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<i>Grimm</i> – “Silence of the Slams” Review. And in this Corner…

Season 5, Episode 13

Air Date: Friday, March 18, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC

Rating: ★★★★★

 

 

“Give a man a mask and he will show you his true face.” – Grimm

 

“Silence of the Slams” is one of the most enthralling Wesen-centric episodes I’ve seen in a long while. Not only does it concentrate on the mythology of a certain Wesen, it takes us on a journey through one human’s experience with the preternatural.

“Silence of the Slams” takes us into the world of Mexican wrestling with “luchadors” vying for the spotlight of the square ring. Young (human) wrestler Goyo (Joseph Julian Soria) is tired of playing the loser to top billed luchadors like “El Mayordomo” (Sal Guerro). What makes “Silence of the Slams” so intriguing is Goyo’s moral dilemma, as well the mask-maker Benito’s (Danny Mora). As Benito warns Goyo about wanting to pursue more power in the ring, he also tries to deter him from seeking notoriety. Fame isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be; there is always a price to pay.

Throughout “Silence of Slams,” we learn about unique Wesens known as “Xipe Totek,” creatures that are “worshiped by Aztec warriors.” It was believed that by wearing the skin of your enemies, you “absorb their powers.” When Benito, a “Santero” priest who practices the ancient religion of Santeria, makes a new luchador mask for Goyo, the powers of the Wesen who is sacrificed are transferred to Goyo, giving him increased strength and abilities. Once again, Benito warns Goyo of the dangers of wearing the mask as if he already regrets making it for him. The complexities of human nature are brought forth with such vivid demonstrations by Soria and Mora. Each does a fantastic job in their respective roles as Goyo and Benito.

Meanwhile, in other plot points, it seems Nick (David Giuntoli), Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), Rosalee (Bree Turner), Hank (Russell Hornsby), and Sgt. Wu (Reggie Lee) are going to keep the magic stick they found in last week’s “Into the Schwarzwald” a secret for now. That’s probably wise considering the nefarious group Black Claw could use that stick for the wrong reasons. I wonder if the stick can bring back the dead.

That’s not the only secret being kept. Adalind (Claire Coffee) doesn’t want to tell Nick about her Hexenbiest powers making a comeback. But keeping that from him may do more harm than good, no matter what Nick says about Adalind being the mother of his child and a changed woman. I’m not sure how this scenario will play out, especially since Nick still isn’t sure about his feelings for Adalind.

I have to say I’m very disappointed with the way things are going with the whole Andrew Nixon (Michael Sheets) assassination. Sean (Sasha Roiz) is being played like a chess piece by Rachel (Anne Leighton) and Black Claw. Is he truly a pawn or is he pretending to be one in order to get closer to the source of Black Claw’s inner circle? It is interesting, though, that Eve (Bitsie Tulloch) notices Rachael’s upwards glance immediately preceding the assassination on the video of the event just as Sean noticed at the end of last week’s episode “Into the Schwarzwald.”

 

Overall

“Silence of the Slams” is a interesting episode that focuses more on the featured Wesen of the week rather than the political drama of Hadrian’s Wall and Black Claw. While I appreciate this diversion, I am anxious to know more about the simple wooden artifact and its origins. Is it a piece of wood from the Tree of Life? Where are the other two keys? Remember, Nick and Monroe only had five of the seven needed to open the box. Will the other two keys possess more information?

What did you think of “Silence of the Slams?” What is your mask of power? 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.

 

Photos ©2016 NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

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.

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.