Birds, Bees, and Wesen. Retropective: Grimm – “Stories We Tell Our Young”

Season 3, Episode 6

Air Date: Friday, December 6, 2013 at 9/8c on NBC

Rating: ★★★★★

“We don’t believe, we only fear.”— Grimm

If you really think about it the Grimm Brothers wrote some sadistic children stories. The tales we read to our children about things that will happen to them if they are bad or don’t go to sleep are warped. Is there a fairy tale that won’t give them night terrors? It’s better for us as parents, right? The more our kids wake up in the middle of the night screaming, the less sleep anyone gets. I’ll admit, I’m not one to shy away from any horrible bedtime tale, yet I’m not sure the title, “Stories We Tell Our Young,” fits neatly into this week’s Grimm.

Demonic Possession or Wesen?

An exorcism goes awry. Is the boy a Wesen or is he possessed?

When a couple bring their young son Daniel (Gabriel Suttle) to church seeking Monsignor Paul’s (guest star Tobias Andersen) help in a last ditch effort to try and save him, things go from bad to worse. When you see Daniel…change, you’ll think ‘What the hell kind of Wesen is this?’ But not everything is as it appears. This week’s Grimm case involving Daniel is very intriguing. It introduces a new twist on the traditional stories passed down throughout the ages. For centuries, Wesen thought that what plagues Daniel isn’t the popular notion of demonic possession but possibly a Wesen ghost invading a non-Wesen child. The twist in the story turns out to be more ‘human’ than you would imagine. I am intrigued and awed at how the writers put such a great spin on this tale.

Nick (David Giuntoli) and Hank (Russell Hornsby) need to figure out whether they are dealing with an actual demonic possession or a Wesen.

Nick: “I don’t think it’s he’s Wesen…they wouldn’t put their child through this.”

Hank: “So that leaves demon.”

Nick: “I got nothing else.”

Hank: “I wish you hadn’t said that.”

To Council or Not to Council?

Enter Rosalee (Bree Turner) and Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) who tell Nick and Hank how baby Wesen are made. “So, I guess it’s time for the whole birds and bees and Wesen talk.” Monroe really relishes this moment as he’s able to help his friend, and Grimm, Nick. I think Monroe and Rosalee shine when they combine forces, using their Wesen knowledge for good. But things take a sour turn when they realize what Nick is talking about. Dealing with a “Grausen” is no joke and Rosalee knows she must contact the Wesen council.

Hank: “Who is this council anyway?”

Rosalee: “They enforce Wesen law.”

Hank: “You guys have your own laws?”

Hank is hoping this is Wesen and not a demon…what a thing to hope for.

Oh, Hank, <in my best Yoda voice> much to learn you have. I feel the tension between Rosalee and Monroe on whether to call the council or not. Rosalee knows what’s at stake if they don’t but Monroe feels a loyalty to Nick.

As an aside, Hank has more of a presence in this episode. I like the human factor he brings to the cases that are typically Wesen related. Oh, you know there is another human that should be more integrated into the fold *cough* Sgt. Wu (Reggie Lee). I just love Wu and his quirkiness and would like him to be more visible in the series.

Random Thoughts

Juliette (Bitsie Tulloch) is now a medical know it all. I get it, she’s a veterinarian and has medical training, but I kind of think the writers are struggling to find a place for her within Nick’s world. Juliette is extremely helpful in “Stories We Tell Our Young,” but I want the writers to stop forcing her to fit neatly into the fold and just be more natural within it. Juliette spouting off medical terms and whatnot helps Nick resolve this “Grausen” case but what happens in the end really freaks me out. To think there is some parasite in the world that can alter a person’s behavior is frightening.

Sean’s presence in Vienna isn’t a secret anymore.

Captain Sean Renard (Sasha Roiz) is taking a little vacation but it’s not really in Tahiti as he mentions. He’s off to Vienna to meet with a group of people in something he calls “the reunion.” His man Meisner (Damien Puckler) seems to be helpful but I think he’s being used by someone within their organization. Why is Sean in Vienna? Who are the people they are meeting in the reunion? And will he reach out to Adalind (Claire Coffee) while he’s there? Speaking of Adalind, it seems she’s garnered a prestigious royal invitation from another Prince. While I hoped we would see him—I like the tease of not seeing him—the anticipation will make it all sweeter when his identity is finally revealed.

Overall

“Stories We Tell Our Young” is a cryptic title. It could relate to the long Wesen traditional tales told to Wesen children about the Grimm and Grausen. Also, it could relate to the stories Grimm pass down to their decsendants. Both fit. I’m anxious for the mid-season finale next week and hope that we’ll get to see more of Sean, Adalind, and perhaps the King in Vienna soon.

Tune in to Grimm, Fridays at 9/8c only on NBC.

For more on the show, go to the official site.

Like Grimm on Facebook.

Follow Grimm on Twitter @NBCGrimm.

Follow these cast members on Twitter: @russellhornsby, @mistergiuntoli, @BitsieTulloch, @sasharoiz, and @MrReggieLee.

Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
Latest Posts (view them )..

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.