Gangs, Wesen, and Frying Pans. Review: Grimm – “Eye of the Beholder”

Season 3, Episode 10

Air Date: Friday, January 10, 2014 at 9/8c on NBC.

Rating: ★★★★★

“I am glad ‘tis night, you do not look on me, for I am much ashamed of my exchange.”— Grimm

“Eye of the Beholder” is a lesson in not judging a book by its cover. It’s also a lesson in not being prejudiced, which I find absolutely wonderful. So many people are judged differently for the color of their skin, religious preference, disability, or ethnicity. Imagine if you were a Wesen and had to hide the fact that you are a completely different breed of person. The fear in that alone is frightening.

Gangs are spilling their war into Portland’s backyard and a young boy, Jared (Dalpre Grayson), witnesses a brutal murder at the hands of a gang leader, the ruthless Dread (Gino Anthony Pesi). But Jared is hiding more than his knowledge of the killer.

I Know What You Are

Frying pans. Weapon of choice by badass veterinarians.

It’s official, Juliette (Bitsie Tulloch) can’t keep a secret. Even though Nick (David Giuntoli) tells her he knows something about her friend Alicia (guest star Alicia Lagano) and asks Juliette not to say anything, she just can’t keep her mouth shut. I did like the humor of the whole scenario, though. Juliette and Nick trying to “act normal” around Alicia, although short lived, is so obvious, it makes the awkwardness filter right through the TV screen. I felt weird just watching. Making small talk isn’t easy and Juliette is terrible at it.

But what I was very excited about is the fight scene. Alicia’s brute of a husband Joe (Tom Walton) shows up and if he thought he was going to come in and manhandle Alicia without any retribution, he is sorely mistaken. Juliette shows no fear. She brings out her badass side and I like it. You don’t need a knife to fight idiots like Joe; turns out frying pans work just as well. And Alicia finally gives Joe a little payback. FYI – vases work just as well as frying pans.

The Past

Rosalee’s past dealings with certain gangs helps Nick and Hank with their investigation

Rosalee’s (Bree Turner) past comes creeping back but it’s actually helpful to Nick and Hank’s (Russell Hornsby) investigation involving the Wesen gang murder. Like Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), I like that Rosalee isn’t squeaky clean. Yes, she has a questionable past but Monroe loves her just the same. Her past doesn’t define who she is; it’s just helped shape who she’s become. I hope the writers continue to carve out an interesting story arc for Monroe and Rosalee. Meeting the parents in the next episode should prove interesting but I am looking for drama because that’s what Grimm is – a drama. I want frying pans being hurled, vases getting crashed on people’s heads, fights with new evil Wesen, and shady pasts coming back to haunt people. I don’t have that kind of drama in my own life (thank the stars) but it’s sure fun to watch!

Random Thoughts

Zuri isn’t ready to take to the next level with Hank yet.

Remember in my recap of “Red Menace” when I mentioned something about Hank having a love interest? I totally called it. But it doesn’t look like Zuri (Sharon Leal) is ready to take the next step. Give her time, Hank. She might come around.

This week’s case is interesting because it introduces us to new Wesen like the “Yaguaraté,” a jaguar-like creature. “Eye of the Beholder” also sheds light on the diversity in everyday life, including interracial couples, human and Wesen couples, and how friendships can endure even when things change.

Overall

“Eye of the Beholder” is a really good episode that moves the characters’ story arcs forward. I am hoping, though, that as the season progresses, we learn more about Nick’s abilities and whether he’ll show signs of any new ones. We get the super hearing and increased stamina but I want to know why he turns pale gray when he’s at rest. I also want to see more drama from Vienna with the royal family. Since the beginning of Grimm, the key, which is also a piece of a larger map, has been the object of desire. What does the map lead to and will we learn more about the royal family’s lineage with the Grimms?

So, what did you think about “Eye of the Beholder?” Leave me a comment below or tweet me at @judybopp. Look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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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.