03-02-2018, 06:00 AM
The creative team valuing drama-driven action over character evolution and using Nick/Juliette as a readily available source of woe-is-me drama set the tone for their relationship. Juliette’s lack of reaction to the nearly fatal danger Nick’s deceit exposed her to was a ploy used to keep them together, but not strengthen the characters or the relationship. The creative team continuing this tactic for four and half seasons resulted in a hot mess, because the relationship was prevented from becoming stronger than the conflicts it faced.
Grimm isn’t likely an exception to how relationships are presented. Most shows probably focus on getting as much drama and conflict as they can from relationships rather than focusing on the actual relationships. But when these relationships get trapped in a endless loop of controversy they become absurd, and can cause viewers to dread rather than anticipate the couple’s next adventure.
I don’t want this discussion to turn into a Juliette vs. Adalind debate either, and only bring up Adalind to make a point about Nick. Nick should have known first hand that poor communication and lack of honesty were detrimental to a relationship. Yet, he approached issues with Adalind in the same way he and Juliette dealt with their problems. Instead of explaining he wasn’t yet able to fully trust her or return her feelings, he ignored meaningful discussion and took the same ‘wait and see’ approach as he & Juliette too often did.
I don’t make any assumption that G & K were making a statement about Nick. Rather, poor communication provided a breeding ground for controversy. And like the Nick/Juliette relationship, the Nick/Adalind relationship took a backseat to contrived drama. It doesn’t matter who Nick was paired with. The longer the relationship lasted, the more contrived controversy it would have to contend with - but not resolve.
Grimm isn’t likely an exception to how relationships are presented. Most shows probably focus on getting as much drama and conflict as they can from relationships rather than focusing on the actual relationships. But when these relationships get trapped in a endless loop of controversy they become absurd, and can cause viewers to dread rather than anticipate the couple’s next adventure.
I don’t want this discussion to turn into a Juliette vs. Adalind debate either, and only bring up Adalind to make a point about Nick. Nick should have known first hand that poor communication and lack of honesty were detrimental to a relationship. Yet, he approached issues with Adalind in the same way he and Juliette dealt with their problems. Instead of explaining he wasn’t yet able to fully trust her or return her feelings, he ignored meaningful discussion and took the same ‘wait and see’ approach as he & Juliette too often did.
I don’t make any assumption that G & K were making a statement about Nick. Rather, poor communication provided a breeding ground for controversy. And like the Nick/Juliette relationship, the Nick/Adalind relationship took a backseat to contrived drama. It doesn’t matter who Nick was paired with. The longer the relationship lasted, the more contrived controversy it would have to contend with - but not resolve.
"If my devils are to leave me, I am afraid my angels will take flight as well." Rainer Maria Rilke