Grimm “Grimm” is a drama series that revolves around Homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt, who discovers that he is a descendant of an elite line of criminal profilers known as “Grimms” who can identify the true nature of supernatural and frightening creatures (referred to as “Wesen”) that exist among humans. Nick’s new responsibilities as a “Grimm” increasingly put him at odds with his responsibilities as a detective, while constantly having to worry about shielding his near ones from harm and the hidden reality. The series was inspired by the popular Grimm’s Fairy Tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm, and draws from many creatures of folklore including werewolves, demons and monsters. It should be noted that many of the sugar-coated (or “Disney-fied”) fairy tales originally had much darker tones that were modified over time to make them more fitting for children. But in Grimm, they are presented as they were originally conceived. The first season received moderate ratings, which have since picked up. Relative to the oft-compared with “Once Upon A Time”, this show’s linear plot avoids viewer confusion while delivering value. “Once Upon A Time” initially started with the more popular fairy tales, whereas “Grimm” deals with the “darker tales”. The LA Times liked its “unlikely genre mash-up of modern cop show sensibility and down-the-dark-forest-path gothic overtones”. One of its greatest strengths as noted by critics is its “ability to acknowledge its progenitors” while delivering its own originality. “Grimm” employs, among its other tactics, sudden attacks that are often effective because although the audience is expecting a “scare”, there is negligible build-up to the execution (though many might blow these off as cheap tactics). Its “procedural” nature does stall some explanations for later development. Nick relies extensively on his “Wesen” friends Monroe and Rosalee for his cases, which shows that three seasons in, he still has a lot to master. It may often leave the audience wondering whether besides being able to see Wesen’s true visage, being a “Grimm” naturally gives one super strength to subdue fully “Woged” Wesen (“Woge” is the temporary act of completely changing from human to Wesen form, which allow Wesen to utilize their full strength). “Grimm” puts female characters in pivotal roles (spoiler alert!). Nick’s significant other, Juliette helps him out with cases later on in the show; his mother is a seasoned Grimm “warrior”; Rosalee the Wesen apothecary is extremely helpful in fatal times, saving Nick’s life and relationship in many ways. Plot twists so far can also be accredited to female characters (Adalind who instigates and is at the centre of broader story arcs, and a new “Grimm” who sets the buildup for the oncoming season). So far, a lot of the creatures don’t quite fall into the “mythological” category per se, but are more typical animals (lions, wolves, reptiles etc). The positive aspect is that it broadens the horizon for a greater variety of creatures, leaving plenty of space to explore actual mythological ones and even supernatural ones. If the writers spin it right they will not find themselves locked within the boundaries that “Supernatural” got constricted within (exploring relatively fewer supernatural creatures before delving entirely into Christian demonology). The focus of the show is extensively on Portland, and the crimes in every episode are compulsively committed by Wesen. What remain to be seen for the remainder of the episodes is what type of creature it is, and which person is actually responsible. Also, no questions are brought forth regarding the bodies of some of the Wesen that Nick ends up killing; perhaps the writers will utilize that for subsequent story arcs. With that being said, “Grimm” offers plenty of scares, laughs, suspense, anticipation, and can artfully employ twists to its procedural stories. It’s one of the shows that slowly grow on the audience and a few episodes in; viewers become entangled in the lives of the people in the show. It has greatly improved since its first season, and has tremendous potential to shine even brighter. Reviewed by Ahmed Adib
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:53:17 +0000
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