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A sneak peek at NBC’s Grimm

NBC's 'Grimm' is good. Really, really good. Do you know the type of good that paralyzes your ability to form grammatically correct sentences? Well … it’s THAT type of good.

If you ever wondered what happened to Principal Wood before he joined up with the Scooby gang, then this is it. Executive produced by David Greenwalt (Buffy, Angel, In Plain Sight) and Sean Hayes (Will and Grace, Hot in Cleveland), Grimm follows Portland homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli, Privileged) and his partner Hank Griffin (Russell Hornsby, Lincoln Heights). While they solve crimes, Burkhardt uncovers his family’s supernatural-affiliated secrets. Think of it as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Criminal Minds. In fact, I would almost call Grimm the male version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

After seeing Grimm, I understand why NBC passed on 17th Precinct and Wonder Woman. Unlike its canceled siblings, Grimm is good because it doesn’t rely on the fantastic as a gimmick. Additionally, the fairytale references are covert and visual. Even without the fantasy, you get a good show. In fact, the show deliberately avoids inundating us with special effects and lets the audience’s imagination do the work. To give the feeling of creepiness, without heavily made-up actors, the director provides barren night time shots, empty green hallways, and a cat’s menacing yowl. It’s almost a throw back to the original Star Trek’s Halloween episodes like “Catspaw” or the one surrounding Jack the Ripper (aka Redjac).

The shots, directing, and writing are excellent. I love the show’s aesthetic which, although set in modern day, uses yet de-emphasized contemporary technology. A majority of the characters drive Volkswagon cars or vans. Additionally, both Nick and his partner seemingly wear covert versions of Member’s Only jackets. The 17th Precinct’s biggest failing, as a pilot script draft, surrounded making the magical gadgets “cool.”

Grimm will appeal to sci-fi and non-sci-fi geeks alike because it relies on good writing. This is a mystery series, pure and simple. Casting Russell Hornsby, who played a cop in Lincoln Heights, helps emphasize the mystery focus. I won’t talk about the case of the week, save to say you don’t really figure it out until the producers let you.

I hope Grimm succeeds. In addition to investing in the writing, directing and production values, they gathered a strong cast including Silas Weir Mitchell (Prison Break, My Name is Earl), as one of Nick’s guides; Reggie Lee (No Ordinary Family, The Fast and the Furious), as a fellow cop; and the always awesome Kate Burton (Law & Order, Rescue Me).

Appropriately enough, Grimm premieres close to Halloween on Friday, October 28 9-10 PM, on NBC. If you love Buffy, you’ll love Grimm. Until the show airs, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

Photo Credit: NBC

Categories: | Features | General | Grimm | News | Previews | TV Shows |

11 Responses to “A sneak peek at NBC’s Grimm”

September 27, 2011 at 11:28 AM

Sadly, it is also against Supernatural and Fringe. Unless I can find it On Demand, I won’t catch it.

September 27, 2011 at 1:01 PM

It looks awesome…but sadly I already watch Supernatural and fringe. I am hoping it is on demand as well…sigh…

September 27, 2011 at 3:37 PM

So … I think what you’re trying to say is that you liked it?

(I, on the other hand, thought it was just OK :( )

September 27, 2011 at 9:16 PM

Ivey. You and I are destined to remain on polar opposites of the TV watching spectrum. ;)

September 27, 2011 at 4:35 PM

I liked Grimm, but Fridays have all become a tough night this season. I watch Chuck, Fringe, Nikita, and Supernatural. Not sure if Grimm will survive that. But, I’ll DVR it or watch on-demand over the weekend and give it a watch.

September 27, 2011 at 9:19 PM

I know. That’s what everyone’s saying. But, I was surprised at how much I liked it. Luckily, there isn’t any conflict with Nikita. While I enjoy Supernatural and Fringe, Grimm is the first show that really got me on the Friday night slot. I’m glad that the big 3 are finally featuring shows on Friday nights. It’s just a shame there’s a genre conflict on that night –

September 27, 2011 at 6:01 PM

Wait a minute. A good new show is STARTING in the Friday Night Death Slot? Bad enough Sam and Dean are stuck there. Will this show even have a chance, or will I watch three eps, really start to enjoy it, and then never see it again. It’s too bad, because it sounds like a show I would enjoy.

September 27, 2011 at 9:20 PM

Don’t give up hope, Tracey! What if we all watch it and KEEP watching it?! Then, NBC _won’t_ cancel it!! Hopefully, NBC will let it maintain its niche –

October 9, 2011 at 5:28 AM

Damn—bonus points for mentioning Redjac. :)

I really want this show to last. I don’t watch the other two. Why the hell does it have to be albatrossed to the sinking cement-lined anchor that is NBC? And, as tracey8051 mentioned, premiering it in the Friday Night Death Slot is a vote of no confidence right off the bat. Why couldn’t they farm this off to a real network like Univision?

October 18, 2011 at 4:14 PM

Can someone explain the rational for pitting similar shows against each other at the same time slot? There is already a limited audience for Fringe, Supernatural etc. Why make people choose? Is Friday night the only night for sci fi?

October 22, 2011 at 9:21 PM

I totally disagree! I thought this show royally SUCKED. The awful acting combined with the stinky writing made it a chore to sit through. It’s pure crap on a stick.

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