Grimm – “The Believer” Review. Exorcise Your Demons.

Season 5, Episode 16

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

Rating: ★★★★★

“We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell.” – Grimm

There is something to be said about traveling preachers spreading the good word. Grimm’s latest episode, “The Believer,” introduces us to a so-called “tent” minister who goes from town to town, setting up his white tent, and preaching about “Satan” and such. But this man of the cloth is hiding a little trick up his sleeve to help amass followers. I smell Wesen.

GRIMM -- "The Believer" Episode 516 -- Pictured: Brady Romberg as Dwight stunt creature -- (Photo by: Scott Green/NBC)

The preacher channels Satan through his own body then casts him out. I call bullshit.

William Mapother guest stars as Dwight Eleazar, the self-proclaimed “prophet” spewing the word of God and helping mankind. Mapother is quite convincing, making you think Eleazar believes what he’s doing is actually helping his fellow man. His antics during his sermons, however, are a bit theatrical, bordering on ridiculous, and his “gift” of being a Wesen doesn’t help anyone. The use of this trickery ultimately makes him a charlatan.

While I enjoyed parts of “The Believer,” I was more interested in the other plot points than the ‘Creature Feature’ of the week. There is another group of devout believers who think Eleazar is possessed by Satan. I find it ironic how two separate groups, who supposedly believe in the same God, treat one another with such hostility and brutality because the way they choose to practice their faith clashes. What this group does to exorcise the demon from Eleazar is shocking and cruel.

One of the most interesting parts of “The Believer” is what’s going on with Sgt. Wu (Reggie Lee). In episode 14, “Lycanthropia,” the rabid Blutbaden scratched Wu and now he’s experiencing some weird side effects. What are the Grimm writers doing to Wu? Are they going to turn him into a werewolf-esque of creature? I’m not sure how I feel about Wu becoming some sort of monster. I like Wu being human. Hasn’t he been through enough already? He suffered some disconcerting side effects in seasons one and two — eating loose change, paper clips, and Chapstick, not to mention his rug and couch cushions. I need Wu to stay Wu – not some warped version of Wu…like a Wu-wolf.

Other plot points are addressed throughout “The Believer,” but the only one worth mentioning is Eve’s (Bitsie Tulloch) and her little magic potion that transforms her into Sean (Sasha Roiz). Even as another person, Eve is robotic and unable to let loose. I must admit Roiz’s performance is spectacular. He embodies Tulloch’s current character as completely stiff (well, with one exception). “This has never happened to me before.” I’m sure the real Sean never uttered those words.

I love Tulloch but I dislike what the writers are doing with her character. There has to be more to Eve’s story arc than being this uptight Hexenbiest who can’t break. If this is how Eve is going to be for the remainder of the season, I’m going to have a hard time watching her scenes. I’m not saying we need to have her all loosy-goosy, but sheesh, can she loosen up just a notch? What did Meisner (Damien Puckler) do to Juliette (Tulloch) to transform her into this robotic version? And for that matter, where the heck are Meisner and Trubel (Jacqueline Taboni)?

Daniel DiTamasso. Photo Cr: Kei Moreno Photography

Another highlight of “The Believer” is seeing Daniel DiTomasso grace the screen. Many of you know him from Lifetime’s short lived series Witches of East End, but in “The Believer,” DiTomasso plays Mark, one of Eleazar’s bodyguards. I almost didn’t recognize him with the full beard but he’s still hot, and swoon – those eyes!

Overall

With an abundance of religious overtones, “The Believer” didn’t really float my boat. The character name choices aren’t very clever. The use of biblical names – Joan Vark (Melinda Page Hamilton) for example, are just a tad over the top. There is also a scene involving coins that screams Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus Christ. For those who are religious, this may be viewed as a bit of a mockery of their faith. Needless to say, I didn’t completely enjoy “The Believer,” but there are some redeeming scenes that push a couple of plot points forward.

I’m so ready for the writers to really dig deep and give us more on the keys, the map, and the possible treasure; I’d also like to learn the whereabouts of Adalind’s firstborn child Diana. And what does the writing on the cloth really mean in regards to the wooden stick Nick (David Giuntoli) and Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) found in “Into the Schwarzwald.”

What did you think of “The Believer?” Are you a believer? 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.

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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.