Grimm Review: Penultimate Flatline
There was at least one good thing to come out of "Big Feet," with Juliette finally hopping back on the Wesen trail and telling Nick about her findings.
The rest of the episode set up almost nothing, and instead sent the story momentum Grimm has been building up over the last few months crashing and burning.
To start off with, there’s Hank - the most numbing character on Grimm – and his absolutely unique ability in bringing about narcolepsy. Nothing he does is annoying or bad. He just brings very little to whatever scene he is in. There are no funny quips, no real attempts at showing any ability to do his job. His only purpose at this point is make us all wish for some more Monroe.
Can we list all of the useful things Hank did this week? He shot the fourth Bigfoot and saved Nick, who I am sure would be fine if Hank didn’t do anything useful in that moment. Remember badass Nick?
Congratulations Hank, you’re officially still boring.
Next, let’s talk about the case of the week. Why? Why would this kind of episode be the penultimate episode? One that basically flatlines everything the show had been running towards for the last few weeks? Is there any sense of where overall story is heading? Nope! Is Nick finding out a little more about his heritage or getting a little closer to Renard’s plans? Negative!
Instead, we’re given this Bigfoot story about men who are so overcome with wanting to push down something that makes them who they are that they seek medical treatment, and in doing so that side of them ends up pushing them farther than they ever would have went otherwise.
It’s a nice metaphor on where Nick could go, and I can understand its usefulness. But how about supplementing that with story arcs that have been building all year?
At least it looks like Juliette is being brought back within the fold. I loved watching her piece everything together, and her hypothesis that basically explains Nick’s entire existence now. The look on his face was priceless.
While Juliette did prove to be a saving grace in this episode (as is the continuing Nick and Monroe bromance), the rest of the episode just left me puzzled. As the penultimate episode, things should be in flux, the story should be building towards something not losing energy. We should be excited and counting down the minutes until the next episode. Instead, my enthusiasm was drained.
Nick McHatton is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter.
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Nick: I wanted to tell you I just didn't know how.
January 16th, 2013 12:05 PM
I could do a better recap than this. You are just rambling and not saying anything about what is going on. Reading this recap tells me nothing about what is going on.
Rank: New User
November 28th, 2012 11:35 AM
No..
I thought this was a tribute to King Kong..
Did I miss something but why don't they consult Rosalee about the herbs or drugs used...
June 12th, 2012 6:22 AM
I think Nick flubbed badly in this episode. What he should have said to Hank (and can still say to Hank) was "Yeah, the guy had the weirdest expression on his face for a moment there"; and if/when Hank said it wasn't just an expression, Nick should have looked him in the eye, and said that if Nick reported what he THOUGHT he saw, the police force would put him in therapy for a year.
That would give Hank someone he could talk to about it or at least a mental hook ("weird expression") to hang the experiences on, and give Nick an way to bring Hank into the fold if it becomes necessary. Besides, Nick should know better; he himself said he might have gone crazy without his Aunt Marie: he should provide Hank with as much of that type of support as Hank needs.
May 20th, 2012 8:43 AM
Right on Nick! Hank is so boring, I use his screen time to get a snack, or do anything really not to watch this character. A more apt title for this episode may have been Flat Feet.
Rank: Guest Star
May 18th, 2012 12:14 AM
Go Nick! This really was a trivial episode - but getting the others to start finding out about the "real" world was good!
Rank: Regular Character
May 15th, 2012 1:17 PM
@Nick - A little healthy debate never hurt anyone. It's one of the reasons I enjoy your reviews and this site in general; it seems to be one of the last places left on the internet where people can actually discuss television and have differing opinions without getting petty.
"See" ya at the finale!
Rank: Extra
May 14th, 2012 10:31 PM
Everyone has their own views about the show, mine is quite simple "I LOVE THIS SHOW AND IT HAS BEEN GREAT!!!!"
Okay, said my peace. I love it, that is all the matters. Have a nice day!
Rank: Guest Star
May 14th, 2012 9:51 PM
Nick............... love the reviews....though I'm not always of the same opinion of an episode its great to get a different view............keep up the good work!
Rank: Regular Character
May 14th, 2012 12:18 AM
A good episode. It should have been earlier in the season.
Rank: Staff Member
May 13th, 2012 6:56 PM
joyeful,
I defend my reviews. I have no problems debating people who disagree with them. Thanks for coming back every week and leaving a comment, no matter where our views stand I always do appreciate you taking the time to do so. :) That goes for everyone who comes by week after week to do so.
Missa,
This is a review. Would you rather I lie and make things up and give the show a good rating? It's not trashing the show, it's being honest about what I thought. Very little happened this week, and as I mentioned the only redeeming factor was Juliette getting back on the trail. Hank is always coming across Grimm stuff, that doesn't make it particularly interesting nor does it necessarily lead to anything.