Well, technically Nick would have become a Grimm because of the biological changes that were occurring in the first episode. Marie simply arrived in time to provide a quick overview of his responsibilities and bleak future as a Grimm, and provide material and weaponry to help him better combat Wesen threats.
Renard wanted Juliette alive and well because he feared Nick might leave Portland if she didn’t survive. He had already betrayed the Royals by returning the key to Nick by the time Adalind put Juliette in a coma. So without Nick in his arsenal, Renard was left to fend for himself against the Royals’ retaliation.
That said, I agree Renard was a big influence in Nick’s path as a Grimm, but one of my first confusions with Nick was his total lack of suspicion surrounding Renard ‘helping’ Juliette behind his back. Nick had already formed an alliance with Monroe when Renard suggested they work together against the Royals, and it makes sense that Nick would want more than one Wesen alliance. But even if a novice Grimm more easily manipulated, Nick was presented as a capable detective. Considering that Renard initially intended to kill Marie and give the key to the Royals, shouldn’t Nick have questioned why his new ally attempted to awaken Juliette in secret rather than offering a plan/spell?
Renard suggesting an alliance probably had more to do with G & K not wanting Nick’s day job to interfere with him being a Grimm. They needed a precinct captain who was in the know and onboard with Nick’s Grimm activities. And because of that, Nick was presented as not suspecting Renard’s motive and questioning his method to make things easier for the creative team.
Renard wanted Juliette alive and well because he feared Nick might leave Portland if she didn’t survive. He had already betrayed the Royals by returning the key to Nick by the time Adalind put Juliette in a coma. So without Nick in his arsenal, Renard was left to fend for himself against the Royals’ retaliation.
That said, I agree Renard was a big influence in Nick’s path as a Grimm, but one of my first confusions with Nick was his total lack of suspicion surrounding Renard ‘helping’ Juliette behind his back. Nick had already formed an alliance with Monroe when Renard suggested they work together against the Royals, and it makes sense that Nick would want more than one Wesen alliance. But even if a novice Grimm more easily manipulated, Nick was presented as a capable detective. Considering that Renard initially intended to kill Marie and give the key to the Royals, shouldn’t Nick have questioned why his new ally attempted to awaken Juliette in secret rather than offering a plan/spell?
Renard suggesting an alliance probably had more to do with G & K not wanting Nick’s day job to interfere with him being a Grimm. They needed a precinct captain who was in the know and onboard with Nick’s Grimm activities. And because of that, Nick was presented as not suspecting Renard’s motive and questioning his method to make things easier for the creative team.
"If my devils are to leave me, I am afraid my angels will take flight as well." Rainer Maria Rilke