Image Credit: NBC
GRIMM (NBC)
The song: Marilyn Manson, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
The episode: “Pilot” (101)
The hook: In the pilot for this CSI-with-the-heebie-jeebies procedural, Eurythmics’ 1982 original “Sweet Dreams” was played in the opening and proved a pivotal clue for hero Nick Burkhardt. After solving his first case in the world of demons and blut bads (that’s werewolves for you laymen), Nick went to visit his aunt Marie, who had explained Nick’s Grimm fate before being assaulted by a monster and plunged into a coma. At Marie’s bedside, Nick noticed a split-second before it was too late that a demon posing as a nurse was planning to administer poison to Marie. After a struggle, the demonurse stuck Nick with the toxin and fled. As he passed out, Manson’s ghoulish, yowling cover kicked in. The shift from Eurythmics’ synths to Manson’s screech was an appropriately unsettling musical proxy the irreparable change in Nick’s life.
Watch it! Check out the pilot’s eerie end starting at 41:55 on Grimm‘s Hulu, then read Ken Tucker’s review.
Image Credit: Fox
THE X FACTOR (Fox)
The song: “Rhythm Nation,” originally by Janet Jackson
The episode: “Top 12 Perform” (111)
The hook: With a spotty first week of performances, it was up to Wednesday’s opening act Stereo Hogzz to prove why Idol fans should switch their allegiance to Simon Cowell’s latest. Cue the most bombastic performance seen this side of a Britney Spears HBO special. Backed up by 20 live dancers (and scores more on a screen behind them, all military inspired à la Jackson’s original video), they tore up the stage with the 1989 jam. After the eyeball assault (that’s a compliment), Cowell admitted he was jealous that Paula Abdul was their mentor, adding hyperbolically, “I don’t think there’s a band in the world right now that’s as good as you. That was a master class of choreography, being slick, vocals, charisma…” and exactly the sort of spectacle that differentiates X Factor from its competition.
Watch it! You can see the Hogzz’ spectacular performance on The X Factor‘s official site, and don’t forget to read Annie Barrett’s recap.
Image Credit: NBC
THE SING-OFF (NBC)
The song: “Killer Queen / Bohemian Rhapsody / Somebody To Love,” originally by Queen
The episode: “Top 7 Groups: Superstar Medleys” (307)
The hook: The Dartmouth Aires gave reigning frontrunners Pentatonix some serious competition this week, turning in a ridiculous medley of Queen hits. The falsetto was off the charts, the song selection was on-point, and the build up to lead singer Michael Odokara-Okigbo’s climactic line was so strong that Sarah Bareilles grabbed fellow judge Shawn Stockman’s arm in anticipation. The Aires’ performance was so fun I almost didn’t notice the nightmarish collision of glitter, lamé, and velvet known as their wardrobe. Then again, they were paying homage to flashy, unitard-prone Freddie Mercury. The King of Queen would have approved.
Watch it! Relive the “Rhapsody” on NBC’s Sing-Off page.
Read more:
TV Jukebox: ‘Once Upon A Time,’ ‘The Good Wife’ feature our favorite songs on TV this week
TV Jukebox: ‘Revenge,’ ‘Gossip Girl,’ ‘American Horror Story’ feature our favorite songs on TV this week
TV Jukebox: ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ ‘Fringe,’ ‘Jersey Shore’ feature our favorite songs on TV this week
