Chaos reigned in "Eve of Destruction" as Black Claw made bold moves, with very foreboding violence that forever changed the status quo of the Wesen world.

Plus, Juliette was back from the dead, and Nick was left with almost more questions than when he started. And then there was the matter of that kiss...!

Join Round Table panelists Doug Wolfe, Allison Nichols, Robin Harry, and Kathleen Wiedel as they discuss Grimm Season 5 Episode 7 and share their thoughts on Black Claw's grievances, the curious fate of Juliette Silverton, a possible romance between Nick and Adalind, and more!

Be sure to join in the conversation in the comments section below!

Black Claw, the Wesen uprising, claims to have numerous legitimate grievances spurring their actions (centuries of oppression and humiliation, etc.). Thoughts?

Doug: They appear to be resigned to pay with their lives to support “the cause” (whatever that is). The way that hit man attacked and killed Xavier in jail – that was a pure suicide mission. The Wesen Council seemed to have a stranglehold on the Wesen community (which we saw from earlier episodes as far back as Grimm Season 1. But I never thought they were overly oppressive, just more organized. So what’s the clarion call here? “FREEDOM!!”

Allison: I think Black Claw is just done with being in the shadows. They've decided that enough is enough, and if you don't support their cause, then you're going to die. The Wesen Council opposed their caused, and the Council helps ensure that Wesen stay in the shadows. For that, they had to die.

Robin: My thoughts are that Black Claw is tired of Wesen having to hide from regular humans, and they'd like to live as freely as regular people do. Frankly, that's a legitimate thing to want.

It's not actually fair for Wesen to hide themselves, to live in fear of upsetting and scaring the people who dominate society, to pretend to be "normal" when they're actually different. If that's their beef, then it's totally legitimate. That said, Black Claw's methods are reprehensible, and what they want doesn't justify cold-blooded murder.

Kathleen: While I have no doubt that there are some among them who actually believe in that "centuries of oppression" spiel that Lucien was giving, I'm equally sure that a large number of them are in it for the violence, chaos, and destruction that are even now being unleashed. The whole "join or die" mantra also rather kills any sense of legitimacy they may have had, in my opinion.

What will the fallout be from the massacre of the Wesen Council by Black Claw?

Doug: Now that they no longer have a governing body, my guess is “every Wesen for himself.” I think we can expect nightmare scenarios as suddenly rudderless Wesen can’t decide whether to hide or join the Black Claw. My question is: how organized is Meisner’s group? How large are they? Will they put out a call to the suddenly leaderless and unaligned Wesen to join him?

Allison: I'm really interested in how this affects the every day Wesen. I mean the Wesen Council doesn't really affect the day to day things, so either the majority of Wesen will just go about their daily lives until some crisis arises, or there will immediately be a panic and scramble for power.

Robin: Well, since the Wesen Council was the body that enforced the rules (e.g. not woging in public, not using Wesen powers to cause trouble), I assume that all hell will break loose.

Kathleen: I'm wondering if Rosalee and Monroe might not take it upon themselves to create a sort of ad hoc interim Council right there in Portland, if for no other reason than to keep things from descending into total anarchy. Alexander's survival and escape from Black Claw may aid them in this.

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 7 Online

What do you think of Eve, the re-forged Hexenbiest formerly known as Juliette?

Doug: She seems almost like an automaton right now doesn’t she? Devoid of passion and personality, she appears to be a construct that is no longer human or strictly speaking, Wesen. More of a Meisner weapon than anything else. That’s fine with me – I prefer that to anything even resembling the old Juliette.

Allison: I find her super intriguing. I want to know more about her, and how she's doing, mentally. I agree with Doug's assessment of her – she's devoid of personality and passion. I need to see her interact with all of Team Grimm.

Robin: Meh, I wasn't all that intrigued. I really only want to see her in battle, and I am interested in how they broke her. Other than that, I'm not sold.

Kathleen: I'm curious to know how many viewers think that Eve has more personality as an automaton-like weapon than as Juliette Silverton. Honestly, I'm not one of them, just curious. We really haven't seen much, yet, but it's enought to be more than a little disturbing.

What about Martin Meisner, a once-minor character who has grown into a major player?

Doug: He’s still somewhat of a question mark, too. I like that the writers are taking their time with him. It gives us much more to speculate on. I want to know his game plan, and how he plans to fight the Black Claw.

Allison: We still don't know much about him other than he dreams of Adalind in his spare time. Now that the Wesen Council is gone, maybe we will spend more time with Meisner and learn more about his game plan.

Robin: Give me all the Meisner. He's fantastic and intriguing. The way he moves is so subtle at times, but everything is purposeful with him, and I love that. He captivates me on screen, and I just want to know more about his organization and what he's about.

Kathleen: Like Robin, I find Meisner fascinating. He was first mentioned by name back in Grimm Season 2 Episode 16, "Nameless," when Renard's spy Sebastien expressed concern about their alliance with convenience with Meisner.

Since then, Meisner's killed two Royals (Eric and the King), rescued Adalind from Europe (and helped deliver her baby), and turned up as an important member of Hadrian's Wall. Plus, the fight choreographers on this show are well aware of how awesome Damien Puckler is. More Meisner, please!

What are your thoughts on Nick and Adalind's conversation about her giving him a chance at a normal life when she stopped him being a Grimm? Are you open to a Nick/Adalind romance?

Doug: I dislike it, only because there’s a baby now involved. Having that element added to a series equation means the writers have to figure out how and where the baby fits into everything. I’d rather see Nick go solo, quite frankly, just like Trubel. He’s a badass Grimm who has yet to show us the full extent of his power. My guess is that some of those unexplored new powers have yet to be exploited. Wish the writers would pay more attention to that than the Adalind romance.

Allison: Nope. Make it stop. I am enjoying their weird dynamic, but I'm not ready for a romance. The kiss came out of nowhere, and it was awkward. Adalind doesn't really have anything to do, and I'd rather see her get her powers back or go back to work or something other than sit at home.

Robin: I don't have a problem with the concept of Nick and Adalind together. I do have a problem with how fast they're moving it along. That whole storyline is moving way too quickly to be comfortable, and I'd prefer if they hadn't sped along to the kiss quite this soon. Also, I agree with Allison; they're wasting Adalind's character. She was an interesting villain when she was one, and her being relegated to Nick's baby mama is a total waste right now. She's too smart and too savvy for that.

Kathleen: Everything is just being rushed! I can get that the writers want to go in that direction, but they seem to forget that Grimm is not running in real time anymore! Think about it: as far as Nick (should be) concerned, Adalind "made him stop being a Grimm," what, not even a year ago?

They're seriously asking me to get on board with a potential fast-forward romance between Nick and Adalind when there are far more important (and, in my opinion, far more interesting) things happening in the world at large.

*Bonus Question! Share a favorite scene or quote.

Doug: I liked watching the fierce Rosalee lunge at Xavier in the car. She’s no shrinking violet. I’ve always liked her but this new fierceness is pretty cool.

Allison: I loved that Trubel confronted Meisner about Juliette. He lied to her which made her (unknowingly) lie to Nick. Trubel thinks of Nick as family, and she hates that Nick is in pain and shock like this. It showcased how much Trubel cares for Nick. I love, love, love their relationship so much.

Robin: I'm struggling to pick a favourite scene, because I found this episode moved way too slowly, there was too much exposition, and the dialogue was painful at times. If I had to pick, I'm gonna go with Alexander escaping the Wesen Council massacre. That made for an interesting potential storyline, and I wonder if he'll eventually make it to Portland to work with Team Grimm.

Kathleen: I enjoyed the episode more than Robin, I think, aside from the cringe-worthy kiss between Nick and Adalind. And I totally agree with Doug regarding Rosalee; she's just so amazing, isn't she? But since no one brought it up, I'll share this entertaining little remark, courtesy of Captain Renard:

Renard: So, we have a normal middle-class mother and father who are backing their daughter's involvement in a radical, violent Wesen organization.
Nick: Actually, they said they were *proud* of her.
Renard: Well, at least they're being supportive.

• Permalink: Well, at least they're being supportive.
• Added: January 30, 2016

Grimm Season 5 Episode 8, "A Reptile Dysfunction," is scheduled to air on Friday, February 5 at 9/8c on NBC. Be sure to tune in and check it out!

View Slideshow: 17 Characters Who Should Have Stayed Dead

Nick and Hank investigated a mythical lake monster that was all too real, and Meisner finally brought Nick into his underground headquarters for Hadrian's Wall in Grimm Season 5 Episode 8. Plus there was that thing with Renard and his endorsement of that mayoral candidate, I guess.

Not a lot happened on the Black Claw front, other than Nick's tour of HW's secret base, leaving the bulk of the episode over ot the Wasser Zähne and the two Luisant-Pêcheur brothers. So, if you enjoy Case of the Week episodes, this was probably a nice one for you.

Let's talk about the Hadrian's Wall stuff first. Meisner invited Nick to his base, and we learned some interesting information about HW.

For one, it's apparently funded by the United States government, though Meisner claimed not to know how high HW goes in the government. It's so secret that it doesn't even exist. Meanwhile, some taxpayer rights group is up in arms over the seeming disappearance of millions of dollars.

The secretive nature of the hierarchy makes me nervous, though. Fans of Alias will understand what I mean, I think. What if you're not actually working for the government, but the very people you think you're trying to stop? Now, that would be a twist, wouldn't it?

I'm still not quite sure what to make of Eve. Her brainwashed behavior was definitely disconcerting, but hopefully we'll actually get to see more in next week's episode. There was a moment of humor, though, over her dinner. "It's chicken."

While Nick never had the chance to bury Juliette (Eve's "only regret"), he did get the chance to mourn his mother, as Meisner took him to her grave in the woods. I'm not entirely sure whether Meisner was being kind or simply emotionally manipulative to make Nick more sympathetic towards them. I hope it's the former, but I can't rule out the latter.

Also, someone finally mentioned Meisner's name to Renard. Thank you.

Now! To the not-mythical-enough lake monster, otherwise known as the Case of the Week.

When the Wasser Zähne Logan came out of the water after killing the boater at the beginning of the episode, I had two main thoughts:

• The CG looked absolutely terrible. I saw better effects in the '90s.
• The lake monster was wearing a Speedo.

The first made me cringe, the second made me giggle.

What then followed was a fairly amusing bit of juggling as the Luisant-Pêcheur brothers Wayne and Oliver tried to keep cool, and then Wayne tried to double-cross everybody, up to and including his own brother. Yikes, that's cold. Too bad that Wayne was an utter idiot.

Logan: So who'd Oliver hire to kill me?
Wayne: Some girl.
Logan: [perplexed] A girl?

• Permalink: A girl?
• Added: February 06, 2016

I really liked that the story integrated Trubel into the proceedings, and she was fantastic as she hammed it up as a mercenary Grimm out for the head of the Wasser Zähne. And when Wayne attempted to flee by jumping into the lake, he forgot there were a bunch of trigger-happy monster hunters on the lake.

Fun fact: apparently, water makes for great protection against bullets, according to Myth Busters. Bullets rapidly lose speed after hitting the water, so Wayne probably would have been safe if he just dived. Of course, then we wouldn't have gotten Hank's subsequent moment:

[Their suspect was shot by monster hunters.] How are we gonna explain this one?

Hank

• Permalink: How are we gonna explain this one?
• Added: February 06, 2016

Be sure to check out our Grimm quotes page for a rundown of some of this episode's notable quotes.

Some final assorted thoughts and musings before I turn the conversation over to you:

• While Nick's reputation as a Grimm in the Wesen world is starting to spread, it seems that he and Hank have a growing reputation in the cop world, too, as the guys who close the weird cases.
• In Renard's office, while being briefed on the lake monster case, Hank appears to be fiddling with what looks like a sword-shaped letter opener.
• Rosalee got another letter from someone who "thought" he had a relationship with her in Seattle. How long do you think it'll take before said someone shows up in person?
• The "camera's eye view" during Nick's tour of HW's headquarters had a very Person of Interest vibe to it. Is Nick's number up?
• Eve mentioned Hitler trying to make a world run by Wesen; Nick watched an old news reel of Hitler in woge in Grimm Season 1 Episode 13, "Three Coins in a Fuchsbau."

So, fellow Grimmsters, what did you think of "A Reptile Dysfunction"? Did you find the Case of the Week story entertaining, or would you rather that they focused more on the Black Claw uprising story? And what do you think now that we've seen more of Eve? Let us know in the comments section below!

Reality is definitely not what it used to be.

Nick

• Permalink: Reality is definitely not what it used to be.
• Added: February 06, 2016

If you missed this episode, fear not! You can watch Grimm online to catch up before the next episode. Grimm Season 5 Episode 9, "Star-Crossed," is scheduled to air on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC. Until then!

View Slideshow: Quotables for the Week Ending February 4, 2016

Older does not mean better. Someone really should remind Black Claw of this little piece of advice.

In Grimm Season 5 Episode 9, one of the Black Claw disciples decided it was a grand idea to ritualistically kill a number of humans in order to end a drought. Nice. While one can't automatically discount the power of the ritual, surely there must have been a less bloody way to call rain?

At some level, the Case of the Week was vintage Grimm, featuring freaky Wesen ritual, our heroes hitting the books, and finally taking down the Wesen in question. I liked that the case actually intersected with the Black Claw arc, especially apparent when Monroe infiltrated the recruitment meetings.

Don't worry. I can be as good a brainwashed zombie-headed zealot as anybody.

Monroe

• Permalink: Don't worry. I can be as good a brainwashed zombie-headed zealot as anybody.
• Added: February 13, 2016

Monroe was hilariously awesome, though I found it a little strange that no one at that meeting apparently recognized him. He's a pretty prominent member of the local Wesen community these days, after all! Ah, well. Anyway, be sure to stop by our Grimm quotes page for some of the episode's notable lines.

One of the fun things about this case was the casual knowledge of foreign languages displayed not once but twice! First by Rosalee (her mother's family is Irish!) and later by Renard (it seems we can add Arabic to the list of languages he knows). Wow, did Nick luck out in his choice of friends.

On a side note, how many of you figured out that the whole "plow" thing was actually referring to the Big Dipper? I did by merit of the fact that my brain is full of random (and usually useless)  trivia -- in J.R.R. Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings, the Dipper is referred to as the Plough. Couple that with the title of the episode and Grimm's penchant for punniness, and it's not a giant leap.

(Seriously, though. "Star-Crossed"? That's so on the nose it's painful.)

Meanwhile, on the Hadrian's Wall front, Meisner, Trubel, and Eve team up to take on some Black Claw foot soldiers and come away with a captive. That interrogation scene was rather horrifying, wasn't it? It reminded me quite creepily of that scene near the beginning of The Matrix when the Agents took away Neo's mouth... I literally had nightmares about that scene.

At some level, though, the incredibly casual way that Trubel and Meisner treated this form of interrogation was almost more disconcerting than what she did. Meisner went to get coffee and Trubel actually egged Eve on. Are these supposed to be the good guys?

Pretty much all of Team Grimm was in concensus that they want to know more about Hadrian's Wall before throwing in with them, which I think is almost certainly a good idea. It may turn out that the so-called "good" guys are just as bad, if not worse, than the Black Claw uprising that they are fighting.

Speaking of Black Claw, it seemed that they were turning to more normal cult-type recruitment tactics in this episode, with less emphasis on the whole "join or die" thing that had previously cropped up. And Trubel identified a Black Claw courier, plus Meisner now knows that Lucien Petrovich (that's Bailey Chase's character) is in town.

Some final assorted notes before I turn the discussion over to you:

• Renard continued his sexytimes with mayoral candidate Andrew Dixon's campaign manager. I really wish they'd come to the point with that subplot, because right now it just feels completely disconnected from the rest of the show.
• Trubel holding baby Kelly? Comedy gold. Trubel's just lucky that Kelly didn't do what a lot of babies do, and spit up all over her clothes.
• Who half-expected the culprit to be the farmer's son?
• Nick tried to explore the tunnel under his home-sweet-paint-factory, but was stymied by the sealed door. While it's a good idea to have an escape tunnel, I can't help but think that the door is probably sealed for good reason...

So, what did you think of "Star Crossed"? Did you like the Case of the Week, or did it just leave you cold? What did you think of Eve's interrogation technique? And what about Black Claw's recruitment tactics? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you missed this episode, you can watch Grimm online to catch up! Grimm Season 5 Episode 10, "Map of the Seven Knights," is scheduled to air February 19, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC.

View Slideshow: Quotables from Week Ending February 11, 2016

Will we see Juliette again?

That's a big question on Grimm Season 5 Episode 9 as the team try to thwart a serial killer, but it proves difficult when they are five steps behind the killer.

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 9 Online

It wouldn't be Grimm without some ancient and barbaric Western ritual thrown in, so you can expect that to be a recurring plot point. 

Monroe will quickly realize that he's in too deep when he decides to go undercover for the investigation. 

Hadrian Wall's war against Black Claw intensifies when Eve use her unique skills to interrogate a suspect. 

Use the video above to find out how it all goes down when you watch Grimm online!

Black Claw continued to be of growing concern in Grimm Season 5 Episode 9, as Hadrian's Wall captured themselves a Black Claw soldier while Team Grimm investigated an ancient Wesen ritual.

Join in the conversation as Grimm Round Table panelists Allison Nichols, Robin Harry, Doug Wolfe, and Kathleen Wiedel discuss Eve's interrogation technique, Renard's extracurricular activities, Rosalee's stalker, and more.

Be sure to add in your own thoughts in the comments section below!

What are your thoughts on the scene where Eve interrogated the Black Claw soldier?

Allison: It creeped me out. Eve's got skills and a twisted sense of torture to match. I am glad we got to see more of what she can do, but it was so disturbing.

Robin: I loved that scene. Finally, some use for Eve/Juliette that's actually interesting to watch! Her method of torture was horrific and fascinating, and it was even more interesting how Meisner and Trubel didn't even flinch at it.

Doug: I liked how Trubel got into it. Clearly they’ve done this before. And at the end of the day, there was no harm done. It just provoked a heck of a lot of terror in their target.

Kathleen: That was a truly disturbing scene to me. Eve put the Black Claw soldier into a state of sensory deprivation; he couldn't see, he couldn't hear, he couldn't even scream.

And the casual manner in which Meisner and Trubel treated that psychological torture made me wonder more than ever before whether Team Grimm should be throwing in with Hadrian's Wall. (Clearly, I'm not cut out to be an interrogator.)

Share your opinion on the Case of the Week, particularly as it ties in with the Black Claw arc.

Allison: I wasn't all that entertained. I'm glad that the Cases of the Week are having ties to Black Claw because it makes them a little more important, if that makes sense. I enjoyed seeing the recruiting center. The cases have allowed us to see all different aspects of Black Claw's operation.

Robin: I thought the case of the week was pretty interesting, and I particularly liked the tie-in with astronomy, and the rain casting doubt on the futility of the ritual. The urgency of the case felt real, especially because they came in when the killer was already a few murders in. The tie to Black Claw was tenuous, though it did give us an excuse to see the rally they had.

Doug: It’s important to have even a tenuous tie-in with Black Claw, because let’s face it – that’s the real story we’re all interested in. As urgent as the race to the last location was, I’m glad the bad guy’s blood made it to the ground at the last crucifix. We all wanted to see if the drought would end as a result of the rituals. And it did.

Kathleen: I found it gratifying that the Case of the Week tied in with the Black Claw arc, even tenuously as Robin and Doug mentioned. It served as a reminder that the Black Claw uprising isn't some isolated incident, it's epidemic and growing every day.

I did think that the skepticism regarding the efficacy of the rainmaking ritual to be a bit arbitrary. After all, they live in a world where Adalind shapeshifted into Juliette and Renard was resurrected and subsequently inhabited by the spirit of Jack the Ripper! Where do you draw the line in what's possible when magic is involved?

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 9 Online

Do you think that there's something else going on with the Renard subplot (i.e., the Andrew Dixon campaign)?

Allison: I'm thinking Andrew Dixon is a big player with Black Claw. It's the only thing that makes sense. I'm so bored of Renard's storyline. I don't pay that much attention to it anymore.

Robin: I remember saying Dixon being part of the uprising when Renard first met with him, back in that second or third round table this season. That's the only thing that makes this subplot worth our time. Not even shirtless Renard made it worth it.

Doug: I’m fairly certain there’s something going on. My bet is that it too is tied in with the Black Claw campaign. A well-constructed conspiracy like the Black Claw won’t just tackle their goal from one angle, so it makes sense that they would go the political route as well.

I don’t believe for a second that Dixon’s campaign manager has any interest in Renard, beyond keeping him on her leash. It makes me wonder what’s going on with him. Renard used to be suspicious and canny about everyone.

Kathleen: Hmmm... but what if Renard is using her, rather than the other way around? If, as you all suggested, Dixon is a member of Black Claw, Renard could be using the opportunity to get close to him?

That, of course, assumes that the writers are actually giving Renard an interesting storyline, rather than simply boring us out of our minds. Come on! Sasha Roiz is a fine actor! Give him something to do!

What do you think is going to happen with Rosalee's stalker?

Allison: I honestly don't know. This is another storyline I'm not all that invested in. The only good thing to come out of it is Monrosalee. She's being honest with him, and he's looking out for her.

Robin: Like Allison, I have no clue. I'm guessing that this person is going to turn out to actually be helpful and informative, because that would be an interesting twist on an otherwise standard trouble-from-my-past story.

Doug: I like Robin’s idea. However, I don’t have a clue about what’s going to happen either.

Kathleen: Heh, it would be rather different for the stalker to actually turn out to be helpful, wouldn't it? Maybe he's heard about all the Black Claw lunacy that's going on and wants to make sure she's not getting suckered in! I think they need to get a move on, because this is yet another storyline that's being drawn out somewhat too long.

Share a favorite (or least favorite) scene or quote.

Allison: "I can be as good a brainwashed zombie-headed zealot as anybody" - Monroe

Robin: I liked the final scene with the rain falling, and the disbelief on Hank's face as he realized what was happening.

Doug: I was satisfied by that scene too, Robin. I really liked it when the Wesen spoke the words of the ritual as he lay dying near the cross. The next scene had to be rain, and it was.

Kathleen: On the least favorite side of things, could they pretty please get to the point with the Renard subplot with the Andrew Dixon campaign?

*Bonus: What's behind that sealed door under the paint factory? Nick sure is having a tough time opening it...

Allison: Narnia? I'm not sure, but that sucker is locked up tight. I'm getting concerned that maybe there's something in there that shouldn't be let out.

Robin: The Pandorica! I have no idea, but whatever it is, it's either going to cause trouble or save them all.

Doug: I still have no clue. Until he finally opens it, I’m not invested.

Kathleen: Whatever it is, it better be worth the wait. Could Adalind have been foreshadowing when she remarked that some very bad things live a very long time? On the other hand, it would be nice for something good to finally happen to Team Grimm after all the unrelenting bad things. Maybe a hidden stash of knowledge or weapons?

Grimm Season 5 Episode 10, "Map of the Seven Knights," is scheduled to air Friday, February 19 at 9/8c on NBC. Be sure to check out our review for that episode after it airs!

View Slideshow: Quotables from Week Ending February 11, 2016

Alas, poor Felix. We hardly knew you!

At least he got to be in arguably one of the strongest episodes of the season thus far – Grimm Season 5 Episode 10 was straightforward and tightly-written, and the Case of the Week (RIP Felix!) served the long-term arc. In this case, very long term: the Seven Keys were introduced all the way back in the pilot episode!

Yes, indeedy-do! Team Grimm got itself a third Key. For those keeping count, this was the last one unaccounted for; the Royals possess the other four. Aunt Marie entrusted Nick with the first Key in Grimm Season 1 Episode 1 (!) and Rolek Porter gave them the one he had in Grimm Season 3 Episode 21.

This was one of those story-lines that had fallen by the wayside for quite awhile, to the point where it seemed that it had been forgotten entirely. Maybe now we'll find out what those Crusaders were trying so hard to protect?

It was extremely gratifying to return to this story, I have to say. I hope that our patience will be rewarded with a great payoff!

I definitely enjoyed meeting Monroe's uncle, Felix, despite his sudden and totally unsurprising demise at the hands (well, teeth) of the two Black Claw Anubis Wesen. There was an amusing moment when Felix started to babble on, and everyone else was just smiling knowingly.

His inclusion in the story felt organic, rather than tacked-on; it made sense and progressed in a natural manner. Plus, it helped give a little further insight development to Monroe.

Let's devote a moment to our favorite Blutbad. During the fight with the Black Claw soldiers, we got to see a side of Monroe he rarely shows. This was the Monroe who accidentally ripped off the arm of a would-be assassin while protecting Aunt Marie in Grimm Season 1 Episode 2.

This was a nice demonstration as to why most people don't like to tick off the Blutbaden. Monroe might be a cello-playing, Pilates-practicing clockmaker, but he is also quite capable of killing you with very little effort.

There were only a few scenes that didn't serve the main plot; one of these featured Renard and Dixon, the would-be mayor. They were conferencing with Dixon's campaign folks, one of whom made a remark about the futility of wrestling with pigs. "You get muddy, and the pig has fun," was the gist of it.

Renard's response?

You don't wrestle a pig. You take him to slaughter, and make bacon.

Renard

• Permalink: You don't wrestle a pig. You take him to slaughter, and make bacon.
• Added: February 19, 2016

While there's no logical reason I can fathom for Dixon to be holding a conference like that with Renard, and the whole plotline doesn't seem to have any point so far, that one line was awesome enough to make me ignore that for the moment. Be sure to visit our Grimm quotes page for more from this episode.

Before I adjourn, I'd like to take a moment and talk about Eve. Trubel talks with her about Juliette, and it seemed apparent that while Eve retains Juliette's memories, there's a clear emotional disconnect. Trubel seemed at least somewhat disconcerted by this, and Monroe definitely harbored some feeling there. Frankly, I wish Juliette had stayed dead, but we have to go with what they're writing.

I do wonder if one day this weapon of theirs might turn on them if it becomes logical or reasonable. Whatever Meisner and Hadrian's Wall did to Juliette to make her into Eve, it almost certainly crossed the moral event horizon.

A few final musings before I sign off:

• Thinking about the keys made me wonder: what ever happened to Rolek Porter's son Josh? Last we saw, Josh was being looked after by Trubel, but that was before she got involved with Hadrian's Wall.
• Team Grimm acted as if the whole Black Forest thing is somehow a surprise, when they had already figured that bit out pretty much for certain when they acquired the second key.
• Will anyone tell Meisner that they don't need the $100,000 after all?
• Meisner "won't risk" Trubel for a cache of priceless Grimm knowledge that Black Claw wanted to destroy? I know that the writers wanted Monroe and Nick to confront the Black Claw guys by themselves, but that reasoning made little to no sense.

So, fellow Grimmsters, what did you think of "Map of the Seven Knights"? Did you enjoy meeting Monroe's uncle? Are you excited about them finding a third Key? Are you glad Team Grimm got to keep the trove of knowledge and weapons? Let us know in the comments section below!

Did you miss this episode! No problem! You can always watch Grimm online to catch up on all the fun! Grimm Season 5 Episode 11, "Key Move," is scheduled to air on Friday, March 4 at 9/8c on NBC.

View Slideshow: Quotables from Week Ending February 18, 2016

Nick has a long line of ancestors.

On Grimm Season 5 Episode 10, Monroe gets a call from Germany that brings Nick closer to them, but will he get all the answers he so desperately requires?

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 10 Online

Things don't go to plan when the Black Claw realizes this and make their presence felt. Will they prevent Nick from seeing his ancestors?

Trubel confronts Eve about Nick and Adalind, but things take a crazy turn and they are put in jeaopardy.

Use the video above to watch Grimm online and get all the answers now

It was a bittersweet story for Team Grimm – Monroe lost an uncle, but the team gained a priceless collection of Grimm lore, weapons, and to their even greater shock, three more Keys.

Join Round Table panelists Doug Wolfe, Allison Nichols, Robin Harry, and Kathleen Wiedel as they discuss Grimm Season 5 Episode 10 and such matters as the question that is Eve, the way Monroe's uncle fit into the story, the Grimm cache, and more!

Be sure to add your voice to the conversation by posting your thoughts in the comments section below!

What do you think of Eve and the various characters' reactions towards her since her introduction?

Doug: Have to admit – their uniform responses to her (and hers to them) are reinforcing the idea that she really is Eve, and that she has nothing to do with Juliette anymore. I don’t see her as a continually startled partner to Nick anymore – just more of an awesome weapon for Hadrian’s Wall. The writers’ persistence in establishing that fact seems to have paid off.

Allison: Doug said it really well, the consistency is fantastic. It's clear that Eve has all of Juliette's memories, but it's like she read about them in a book. There's no personal connection there. I loved Monroe's reaction towards Eve. I think he has had my favorite reaction so far.

Robin: I admit that I'm kind of where the characters are with Eve, as in I'm still not completely convinced or comprehending of her total disconnect with her life as Juliette. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for something to spark something in her emotionally and cause some havoc. I love how the other characters react to her, especially Monroe, and I wonder what will happen when she and Adalind cross paths.

Kathleen: I agree with Robin; there really is a sense of ominous anticipation about Eve. She seems content to play the tool/weapon/instrument of torture for Hadrian's Wall for the moment, but I can't help but feeling that either Hadrian's Wall isn't what it seems to be or she's playing a long and patient game of revenge. The other characters are absolutely right to be wary.

Did you like Monroe's uncle Felix and the way he connected with the main storyline?

Doug: I thought it was a great vehicle for bringing Nick and his new (old) books and weaponry back into the picture. Interesting that Felix didn’t just give Nick the stash, which was consistent with his character. The man could no more just give them to him anymore than he could burn them. He was a connoisseur of books, with all that entails – including the need to place a monetary value on rare items.

Allison: I absolutely loved it. We got to meet another member of Monroe's family, Uncle Felix provided Nick a way to replace what he lost in the trailer, and there was a Black Claw connection. It all tied together nicely, and I loved getting to know Felix.

Robin: Uncle Felix was the most interesting character we've met in a while, and his introduction did a great job of making the Black Claw war more personal for Team Grimm. He was a great vehicle for what was easily the most solid integration of all of Grimm's flailing storylines.

Kathleen: The integration of Felix into the story could have seemed shoehorned, but it was written in such a way as to be natural and organic. It was really nice to meet another member of Monroe's family, especially given how similar the two of them were. Too bad Felix had to die. But this was a brilliant way to restore all that lost knowledge and perhaps introduce some new things, as well.

Share your thoughts on Team Grimm acquiring the Grimm cache.

Doug: So cool that Nick has his trailer back. I get the sense he’s going to need that information and gear for his coming fight with the Black Claw. I’m especially glad the Grimm genealogy book didn’t fall into the Black Claw’s hands. Hopefully we’ll get to learn more about Grimm lore through the revelations of these books.

Allison: I'm with Doug, I was so happy that Nick had Grimm books again. I always loved the trailer scenes and reading accounts from past Grimms. This bit of history is one of the things that I love about the show, so I'm glad we found a cool way to restore the trailer.

Robin: I thought it was quite poetic that the trunk turned out to be even more valuable than Felix realized; instead of $100K, they actually cost his life. It makes the acquisition of the cache even more poignant; not only did Monroe have to lose a family member in order for them to get the whole stash, Felix's death made it so they didn't owe Hadrian's Wall for it all. Also, because of the price they paid, it all belongs to the whole team now, not just Nick.

Kathleen: I wonder what Felix would have done if he'd known about the hidden keys? Anyway, like you guys, I'm thrilled to have the twenty new (old) books added to their trove of Grimm knowledge. Maybe one of them will actually think about digitizing that information so they don't need to worry about getting grubby fingerprints over seven hundred-plus-year-old tomes!

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 10 Online

Surprise! Team Grimm now has three more of the ancient Keys first introduced in the very first episode. Discuss!

Doug: Man, the excitement in this episode kept building, didn’t it? I’m really glad they’ve got them now, though I think they’re going to find that not having the last two before heading to the Black Forest is going to trip them up.

Allison: I am glad that we are back on the Key mission. It seems like forever since we dealt with the keys last, so honestly I didn't really remember what they were a map to. I'm hoping that we can wrap up this Key mystery, and then move on to something new and exciting – not that the keys aren't exciting, it's just that we've had this mystery looming over our heads since the pilot.

Robin: IT'S. ABOUT. FREAKING. TIME. The intensity of this episode and the discovery of THREE Keys almost made it worth the inordinate amount of time it's taken to get back to this arc! Given everything that's going on now, I'm more intrigued than ever about what their significance will be. Don't let me down now, Grimm!

Kathleen: This was one of those plotlines that I never expected them to actually return to, but I'm happy they did. Though my sister keeps asking me why they don't just destroy the Keys to prevent anyone else (read: Black Claw) getting their hands on this mysterious, dangerous, powerful whatever-it-is the maps lead to.

What do you think will happen when Team Grimm heads to the Black Forest?

Doug: Now that the Black Claw knows Monroe’s name, they’re going to be watching him closely. And when they go to the Black Forest, the Black Claw will be following them. I’m expecting a major fight scene to come out of this. Things will look dire for Team Grimm and…..that’ll be the cliffhanger until next season. I hope I’m wrong, but...

Allison: I feel like there has to be some kind of secret Wesen/Grimm group or something that is protecting whatever the keys are hiding. I'm expecting us to run into some obstacles along the way, and hopefully, some interesting history.

Robin: I have no idea, and that's the best thing about it. Now that we're revisiting an arc with a history that we don't quite understand, pretty much anything can happen. Also, they'll be on unfamiliar ground, which makes the tension and uncertainty even greater. Like Doug, I expect that heads will (literally) roll, and that whatever they discover will be something that will change the face of this war.

Kathleen: Oooh, big fights, chaos, mayhem, and anarchy! I hope that the hidden treasure, whatever it is, is something they do not expect. And I do fully expect Black Claw to hound Team Grimm every step of the way...

*Bonus: Share a favorite (or simply notable) scene or quote.

Doug: It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Nick and Monroe acting as the close friends they started out to be in Grimm Season 1. So that rooftop scene between the two was welcome, and key. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the two, and the honesty of Monroe’s outlook on Adalind, Kelly and Juliette/Eve.

Allison: I just loved everyone going through the Grimm books and trunk. Everyone was geeking out, and I love that we got to have that time to just marvel over everything that Team Grimm has now acquired. It was fun and exciting to watch, and then Monroe found the keys, and the sense of awe just grew, as did my excitement.

Robin: This was the best episode of Grimm in a loooong time, and Monroe owned the whole thing. His chat with Nick, his emotion at his uncle's death, his reaction to Eve's nonchalant mention of the trailer fire, his decimation of the Black Claw cronies, his curiosity and focus when discovering the keys. Man, am I ever grateful for Silas Weir Mitchell.

Kathleen: Since no one else mentioned it, I feel the need to highlight Renard's bit with the would-be mayor and his team. That story might feel slow as molasses, but Renard got one of the absolutely best lines of the episode. Mmm... bacon...

You don't wrestle a pig. You take him to slaughter, and make bacon.

Renard

• Permalink: You don't wrestle a pig. You take him to slaughter, and make bacon.
• Added: February 19, 2016

Grimm returns on March 4, 2016 at 9/8c with Grimm Season 5 Episode 11, "Key Move." Be sure to check back after it airs for our review!

View Slideshow: Quotables from Week Ending February 18, 2016

Renard's subplot with the mayoral election finally paid off on Grimm Season 5 Episode 11, with a Black Claw assassin shooting would-be mayor Andrew Dixon as our heroes watched helplessly.

It's moments like this that you want to shake them and shout that they are cops, with cop equipment, including radios! They are not, after all, the only ship in the quadrant! There would definitely have been other cops at the rally!

The Andrew Dixon story felt like it took way, way too long to come to fruition, though the connection to the main story arc with Black Claw was definitely gratifying. I do have to wonder why Black Claw is assassinating a guy running for mayor of Portland, though. I sense there is something more in play here.

I'm pretty much 98% sure that the campaign manager is Black Claw. Her behavior was just way too hinky, making sure Renard stayed on stage, for one. I definitely think that Renard will regret getting into bed with her (both literally and figuratively).

That said, it is nice that Renard got more to do than sit behind his desk and look worried!

Hopefully, wherever this leads won't take as long for the writers to see things through, though. Pretty please?

I liked that Team Grimm had some serious struggles with the map; cartography really didn't come into its own (particularly in terms of accuracy and scale) in Europe for some centuries after the crusaders would have lived.

I do, however, feel compelled to point out a flaw in Monroe's reasoning that they needed to look for a Catholic church: during the Reformation, many previously Catholic churches and other properties were converted for use by various Protestant denominations.

Another headscratcher is how the Blutbad priest, his churchmouse sacristan, and the torch-and-pitchfork brigade knew where Monroe and Nick ended up. I mean, even if they knew where our intrepid duo wanted to go (the place with the buried Crusader treasure), how could they know that Monroe and Nick would know where that is?

I liked that Rosalee was the one to provide Monroe and Nick with the false passports they needed, a nice continuity nod to an early Rosalee episode, Grimm Season 1 Episode 18, when Rosalee procured false papers for Ian Harmon, her ex, who was on the run from the Verrat.

This is really good! For something completely illegal.

Nick [on Rosalee's forged passports]

• Permalink: This is really good! For something completely illegal.
• Added: March 04, 2016

Nick's enthusiasm over the forged documents was pretty funny. It seems that the poor guy never gets to be actually happy anymore, so it was almost startling.

Monroe was probably the MVP for this episode for funny moments, gushing over the map and going to Germany and the fact that they're pretty much walking into history. Our favorite cardigan-wearing Blutbad is at his best when nerding out over stuff like this.

Monroe: My family hunted here for like hundreds of years!
Nick: And when you say 'hunted,' you mean...?
Monroe: Oh! Lots of stuff...

• Permalink: Oh! Lots of stuff...
• Added: March 04, 2016

And the LOOK he gave Nick after Nick informed him that he slept with Adalind! Sort of a brief mix of "What the heck?!" and "Why are you telling me this?!" Priceless.

Speaking of Nick and Adalind... I can't exactly say that I'm surprised with this turn of events. Though I'm also not exactly thrilled with it, either. The whole relationship just seems so messed up; they first met when she was trying to murder his aunt and nearly killed him! It just feels mind boggling.

At least Nick acknowledged the fact that it's weird and complicated. Yay? 

A few final notes before I turn the discussion over to you:

• This is not the first time we've seen a Blutbad as a clergyman. On Grimm Season 2 Episode 5, "The Good Shepherd," a Blutbad led a congregation of Seelenguter.
• The aliases on Monroe's and Nick's passports were Felix Dietrich (Monroe's uncle) and Freddy Calvert (Rosalee's brother). Nice nods to both deceased characters.
• Be sure to check out our Grimm quotes page for a rundown of some of the notable quotes from this episode!
• The sacristan was a Maushertz... in short, a churchmouse!

So, what did you think of "Key Move," fellow Grimmsters? Did you like the twist with the Black Claw assassin shooting Andrew Dixon? Will Eve get her hands on the assassin, or will Team Grimm? What do you think Monroe and Nick will find in the Black Forest? Let us know in the comments below!

Don't worry if you missed this episode! You can watch Grimm online to catch up before Grimm returns with its 100th Episode next week! Be sure to tune in for Grimm Season 5 Episode 12, "Into the Schwarzwald," on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC.

View Slideshow: Quotables for Week Ending February 25, 2016

Was the mystery solved for good?

On Grimm Season 5 Episode 11, Nick and Monroe went overseas on a dangerous journey that brought them closer the source of a long-gestating mystery. They also found themselves in a lot of danger.

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 11 Online

Meanwhile, Black Claw made a deadly move that threatened to change the game for good. 

Portland was not impressed and got set to retaliate, but who ended up winning this deadly war? Anyone?

Does everything seem to link back to Juliette?

Use the video above to watch Grimm online to get up to date with this addictive drama. 

Both Team Grimm and Black Claw made key moves (see what I did there?) in Grimm Season 5 Episode 11, with Nick and Monroe headed to the Black Forest while an assassin took out the would-be mayor of Portland.

Join TV Fanatic Round Table panelists Allison Nichols, Doug Wolfe, Robin Harry, and Kathleen Wiedel as the discuss the murder of Andrew Dixon, the fate of his assassin, buried treasure, and more from "Key Move."

Be sure to add your own thoughts to the conversation in the comments section below.

Why did Black Claw assassinate Andrew Dixon?

Allison: No idea. I figured they were going after Renard since they had a picture of him. Honestly, I find the Andrew Dixon/Renard storyline ridiculously boring, so I don't really care why Andrew was assassinated.

Doug: I'm stumped. I really thought Dixon was part of the Black Claw, and Renard was being led down the garden path to becoming a member of the terrorist group. Now I have no idea what's going on.

Robin: Well, colour me surprised, I didn't see that coming. I was absolutely positive that Dixon was Black Claw and that they were plotting against Renard. My new theory is that what's-her-face is with Black Claw and set them up, and that Black Claw is targeting political uprisings in cities that have powerful Grimms. I honestly don't know. Good job Grimm, you've stumped me.

Kathleen: Renard is almost certainly the key here. The campaign manager has spend quite awhile cozying up to him, complimenting him on his leadership ability and savvy. Could the next step be to push Renard (who is Wesen) into taking Dixon's place and ensuring he is elected Mayor of Portland? Of course, this theory rests on Black Claw not knowing Renard's relationship with Team Grimm or connection to Hadrian's Wall.

Who do you think will catch Marwand the assassin first, Hank and Wu or Eve? Which side should?

Allison: I'm thinking Eve. She's got a lot more resources. As far as who should, I think HW and Eve because they know all the right questions to ask. They've been hunting Black Claw for awhile, whereas Hank and Wu are just now joining in on the fight.

Doug: I want Eve to catch him. There was a telling conversation in the operations room between Eve, Trubel and Meisner, where they wrongly theorized Marwand was there because Black Claw knew about Eve. I want to see them explore the Eve legend more. We saw her kill a Wesen in a restaurant merely by the power of her mind. What more can she do? (I have to admit: Eve is starting to grow on me the more I watch. Eve the operative is far more compelling than Juliette the whiner.)

Robin: Like everyone's said, it would truly be pointless if Hank and Wu caught him first. It definitely needs to be Eve and HW. They have the resources and the capabilities to get answers from him.

Kathleen: I think Eve is going to catch him, but the more I see her and Hadrian's Wall, the more nervous they make me. Maybe HW thinks that Team Grimm is missing the big picture, the global view, but I think they are missing the trees for the forest, too. They are definitely an "ends justify the means" bunch, and I don't know if Team Grimm really wants to go there.

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 11 Online

Do you think Adalind's fears regarding the buried Grimm Crusader treasure are justified?

Allison: Definitely. The keys have been around for awhile, and multiple groups have shown that they will do whatever it takes to get a key. If Nick and Monroe come back with whatever the map leads to, then they will be up against even more deadly foes.

Doug: I’m with Allison. There's a reason it was buried, and a reason the ancient Grimms kept it such a closely-guarded secret. If it was just a weapon, the Grimms back then wouldn't have taken it out of service. There's a darkness about this "treasure"... and Adalind's is right to fear for Nick's safety.

Robin: Ehhhh... I'm not sure. Certainly her concerns are justified, but it takes a lot to bring down a Grimm, especially Nick Burkhardt, who has survived against all odds. If there was one person I wouldn't worry about, it would be Nick.

Kathleen: On the one hand, I think you're absolutely right, Robin. Nick definitely has plot armor, especially given that he's the main character in this series! Setting that aside, however, I am more of the opinion that they should have smashed the keys or thrown them into a smelter or something. Legendary items have a tendency to be bad news, whether or not they are actually weapons, per se.

Share your thoughts on Nick and Adalind's step forward in their relationship.

Allison: Nope. No. Make it stop. This happened too soon, and it's awkward to think about. I'm not feeling it.

Doug: Agreed. It’s moving forward way too fast, too early. Really? Adalind says she loves him? Already? Where's the romance? And can anyone expect Nick to reciprocate that feeling, after all the crap she's put him through? I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, which should occur the moment Adalind's Wesen power re-appears.

Robin: I do agree that it's happening too fast, BUT I will say I do like that they're treating it as awkward as it is. They're not ignoring it or skirting around it; everyone on the show feels as icky about it as we all do watching it.

Kathleen: Portland apparently exists in an alternate reality where attempted murder, impersonation, human trafficking, reckless endangerment, and assault are all completely okay if you just say you're sorry about them.

I have never been happy with a potential romance between Nick and Adalind, which is too bad because the actors definitely have chemistry on-screen. But, in reference to this specific question, I completely agree with the rest of you that this has progressed way, way, too quickly.

Any final guesses/suspicions/wild speculations about what Nick and Monroe are going to find after they dust themselves off in the next episode?

Allison: The only things I can think of are maybe it's some super powerful weapon that can be used to defeat either Grimms or Wesens, or it's a really old Grimm book that holds the secrets of the universe or something.

Doug: I really have no idea. Whatever it is, it's important, especially given the ominous actions of the Wesen priest and his cohorts.

Robin: The Pandorica!! (Sorry, that's gonna be my default answer). I really don't know. What I would like to know is how it's guarded when nobody but the Grimms kinda sorta know where it is. Does Black Claw just happen to have a bunch of minions scattered throughout the Black Forest waiting for a Grimm to show up?

Kathleen: I don't think those guys were necessarily Black Claw; possibly, their predecessors back in the day were charged with protecting whatever-it-is and keeping it secret. It's also important to note that legends change over time.

It's possible either they or even Team Grimm was misinformed about the nature of the treasure due to the fog of history. As to what it actually is? Let's go with a fragment of the True Cross, just for fun. Wasn't that one of the speculations Renard offered up, way-back-when?

*Bonus: Share a favorite (or simply notable) scene or quote.

Allison: I really loved everyone trying to figure out what exactly they are looking for on the map. "Why couldn't they have done X marks the spot?”

Doug: When Nick blurted out "I slept with Adalind," I thought for sure Monroe was going to respond with a comic "Wh-wh-wh-what???" As it was, he struggled to come up with a response for Nick. That scene was hilarious. More importantly, it highlighted the conflict Nick has over the whole deal, especially with his response to Monroe's question about whether he loved her.

Robin: I love Monroe's utter geekiness in the forest. My gosh, he was so adorable! I was a little annoyed with Nick for snapping at him to stop. I mean, I get that Monroe was being a little morbid, but his enthusiasm was great!

Kathleen: Renard's subplot has been, generously speaking, slow burn, but the last couple of episodes have provided a few juicy lines, like this cold-blooded witticism:

Renard: He dug his own grave. I just provided the shovel.
Rachel Wood: And the dirt.
Renard: A little of that, too.

• Permalink: A little of that, too.
• Added: March 04, 2016

Grimm returns on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC with Grimm Season 5 Episode 12, "Into the Schwarzwald." Be sure to check out our review after the episode airs!

View Slideshow: Quotables for Week Ending February 25, 2016

Well, now we know. I think. Maybe. Do we? I'm not sure. In Grimm Season 5 Episode 12, Nick and Monroe successfully retrieved the long-hidden Crusader treasure, the culmination of a mystery that was first introduced in the very beginning of the series, Grimm Season 1 Episode 1.

But what was it that the seven Grimm knights thought was so important or dangerous or valuable that they hid in a mausoleum in the middle of the Black Forest? Apparently, a stick.

Team Grimm was just about as bemused as everyone else when they found it, as shown in this excerpt from our Grimm quotes page:

Monroe: It's a stick?!
Hank: It looks like a stick.
Wu: A really old stick.
Rosalee: It can't be just a stick.

• Permalink: It can't be just a stick.
• Added: March 11, 2016

The fact that said stick apparently has magic healing properties is definitely curious, and certainly valuable and potentially dangerous. Though I do have to express some disbelief that Nick and Monroe managed to make it through airport security with that untreated arm wound. They didn't even have time for a little first aid?

I've been bitten by a dog, and it's not something most people just shrug off. (Though I do remember thinking quite clearly, "I can't believe this dog is biting me!". Eh.) And Monroe definitely should have known better than to just leave it untreated.

Heavens, even I know that animal bites are full of dangerous bacteria and need to be disinfected and treated right away!

I did like how Nick and Monroe made their escape, first tricking the Wesen guarding the cars and then sabotaging the other vehicles before fleeing in their own. And Monroe gushing about touching history earlier on was absolutely adorable.

Back in Portland, though, there were several major developments, like the minor little reveal that Adalind's Hexen powers are apparently returning!

One thing I found intriguing about this was her statement to Rosalee that stated outright that being a 'biest is a bad influence on a person. This may go a ways to explain (somewhat, at least) why Juliette went from mild-mannered vet to psychotic revenge-monger after her transformation.

That said, being a 'biest doesn't completely excuse Adalind's past bad behavior, since we've seen perfectly reasonable (if sometimes cold-blooded) behavior from, in particular, Renard and his mother Elizabeth. Unfortunately, we don't exactly have a large sample size of 'biests to judge by!

I do find Adalind's outright fear of her powers an interesting choice in light of her ruthless determination to get said powers back in Grimm Season 2 and Grimm Season 3, and I'm curious to see where this particular development will lead. How long will it take for her to tell Nick, too?

Last major item of business: Black Claw had big plans for Renard. Kudos for those who predicted this turn of events! I suspected Black Claw had something like this in the works since the campaign manager spent so much time cozying up to Renard.

Despite the argument between Meisner and Renard over the fate of the assassin, I really don't think Renard will seriously get in bed with Black Claw.

Renard is fundamentally a law-and-order guy, and Black Claw is all about tearing down the existing order. I do, however, see this as a prime opportunity for Renard to infiltrate Black Claw.

Oh, the possibilities! Please, Grimm writers, don't let me down this time.

A few final notes before I turn the conversation over to you:

• Gee, Monroe and Nick committed so many felonies on that little jaunt to Germany, it's hilarious. False passports, looting antiquities, smuggling artifacts... How did they get that box past Customs, anyway? Just think about the apoplexy the German government would have it they knew what those two were up to!
• I hope someone let the poor EMTs know to cancel their response to the spice shop. "Oh, it's all good. We only thought out good friend had blood poisoning. He's fine!"
• Will the Blutbad priest and his Wesen posse follow Nick and Monroe back to Portland?
• Eve took down the deadly assassin with a bicyclist. It's as awesome and absurd as it sounds.

What did you think of "Into the Schwarzwald"? How do you think Renard will react to Black Claw's proposal? What will Adalind do about her returning powers? What will Team Grimm do with the Magic Healy Stick? Let us know in the comments section below!

You can always watch Grimm online if you missed this episode, or simply want to relive the adventure. Meanwhile, Grimm returns on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC with Grimm Season 5 Episode 13, "Silence of the Slams."

View Slideshow: Quotables for Week Ending March 11, 2016

That was a whole lot of location hopping, right?

On Grimm Season 5 Episode 12 found themselves in Germany after they discovered treasure that has been hidden for centuries. 

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 12 Online

Back home, there was havoc on the streets of Portland as Capt. Renard, Hank and Wu attempted to stop a deadly assassin, but they realized it was easier said than done, even when they realized Eve was searching for the same man.

Meanwhile, Rosalee found herself in trouble when someone from her past showed up.

Use the video above to watch Grimm online to get caught up.

Many characters faced important turning points and choices in Grimm Season 5 Episode 12, with Adalind dealing with the return of her Hexenbiest, Renard presented with an offer of power from Black Claw, and Team Grimm finally discovering what Nick's Crusader ancestors hid in a box so many centuries ago.

Round Table panelists Doug Wolfe, Allison Nichols, Robin Harry, and Kathleen Wiedel come together to discuss Adalind's powers, the hunt for an assassin, Renard's choice and more from "Into the Schwarzwald." Be sure to join in the conversation by adding your comments below!

What are the implications of the return of Adalind's powers?

Doug: My guess is that everyone – especially Adalind – will want her to revert back to being strictly human. Somewhere along the way, someone will figure out that their new stick will be able to make that happen. Otherwise, it’s the end for her and Nick.

Allison: She could lose her place with Team Grimm, and all the trust she has built up with everyone will be threatened. I'm honestly excited to see how Adalind changes as her powers come back.

Robin: Besides lots of fun for me as a viewer?!? I honestly think that Adalind has more fortitude than she gives herself credit for, and that she will be able to resist the urges of her Biesty self when it matters. She has a child now, and I think that will make a difference, though it will be a struggle.

I think the rest of the team will want to help her be the nice version of herself, whether it means getting rid of the Hexenbiest powers, or helping her manage them.

Kathleen: Adalind clearly does not seemed thrilled by the prospect of her 'biest returning. "Terrified" would probably be a more accurate description. I think it might be interesting for the writers to go the way Robin suggested, with Adalind struggling against giving into her evil ways once more like an addiction.

It could serve as a contrast to the descent-into-evil arc Juliette had last season. If Adalind keeps this development secret for any extended period of time, though, I can't imagine Nick and company being thrilled when the truth eventually does come out.

Share your thoughts on the hunt for Marwand the Assassin and its outcome.

Doug: I was glad to see Eve go after him. Her powers seem to be immense now, especially now that she has full control over them. Obviously Marwand was a means to an end, and when the Black Claw was done with him, he was no longer needed.

Allison: I agree with Doug – I'm happy that Eve was the one who found him. We got to see more of what Eve can do, and if Hank and Wu somehow got to Marwand first, it would have made Eve look bad.

Robin: While I continue to wait for the other shoe to drop with Eve, as everyone else said, her takedown of Marwand was pretty cool. As far as the Portland PD is concerned, I'm a little disappointed that Hank didn't figure out it was a setup until after Marwand died, and that the thought never occurred to Renard.

Though Renard had every right to be annoyed with Meisner; he can't come in complaining about how the cops messed up his plan when he never told them to begin with. How were they supposed to know?

Kathleen: Robin took the words right out of my mouth regarding Meisner. How was Team Grimm to know that you had this whole trap set up when you didn't tell them about it? And since Lucien double-crossed his own assassin, the set up wasn't going to work anyway. I think the less-than-amiable conversation between Meisner and Renard was meant to set up tension when Black Claw came out with their offer to Renard.

Watch Grimm Season 5 Episode 12 Online

Will Renard take Black Claw up on their offer to take Andrew Dixon's place as candidate for mayor?

Doug: I like to think he can’t be tempted like that. But the Black Claw doesn’t know that. I can foresee him taking them up on the offer, just so that he can go undercover with the Black Claw and work to bring them down from within.

Allison: I'm hoping he does it to dig up info on Black Claw because someone on the inside would be really helpful to Hadrian's Wall and Team Grimm. I can't see Renard being swayed so easily, especially since they killed a friend of his.

Robin: Not a chance – and if he does, it will be with ulterior motives. Renard doesn't do power on anyone else's terms but his own if he can help it, and he certainly won't answer to Black Claw. Besides, he's a Royal, and he probably considers himself above Black Claw. Their brutal tactics aren't refined enough for him.

Kathleen: Even before Renard threw in with Team Grimm, he was ultimately about law and order and keeping the peace in Portland, which he considered his canton, his territory. Along comes Black Claw, causing chaos, mayhem and anarchy. Yes, we've seen that Renard likes power (see Grimm Season 1 Episode 13, "Three Coins in a Fuchsbau"), but there's a reason that he's a police captain. I agree with you guys that if he does take up Black Claw's offer, it's only to infiltrate Black Claw.

Why does Black Claw want Renard as Mayor of Portland, anyway?

Doug: My guess is that they want to establish Portland as a major hub for the Black Claw. And they got rid of Dixon because he wasn’t Wesen, or because he was, but wouldn’t play ball with them.

Allison: Power. They have big plans, and it wouldn't surprise me if one of those plans is to instill as many Wesen in positions of power as they can. They want to take over the world, essentially, and you need power to do it.

Robin: My theory is that they're trying to establish power in places that have Grimms. If I remember correctly, Trubel's been traveling to different coups to help other Grimms out with suppressing the revolution, and what better way for Black Claw to show their muscle than by owning a city with a formidable Grimm? Especially if the Wesen they put in power used to be allied with said Grimm.

Kathleen: I agree with Allison that Black Claw is after power, but we're lacking certain key pieces of information, including (1) what Black Claw knows about Renard's relationship with Nick and Team Grimm and (2) what Black Claw knows about Renard himself. It's common knowledge in certain circles that Renard is the bastard son of the late king, but Lucien and company seemed more interested in the fact that Renard is a Zauberbiest.

What do you think of the Magic Healy Stick? Why would the Grimm Crusaders bury it?

Doug: It’s more than a healing stick, of that I’m certain. If it’s from Creation’s tree, then it’ll have great power that can be used for good or evil. They have yet to explore the faded writing on the parchment that came with it. I’m sure that’ll provide more clues.

Allison: I agree with Doug. The stick has to do more than heal. It doesn't seem likely that Grimms would have gone through such elaborate measures to hide a stick if it only healed people. There has to be something else to it, something deadly.

Robin: I agree that there's more to the stick than healing powers, and I'm excited to see what that is. As for why it was hidden – I'm assuming that with all things science fiction and/or mystical, it can be extraordinarily good for mankind, or weaponized to mankind's detriment. I'm guessing the Grimms thought that whatever power this thing wields was better left out of everyone's hands.

Kathleen: Perhaps it can suppress a Wesen's Wesen half, or activate dormant Wesen genes in an otherwise normal human. I can see that being a good reason to hide the thing but still leave it intact, in case of future necessity.

*Bonus: What was your favorite quote or scene from this episode?

Doug: I enjoyed watching Monroe get so excited about finding the box. Man, he really came alive in that scene didn’t he? Like a kid in a candy store.

Allison: Doug is stealing all of my answers. Monroe freaking out about the history they were making was all sorts of adorable. I really loved Nick and Monroe in the church trying to figure out where the box was hidden.

Robin: I loved everything about the scene where Adalind's powers started coming back. First of all, making a pretzel out of that guy's phalanges was badass, whether she intended it or not. Second, the fear she showed as she realized what was happening was intense. Claire Coffee nailed that scene.

Kathleen: Those scenes are all great, so I'll mention the bit where Team Grimm is all puzzled over the fact that the long-buried and much-hunted Grimm treasure is... a stick.

Monroe: It's a stick?!
Hank: It looks like a stick.
Wu: A really old stick.
Rosalee: It can't be just a stick.

• Permalink: It can't be just a stick.
• Added: March 11, 2016

Be sure to check back for our review and discussion of Grimm Season 5 Episode 13, "Silence of the Slams," after it airs on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC!

View Slideshow: Quotables for Week Ending March 11, 2016

It was Case of the Week time in Grimm Season 5 Episode 13, with the team getting sucked into a case with a luchador being controlled by his own magical mask, which had been made from the face of a Balam.

Yes, Benito the mask-maker totally murdered a Balam, sliced his face off while he was still alive, and turned it into a luchador mask. Which the cocky young Goyo then proceeded to wear. It was really, really disturbing if you ever actually stopped to think about it.

Let me preface this with the disclaimer that I know practically nothing about lucha libre. I do think, however, that turning someone's actual face into a mask is kinda frowned on in the whole morality department. Patrick might not have been a nice guy, but the way he died was downright horrifying.

And we the viewers got to see it first-person perspective! That was... nauseating.

This takes a facelift to a whole other place.

Hank [regarding a victim who had his face removed]

• Permalink: This takes a facelift to a whole other place.
• Added: March 19, 2016

Though it was actually strangely funny when the Balam face turned human at the end, and Monroe was all, "Oh, look, it's Patrick!" in a very matter-of-fact tone. I'm clearly not cut out for that line of work, because I would be screaming my head off and then be plagued by nightmares for, well, ever.

Goyo was one of those guys you can't help but cringe at how stupid they are. (Signing a contract in blood is never a good omen.) Of course, Benito should have known better than to actually make him a powerful magic mask in the first place (setting aside the whole murder and face-skinning aspect).

Overall, this episode was fairly fast-paced and seemed to deal with Goyo and his issues more than our heroes, which is a tad frustrating when they just got back with the culmination of a four and a half season arc. And then Team Grimm simply decided to put the magic stick away for now!

To be honest, that might be a realistically wise choice, though it's hardly the most dramatically exciting one from a viewer's perspective.

Also, Nick lying to Adalind about recovering the Crusader treasure felt a little like a rehash of every lie Nick told to Juliette during Grimm Season 1. And the lies to Adalind about what happened with Diana in Grimm Season 3. It will probably end just as well this time around.

Adalind, at least, was only guilty of equivocation when she neglected to inform Nick that her 'Biest was actually making a comeback already. It was gratifying, though, that she was making an effort to get in front of the issue and actually talk things over with Nick before it became a huge problem.

Meanwhile, Eve made the connection between Rachel Wood the campaign manager and the assassin who took out the unfortunate Andrew Dixon. She also eavesdropped on Rachel Wood and Renard's conversation about him needing a family to win the election:

Rachel Wood: To win, you'll need a family.
Renard: You proposing? [long beat] Or are you pregnant?

• Permalink: You proposing? Or are you pregnant?
• Added: March 19, 2016

That long beat, by the way, was downright hilarious, with Sasha Roiz imbuing Renard with just the right amount of momentary panic. I'd be totally down with Renard getting a Black Claw infiltration storyline, which would potentially also give Adalind something to do besides sit in her home-sweet-paint-factory.

Plus, if Adalind had to play happy wife to Renard, it would create all sorts of weirdly awkward tension between the Renard-Adalind-Nick triangle.

A few final thoughts before I turn the discussion over to you:

• Reference was made to the "alien" Wesen and the skin-hunting Raub-Kondor from Grimm Season 2 Episode 19, "Endangered."
• It sure was convenient for Nick and Hank that Goyo killed Benito the mask-maker, thus relieving them of any need to actually explain how Benito killed Patrick and sliced off his face for the luchador mask.
• I found the reference to Santeria rather odd, considering that Santeria is an Afro-Carribean religion that has, if I understand it, more in common with native African religions and Catholicism than anything Aztec like Xipe Totec.
• Black Claw was aware of Adalind and Diana's relationship with Renard, indicating at least some familiarity with events going on in Renard's family. I'm not going to read too much into it yet, though.
• Be sure to check out our Grimm quotes page for some of the notable quotes from this episdoe.

So, what did you think of "Silence of the Slams"? Did the story of the luchador and his face-mask draw you in? What do you think Renard is going to do? How long will it be before Team Grimm figures out the magic stick? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you missed this episode, you can always watch Grimm online to catch up. Be sure to tune in on Friday, March 25, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC for Grimm Season 5 Episode 14, "Lycanthropia"!

View Slideshow: Quotables for Week Ending March 11, 2016