Sins of the Past. Review: Grimm – “Red Menace”

Season 3, Episode 9

Air Date: Friday, January 3, 2014 at 9/8c on NBC.

Rating: ★★★★★

“To kill a Koschei the Deathless, first you must find his soul, which is hidden in an egg, in a duck in a lead chest buried beneath an oak tree.”— Grimm

I want to finish this intriguing quote by saying “the green grass grows all around, all around.” It doesn’t really end with that but with so many intricacies of where this Koschei’s soul is hidden, I wouldn’t be surprised if its true location is in Loch Ness. I digress. Grimm comes back strong after a three-week holiday, bringing us “Red Menace,” which is an engaging and perplexing episode. With a new kind of Wesen known as “Koschei” —a healer of sorts with roots tied to Russia—our would-be bad guy may not be so bad after all. We also get to meet a new character who seems to have an extended story arc, according to the previews.

Boris (seated, Mark Ivanir) and his wife Olga (Aleksandra Karviak) seem innocent enough...but her jealousy will rear their ugly tusks soon enough.

Boris (seated, Mark Ivanir) and his wife Olga (Aleksandra Karviak) seem innocent enough…but her jealousy will rear its ugly tusks soon enough.

Assassin Turned Healer

Boris Myshkin (guest star Mark Ivanir) looks distinguished until he begins healing the sick. His skin becomes so transparent, you see his bones; his veins glow green, and his eyes become illuminated, making him look frightening. I’m reminded of the movie The Green Mile—John Coffey (“like the drink, only not spelled the same”) ingests people’s afflictions but instead of releasing them like he normally does, he just swallows them, sort of; Boris’ powers are similar in that respect. Although he’s using his powers for good now, his being a Good Samaritan won’t erase, can’t erase, the sins of his past.

Radioactive

I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy…except that one guy…nah, this is just nasty.

Nick (David Giuntoli) and Hank (Russell Hornsby) investigate a murder at a local Russian eatery. Of course, all roads lead to Boris. A failed attempt on Boris’ life leaves his assailant in a dire state…disfigured and dying, Alex (Vladimir Tevlovski) suffers from radiation poisoning; perhaps a byproduct from Boris’ previous intake of ailments during his time with the Russian FSB. It’s not funny but admittedly, the decontamination shower scene with Nick, Hank, and Sgt. Wu (Reggie Lee) is humorous. I will say this, the fake blood on Alex’s bandages is really unnecessary. The prosthetics and extensive make-up used to transform Alex into a grotesque pile of oozing pustules is effective enough. Seriously…I think I threw up a little in my mouth just thinking about it again.

And like Hank, I’m not surprised Captain Sean Renard (Sasha Roiz) speaks Russian like it’s nothing. As if I need more of a reason to crush on Roiz? His linguistic skills add to his already striking sex appeal…he’s the mayor of Swoonsville and I’m planning to move today!

Random Thoughts and Observations

Juliette’s (Bitsie Tulloch) friend Alicia (guest star Alicia Lagano) comes to stay after fleeing an abusive husband. Alicia has a secret of her own and unfortunately, Nick sees what others can’t. I wonder how long Nick can keep his Grimm side hidden from Alicia because it looks like she’s going to be around for a while. I’m guessing by the previews for this season’s upcoming episodes, the reason for the introduction of Alicia is to help move Juliette’s storyline along and give her a segue into being a badass. The fight scene from the preview looks pretty awesome and I’m cheering for Juliette. I want…no, need her character to be more than Nick’s girlfriend because if the writers can’t figure out a place for her, she’s going to be nothing more than decoration. What’s the point of putting Juliette in a coma, having her lose her memory, and go through hell and back if she’s not going to be more useful to Nick’s Grimm cause?

Seems Hank is trying to get more than another session of physical therapy from Zuri (Sharon Leal).

Does giving Hank a love interest really move his story forward? If she’s a Wesen, that could be interesting but I guess we’ll have to wait and see. I’m not saying Hank doesn’t need a girlfriend but I want the writers to make it interesting and not give Hank a lover just for shits and giggles. Besides, I’m not happy about more new characters unless they give Sgt. Wu more screen time. Seriously, why isn’t there more Wu time?

Nick running with his hood up…why? Why would he purposefully want to look like a mugger while jogging? No sweating. No heavy breathing. I like the consistency of what the writers have revealed about Nick’s ever-changing Grimm abilities.

Overall

“Red Menace” is a play on the term red referencing the color of the Soviet Union’s flag. And Boris was a menace at one point in time. I loved the infusion of Russian culture. Typically, the Wesen have originated in and around Germany but even Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) is stumped about the history of “Koschei.” I think it’s great Monroe doesn’t know it all. It adds depth to his character. His knowing everything Wesen can become stale. I thoroughly enjoyed the feel of “Red Menace” as well. The acting, accents, make-up, and cinematography gave a real authenticity to the situations at hand.

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 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.