Grimm – “Inugami” Review. Ultimate Guard Dog.

Season 5, Episode 17

Air Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC

Rating: ★★★★★

“Revenge is the act of passion; vengeance is an act of justice.” – Grimm

The quote above is a variation of author Samuel Johnson’s quote, “Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.” This fits perfectly with the theme of this week’s Grimm episode, “Inuagmi,” as we meet a Japanese Wesen of the same name. In Japanese, Inugami translates to “dog god.”

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa guest stars as Takeshi Himura, the Akagi family’s friend and attorney. Tagawa has starred in numerous films and TV series, but I vividly remember his turn as a Japanese naval officer in the film PEARL HARBOR.

The Wesen case this week involves the Akagi family who unknowingly has an “Inugami” watching over them. To avenge the death of their son, the Akagis’ Inugami must complete the ancient tradition of burying the enemy up to their neck in the sand, always near a body of water, before cutting off the head. Ouch! The head is then thrown under a bridge, away from the body. The purpose is for the enemy’s soul to be eternally torn in half. Sounds pretty harsh, doesn’t it? I come from an Asian family and we have some weird traditions but thankfully, we just use the time old custom of not talking to people when they betray our trust. I can’t imagine lopping off heads every time someone wrongs me or my family.

While the Japanese Wesen dilemma is fascinating, the other story arcs that have been pushed aside this season finally emerge throughout “Inugami,” revealing quite an interesting scenario. Could the tunnels inside Nick (David Giuntoli) and Adalind’s (Claire Coffee) new home be connected to the infamous Shanghai Tunnels? That’s an intriguing twist that plays on a piece of Portland’s unsavory history. And I wonder who the skeleton Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) and Rosalee (Bree Turner) stumble upon used to be? Perhaps the bones belong to an explorer or a shanghaied Chinaman trying to escape his captors; or could it be a Grimm who met a sticky end? I’m curious to see where the writers are going with the whole secret tunnels plot point. Let’s just hope Monroe and Rosalee get out before they starve to death. Best Friend Awards go to Monroe and Rosalee for sure!

Nick and Hank know this is a Wesen related crime but piecing this investigation is going to be tricky when they can't find the body to go with the head.

Nick and Hank know this is a Wesen related crime but piecing this investigation together is going to be tricky when they can’t find the body to go with the head.

I’m still worried about Sgt. Wu (Reggie Lee) becoming a Wu-wolf. Have the writers heard my plea? Although, I’m sure I’ll be a tad disappointed because Wu’s already having disturbing nocturnal adventures.

Is it just me or is anyone else getting tired of Eve’s (Bitsie Tulloch) parlor tricks? I get it – you can do magic; you can open doors without touching them. I’m impressed…not really. But what did knock my socks off is the confrontation between Eve and Adalind! Yes, ladies and gentleman, Eve tells Adalind to mind her P’s & Q’s when it comes to Nick. “If you hurt Nick, I’ll kill you.” Damn, Eve, you act like a part of you still loves Nick. Are Juliette’s (Tulloch) residual feelings for Nick still lingering in Eve’s icy heart? Adalind really needs to hurry up and tell Nick she’s a Hexenbiest again…for her own sake.

The most shocking scene of “Inugami” is the ending. All I will say is Sean’s (Sasha Roiz) so-called alliance with the group known as “Black Claw” has become even more steadfast. I’ve been wondering what happened to his and Adalind’s daughter Diana (Hannah R. Loyd) after the helicopter rescue at the end of season four. I guess now we know.

Overall

“Inugami” once again introduces Grimm fans to another new Wesen but the most exciting parts of this episode involve the underlying backstory of our main characters. Where do the tunnels lead? Did Nick know his new secret hideout housed these tunnels? What kind of law does Adalind’s firm practice? I’m guessing they aren’t taking on a lot of pro bono cases. And do you think baby Kelley will have the same kind of growth spurt as his older half-sister?

What did you think of “Inuagmi?” Have you ever saved someone’s life? Leave me a comment below or tweet me at @judybopp. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Tune in to the 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, as well as these cast members: @russellhornsby, @mistergiuntoli, @BitsieTulloch, @sasharoiz, @MrReggieLee, @ClaireCoffee @RealBreeTurner, and @DamienPuckler.

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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.