Detective Hank Griffin, Nick Burkhardt’s partner in the supernatural drama Grimm, gradually discovers the world of Wesen, but the definitive moment of understanding arrives in Season 3, Episode 14, “Mommy Dearest.” This episode marks a pivotal shift in Hank’s character arc, as he moves from skeptical observer to active participant in the fight against the hidden threats lurking beneath Portland’s seemingly normal facade.
The Road to Revelation: Hank’s Journey Through Grimm
Hank’s path to accepting the existence of Wesen is a carefully crafted slow burn, a testament to the writers’ commitment to realism within a fantastical premise. Initially, he’s a standard police detective, grounded in logic and relying on tangible evidence.
Early Encounters and Growing Suspicion
In the earlier seasons, Hank experiences unsettling events alongside Nick, incidents that defy conventional explanations. He witnesses bizarre crime scenes, encounters peculiar suspects, and feels a growing sense of unease. However, Nick deliberately keeps him in the dark, fearing the consequences of revealing his identity as a Grimm. This secrecy frustrates Hank, leading to tension and mistrust between the partners. He begins to question Nick’s sanity and competency, making their working relationship increasingly strained. These early encounters, while not explicitly revealing Wesen, plant seeds of doubt and suspicion in Hank’s mind, paving the way for his eventual understanding.
The Turning Point: “Mommy Dearest”
“Mommy Dearest” finally breaks Hank’s resistance. The episode features a case involving a Murciélago (Bat-like Wesen) terrorizing a school. Crucially, Hank experiences a direct, undeniable visual encounter with the Wesen form. He sees the transformation, not just as a fleeting glimpse, but as a full and unmistakable manifestation of its true nature. This visual confirmation, coupled with the accumulated evidence from previous cases, forces Hank to confront the reality of Wesen. Furthermore, in this episode, Nick reveals his Grimm identity to Hank, solidifying the truth and offering much-needed context for the strange occurrences he has witnessed. This revelation allows Hank to finally understand the “why” behind Nick’s actions and the bizarre nature of their cases.
Hank’s Reaction and Integration into the Grimm Team
Hank’s reaction to the news is understandably complex. Initially, he is shocked and overwhelmed by the realization that the world is not as he thought it was. He grapples with the implications of Wesen existence, questioning everything he thought he knew about reality.
From Skeptic to Believer
However, Hank is a pragmatic and resilient character. He quickly processes the information and accepts the truth, adapting to the new reality with surprising speed. His background as a police officer, trained to observe and analyze, aids him in this process. He recognizes that despite the fantastical nature of Wesen, they still operate within a framework of rules and motivations.
Becoming an Integral Part of the Team
Following the “Mommy Dearest” revelation, Hank becomes an invaluable member of the Grimm team. He contributes his law enforcement expertise, providing a crucial link between the Grimm world and the human world. He helps Nick navigate the legal system, providing cover and gathering information that would otherwise be inaccessible. His skepticism, while initially a hindrance, becomes an asset, forcing Nick to ground his investigations in real-world evidence and logic. Hank’s presence also provides a humanizing element to the Grimm experience, reminding Nick of the consequences of his actions on ordinary people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hank and Wesen
1. What are Wesen?
Wesen are creatures from the Grimm universe who can “woge,” or transform, into animalistic forms. These transformations are usually triggered by strong emotions like anger, fear, or excitement. Different types of Wesen exist, each with unique characteristics and abilities based on the animal they represent.
2. How did Nick hide the truth about Wesen from Hank for so long?
Nick employed a combination of deception, omission, and selective sharing of information. He often attributed strange occurrences to unusual suspects or mental illness, avoiding direct explanations that would reveal the existence of Wesen. He also deliberately kept Hank away from situations where Wesen transformations were likely to occur, protecting him from the truth while simultaneously fueling his suspicion.
3. Why did Nick eventually decide to tell Hank the truth?
Nick realized that he could no longer effectively protect Hank without his knowledge. The cases were becoming increasingly dangerous, and Hank was putting himself at risk by investigating these strange crimes without understanding the true nature of the threat. Furthermore, Nick valued their friendship and realized that the lies were damaging their relationship.
4. What was Hank’s initial reaction to learning about Wesen?
Hank was initially shocked and disbelieving. He struggled to reconcile the reality of Wesen with his understanding of the world. He felt betrayed by Nick for keeping the truth from him for so long. However, his pragmatic nature and growing trust in Nick eventually led him to accept the reality of the situation.
5. How does Hank contribute to the Grimm team after learning about Wesen?
Hank’s law enforcement experience becomes invaluable. He provides crucial insights into police procedures, aids in investigations, and helps protect Nick from legal repercussions. He also offers a grounded perspective, preventing Nick from becoming too immersed in the Grimm world and losing sight of the human element.
6. Does Hank ever develop any special abilities related to Wesen?
No, Hank does not develop any Wesen abilities himself. He remains a human, relying on his intellect, experience, and courage to contribute to the Grimm team. He is a vital asset precisely because he is an ordinary person navigating the extraordinary world of Wesen.
7. How does Hank’s knowledge of Wesen affect his relationships with other characters?
Hank’s knowledge deepens his relationship with Nick, solidifying their bond of friendship and trust. He also develops relationships with other members of the Grimm team, such as Monroe and Rosalee, who accept him into their inner circle. His awareness of Wesen also influences his interactions with suspects and witnesses, allowing him to better understand their motivations and behavior.
8. Are there any consequences for Hank knowing about Wesen?
Yes, Hank faces several consequences. He is constantly exposed to danger, as Wesen often target him because of his association with Nick. He also struggles with the ethical implications of his involvement in the Grimm world, questioning the morality of killing Wesen and the line between justice and revenge.
9. Does Hank ever regret learning about Wesen?
While Hank occasionally expresses moments of doubt and fear, he generally does not regret learning the truth. He recognizes that his knowledge has empowered him to protect himself and others from harm. He also values his friendship with Nick and the sense of purpose that comes from being part of the Grimm team.
10. How does Hank deal with the psychological impact of encountering Wesen?
Hank relies on his resilience, his sense of humor, and his support network to cope with the psychological impact of encountering Wesen. He talks to Nick and his friends about his experiences, processing his emotions and finding solace in their shared understanding. He also maintains a healthy distance from the Grimm world, focusing on his work as a police officer and maintaining a normal life outside of his Grimm-related activities.
11. Does Hank ever date Wesen?
Hank has a romantic relationship with Zuri Ellis, who is later revealed to be a Wesen (specifically, a Ziegevolk, or Goat-like Wesen). This relationship presents challenges as they both navigate the complexities of their different worlds and the prejudices that exist between humans and Wesen.
12. How does Hank’s evolution from skeptic to believer impact the overall narrative of Grimm?
Hank’s journey is crucial to the overall narrative. It provides a relatable human perspective on the fantastical world of Grimm. His acceptance of Wesen validates Nick’s experiences and allows the show to explore complex themes of prejudice, acceptance, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It also broadens the scope of the show, demonstrating the impact of the Grimm world on ordinary people and the importance of protecting them from harm.