‘The Sisters Grimm’ returns with an empathetic storyline
Category: Television and Streaming
The Apple TV+ animated series The Sisters Grimm is back for a second season centering on the two young descendants of the Brothers Grimm. Sisters Daphne and Sabrina have recently discovered that fairy tales and characters they grew up with are not fiction after all.
It has been a year since their parents disappeared and the sisters desperately want them back. They are now living with their grandmother in the mystical town of Ferryport Landing.
It’s there where they learn of their heritage and encounter the inhabitants who are well-known to them from various stories: Puck, the mischievous fairy from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the flying monkeys from The Wizard of Oz, Snow White, Rumplestiltskin, Charming (who happens to be the Mayor), Miss Muffet, Beauty and the Beast and many more. The treasury of fantasy characters makes the show fun and magical for all ages.
This season the Grimms are tasked by Mayor Charming with uncovering a new mystery. During their investigation, these young sleuths encounter more magical obstacles which lead them into dangerous territories with some heartbreaking aspects.
Besides the magic, mystery, and mayhem, there are plenty of real world situations for the sisters.
Daphne is excited to start in her new school but Sabrina is not so enthusiastic. Being the new kid is fraught with anxiety.
Young Daphne is more open to new things and especially eager to make new friends, which she does with great alacrity.
Sabrina, on the other hand, comes up against the “mean kids” and faces bullying by some of her classmates who do everything to make her feel unwelcome.
Adding to that, Sabrina is beginning puberty which, as parents know, brings out angst and moodiness in even the most cheerful child. Humorously, Daphne and her young friends are concerned it is contagious. But, as we all know, it is not. It is, however, something everyone goes through so it is unavoidable.
Watching Sabrina and her classmates enter this inevitable period is a poignant storyline, and on top of her intent to reunite with their parents, puberty adds to her temper. Her grandmother tells her, “You’re a teenager. It’s your job to be emotional.”
Sabrina learns about meditation to calm the mind and deep breathing to dispel anger and frustration. This comes in handy an actually saves their lives.
The episodes are short and with only six episodes in the season, the story is compacted while following the books as closely as possible. The series is lighter than the books, however.
While the books are darker and geared for middle school readers, the series is targeted to elementary school and above viewers.
The Sisters Grimm combines real life situations with fantasy, fun, intrigue, and real emotions. It is an imaginative and charming story. Although there are some emotional scenes, on the whole this is an entertaining series with memorable characters. There is a cliffhanger at the end of this season, which most likely insures there will be a third season next year.
Read about the first season of The Sisters Grimm.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Images courtesy Apple TV