no ranting here, just some observations about season 2 and the final cuts of malec scenes so far...
as a fan who started watching SH because of malec, in S2 i’ve solidly reframed my expectations to this reality: there may be seven main cast members, but clary is the main character. therefore, the characters who are involved in scenes with or about her (primarily simon and jace right now) get the most screentime. internalizing this has made watching the show...easier.
easier, but no less frustrating.
the writers understand malec in terms of overall story arc, and the producers acknowledge the importance of magnus and alec via social media, but there’s a bias in how malec is portrayed in terms of screentime set aside for intimacy (casual, conversational, and sexual), and the way intimate malec scenes are shot (direct shots that focus on chest and above vs full body shots that can showcase affection outside of a kiss).
unlike every other “couple” on the show (with the notable exception of lucelyn #RIP), malec hasn’t been given much time--or space on the screen--to simply linger and be.
harry and matt can (and do) give everything portraying these characters, but the final product is reliant on what camera angles are used and the choices in the editing room, especially when dialogue is limited.
i hope that the production and editing teams will be open to listening, and perhaps become more aware of how subtly bias can filter into art--even when we have the best of intentions.
the show has, overall, improved drastically since the first season. they’re not shying away from the malec relationship, but there’s still a hesitancy in the final cut of malec scenes that speaks of people who are unsure how to frame queer intimacy, and are, possibly, uncomfortable.
this is why diversity in production and editing teams (not just writing and acting) matters.
it would’ve been life changing for me to see characters like alec and magnus on my screen when i was younger. it’s life affirming now to see the evolution of their relationship.
malec isn’t portrayed perfectly, but there is time and opportunity for the production staff to learn and grow. there may even be a shift in the episodes left to air. we have to wait to see.
i expect for malec to have less screentime because they are a side story in clary’s journey. to give malec “equal” time is unrealistic in a show that’s not centered around them.
however, equality and equity are two different things. seeing malec portrayed through the same lens as clary’s relationships and other het relationships would be equitable even if malec won’t have equal time.
i’ll continue to watch the show because seeing and supporting positive queer relationships on TV matters to me. i’ll continue to watch because equity for malec is still possible ♡ xx