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Grimm

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General Review

Parent's Guide to Grimm

Grimm (2011) is an American urban fantasy police procedural drama that reimagines the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a modern setting. Set in Portland, Oregon, the series follows homicide detective Nick Burkhardt, who discovers he is a 'Grimm,' a descendant of an ancient line of guardians tasked with keeping the balance between humanity and mythological creatures known as 'Wesen.' The show blends crime-solving with supernatural elements, as Nick hunts Wesen who commit crimes while navigating his newfound abilities and the secret world of these creatures. It explores themes of identity, prejudice, and duty within a dark and often intense narrative. The series is rated TV-14 and is suitable for high schoolers and adults who enjoy supernatural horror and procedural crime stories, but it is not recommended for younger children due to its graphic violence and scary elements.

Things to Consider

High3

Violence

Grimm features graphic violence, including brutal murders, dismemberment, and considerable blood and gore. The violence is described as 'real crime show violence' with bodies and gore, and can be 'horrific' and 'outlandishly over-the-top.'

Scenes include graphic depictions of physical attacks, such as a shape-shifter ripping an arm off an assailant, characters being stabbed or impaled, and visible blood squirts. Corpses are shown with torn flesh, scattered limbs, and walls bathed in blood. There are also instances of characters being whipped, poisoned with visible effects like swollen tongues, and devoured (off-screen) by demonic creatures.

Witchcraft & Occult

Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the show's premise. It features mythological creatures (Wesen) and human-like magic users (Hexenbiests) who engage in spellcasting, potion making, and other supernatural acts.

Scary & Intense Content

Grimm is a supernatural horror series with genuinely scary monster transformations, intense themes, and disturbing imagery. The show is described as 'dark' and 'frightening.'

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Medium4
LGBTQ & Gender IdentityRomance and Sexual ContentProfanityAnti-Christian Themes
Low2
Substance UseDisrespect & Rebellion
Medium4

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

The show is considered inclusive for its diverse casting and use of fairy tales and folklore from various cultures. One specific episode, 'Eyes of the Beholder,' features a story arc where main characters Nick and Juliette help a friend 'come out of the closet' as a mythological being (Wesen), which functions as an allegory for LGBTQ coming-out stories. There is fan speculation about the character Trubel being gay or bisexual, though this is not explicitly stated in the show.

Romance and Sexual Content

The series contains some sexual content, including 'sometime salacious sexual encounters' and implied sexual activity. There are scenes with characters kissing and some suggestive language.

Profanity

The show includes questionable language, with occasional use of mild curse words.

Anti-Christian Themes

One episode involves a 'traveling Christian revival ministry' where the pastor appears to be possessed by the devil, which could be seen as a negative portrayal of Christian faith. The show is also noted for 'undercutting more traditional beliefs.'

Low2

Substance Use

The series includes casual drinking of alcohol, particularly in social settings. However, there is no explicit depiction of illegal drug use or glorification of substance abuse.

Disrespect & Rebellion

No explicit examples of characters demonstrating high levels of disrespect or rebellion towards authority figures, parents, or teachers were found. The themes generally center on duty and survival in a monster-filled world.

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Grimm presents a world where unseen forces, specifically mythological creatures known as Wesen, secretly live among humanity. This aligns with a transcendent worldview, acknowledging a reality beyond the purely materialistic. However, the show's exploration of good and evil is often relativistic, where some Wesen are inherently dangerous while others are victims of circumstance or prejudice. Biblical values of clear-cut good and evil, and the ultimate authority of God, are not explicitly endorsed or explored, and morality can appear fluid based on the creature's nature or intentions. Character morality often involves protagonists like Nick making difficult choices in a morally gray world, where violence is a necessary tool against malevolent forces. Virtue is often rewarded in terms of protecting innocent lives and maintaining order, while vice in the Wesen world often leads to destructive outcomes. However, accountability is primarily enforced through human law or Grimm justice, rather than divine judgment. Redemption themes are present in characters like Monroe, a 'Blutbad' (wolf-like Wesen) who actively seeks to control his predatory instincts, demonstrating personal struggle and growth rather than supernatural grace or forgiveness in a Christian sense. Family values are portrayed through Nick's relationships with his girlfriend, Juliette, and his Wesen allies, who become a surrogate family. These relationships emphasize loyalty and mutual support in a dangerous world, though traditional family structures are often challenged or redefined by the supernatural context. Faith representation is minimal, and when present, as in the episode featuring a Christian revival ministry with a 'possessed' pastor, it can be depicted in a way that 'undercuts more traditional beliefs,' potentially presenting Christianity negatively or as a source of conflict. The overarching message seems to be about understanding and sometimes fighting the darkness within the world and oneself, rather than relying on a biblical framework for salvation or moral guidance.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

14+ (TV-14). The show is firmly in 14+ territory, best for high schoolers and adults who appreciate supernatural horror and can handle procedural crime violence and scary elements.

Good to Know

Grimm is a dark fantasy crime procedural that combines elements of horror and detective work. While it explores themes of identity and prejudice, its primary focus is often on 'monster-of-the-week' investigations. Parents should be aware of the consistent presence of graphic violence and scary elements throughout the series.

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