This is definitely the best episode yet. Writing is improved a lot and now you can really feel the chemistry between characters. In this episode, they took one very small part near the end of the first book and expanded it in the most entertaining and intense episode yet. And funniest too.
Maybe it still does lack gothicness and Jace's sarcasm, but I'm starting to appreciate this show for what it is. I still hope for more Gothic stuff, but there is plenty of time to do that anyway. Effects can still get better, but for now, for a TV show, I think they are decent. And Luke is so awesome in this episode and it's awesome to finally see him do something. And also, this episode ends with a big cliffhanger that will make you want to see the next one right away. For those who don't know if they will continue or start watching it and didn't like the first few episodes, trust me, this will make you optimistic.