Grimm – “Thanks for the Memories” Review. A Tentacle for Your Thoughts.

Season 4, Episode 1

Air Date: Friday, October 24, 2014, 9/8c on NBC

Rating: ★★★★★

“Knowledge is Power.” – Grimm

Grimm returns right where we left off in the season three finale, “Blonde Ambition.” Captain Sean Renard (Sasha Roiz) fights for his life after being shot and everyone deals with the aftermath of the events leading up to and after Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) and Rosalee’s (Bree Turner) wedding. Also, a new Wesen, who has the mysterious ability to steal memories from his victims, is introduced.

It’s been a little over five months since we last laid eyes on Portland á la Grimm. As season premieres go, “Thanks for the Memories” doesn’t disappoint; in fact, it has me excited for what this new season of Grimm has in store. I enjoy how the beginning of “Thanks for the Memories” addresses what transpired in the season three finale and continues along the path any good police procedural would — the investigation into the captain’s shooter and his subsequent beheading.

Things are not looking good for the captain…

The realism and intensity portrayed by the actors is something I particularly enjoyed about “Thanks for the Memories.” Sgt. Wu (Reggie Lee) looks overwhelmed by the shooting of his captain, and beyond disturbed by the contents of the Grimm journal in Trubel’s (Jacqueline Toboni) room at Nick (David Giuntoli) and Juliette’s (Bitise Tulloch) home. Trubel is freaking out, ready to high tail it out of Dodge when the FBI shows up to question her. Juliette is infuriated with any and everything related to Adalind (Claire Coffee). I would be too given the circumstances. Nick seems confused and bewildered by the loss of his Grimm powers. And finally, Monroe and Rosalee put aside their romantic honeymoon to help their friends.

While Sean fights for his life in the operating room and the FBI investigates the unusual circumstances surrounding the beheading of one of their own, the story unfolding in the background proves very intriguing, giving “Thanks for the Memories” a covert feel.

There is more than one Wesen in “Thanks for the Memories,” but it is the “Gedächtnis Esser” (guest star Brian Letscher) that truly leaves a lasting impression. When I saw the head of the creature, all I could think about was Marvel’s Hydra. The entire introduction of this new Wesen, its abilities and its purpose, raises Grimm to a level of conspiracy I wasn’t expecting.

Meanwhile, back in Vienna, Marcus Rispoli (Phillip Anthony Rodriguez) informs Prince Viktor (Alexis Denisof) of Sean’s condition. This won’t bode well with the king (unseen) but that’s not the least of Viktor’s problems. I’m curious as to what Viktor will do when Adalind shows up looking for her baby. If you recall, Viktor sent Adalind on a mission to eliminate Nick as a threat. She did her job and she did it well. Nick is now powerless and Adalind wants her reward. Too bad Viktor doesn’t have the child.

Trubel isn’t known for sticking around when the authorities arrive but Nick encourages her to tough it out.

There is still a Grimm in Portland, though – Trubel. Did anyone else find it odd how unfiltered Trubel is toward Nick? The things she says — I know she doesn’t mean it the way it sounds, but I still found it hard to believe the words escaping her lips without a moment’s pause. Even Hank (Russell Hornsby) finds her candor disturbing. Trubel seems to be relishing her new role as the solo Grimm in town but if she isn’t careful, she’s likely to become her own worst enemy.

As “Thanks for the Memories” comes to an end, a mysterious woman (Louise Lombard) is lurking the halls outside Sean’s hospital room. Who is she and why does she look so concerned? My theory – she’s Sean’s mother or someone related to him in some way.

We still aren’t sure what the “Gedächtnis Esser” wants with those government secrets but I’m definitely along for the thrill ride. Grimm comes back with a purpose and I’m hoping this season will give us answers about the keys and the map they make, and how Nick’s mother Kelly (guest star Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) is faring with baby Diana.

Let me know what you thought of “Thanks for the Memories.” Leave me a comment below or tweet me at @judybopp. Looking 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.

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Follow Grimm on Twitter @NBCGrimm, as well as these cast members: @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.