The episode was viewed by 4.66 million people, earning a 1.0/4 in the 18-49 rating demographics on the Nielson ratings scale, ranking third on its timeslot and sixth for the night in the 18-49 demographics, behind Blue Bloods, The Amazing Race, Hawaii Five-0, Shark Tank, and a Bruce Jenner interview.[1] This was a 2% increase in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 4.54 million viewers with a 1.0/4.[2] This means that 1.0 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode, while 4 percent of all households watching television at that time watched it. With DVR factoring in, the episode was watched by 6.71 million viewers and had a 1.8 ratings share in the 18-49 demographics.[3]
"Iron Hans" received positive reviews. Les Chappell from The A.V. Club gave the episode an "A−" rating and wrote, "The decision to burn things down literally and metaphorically caps off what's easily the strongest episode of Grimm since the show returned from hiatus, and also a contender for best episode of the season. I've regularly complained about how the multiple plotlines have made it hard to focus on any one thing at a time, and 'Iron Hans' benefits from both narrative and thematic tightness. Characters are interacting with each other rather than heading off on random adventures, history between them pays off in satisfying fashion, and for the first time in a while it feels like there's a destination for the madness."[4]
Kathleen Wiedel from TV Fanatic, gave a 4 star rating out of 5, stating: "The snark is alive and well in Portland! It seemed like everyone had something to say in Grimm Season 4 Episode 19, 'Iron Hans.' Seriously, some of their quips had me in stitches! The writers were on fire for the one-liners, I have to say."[5]
MaryAnn Sleasman from TV.com, wrote, "Destroying the trailer thrusts Nick back into the world of the unknown. It removes the complacency and confidence that came with having every answer at his fingertips. Wesen are suddenly mysterious and frightening again. This is the sort of move we'd expect in a season finale (eh, close enough, right?) and in the context of Grimm itself, it couldn't have come at a better time—or a worse time, if you're Nick."[6]
Christine Horton of Den of Geek wrote, "So new allegiances are formed, and old bridges burned (among other things.) This feels like the tipping point for this season so far, so let's hope it delivers in these last few episodes."[7]
