Based on Cassandra Clare’s young adult novel series The Mortal Instruments, Shadowhunters is just another one of the new fantastical tv shows full of demons and warlocks that pack in as much action and bloodshed as it can, in hopes of drawing viewers in. Although the dramatic deaths that spray blood everywhere may be momentarily enticing, the script and performances from the actors can’t keep the excitement going.

Clary Fray, played by Katherine McNamara, lives a seemingly average life in Brooklyn with a hip mom and the cute type of nerdy best friend, but when she bumps into a mysterious blond stranger on the day of her 18th birthday, everything changes. All of a sudden we’re seeing images of a nuclear disaster combined with bodies sans clothes and it seems like they’re just trying to bloat this tv show with as much seemingly thrilling things as they possibly can. Although this high-intensity action may not be able to sustain itself in the long term, the silent brothers and Clary’s surprising secret do make me want to at least see the next episode.