In the first true standalone “Monster of the Week” episode, “Grimm” veers even more from standard fairy tale lore with a story very loosely based on the folk tale of Bluebeard.

Nick (David Giuntoli) and Hank (Russell Hornsby) investigate the murder of a woman on a bridge. The trail leads them to a nearby bed and breakfast with a magical garden in the back yard. They talk to the proprietor, Billy (Patrick Fischler), and Nick is able to get a glimpse of his true form, that of a goat. Nick does not, however, witness Billy eating one of the phosphorescent toads hopping around the garden.

After a trip to his late Aunt Marie’s trailer, Nick learns that Billy is a Ziegevolk (goat person), also known as a Bluebeard. He calls on Eddie (Silas Weir Mitchell) who, after the usual hilarious protestations, explains that Ziegevolk emit pheromones that allow them to control others, especially members of the opposite sex. Apparently, his diet of green glowing toads makes him even more powerful.

The two cops begin a stakeout, and as Nick trails Billy to a local bar, Hank investigates the bed and breakfast. Nick enlists the aid of Eddie, who spies on the Ziegevolk in the bar while he is trying to pick up another woman. Hank, meanwhile, finds evidence that links Billy to the murder of the woman, then stumbles on three women in cages in the basement. However, they are being kept docile by gas, which Hank succumbs to as well.

Eventually, Nick is able to rescue Hank and the imprisoned women. Billy escapes, but they finally track him down. As the female EMT is helping load him into the ambulance, she touches Billy and obviously falls under his spell.

Meanwhile, a stranger walks into the police station looking for Nick. The stranger is a friend (or possibly family member) of the creature Nick killed in Episode 1. Captain Renard (Sasha Roiz) tells an officer to send the man away. Later, the stranger discovers Renard waiting in his hotel room. Renard tells him: “(Your) first mistake was coming to my city. (Your) second mistake was not knowing who you have to kneel before.” He then orders the man to leave, forbids him to take his revenge, and cuts his ear off as a warning.

Points Of Interest

1. Eddie, who is my favorite character, is obviously beginning to enjoy helping Nick, despite his protestations to the contrary. He seemed genuinely disappointed when Nick told him he could go home.

2. The ending seemed to hint that we might see Billy again at some point.

What Worked

Hank is finally becoming a more interesting and fleshed-out character. He was able to shine in this episode.

The two scenes involving Renard were very revealing. We can now surmise that he must be some sort of supernatural kingpin.

The interesting guest star casting continues with Patrick Fischler (“Angel,” “Lost”)

What Didn't Work

When the cops first came to the bed and breakfast, Billy brushed against Hank, and it seemed he fell under Billy’s spell. However, they never took this any further. Seems like a wasted plot opportunity.

Where was Adalind Schade (Claire Coffee)? They have been building her up as one of the “big bads,” but she was not in the episode at all.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

“Grimm” stars David Gluntoli, Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch and Silas Weir Mitchell. “Lonelyhearts” was written by Alan Di Fiore and Dan E. Fesman, and was directed by Michael Waxman.

“Grimm” airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.