Shadow & Bone: How The Conductor Knew Jesper Would Need The Goat

When Kaz, Inej, and Jesper prepare their trip across the Shadow Fold in episode 3 of Shadow & Bone, the Conductor tasked the Crows with procuring a goat for their journey. Jesper and Inej were instructed to get items directly tied to their transport across the Fold. Kaz, on the other hand, was tasked with finding a goat, which Jesper was surprised to learn was always meant to comfort him.

Kaz, Inej, and Jesper make up the Crows, a devious street gang tasked with kidnapping the Sun Summoner and returning her to their employer for a large sum of money. For the majority of Shadow & Bone season 1, the Crows are one step behind Alina, waiting for the right opportunity to snatch her. But in order to get close enough to her, they have to cross the deadly Fold. There’s only one way to do that safely, which is with the help of a man known as the Conductor.

The Conductor, whose real name is Arken, has an incredibly precise method of getting across the Fold safely. Because of that, his choice of passage requires all his passengers behave the way he needs as well. Arken was able to get a good read on each of the Crow’s personality, which is exactly how he knew Jesper would require the goat as a comfort object.

Arken’s ability to pick up on each of the Crow’s personalities is a clear reflection of how different each of them is from one another. Kaz, the de facto leader of the group, is tough as nails. If he’s ever scared or unsure of something, he never shows it. In spite of the tough hand that life has dealt her, Inej is incredibly devout in her Suli faith. These aspects of Kaz and Inej’s personalities serve them in their journey across the fold, and Arken knew that. Jesper, on the other hand, is a different story. It’s clear that he is emotional and energetic. Because of this, Arken knew that Jesper would require a little extra comfort in the form of a goat to hold for comfort during the terrifying journey across the Fold. Jesper immediately grew attached to the goat and named him Milo, proving just how right Arken was.

Those differing personalities between the Crows is what made them such a compelling group to follow during Shadow & Bone season 1. In an earlier batch of episodes, Jesper, Inej, and Kaz were painted in a villainous light, as they were set on kidnapping Alina. But showing Jesper’s softer side with Milo the goat was a turning point for the group. By season 1 of Shadow & Bone‘s ending, they were transformed into a lovable group of deviants who truly cared for one another. They even became allies to Alina by the end. Their collective story arc over the first season of Shadow & Bone showed what a compelling group they are, setting the Crows up to be valuable characters in the show’s second season.

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