The series opens with a darkly comedic murder scene: two teens are in a car, making out, when the girl notices a sinister presence outside. Her boyfriend, oblivious, continues his inappropriate banter even after a chainsaw decapitates him. This shocking moment sets the tone for Grimsburg, blending dark humor with over-the-top gore.
Former Detective Flute Returns to Grimsburg, Balancing Murder Case and Family Drama
Marvin Flute (Jon Hamm), a former Grimsburg detective, is living in a rundown hotel, wearing a duckie inner tube as underwear, and punching a mirror. His old boss, Lt. John Kang, recruits him for a new investigation and gives him a temporary badge. Flute returns to Grimsburg, a town notorious for its cursed reputation, to investigate the murder alongside his mostly-cyborg partner, Detective Greg Summers (Kevin Michael Richardson). Early clues suggest the mayor’s daughter, the apparent target of the killer, may still be alive.
Grimsburg (Fox)While working the case, Flute confronts his complicated personal life. His ex-wife, Harmony Flute (Erinn Hayes), a bear-raised local news reporter, and their son, Stan (Rachel Dratch), are central to his emotional arc. Flute promises to attend a father-son dance, even as Stan continues to see a haunting vision of Mr. Flesh (Alan Tudyk), despite claiming otherwise. The series interweaves his detective work with attempts to rebuild family bonds.
Bizarre Clues, Eccentric Suspects, and Surreal Humor Complicate Flute’s Investigation in Grimsburg
The investigation deepens with increasingly bizarre clues, including a flute hidden in the victim and cryptic advice from Flute’s mentor, Dr. Rufis Pentos (Alan Tudyk), who is imprisoned for murder. Suspicions also point to the eccentric, flat-earth-believing Police Chief Patsy Stamos (Wendi McLendon-Covey), highlighting the town’s absurd and mysterious nature. The show blends macabre mystery with surreal humor, though it often overwhelms the story with excessive gags.
Grimsburg recalls adult animated comedies like Chicago Party Aunt, but the execution struggles. While Jon Hamm’s performance is central, the writers often rely on overdone visual gags and silly voices instead of letting the humor arise naturally from the story. Critics note the potential for stronger character-driven storytelling, particularly Flute’s attempts to reconnect with his family, which could make the show more compelling if balanced against the chaotic humor. Alan Tudyk emerges as a standout in his dual roles, bringing consistent laughs amidst the cacophony of jokes.
