Hank Griffin, Nick Burkhardt’s long-time partner on the Portland Police Bureau, discovers the truth about Wesen in Season 2, Episode 1, “Bad Teeth.” This episode marks a pivotal moment in the series, forever changing the dynamic between Nick and Hank and solidifying the team that fights the supernatural.
The Turning Point: “Bad Teeth” and Hank’s Transformation
The journey for Hank to understanding the world of Wesen is a gradual one, filled with unsettling cases, inexplicable events, and mounting frustration. Nick’s increasingly bizarre behavior and cryptic explanations only serve to fuel Hank’s suspicion that something is profoundly amiss. “Bad Teeth,” however, is the episode where the veil finally lifts.
Unraveling the Mystery
Throughout the first season and the beginning of the second, Hank experiences a series of incidents that defy logical explanation. He witnesses transformations, encounters creatures behaving oddly, and constantly feels that Nick is withholding vital information. His gut instincts, honed through years of police work, tell him that the answers lie beyond the realm of ordinary crime. This mounting tension builds to a breaking point in “Bad Teeth.”
The episode centers around a case involving a particularly vicious Mauvais Dents, a Saber-Toothed Wesen. As Nick investigates, his actions become even more erratic, leaving Hank increasingly perplexed and concerned. The climax arrives when Nick, forced to reveal his true nature as a Grimm in order to protect Hank and solve the case, allows Hank to witness a Wesen transformation firsthand.
The Revelation and Its Impact
The impact of this revelation on Hank is profound. Initially shocked and disbelieving, Hank slowly begins to process the reality of the Wesen world. His initial skepticism gives way to a cautious acceptance as he realizes that everything he thought he knew about the world has been irrevocably altered.
The scene where Hank witnesses the Wesen transformation is masterfully executed, emphasizing the sheer disbelief and horror on his face. It’s a watershed moment, not just for Hank’s character, but for the entire series. From this point forward, Hank becomes an integral part of Nick’s fight against the Wesen, providing crucial support and his invaluable detective skills.
Hank Griffin: More Than Just a Cop
Hank’s journey is one of the most compelling aspects of Grimm. He’s not just a sidekick; he’s a fully realized character with his own struggles, relationships, and moral compass. His initial ignorance of the Wesen world makes him relatable to the audience, allowing them to experience the shock and wonder of its discovery alongside him.
From Skeptic to Ally
The transformation from skeptical detective to trusted ally is not immediate. Hank requires time to adjust to the new reality and grapple with the implications of Nick’s secret. However, his loyalty to Nick, coupled with his inherent sense of justice, ultimately leads him to embrace his role in the fight against the Wesen.
A Crucial Member of the Team
Hank’s contributions to the team are invaluable. He brings his years of experience as a detective, his keen observation skills, and his ability to navigate the human world, providing a crucial counterpoint to Nick’s often solitary battles. He helps Nick blend in, provides a crucial link to the police force, and offers a perspective that Nick, as a Grimm, often lacks.
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Hank Griffin’s involvement in the world of Wesen:
FAQ 1: Why did it take so long for Hank to find out about Wesen?
Grimms are sworn to secrecy, and Nick was hesitant to reveal his true nature for fear of endangering Hank. The early cases often involved Nick handling situations discreetly, making it difficult for Hank to grasp the bigger picture. Nick’s reluctance stemmed from a desire to protect Hank from the dangers of the Wesen world.
FAQ 2: How did Hank react initially to learning about Wesen?
Hank’s initial reaction was disbelief and shock. He struggled to reconcile the reality of Wesen with his previous understanding of the world. He questioned his sanity and felt betrayed by Nick’s secrecy. The process of acceptance was gradual and required him to witness further evidence and confront the Wesen world firsthand.
FAQ 3: Did Hank ever regret finding out about Wesen?
There were moments when Hank questioned whether knowing about the Wesen world was worth the cost. He experienced fear, danger, and witnessed unspeakable acts. However, his sense of duty and loyalty to Nick ultimately outweighed any regrets. He realized that he could make a difference and contribute to protecting innocent people.
FAQ 4: What skills does Hank bring to the fight against Wesen?
Hank’s greatest assets are his police detective skills, his ability to blend in and investigate human crime, his sharp intuition, and his loyalty. He’s also a good shot and knows how to handle himself in a fight. He understands the human element, which is invaluable when dealing with Wesen who often try to manipulate human situations.
FAQ 5: How does Hank’s knowledge of Wesen affect his relationships with other characters?
Hank’s knowledge of Wesen strengthens his bond with Nick and allows him to form close relationships with others in the Grimm circle, such as Monroe and Rosalee. He is able to confide in them and rely on their expertise. However, it also creates a sense of isolation from those who are unaware of the Wesen world.
FAQ 6: Does Hank develop any specific skills related to fighting Wesen?
While Hank doesn’t develop the same supernatural abilities as Nick, he learns how to identify different Wesen types and their weaknesses. He becomes adept at using weapons against Wesen and gains knowledge of Wesen lore. He also learns to rely on his intuition and observation skills to anticipate Wesen behavior.
FAQ 7: How does Hank balance his life as a police officer with his knowledge of Wesen?
Balancing his normal police work with his involvement in the Wesen world is a constant challenge for Hank. He has to be careful not to reveal too much information to his colleagues and often relies on subtle hints and misdirection. He learns to compartmentalize his life, keeping his two worlds separate but intertwined.
FAQ 8: Does Hank ever date anyone who is a Wesen?
Yes, Hank has romantic relationships with Wesen. Most notably, his relationship with Zuri Ellis, a therapist who is also a Gedächtnis Esser, presents a unique set of challenges and forces him to confront his own biases and fears.
FAQ 9: How does Hank deal with the ethical dilemmas presented by the Wesen world?
The Wesen world is filled with moral grey areas, and Hank often struggles with difficult decisions. He grapples with questions of justice, fairness, and the limits of law enforcement. He relies on his strong moral compass and his sense of right and wrong to guide his actions.
FAQ 10: What are some of the most memorable moments where Hank’s knowledge of Wesen proves crucial?
Many instances showcase Hank’s vital role. One example would be his ability to identify a specific Wesen type causing a series of seemingly unrelated crimes. Another example would be his ability to use his police connections to gather information that Nick cannot access. His practical thinking and real-world knowledge often provide the breakthrough needed to solve a case.
FAQ 11: How does Hank’s perception of Wesen change over the course of the series?
Initially, Hank views Wesen as monsters to be feared. As he gains more experience and develops relationships with individual Wesen, his perception becomes more nuanced. He learns that not all Wesen are evil and that there are good and bad individuals within each species. He comes to judge Wesen based on their actions rather than their inherent nature.
FAQ 12: What is Hank’s ultimate legacy in the fight against Wesen?
Hank’s legacy is one of courage, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to justice. He becomes a symbol of hope for both humans and Wesen, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome prejudice and work together to create a better world. He proves that even without supernatural abilities, ordinary people can make a extraordinary difference. His contribution is vital in the long, ongoing struggle against the darkness.