There are many different friendships and romantic pairings on the Netflix series Shadow and Bone. The show's based on a book trilogy of the same name by Leigh Bardugo, about the war-torn world of Ravka, populated by people with magical capabilities. Each relationship in the series is complex. However, they can be summarized by songs from Olivia Rodrigo's album "Sour."
Rodrigo's music expresses her heartbreak and the struggles of youth. Although the characters in Shadow and Bone are all adults, they can relate to Rodrigo's feelings, since the show's relationships are just as dramatic as the ones described in the young artist's songs.
Traitor: Nina & Matthias
The Druskelle soldier Matthias helps capture the Heartrender Nina. However, they start to fall for each other after being shipwrecked. But, to save Matthias from Grisha, Nina has him arrested for slave trading.
"Traitor" is the perfect Rodrigo song for this pair. Matthias was unconscious when Nina made the deal, so he thinks she betrayed him. During their last scene, Matthias’ feelings about Nina fit the song's lyric: "God, I wish that you had thought this through before I went and fell in love with you."
Driver's License: Alina & The Darkling
Alina is a Sun Summoner who goes to the Little Palace to train. During her stay, she gets close with the Darkling, who's a Shadow Summoner. Their love-hate relationship resembles the romance in “Driver’s License.”
Once Alina learns of the Darkling’s intentions to expand the Fold, she leaves the Palace. Similar to the relationship discussed in the song, Alina and the Darkling’s relationship isn't perfect, but they have strong feelings for each other. Alina and Rodrigo both have a relationship that they're struggling to move on from.
1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back: Inej & Kaz
Kaz makes Inej a part of the Crows (a group of thieves). They are partners, but there’s an unspoken attraction between them. Rodrigo’s song "1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back" captures their friendship that's on the precipice of becoming something more.
Because Kaz is quite reserved, Inej has difficulty deciphering his feelings. The lyric, "Do you love me, want me, hate me? Boy, I don't understand," describes Inej’s confusion. Kaz once mentions that he needs her. But, he also pushes Inej away while they fight about crossing the Fold.
Deja Vu: Zoya & Alina
In “Deja Vu,” Rodrigo watches her ex play the same tricks on his new girlfriend. This is similar to the situation Zoya and Alina find themselves in with the Darkling. Zoya, an Etherealki soldier, had an affair with the Darkling. Also, Alina falls for him.
The Darkling’s mother tells Alina that he has done the same act with many women. Alina thinks their relationship is special, but as Rodrigo states in her song, "it’s all reused."
Brutal: Genya & David
David is the Fabrikator at the Palace, and Genya is the Tailor. While they're renowned for their talents, their jobs force them to interact with dangerous people. The song "Brutal" sums up how they both feel exploited for their gifts.
David and Genya have feelings for each other but aren't able to pursue them. David has to help the Darkling find Alina and puts the stag bone into her body. Additionally, Genya has to spy on Alina and poison the King for the Darkling.
Hope Ur Ok: Mal & Alina
Alina and Mal are friends who grew up together in an orphanage. But when Alina is taken to the Little Palace for being a Grisha, the two are separated. Their situation is similar to the one in "Hope Ur Ok," where Rodrigo reminisces about her old friends.
After Mal and Alina are torn apart, they don't know what has happened to the other. The lyric "I hope that you're happier today cause I love you, and I hope that you're ok" describes their feelings for one another.
Good 4 U: Zoya & Darkling
Audiences learn that Zoya and the Darkling once had a relationship. However, fans of the book series and the show aren't given any details about it. Zoya tries to start their relationship again, but the Darkling turns her down for Alina.
Zoya's anthem would be "Good 4 U.”' She is jealous of Alina and feels rejected by the Darkling. Audiences can picture Zoya scream-singing the lyric "Good for you, you're doin' great out there without me, baby like a d*mn sociopath," to the Darkling.
Favorite Crime: Jesper & Dima
Jesper and the Crows plan to kidnap the Sun Summoner for a huge payout. In order to steal a horse to escape with, Jesper has a dalliance with the stable boy, Dima.
The song “Favorite Crime” describes Jesper and Dima’s fling. The lyric, "You used me as an alibi, I crossed my heart as you crossed the line," hits close to home for Dima. While they had chemistry, Jesper was using him as a pawn in his scheme.
Happier: Mal & Darkling
Alina's two love interests are her best friend Mal and the Darkling. The Darkling sees Mal as a threat, so he attempts to get Mal out of the picture. Mal also resents the Darkling for his romantic advances towards Alina.
The lyric "Find someone great but don't find someone better" from Happier represents Mal's thoughts about Alina. Additionally, the Darkling can relate to the lyric, "I'm selfish, I know, can't let you go," because he continues to pursue Alina despite her rejection.
Enough For You: The King & Queen
The King and Queen of Ravka don't have a happy marriage. Their relationship is like the one sung about in "Enough For You." The Queen makes Genya alter her appearance to please the King, but he is unfaithful to her.
Genya used to try to fight off the King's advances, but it never worked. The Queen can relate to the lyric, "All I ever wanted was to be enough for you." Also, she can sympathize with Rodrigo's pain for being discarded for someone "more exciting."