sure the darkling used magic to create the fold which is considered taboo.

[@_larchiviste_]

@@olivia1609 it is! It has a special name in the books, and it comes with a great toll too

[@Ellisepha]

@@_larchiviste_ in the books, it's called "Merzost".

[@eddis6283]

I don't know if it's an easter egg per say, but I just appreciated the scene where Kaz takes his gloves off while alone with Inej. It's a subtle nod to a scene in Six of Crows which establishes that Inej is the ONLY person to ever see Kaz with them off and I think any reader of the duology (and fans of Kaz and Inej) would appreciate it. The fact that new viewers wouldn't think anything of it makes it even better because, from the outside, Kaz strives to not let on that physical touch is a weakness for him and by not making a big deal out of it in the show, the writers are keeping consistent with his character.

[@luuuuux_]

I also loved how the camera didn’t show his bare hands

[@lex2749]

I also love the little clues that Freddy added to Kaz' character; as an og reader of the duology, it elevated my experience to another level. Every time someone touches Kaz on the show, he looks to whatever place of his body someone touched him on and it's so subtle but adds such excellent character depth.

[@harlz3787]

There's also a lil sneaky sneak where Inej says that Jesper fixed Kaz's cane... a fabrikator made cane and I think that's Netflix giving the foreshadowing that the book readers know of

[@a.m.s6611]

@@harlz3787 yes! noticed that detail too and loved that they added it

[@a.m.s6611]

@@lex2749 I also don't know if I was overly reading in to it but you know when Inej takes over for the performer and the circus guy puts his hand on her arm and she kind of tensed without overly pulling away seemed well done cause readers will know from crooked kingdom that she has problems with physical contact too and she mentions that she'll kind of draw in to herself which I think also subtly fleshes out her character well

[@nicolettemaloy]

My favorite six of crows easter eggs were definitely Pekka Rollins because if you didn’t read six of crows you wouldn’t know the significance of his scene with Kaz. Also loved how Jesper always begs for a demolition expert a little hint to Wylan!

[@cjohncol2805]

was curious to see if Wylan would appear in the show

[@nicolettemaloy]

cjohncol he’s going to be in season 2 if Netflix renews it!

[@redsands1001]

The way he said Pekka Rollins and his old injuries had me guess a certain amount. Haven't read the books

[@nicolettemaloy]

redsands1001 the reveal of their history is one of my favorite reveals of all time so I won’t spoil anything for you but it’s pretty big

[@luuuuux_]

And also all of those little hints to Jesper being *SPOILERS* A Fabrikator

[@ambarmartinez3892]

I haven't read the books, so I didn't expect Kaz to be so smart. I got really surprised by the last episodes, when you discover that he was actually "playing" with everyone's minds and predicting the other characters moves.

[@Ellisepha]

Oh yeah, he plays people like a fiddle. Not to spoil any important plot points, but in the books Kaz Brekker is known for his "scheming face".

[@evelynvas3800]

his first ever chapter literally includes a plot twist. because he's that far ahead from everyone else.

[@ambarmartinez3892]

@@Ellisepha Yes. Apart from that, I found myself actually waiting and desiring his encounter with the Darkling. I was like: "These two HAVE to meet each other." And they met!!!!! And of course Kaz was one step ahead of him.

[@luuuuux_]

You can actually see him be smarter in the books. He’s also really ruthless and always 10 steps ahead of everyone else. Crooked Kingdom is just a huge example of that.

[@iamconfused1258]

and the best part, he is even smarter in the books! Since season one of the show is a prequel story for the crows, we still haven't seen book Kaz on screen yet and I literally can't wait for it.

[@oghollylujah]

I cannot express how PERFECT the casting for the Crows was. Every piece of fanart I’ve seen of Kaz and Inej was almost exactly like the actors. Jesper was a bit different, but I love how it played out anyway.

[@liudmylaberezovska1574]

The part where the antlers were fused into Alina scarred me for some reason. It was really disturbing to me

[@phadenswandemil4345]

I hated looking at it too, but loved it as a storytelling device. It was such a great visual representation of Alina's lost of agency

[@angelinatran4930]

Yes it was gross, and that's what was great about it. It showed how horrifying and violating the darkling's actions were rather than romanticizing it. When she was able to gain back her control, it melded into her more naturally. Thought that was really cool

[@annasophia2428]

same

[@yaboiiyadudee3644]

i screamed when i first saw it. “he put a fucking bone in her collarbone!! IN HER COLLARBONE!! FUCK!!”

[@kidd32888]

Such violation of her body that make me sick and mad

[@kseni_vely]

I swear I went into this show exclusively to drool all over Ben dressed all in black, and then fell in love with everyone else ❤️

[@bm28601]

same, I saw everyone talking about him in the role and rushed to read the books

[@taekwongurl]

It's so interesting how he was so overshadowed by the Crows! If you haven't read the books, wait til you hear their backstories. Sad. Just absolutely heartbreaking, every one of them.

[@rachreid8746]

Preach!

[@yc0995]

Also Thanks Netflix for reminding of my longtime crush on Ben Barnes (which may or may not be guilty of my sexual awakening while watching Narnia)

[@barbiquearea]

Ben really handsome for a guy who is pushing 40.

[@jonathanhubbuck5811]

1:45 “Ocean’s formula” in filmography is called “heist in progress” it’s where a character/narrator explains the plan while footage of that plan unfolds in real time

[@fresh_vanilla]

As a huge heist movie fan, thanks for this didn't know thats what it was called.

[@crooked7592]

The books were good, and i feel like they did really well with adapting both Shadow and Bona and Six of Crows into a show format. Obviously, its not completely accurate to the books, but as someone who’s been a fan of this universe for years and has been waiting for this show for a long, long time, i can say that i think they did pretty well. Can’t wait for the second season.

[@whitneymouse]

100% agree! I love both series (Six of Crows more) but they did a REALLY good job adapting both and blending them together. Also, it’s beautiful 🥰 and Milo ♥️🐐

[@crooked7592]

@@whitneymouse MILO

[@barbiquearea]

Personally I wish they had made more episodes. I don't think eight episodes even if they were hour long were enough to flesh out the story. Netflix should have given them at least ten.

[@luuuuux_]

@@whitneymouse Milo was the best addition to the show

[@AP-uc7oz]

Should I read the books?

[@elimarson7314]

I’m so happy they put the Crows in. I wasn’t a fan of the Shadow and Bone book, but loved Six of Crows. I felt like adding the Crows made it a little more unique as otherwise I think the show would have been a bit more like every other fantasy out there and I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much.

[@tenaradocaj4416]

As a big fan of the books and someone who watched many adaptations, I would say that Shadow and Bone is the best TV show adaptations I have ever seen. And my heart is so happy every time someone who hasn't read the books before watching the show says they enjoyed it.

[@leenhellemans]

I definitly want to read the books now after seeing the show xD

[@TheaTheGenius]

Absolutely! Would go so far as to say that the show did some things even better than the books. For one, Mal is WAY more likable in the show, and the lore and magic system is explained more clearly than it ever was in Shadow and Bone.

[@barbiquearea]

I've seen a few reviewers of the show who've read the books stating that Netflix's adaption has exceeded the books in terms of quality. Usually the books are better than the adaption but this time it seems like the opposite is true.

[@barbiquearea]

@@TheaTheGenius Plus Mal in the books was also pretty clingy. Maybe not as bad in terms of being as possessive as the Darkling but certainly not a standup guy. Here he is absolutely devoted to Alina and their friendship seems a lot stronger than they were in the books.

[@Anynom]

Now I have to read the books if they're even better than this great show.

[@gabrielbastos18]

I love how in the scene where Dreesen tells Alexei he'll set him free if he reveals who's the Sun Summoner, Kaz's face makes it clear he knows "set free" means kill

[@monaeckle]

Genya Safin is the best and most tragic character and deserved so much more screen time.

[@herz5159]

Agreed. They should have went into her backstory, suffering in court and the Darkling using her more

[@TalesOfMarisha]

There’s always season 2, if we get it.

[@888pil]

@Umamaheswari G i haven't read the books but just from the show i did really feel the betrayal for alina. i think the show makes it clear by that point alina sees genya as her only true friend and confidant at the little palace and that she's really hurt by the reveal

[@luuuuux_]

I wish they showed how the other Grisha treated Genya

[@luuuuux_]

@Umamaheswari G that would’ve added so much more depth to her character and shown why she worked with the Darkling. They also should’ve shown Alina noticing that her kefta was the same color as the servants and how she was happier with her new kefta.

[@bakuhakudraws5603]

"Oh no girl he's like at least fifteen years older than you!" Well... you're not... technically wrong.

[@StormbornDragon]

definitely at least

[@KazKaz_]

As a fan of these books, I was absolutely terrified for how this would turn out, but I have been SO surprised because it turned out amazingly.

[@carmenwilwert5066]

My favorite part was the casting for Jesper. Literal perfection

[@hekate206]

Him, but Inej as well. I had one look at the two of them and nearly couldn't believe my eyes at how perfectly they were cast.

[@witchplease9695]

He was supposed to be darker skinned but Kit is a great actor.

[@Marie45610]

I really enjoyed the show, and a fan of the books I was really happy with how they handled (most) things. The show does a better job of showing how much Mal cares for Alina, where the books couldn't because everything was from her POV. I like how they incorporated the Crows. The casting was perfect.

[@scarletburdette7662]

I'm curious. What things did they not handle well? I know I didn't like the constant racism against Alina. It's like they had to remind you she's half Shu every episode :D Also I didn't like how they reveled the Darkling's true name at the very beginning.

[@Marie45610]

​@@scarletburdette7662 I think their dislike of Shu is that the Shu experiment on Grisha to find out where their power comes from. But I felt the pacing was a little off, it could have used at least 2 more episodes, or the episodes could have been longer to better show the passage of time. Because while it's supposed to have been months, it only looks like a few weeks have gone by.

[@scarletburdette7662]

@@Marie45610 I completely agree! It was too short and seemed like barely anytime had passed

[@barbiquearea]

@@Marie45610 Yep basically the Shu are like the Nazis, capturing Grisha to do horrible experiments on them, while the Fjerda are like the Spanish Inquisition, hunting them down to have them killed.

[@gaia218]

I heard that the showrunner had programmed 10 episodes but then netflix provided a budjet sufficient only for 8 episodes so they had to cut something. That s probably why time seems to pass too fast

[@larissar.g.5542]

I mean, from Alina perspective, Mal didn't answer any of her letters, I though the series portrayed very well that she was felling abandoned and kinda betrayed and only after that she got closet to the general, who, in my opinion, was manipulating her already, so isn't fair to blame her for it!

[@Eleni1002]

That's what I thought too. Kirigan was intercepting the letters Mal and Alina sent to each other in order to make her feel abandoned. It worked and she did feel like she was completely on her own, so she turned to him.

[@arielseescoral2607]

I felt the same way. She was upset and tired of dwelling on the past and her best friend who she thought wasn’t speaking to her, so she wanted to move on and be happy. That didn’t go so well lol. He was sooo manipulative, keeping her letters and reading Mal’s.

[@manicpixiefangirl4189]

The fact that a soldier not writing back might mean HE MIGHT BE DEAD never crossed her tiny brain is one of the dumbest things I’ve seen in all of fiction.

[@Sheena000]

@@manicpixiefangirl4189 I thought they had a scene that showed them reading the casualties each day off a list.

[@sweetytweety1671]

@@manicpixiefangirl4189 didn't she check for casualties all the time though?? She did it in the book and even went and asked some people to look up where he is.

[@ninadimech2462]

As a massive fan of the books this adaptation was absolutely amazing and I’m so proud 🥲

[@maryfiorentino8877]

Hi! I didn't read the books but after enjoying so much the show I'm planning on doing it, may I ask you a question? Can I read Six Of Crows BEFORE reading Shadow And Bone, or it's necessary reading them in order? I plan on reading both, but I fell in love with the crows and want to know more about them

[@ninadimech2462]

@@maryfiorentino8877 well you can read six of crows before but you’ll miss some character appearances from sab and some call backs but they’re rather small so you’ll understand the story without reading sab beforehand. So basically you can read six of crows before

[@maryfiorentino8877]

@@ninadimech2462 thanks!

[@BADcheer]

I want the next season to feature Nina and Matthias more! Idk how prominently they were featured in the book, but I just love the two actors and the banter between them.

[@Winstar66]

They are main characters in the six of crows books

[@chidinmaibekwe2791]

Yes you will definitely see them more because they are main characters in the books

[@mt6897]

They are part of the Crows, so if we get more seasons you will definitely see more of them! I can’t wait until we get the interactions from the books between all 6 crows on the show.

[@kickbuttmama]

Then u might want to read the 6 of crows series, and then the King of Scars duology....she becomes known as the Queen of Mourning by the King of Scars duology

[@gokcenakdag8189]

I hated their relationship so much. He is so sexist and annoying but she kept flirting and laughting at his sexist statements as if they were funny. Why would any self respecting woman want that guy? He talked about how women are supposed to do housework, be weak and not be sexual. That they are literally inferior to men in his country and they like being takin care of. Just because he happens to be attarcted to a strong sexualy free woman doesnt change his worldview. People don't change like that. I would not date that man and their converstaions bothered me so much. She can do much much better. Also in the end he didnt even belive her even though she left her own people for him?? He hunted down and took grisha to die, how many must he have helped kill until now? Just because he loves me amd won't kill me , doesnt excuse his actions to others like me. İf he wasn't attacted to her beauty and charm in the ship he wouldnt have even TALKED with her. He just assumed every grisha was evil and deserved to die without having a converstaion with one of them its called racism. He only talked to her cuz she was attarctive. How do you all excuse his obvious bias towards both grisha and women all together ? Just because he flirts with a grisha woman makes it okay how? Thats like racisg people saying "i have a black friend" yeah okay thats not good enough for me mate. Yes he can actually change his opinions he has that right, but changinv because you are in love lol thats such an unrealistic he will change for me clique. İts not cute to me that they started being a couple before he had any kind of development she just accepted him as the biased person that he is. İf he will change he should do it without nina and care about other people as well.

[@basicbehen]

They did such a good job! Mal's character is much better in the show and the crows weren't that developed cause it was a prequel but I loved it 🥺🥺 milo supremacy.

[@barbiquearea]

Glad they included the Crows. The show wouldn't have been as good without their inclusion.

[@LannasMissingLink]

Who's Milo?

[@basicbehen]

@@LannasMissingLink oh it's not in the books it's just a side character in the show. Milo is a goat 😂😂

[@LannasMissingLink]

@@basicbehen aw I was doing a bit cause Inej and Cas kept saying that in the show

[@MrImastinker]

@@LannasMissingLink “... The goat!”

[@creamtherabbit77]

I really enjoyed Alina getting more agency in the adaptation. In the book it feels like things mostly happen to her: crossing the fold, being taken to the little palace, the Darkling wooing her, being forced to leave, etc. Giving her choices in certain situations helped to strengthen her character and made her a little more likable.

[@manicpixiefangirl4189]

So you’re saying she’s even more boring in the books?

[@silvercookies]

@@manicpixiefangirl4189 oh very much yes lol

[@actually_curious4773]

...nah it all actually makes more sense in the book. she's an orphaned peasant who's been taught she's nothing all her life. she becomes more confident as she grows into her powers. in the show they made her act all sassy but in fact the plot follows the book really closely so she ends up doing nothing anyway. and all that sass is just for nothing. Also a lot of her decisions in the show are stupid and don't make any sense? Like, she literally got so many of other cartographers killed and she doesn't feel even slightly bad about it? And she actually sneaks into Kirigan's bedroom for some reason? Like wtf

[@dearcoolgirl]

Shadow and Bones is going to lead the new generation of TV/movie book adaptations. We had the dystopian era of hunger games, divergent, Percy Jackson and maze runner. I’m excited to see what books get picked up for adaptations!

[@left8277]

Percy Jackson but good this time,, Heartstopper, One of Us is Lying, Children of Blood and Bone and honesty a lot more

[@shadypalmtree2989]

The Uglies is being adapted for Netflix last I heard. Apparently, House of the Night has been bought for years and has been juggled between movie and tv show for a while. But we're also kind of out of the vampire era, so I'm not 100% sure if it'll ever get adapted at this point. I am excited for The Uglies, though. It was one of my favourite book series growing up. I'm actually even more excited for it because the did SB so well. Things are looking good. Maybe we'll finally get good book adaptations now. At least they've realized that series are better for books than movies. You can't flesh out a whole unique world in just 2 hours and expect everyone to get it. Edit: Oof, nvm. The contract for House of the Night expired fall last year. Guess we'll never see it.

[@polin1710]

@@left8277 i would say raybearer rather than children of blood and bone, children of blood and bone had too many problems and raybearer is just so so so so good

[@kaylina9852]

Crossing my fingers for a Court of Thorns and Roses

[@barbiquearea]

Netflix better not screw this show up because it has the potential to be the new GOT.

[@FatedMusic]

Wait the Crows storyline in the show wasn't in the books? Because when watching it felt 100% natural and added a lot of charm to the world of this story... I ended up liking Alina too, but they 100% hooked me in initially.

[@StormbornDragon]

they’re their own book ! called the six of crows duology by leigh bardugo :))

[@AmandaTheJedi]

The Darkling usurps the role of creepiest old man dating a teen from Edward Cullen edit: I can't believe I need to clarify this but I mean the characters in the show?? Not the actors holy shit? Jessie and Ben are both adults and acting????? I can see how the ‘15 years older’ comment can seem that way but it’s before we find out that Kirigan is old as hell in the show - It also wasn’t meant to be an ‘ew gross’ more of a ‘this guy is your kind of captor and a lot older than you what are you doing’ type comment for a fictional character. It was a throwaway line that I didn’t realize how it would be taken but it definitely WAS NOT about the actors because again, they’re both adults and acting. I'm team Alice I can only have so many issues with fictional age gaps in fantasy characters

[@mel_whitney]

wow, i never thought that it would happen, but it has!

[@katherinealvarez9216]

There's a story that Ben Barnes got the job by showing a Tumblr post of a fancast of him as Darkling. I don't know if that is true or not. Edit: Yeah, I'm Malina. Apparently, it was improved from the books.

[@crooked7592]

Impossible. Well, not impossible. The Darkling is really freaky. Just wait for season 2, its gonna get wild

[@lilil9752]

At least here it is made aware from the show that ,he is a creppy old man dating a teen.

[@saraluciaforerogarcia]

And it will get worst

[@starsky1435]

Did anyone else feel an intense "NEED TO PROTEC" when Alina said don't change my eyes? Or was is just me.

[@fresh_vanilla]

Definitely, I feel out of all the scenes regarding 'race' that was one that stuck out to me. Didn't feel as forced or unnatural as some of the other ones.

[@clane7904]

oh jeez this show absolutely blew me away. i was so scared i'd hate it but the cast is darn near perfect and the way they know their characters so well is incredible. kaz specifically makes me want to cry every time he conveys his touch aversion. it's just so well done

[@luuuuux_]

The way he looks down at the spot where the person touches him, looks visibly uncomfortable and then looks as though he’s planning that person’s murder was so accurate to the books

[@radovanzweihander6012]

I like the fact that at first people find Darkling creepy becauy he is as old as Edward Cullen, but then revealed he's far older than Carlisle himself. He even might be older than Nicky and Joe from the Old Guard 😂

[@LemonSte]

In a way it’s less creepy than Edward, cause Edward is only like 100 so he could technically be alive if he was mortal and if he looked his age he’d just be an old dude lol. The darkling is so old he basically became a mythical creature lol

[@burntblueberrywaffles]

@@LemonSte but it’s stated Edward’s mind is still 17. The Darkling is a grown man so it’s way more creepy.

[@nemofish3504]

Except in the book, the Darkling is just a young boy around Alina’s age. I love Ben Barnes but he was way too old for this role.

[@burntblueberrywaffles]

@@nemofish3504 isn’t that just his appearance though? What makes huge age gaps creepy is the difference in mental maturity. I haven’t read the books, but unless they specifically say he hasn’t evolved mentally in 500 years and still has the mental age of a teenager, it’s creepy as hell.

[@goodial]

also that it is not the first time he's doing it, but it's a continuous issue ...

[@thevexprojecthd7620]

I'm just hoping this cures the PTSD After and 365 Days caused me...tbh I don't think anything can be worse than that but maybe they'll throw in a "ArE yOu LoSt bAbYgiRl" and the trauma will come back.

[@legumesss]

Hahahaha now I imagine the Darkling creeping up to Alina and saying "are you lost baby girl"

[@luuuuux_]

@@legumesss that would low-key be hilarious

[@_zombie_queen_]

@@legumesss I want this more than anything now. Fuck it, I'm going to draw it. Congrats you're officially a muse.

[@happyjellycatsquid]

@@_zombie_queen_ How’s the fanart going ? i need to see this im sorryy 🥲

[@_zombie_queen_]

@@happyjellycatsquid hahaha omg! I can't belive you remembered. I started it, but Im working on. Something for talk of love right now, and I'll move this up to right after to be finished.:)

[@ChandaurRoshini]

After Good Omens, this is maybe the best book adaptation I have watched.

[@amywalker250]

I LOVED the good omens adaptation!

[@Spartacus005]

I adore the Crows I don't even care that they didn't end up doing anything because they were successful in stealing my heart

[@Myr642]

I was so skeptical when I heard they were combining the Grisha trilogy and the SoC duology, but I want stunned with how well they combined the content. I honestly didn’t love the Grisha trilogy. I hated Mal in the books, but he’s a favorite character here; wild. Six of Crows has always been *chief’s kiss* and seeing the crows in the flesh was amazing. Having to see the resurgence of Darklina shipping is not my favorite since the it’s very obvious it’s supposed to be an abusive relationship but 🤷🏻‍♀️ My favorite SoC Easter egg was when Kaz asked Pekka if they’ve ever made a deal and Pekka said no. I actually yelled “wrong answer bucko” at my tv.

[@priyambalsara3639]

As a book-reader I really enjoyed the show! Broadly speaking, it was a very smart adaptation in that it knew where to expand on certain plot points and deepen the story (aka. Mal LOL). There are a few things I wish were different (ie. I don't like that they changed the way Alina and Mal escape the Fold at the end), but overall it was pretty good.

[@priyambalsara3639]

​@Maōkami Yeah, I agree. They definitely had to change the ending due to plot circumstances, but I preferred how the book ending added a touch of moral greyness to Alina's character.

[@megancastle5573]

@@priyambalsara3639 yeah her using the cut on the darkling's skiff 1) sets up her moral conflict in the next book and why she still feels so connected to him and 2) would've looked so fucking cool on-screen

[@nickmesogianes4638]

The main general dude looked so familiar and I couldn't place him....HE'S PRINCE CASPIN FROM NARNIA!! Dude plays a good villain

[@hatstephla1769]

I’m a huge fan of the books and I love the tv show (I’ve watched it three times) the shadow and bone books aren’t the best and the show takes the parts of the books that were not so great and made them amazing. Would definitely recommend watching the show to anyone.

[@desicatedlimbs]

100% agree with S&B books being infuriating to me by the end of S&S and throughout R&R. BUT they revived it and made Alina not as dumb and sad as the books.

[@seth9577]

Is the story about alina and kirigan falling in love?

[@hatstephla1769]

@@seth9577 not really just watch it to find out

[@seth9577]

@@hatstephla1769 Id like some spoilers actually. I won't watch it if it's a love story between these two

[@hatstephla1769]

@@seth9577it’s got some love story between them but it ends pretty quickly

[@sonicx059]

Oh sheet.... 3 things. - I didn't know The Darkling survived... - I loved his speech about time will kill Mal... just ugh... loved it. - Jasper and the goat are my favorites.

[@silverkyre]

This adaptation is brilliant in that while the characters and such arent always perfectly what they are in the books. They captured the look, the heart and the soul of the books characters and even the aesthetics. Its what every adaptation should aim for. Keep the heart of it even when you make some changes.

[@rabnerd28]

"Tell me your gay without saying your gay" My favorite character is Jesper.

[@FawnieFox]

I thought the books were just okay and I was ready to rip the show apart and was pleasantly surprised. They did a great job adapting the story and I actually thought they made it better in many ways.

[@eliyahs6725]

hav you read Six of Crows? It's fine if you read it and didn't like it, but there was a huge quality jump between the shadow and bone trilogy and the six of crows duology, so I would recommend that if you haven't read it.

[@FawnieFox]

@De Nile I haven’t read Six of Crows. I might circle back to it after I get through my current list.

[@anitaabage7570]

Honestly I feel you, I ended up giving up on the grishaverse in shadow & bone, but continued with six of crows and the duology is so much better!

[@joshtrue6521]

@@FawnieFox the shadow and bone trilogy is a bunch of YA tropey crap. Six of Crows I like so much that this adaptation is hot garbage because of how badly they destroyed the characters from it. It would be akin to mixing a cheap margarita mix into a high quality wine. The mix being head empty no character mal, spineless agency adverse alina, and the whole rest of the basic boring plot of the grisha trilogy. It exists only to establish the world enough for Six of Crows to be the only important story.

[@elvia9947]

Shadow & Bone books were okay. Not too bad, but they definitely aren't at the top of my list. However, Six of Crows is one of the best books I've ever read (and Crooked Kingdom). You should definitely try reading them, especially when you already have the background information from S&B. That being said, I admit, I kind of liked the show more than the book (S&B). I feel like it really improved Shadow and Bone storyline because in the books Mal and Alina were really boring to me. And I LOVED the Crows storyline, I wish they had more screen time, or better yet, they should've had their own adaptation, because tbh, the show improved Shadow&Bone, but in a way ruined Six of Crows because now we will never get a separate adaptation of just them, which is disapointing because they were the best thing about the show. Or even if we do get an adaptation, it's going to be VERY different because in the books the Crows and Alina never even met. So yeah, I loved the show, but I'm also sad because it means we're not getting a SoC adaptation. S&B without the Crows would've been very weak, but they ruined the Crows storyline. S&B needed SoC, but SoC didn't need S&B👏

[@Mrshatejb]

The reason why the crows are more compelling to watch than Alina is because she is an incredibly passive protagonist and resistant to change, especially when it comes to power. She spends her entire life suppressing her abilities to be with a boy and when she doesn't suppress it, she's forced to tap into those powers. Again, when she finds the stag and it chooses her, she doesn't kill it and it doesn't become her amplifier right away, so Darkling does it for her just so she can have this big revelation and get her powers back. But still, someone else had to get the amplifier so she could take it back. Well, I hope they make her more proactive in season 2.

[@barbiquearea]

Plus the Crows add a whole lot to the world building as following them allows us to see the other side of the fold, Kattergant and stuff going on in the world.

[@Naahi95]

If you find her passive in the show you really wouldn't like her in the books. She's way more passive, makes a lot of dumb decisions and her narration is full of girl hate and "I'm not like other girls" energy.

[@vp98215]

It was so frustrating and boring how she made her entire world revolve around a boy even after knowing how her powers could save an entire country... She didn't change much even when baghra told her that if she uses her powers correctly she can make sure that there won't be anymore orphans like her and mal... She also didn't care for the fact that because of her obsession with mal, 2-3 of her colleagues died at the fold in ep1...

[@gaia218]

My god, you should see her in the books. At least she takes some decisions in the show, sach as shooting the volcra in the fold, burning the maps to follow mal, she even kiss the darkling by her own intention! In the books she just mourners and thinks about mal all the time😂😂

[@ThisNameIsBanned]

Shes also incredible stupid in basically all she does, intentionally so, as the story would be much simpler if she wouldnt be. The crows on the other hand feel much more like Oceans Eleven Heist movie all the time.

[@Ellisepha]

My favourite part of the show was honestly all the foreshadowing. Mal, Jesper, Pekka and Kaz. Just... (wink wink nudge nudge) Also who could forget the best addition to the show, Milo the G.O.A.T.

[@luuuuux_]

Right?!? His expression when the supreme idiot says “dump you in the harbor” and then he asks “tell me, have we ever made a deal before?” was so well done. And all those little hints to Jesper being you-know-what were so well done. And the first time when Alina used her powers and Mal was holding onto her the whole time. The foreshadowing was so well done.

[@Ellisepha]

@@luuuuux_ Yep, can't wait for the next season. Also, Jesper seems to know *a little* about Kaz's backstory with Pekka and I want to know how much exactly. No way in hell he knows who J***ie is... right?

[@luuuuux_]

@@Ellisepha I’m sure that Jesper knows that Kaz hates Pekka for some reason, but he doesn’t know why. Also, I can’t wait for Kaz to call Jesper J*****.

[@a.m.s6611]

I loved the easter egg (I think it was one anyway) when Kaz and Pekka were having their main interaction in episode 2 where Pekka is outlining his (very one sided) deal and says "then we'll be even" and Kaz responded with "Not even close" along with the "have we ever made a deal before" carrying over from the books the whole fury inducing fact that Pekka ripped his life apart and can't even remember him/ doing it

[@monaeckle]

The moment in which the Darkling reveals his real name to Alina is supposed to be this huge moment in the final book of the series, Ruin & Rising, so I was kinda pissed that it was just a throwaway moment in the show. Kinda takes away from the mysterious and unapproachable aspect of the Darkling.

[@ferdousikhanam5043]

It didn’t really spoil anything cuz his real last name wasn’t revealed but I was still a bit disappointed that they just revealed it like that

[@cz2766]

They also revealed that he’s a descendant of Morozova, which also kinda of pissed me off🤔

[@amandafisher6061]

I’ve seen this take everywhere but I’ll be honest, I don’t really understand this criticism as someone who has read all of the books. Based on the changes they made in the show, without the Darkling revealing his name to Alina it doesn’t make sense that she makes the first move in the show without this crucial moment. The Darkling telling Alina his name allows Alina to trust him and makes more sense that she would be the one to make the first move rather than the Darkling as it is done in the books. If I put myself in Alina’s shoes, I know I wouldn’t kiss someone without even knowing their name and I think the Darkling’s name reveal allows for this change in the show to make more sense. In the books, in my perspective at least, Alina just lets the kiss with the Darkling happen because of her growing attraction to him. Alina comes as a bit naive in the books and a general audience would rip into that characteristic of Alina if this change wasn’t added, in the TV show, Alina holds strong in her convictions and allows her to be an inspiring, powerful heroine that breaks free from the hold of a powerful man without the use of her Sun Summoner abilities. Idk sorry this was long that’s just my take on it as a book fan and now, a show fan.

[@cz2766]

@@amandafisher6061 yeah you are right, it works for the tv show and for Alina’s personality on screen (who I think maintains her ingenuity, and that’s fine, because we follow her growth throughout the series), but I can’t help but think of how huge that moment was in the book. The Darkling saying his name to Alina when she visits him, is recognising her as his only equal, as a powerful Grisha in her own right. And at the same time, revealing his own fragility and vulnerabilities as a human being. With a whole loneliness theme tied to that. And for Alina, it is a moment where she sees herself as an equal to him, sees his vulnerability, is presented with a choice, but decides to walk away, again, favouring further growth in her character. This is what, to me, makes the Darkling a compelling villain, and the analogy with Magneto is very accurate! But this is the way I personally interpreted it, and the casual name dropping shocked me a bit, so I get why people criticise this decision, even if it is done on purpose and with reason. As for my comment, I think the casual Morozova lineage dropping eliminates the mystery of one of the main themes in the books: Alina trying to figure out who Morozova is and where to find the final amplifier, the Firebird, so this is a decision in the adaptation that I am struggling to make sense of. It made the Ruin and Rising book exciting and a page turner. They kind of stripped the Darkling of any mystery, and I think that’s kind of a shame, because as a villain, he’s honestly very good😂😂 But overall, I also really enjoyed the tv show, so even with the criticism of someone who read the book, I still think it’s a very solid adaptation. :)

[@luuuuux_]

I was really mad they already revealed it because it was such a huge thing in R&R

[@Lore86Ma]

I find the Darkling the most compelling villain . I just love him. I love the way he is portrait in the books but i never expected to love Mal in the tv series . I dislike his character in the books. The show was very good. I was very happy with the way they mixed the two series together. I waited a few years for this series and thank God i was not disappointed.

[@annie.sanders]

my favorite thing on tumblr after the show's premiere was seeing all the younglins, who didn't know who Ben Barnes was before, just simping over him. babes, where have you BEEN. we've been simping over this man since The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008). he's been fancast as every tall dark and handsome guy in every fandom since the early days of fandoms. keep up, babes. 😂 also I love the fact that when he met with the showrunner about the role, he brought a screenshot of a tumblr post that had him fancast as The Darkling. here's a quote from the showrunner: “Toward the end of the lunch, Ben slid over his phone at me,” recounts Heisserer. “And it was the same Tumblr post, [and he was] like, ‘You’re gonna hire me now, aren’t you?’” POWER MOVE! 🤣🤣🤣

[@vp98215]

But ben barnes first rejected the role because he didn't want to shoot somewhere far from his home and the makers have to convince him... Then he read the books and decided to do the role... I guess he just showed the edits after he decided to do the role...

[@user-bb5mb8qp3n]

He's literally worshipped for being sirius Black... And he never ever played the role in his whole life

[@aud2d2]

I feel like this show really has it all. Gunslingers like Tombstone? Yes. Powers like the witches in the Witcher? Yes. Heists? Yes. Toxic relationships with lying and gaslighting? Unfortunately yes I really like how they stitched all the stories together and I love watching the ragtag group of crows pulling off heists

[@josephstone4842]

I read this book in high school around 2014 and basically had accepted that it’d never be adapted. This is crazy.

[@shy1000]

I went into this show with moderate expectations. I wasn't expecting to actually love it as much as I did. I had never read the books, but watching it felt like they captured that specific YA style of storytelling I loved so much as a kid/teenager. It genuinely charmed that part of me so much I bought the books and I can't wait to read them

[@IfAllElseFailsDance]

As a fan of the books it was SUCH an incredible adaptation. It blew my mind how spot on it was, and the original liberties they took MAKES SO MUCH SENSE. I finally felt the catharsis my teen reader needed from a YA book adaptation.

[@SS-mk2yp]

I lost my shit when Kaz and Inej said *the thing*. Also, Nina is my baby.

[@paigestubbs9718]

YESSS AND YESSS

[@mariannestrgzr9374]

the thing? i've not (yet) read the book, but when kaz said "i need you" i was like "YESSS U GO GIRL" because is character is always so composed!! is that what you're talking about?

[@SS-mk2yp]

@@mariannestrgzr9374 that was a sweet moment, but what I was referring to is “No mourners. No funerals.”

[@mariannestrgzr9374]

@@SS-mk2yp oh! then i guess it's from the books, i've planned to have read them all by next week so i'll understand the reference then X)

[@mt6897]

““No mourners” Jesper said as he tossed his rifle to Rotty. “No funerals” the rest of the Dregs murmured in reply. Among them, it passed for “good luck””

[@manzell]

"An orphan girl finds out she's special. Join her on her epic quest which will help her answer the ultimate question: Which suitor will I marry?"

[@caitlinb35]

To be fair, I feel like many fantasy stories follow similar tropes as well with the hero's journey, that's just how it goes.

[@manzell]

@@caitlinb35 No - there's plenty of space for creativity! That other fantasy stories follow similar tropes - a totally true and fair critique - is merely highlighting the fact that the genre is stale and needs innovation. And w/r/t to the TV show (Haven't read the books) it seems it goes out of it's way to hit the common YA Beats.

[@kattkatt744]

Both the books and show is compellingly narrated, but yeah, when you take a close look it is the same story. It would be refreshing with something that became big that was different. I guess this is as symptomatic as intersectional CIA that we are not dealing with the real underlying problem but only shining things up on the surface.

[@krow5099]

That’s what’s annoying me and the reason why I stopped watching it that and I’m 30 and too grown for that shit I got bills and shit 💀💀😂

[@Holytitmouse]

@@krow5099, man being 30 ain't no reason to not have fun. I love the books, (although, like most people, my favorite is Six of Crows) and I thought they did a great job with the TV show. YA isn't for everyone, but dang son. I'm almost 30, and absolutely adore the genre. A lot of fantasy books follow the same trope, (which, again, is why Six of Crows is just BETTER in my opinion) but there's just smth about Shadow and Bone that I adore. tl;dr just cos ur 30 don't mean you gotta be boring

[@caycecarson]

As a huge fan of Six of Crows &Crooked Kingdom and someone who couldn't even finish the first Grisha Trilogy book, I enjoyed the show a lot. I knew enough of the world so I wasn't confused and they especially did a great job of fixing the stuff in the Grisha Trilogy that I didnt like. Very excited for season 2 to see how they incorporate more of the Six of Crows storyline (extremely excited for some Wylan and Jesper action)

[@frog.theorist]

Ok but the scene where Alina and the Darkling are about to hook up has some of the most beautiful lighting and camera framing that I've ever seen, like the way they set up their shadows... it's just incredible

[@dianaandherbooks]

I just love how when reviews adaptations she always reads the books later so she can share with us her opinion with two perspectives: As a blind reviewer of the movie/tv shows and then as a reader.

[@KoiPuff]

So apparently Nina and Jespar are Bi/Pan in the books so I'm hoping the show will make sure that's known. There are so few Bi/Pan characters on TV. Also just more of Nina, she was cute and feisty lol

[@starhunter9085]

*Tranzjenderizm isn't an actual thing since nobody can actually change their sex.*

[@KoiPuff]

@@starhunter9085 Does being Transphobic come naturally to you or did you have to train to be that stupid and ignorant?

[@luuuuux_]

Jesper is bi and Nina is pan and I really hope the show doesn’t erase that

[@sabrinhussein3586]

**SPOILER-ISH** They actually gave Jesper a M/M scene in the series so I think they've kept that!!

[@starhunter9085]

@@KoiPuff *Insults≠facts, science does*

[@JClucky13]

As soon as the darkling came up I shouted "prince caspian!!!"

[@meisi1312]

Me too!! Chronicles of narnia!!!

[@harperandrea4462]

LMAO SAME

[@cjemmeson109]

I've been a fan of the books for years and I loved the adaptation. And my favourite SOC easter egg is the Darkling asking Mal what Alina's favourite flower is (and then using the answer to flirt with Alina, sneaky bastard): it's a reference to Inej's father.

[@paigestubbs9718]

did not realise until I read this comment

[@jaash7981]

Bookstagram has been hyping up six of crows so much that I think I have to read it. But I have like 10 books on my "to read" list already and I also can't get emotionally invested into another fandom.

[@TheaTheGenius]

Trust me, Six of Crows is torally worth it. The book spent a few months on my 'to read' list cause it just didn't seem that interesting (never was a fan of heist stories). But then I actually binged it in one day and man, I wished I had actually read it sooner. I swear, I'd never gotten into a fandom this hard, it was just that good. The original Grisha trilogy wasn't that good but SoC duology more than makes up for it.

[@avsambart]

@@TheaTheGenius only 10?! 😭 I'm sooooo jealous 😭

[@alexatrejos9617]

Six of Crows is AMAZING and everyone should read it. I actually feel inspired to re read it.

[@wemestros]

the crows got me hooked tbh even though i rly like the rest of the cast

[@MeganIsNotHere]

Shadow and bone is officially my favourite show, it’s definitely one of the best adaptations I’ve watched

[@sarahdirienzoi]

These were all my thoughts exactly. The Crows were great! Alina feels very... traditional YA girl protagonist. And I found Mal pretty boring. But the Crows totally make up for it. It's basically a super epic tale about some really boring people supplemented by an amazing side cast and I'm sold lol

[@siljapeters2836]

Yeah you can kinda feel the what time the books where written in. They also very much feel like a debut story. Not that it’s terrible! But you get the feeling that the author fell in love with the world along with the readers, and then decided to expand on it when she was a bit more skilled.

[@mzaman1532]

Started watching the because of Ben Barnes playing as darkling but fell in love with crows! Crows carried the whole show!!!

[@Amazatastic]

He is like 15 years older than her but he's also BEN BARNES

[@waldkind_]

EXACTLY

[@davesvens8697]

She's 25. How old is ben?

[@nadyalee4469]

Wasn't there an interview where Jessie said that she used to have a poster of Ben and was a fan of him when she was younger?

[@waldkind_]

@@davesvens8697 Yes, the actress is 25. The character is supposed to be 17. :) That's the age difference we're talking about 😂

[@rubybuttons668]

@@davesvens8697 Ben’s 39, I think he’s 40 this year. I share the same birthday as him. 😊

[@manixo6358]

Matthias and Nina were my favourite storyline/couple. It gave us more of a backstory to the other opposing countries and I hope we get more of them.

[@BeingReese]

I REALLY enjoyed this show. Watched it in two days. My husband joined in on episode 4, and tried to pretend like he wasn't interested, but once we finished up the series, I caught him going back to watch the first 4 episodes he missed 😆

[@proudtobeinvisible]

I said shadow and bone needed six of crows but six of crows didn't need shadow and bone. but it was a stunningly beautiful story and while the crows weren't the badass people we know but baby crows growing into their own and learning how to be powerful in their own rights

[@Winstar66]

I really really wanted Kaz to beat the shit out of the Darkling 😂

[@amandafisher6061]

As someone who has read all of the Grishaverse novels (except Rule of Wolves) prior to the show, I absolutely adored this series! It surpassed everything I possibly imagined for the series as I kept my hopes low as YA adaptations tend to be not...great. This show made me SO emotional and overjoyed at the fact it even existed. Something that YA adaptations sorely lack, in my opinion, is heart and I found that this series had an abundance of this characteristic. Additionally, you could tell that the actors, writers, and crew held so much respect for the source material which is something else that I feel often gets lost in book to film adaptations. I loved your review of this show and you said everything I wanted in a way I could never articulate. The only criticism I had of this show was the racism hurled at Alina was a bit unnecessary; I’d wish the show had explored why Ravka was at war with Fjerda and Shu Han rather than belittle Alina for her identity which has become a sensitive topic in the world as of late. Otherwise, this show will always hold a special place in my heart and now I want to reread the WHOLE Grishaverse novels after all the small details you so brilliantly pointed out! (I apologize this was so long; I get excited when this series is brought up in mainstream media).

[@bowenarrows7819]

Sewstine has a good video with some of her friends where they talk about representation in the show and including the racism aspect as Asian women.

[@amandafisher6061]

@@bowenarrows7819 Yes! I love her but haven’t gotten around to watching the video. Everyone has a different opinion regarding the discrimination Alina’s character faced which I find really interesting.

[@hekate206]

Another small thing that makes me really happy about the show is Leigh Bardugo's guest appearance 💜 15:42 (the woman in the Fabrikator kefta who hugs Alina)

[@AlabasterTen]

I’ve been a fan of this book series for so long and I can’t believe you’re actually covering the series

[@laurapersilva1882]

Can we just take a minute to appreciate the casting?? It's like they took the charachters out of the book, especially the crows, they are just as I imagined them!! (I just wish they expressed more Jesper bisexuality)

[@LilPinkPoodle7]

When Darkling asked for her "consent" with the kiss.. I thought it was because he had been intercepting her letters to Mal. He knew she loved her friend from reading them so he was genuinely shocked when she kissed him first and asked if she was ok with it more as confirmation for her feelings for him. He looks sincerely happy that she was into him all on her own

[@actually_curious4773]

yeah I think it was a pretty genuine moment for him. it's also that he's immortal and been alone for like hundreds of years save for his mom. now he meets someone who he thinks can share his eternity with him. and Alina's into him because he makes her feel powerful and special. I mean, of all toxic romances in YA this one actually does make sense, especially the way it's executed in the show. Makes the scene with the collar that much more terrifying too.

[@olessiatchijova8605]

Not gonna lie, I went into this show because I was excited to see Ben Barnes in fantasy again, but I left absolutely in love with the entire main cast

[@sombrego2260]

I binged the whole show in one day. Absolutely loved it from start to finish, can't wait to see what comes next. I'm on the fence about getting into the books as I'm afraid I'll spoil myself of what's coming after.

[@tablet647]

loved it , the crow's were like a " mission impossible " group , making plans that didn't work so they had to roll with the punches and survive , great main story of the fold and the Grisha , plenty of action and very dark in places even a little scary for younger viewers , and very well acted by the young cast ,, the best accolade i can give is that i want to see more , and well done netfilx

[@avalondaly]

The crows were amazing, Nina was great, but surprisingly the main protagonist is the most boring- Alina's story feels so schematic

[@elvia9947]

I agree, before she discovered her powers she seemed so fun. Of course it's normal to change and feel scared and confused when some random people just take you and start training you since you're the chosen one. But once she entered the Little Palace her whole personallity became Mal and the Darkling and being the Chosen One. I wished they'd shown more of her training or just interacting with Genya, the little moments, because that's what made the books interesting, building frienships and finding herself.

[@erindekker6121]

so looking forward to you doing s2!!!

[@darkflowerism]

I legit binge watched this show over one weekend, I really enjoyed it. Great casting, character chemistry and wonderfully shot, I look forward to more being released.

[@IlyRecordare]

Having fun rewatching your commentary as I’m all stoked about the new one coming out 🎉

[@roguered706]

Same for me! I'm rewatching season one again and stoked for season 2. I also can't wait to get Amanda's thoughts on the ending of the 3rd book. It made me soooo incredibly mad. But that's a ways off yet.

[@RuletheWorldwithsong]

I never read the books. I started watching for Ben Barnes but kept watching because it was really good

[@Rain-np7tk]

The aleksander thing get revealed to us in ruin and rising in the books but I liked that they added it in earlier. Cant wait to see what they do with the crows and the ice court job

[@paigestubbs9718]

For the Ice Court- I hope we get set up in seasons 2 and 3 to get the SaB plot done with. Setting up Wylan and the crows starting season 2 and bringing in Kuwei and Parem in season 3 to get it started in season 4

[@katherinealvarez9216]

1:30 yes, the Crows were the best part. Though I did like Mal and Alina's story.

[@emilyfishburn6701]

I'm usually a purest when it comes to book adaptations so I was initially worried that they were mixing both stories in one series BUT they really did do a great job and the casting was perfect ❤️

[@mariaanastazja5917]

"tell me: have we ever made a deal before?" said by kaz to pekka made me scream as a book fan. also ivan probably figured out jesper's secret which is cool. i've been a fan for 5 years and the show really satisfied me. i dont like 1:1 adaptations, they are pointless and i really hope it gets renewed.

[@ferdousikhanam5043]

Same!! I felt like I could just HEAR him going “brick by brick” in his mind

[@Holytitmouse]

Ivan being, "You're a-" before Jesper knocks him tf out when they're fighting in the Little Palace laundry room place fuckn GOT ME. Jes going, "Really should've shut your mouth" is just //chef's kiss

[@Othello484]

It popped up on my feed and I binge-watched it. Everything came together, including the wardrobe. The world felt lived in. The writing was superb. And three believable romantic stories (one of them currently tragic). :) I loved that Inej and Kaz both made tough choices to be with each other without the other one's knowledge. Sigh. I'm a sucker for true love. :)

[@inssomnia]

Favourite Six of Crows easter egg for me was Wylan's flashbombs. It's so subtle and only people who've read the books can actually catch on to it

[@attiethetitan]

absolutely begging you to review the second season, i'd love to see your takes, especially about the book to series changes

[@bm28601]

I understand the darkling is a creep trying to manipulate a teen girl. but the thing is, I am a teen girl, so it worked on me and I love him

[@raptorkvn]

🤣🤣🤣

[@gabrielasosa9146]

gurl me too. I luv him

[@Anna133199]

I'm a woman in my late twenties, and it worked on me as well. I bet his creepy manipulation works on people in their eighties too!

[@Barbica95]

Ben Barnes smiles and feminism leaves my body

[@xLadyMary]

I’m twenty and I love him cause ✨Ben Barnes✨