Contributor: John Keegan
Other than the promising developments of “Beeware”, this series seems to be slipping into the very rut that I was afraid it would find. This “fairy tale of the week” episode is a perfect example. There were a couple stray references to the larger framework of the series, but for the most part, this was about “updating” the whole Pied Piper idea. That it was mired in teenage angst was just icing on the disappointment cake.
Let me be clear: I’m not nearly so averse to teenage angst as many of my peers. As much as the adult world would like to pretend that it has attained a more mature outlook, most of the same dynamics and issues continue to dominate. I simply expect it to be done well. Shows like “Buffy” have provided a capable roadmap that several other shows have successfully utilized. Let’s just say that this episode of “Grimm” doesn’t reach the bar.
At least the first victim wasn’t a young woman or child. No, this time it’s a teacher, and he is eaten by dozens (if not hundreds) of ravenous rats. It’s actually rather nasty, and the director seems to enjoy putting the results on display. Before long, the writers make it clear that the boy with the violin is the one Nick is looking for, and it’s all downhill from there, as we wait for Nick and friends to come to the correct conclusion.
It’s telling when the most interesting thing that happens is the scene between the exterminator and Nick’s wife. I find the seemingly complex relationship between the Grimms and the creatures to be worthy of deeper exploration, and I can’t see how Juliette is going to be able to remain in the dark for much longer. But therein lies the problem: this element of the episode, the most interesting part, lasts for perhaps a minute.
The rest is the “Grimm” equivalent of a modern-day after-school special, and that’s not a compliment. While “Grimm” has a lot of potential, the execution of the concept has thus far been too heavily weighed towards the procedural elements. A deeper examination of the Grimm mythology would certainly pay dividends, and if that’s the direction the show intends to take, it would be well-served to do it sooner rather than later.
Writing: 1/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 1/4
Final Rating: 6/10
