The NBC television series “Grimm” puts a new twist on classic stories.
Each episode is in some way inspired by one of the Grimm Brother’s Fairy Tales, but “Grimm” at its core is a cop drama.
“Grimm” follows Portland Homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) as he tries to carry on with his personal and work life, while learns more about his family lineage of Grimms.
As a Grimm, it is his responsibility to keep the balance between the human world he has always known, and a newfound world of mythological creatures called “wesen.”
Wesen (pronounced “vesen”) appear human but can transform into their creature-like state when provoked; however Burkhardt can see them when he chooses to because of his abilities as a Grimm.
Burkhardt’s homicide cases are always somehow connected to the wesen world, and he must use his combined detective and Grimm skills to solve each case.
He works these cases with his human partner, Detective Hank Griffin (Russell Hornsby). Griffin’s character brings a human element to the show, as well as a bit of comic relief.
Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), Burkhardt’s best friend, is a type of wesen called a Blutbad, basically the “Grimm” version of a werewolf.
He is the most knowledgeable in wesen history and culture, and often aids Burkhardt in tracking and solving cases involving wesen.
The episode that aired on Fri. Jan. 24, entitled “The Wild Hunt” began with the quote, “Come back in the evening, I have the door locked to keep out the wild huntsmen.”
A unique trait of “Grimm” is that each episode begins with a quote that somehow relates to the episode to follow.
I think the quote is an interesting addition and sets the tone for the entire episode.
Another positive aspect of “Grimm” is that it presents a great balance between real world problems and the issues associated with mystical creatures.
For instance, Monroe introduced his fiancée Rosalee, a Fuchsbau, which is a wesen similar to a fox, to his conservative parents.
Let’s just say it did not go well.
This scene was a great blend between real life issues of impressing the parents, and the supernatural racism that wesen face. The real world aspect makes the show and individual characters more relatable to the audience and overall, more enjoyable to watch.
The end of Grimm episodes could easily be my favorite part.
On occasion, if there is a dramatic cliff hanger at the end of the episode. In addition to the generic “to be continued,” the production team will add a comedic touch with phrases like “Oh #*@%!!!,” which ended the episode “The Wild Hunt.”
I find this small touch adds such an interesting flare to “Grimm” as a series.
“Grimm” is a series I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good cop drama, or a cool supernatural thriller.
To check out this wonderful television show, or to see why that comic relief was necessary at the end of “The Wild Hunt,” watch “Grimm” On Demand or every Friday at 9 p.m. on NBC.
