Grimm review – 2×19: ‘Endangered’

Courtesy of NBC

In a vote of confidence NBC moves Grimm to the plum post-The Voice timeslot on Tuesday. But with greater exposure comes greater risk, so how does this entry fare?

Let’s bitch it out…Unfortunately ‘Endangered’ is a dud. There’s an interesting concept at its core – the idea of a rare Wesen pair who look like aliens has promise – but ultimately the episode fails to deliver more than dynamic visuals and a Wesen-related explanation for animal mutilations. Aside from that, though, there’s nowhere for this storyline to go as Nick (David Giuntoli) and co. simply track the couple down and help deliver the baby. It’s not a terrible episode; it’s just forgettable.

That leaves two tiny moments of mythology and character arc to carry the day. On the one hand we finally learn more about Nick’s key and while it’s a bit of an exposition dump, the information is welcome. The images made by the key, which was constructed in the middle ages by Morlocks, depicts the Black Forest in Germany. By the time that Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) connects the dots, I definitely felt more intrigued by this on-again, off-again storyline, though I did wonder why it took Nick so long to show his friend the image. Rule of thumb, Nick: when in doubt, ask Monroe.

The other important moment is confirmation that Juliette’s (Bitsie Tulloch) memories – and feelings – have returned. I don’t quite buy the rationale that she doesn’t want to go to Nick too early and instead goes to Monroe (if you realize you’re in love with someone, wouldn’t you immediately go to them?) On the plus side, after nearly twenty episodes of coma, amnesia and other conflicts keeping Nick and Juliette apart, the promos for next week suggest that Nick’s season long dry-spell will finally come to an end.

Courtesy of NBC

Other Observations:

• Is it a cop-out to say “I love you” for the first time while standing under misteltoe? (You’re already being made to kiss). The decision to have Nick and Juliette’s first time occur at Christmas felt a bit odd to me
• I’ve said it many times before, but Weir Mitchell and Bree Turner are adorable together. The cutesy kitchen scene near the start of the episode is full of easy chemistry and warmth. I mostly just want to hug these two
• If case you wanted a rundown on the four possibilities for the item that the Royal Families are looking for, here’s Renard’s (Sasha Roiz) list: alchemy, everlasting life, prophet Mohammad’s sword, or nails used to stake Christ to the cross. Naturally since these are hypothetical, none of them will turn out to be true

So that’s ‘Endangered.’ What is your take: forgettable or interesting? Are you madly in love with Monroe and Rosalee? Are you excited at the thought of Nick and Juliette reconciling? Hit the comments below with your thoughts.

Grimm airs Tuesdays at 10pm EST on NBC