Grimm – “The Seven Year Itch” Review. Party Animal.

Season 6, Episode 5

Air Date: Friday, February 3, 2017 at 8PM E/P on NBC

Rating: ★★★★★

“When something itches my dear sir, the natural tendency is to scratch.” – Grimm

It’s entertaining and intriguing Wesen-centric episodes like “The Seven Year Itch” that make it even more bitter sweet that this is the final season of Grimm. This episode introduces us to a couple of new Wesen, one in particular that likes to pop up from the earth every seven years. I love how the writers channel Greek mythology in “The Seven Year Itch,” making me wonder if Dionysus was Wesen.

Not much of a looker but apparently this Wesen likes to live it up like there’s no tomorrow…at least not for 7 more years — (Photo by: Allyson Riggs/NBC)

A cicada insect-like Wesen known as the “Ataktos Fusei” or “Bestia Festiva” is an immortal “party animal” who only surfaces to feast, party, and find its next victim to take underground and indulge in for the next seven years. The actor chosen to portray the Cicada-Wesen is spot on. Ben Lawson does a brilliant job of playing the ruggedly handsome jerk, William Stillman, in “The Seven Year Itch.” He epitomizes the cliché good looking guy who’s totally self-absorbed and self-serving. But, he doesn’t think about whom he picks up in that bar – he only looks at her as chattel to use and abuse for his own sadistic pleasure. Sometimes, looks can be deceiving. Way to go, Mandy (Melissa Murray)! Immortals may live forever, but not without a head.

Come on, you know I had to post the one with Renard shirtless — (Photo by: Allyson Riggs/NBC)

While the Wesen, or rather Wesens, of the week case is quite fascinating, it’s Renard’s (Sasha Roiz) acquaintance, Mr. Steiger (Brad Greenquist), who peaks my interests a bit more. Steiger has an interesting machine in his shop, something Renard needs to determine whether he’s truly being haunted by Meisner (Damien Puckler) or if it’s all in his head. A ghost vacuum? You have to see it to understand what that means. Needless to say, some peculiar things occur in Steiger’s shop…things that aren’t easily explained. As an aside, did I mention Renard is shirtless, again, while he’s in that phone booth looking at the ghost vacuum thingy? Glistening and shirtless…thank you.

Eve is meddling in things she doesn’t fully comprehend and that may come back to bite her in the ass — (Photo by: Allyson Riggs/NBC)

Other story arcs that play a bit of a backseat in “The Seven Year Itch” involve Eve (Elizabeth Tulloch), Adalind (Claire Coffee), and her daughter Diana (Hannah R. Lloyd). I guess having eyes that glow like two mini (high-powered) flashlights is another attribute we can add to the list of impressive things about Diana Seriously, I would not want to get on this kid’s bad side. The strange occurrence that happened to Eve in the tunnels in “El Cuegle” manifests itself in “The Seven Year Itch.” Eve’s contact with the magic stick prompts her to go into some sort of trance, which compels her to draw all over the tunnel walls. The inexplicable runes on the cloth are now all over the dingy bricks in the catacombs beneath Nick’s (David Giuntoli) loft but what do they mean? And Eve wasn’t able to see them before but after holding the stick, she seems to have the same ability Diana has to see the markings on the cloth.

First time parents to triplets…or more maybe… — (Photo by: Allyson Riggs/NBC)

We also find out a bit more about Rosalee’s (Bree Turner) pregnancy after her first prenatal visit. She and Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) are definitely going to need a bigger place, especially if what Diane says is true. I have a feeling something about Rosalee’s pregnancy is going to play a part in the grand scheme of trying to solve the runes puzzle. And I have to know if Diana is telling the truth when she says she doesn’t know how many buns are in Rosalee’s oven…could there be more than what the ultrasound reveals?

Nick really needs to listen to Hank…he’s the voice of reason — (Photo by: Allyson Riggs/NBC)

After having a nightmare about being shot, Nick tells Hank (Russell Hornsby) it’s like a piece of him is missing when he’s not near or holding the stick. Hank response is valid about wanting something, “Sometimes we can want too much.” Nick and that magic piece of ancient wood (ha, you thought I was going to say ‘stick,’ huh?) are connected on a deeper level that he doesn’t comprehend. Hell, even Monroe and Rosalee, both of whom are versed in plenty of Wesen mythology, can’t riddle this out. And Adalind, an experienced Hexenbiest, doesn’t fully understand the power of the stick either…she doesn’t even understand her own daughter’s powers.

Overall

“The Seven Year Itch” introduces more dynamic Wesens and perplexing questions about where the story arcs are headed in this final season. Plot points are getting a bit more complex and not only am I anxious to find out more about Diana’s powers and the meaning of the runes both Eve and Diana are now drawing, I still want to know about Eve’s transformation from the robotic Hexenbiest she once was to the emotional person she is now. The stick healed her mortal wound but is she still a Hexenbiest? When she eavesdropped on Nick and Adalind in “El Cuegle,” she wanted to woge but either stopped herself or couldn’t fully transform into a Hexenbiest. Oh, Grimm writers, you are really mixing things up this last season. With only 13 episodes, I’m not sure I’m up for the writers playing with my emotions like this.

What did you think of “The Seven Year Itch?” I’d love to hear from other Grimmsters. Leave me a comment below or tweet me at @judybopp. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Tune in to the final episodes of Grimm, Fridays at 8PM E/P on NBC.

To keep up 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.