According to producer Echo Wu and star Ali Wong, their new animated series depicts the terrifying nature of puberty through the use of menacing creatures from Chinese folklore.
The plot of Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld centers on Wong’s character, a Chinese American adolescent who has long hidden her fire-starting abilities while attempting to blend in at her stereotypically American high school. Wu claimed that even while Jentry frequently battles supernatural creatures on the show—from demon kings to other terrifying creatures—none of them can match her difficulties as a young girl attempting to fit in.
Adolescence is such a perplexing experience. Wu told NBC News, “I don’t think there’s enough justice to really talk about it.”
She claimed that the idea that adolescence is more terrifying than the monsters Jentry encounters is one of the themes the show attempted to explore.
Wu remarked, chuckling, “It never felt like Jentry was afraid to do monsters.” She was afraid to approach boys.
Jentry learns that a demon king is pursuing her abilities in the program. She goes back to her Texas homeland to study under her aunt, a legendary weapon specialist. However, it’s the same location she left when, at the age of eight, her powers caused her to unintentionally set the place on fire. In a village still in shock from the fire she sparked years ago, Jentry, now sixteen, must embrace her abilities and battle underworld creatures while forming friendships and fumbling crushes at school.
Traditional Chinese supernatural entities such as Bowen Yang’s character Ed, a jiangshi (a Chinese hopping vampire known for its jittery movements), appear in many of the episodes. Ox-Head and Horse-Face, the guardians of the underworld or diyu, are also present, as is Mr. Chang, a mogui, or evil spirit.
Wong stated that in order to incorporate folklore into the contemporary teen program, the team collaborated with a Chinese mythology expert. Wu added that she made an effort to modify some traditional aspects so they would fit into a high school girl’s life. For instance, the slick, attractive character Kit was inspired by the short novel The Painted Skin from the 18th century, in which a demonic spirit poses as a concubine in order to entice a scholar.
I thought, “Well, what’s that like for adolescent girls?” Wu stated. It makes sense that a teenage girl would desire all of the members of BTS to be one person.
Wong stated that she wanted to make a show that would appeal to more than only children because of its emotional themes and gloomy components.
One of my favorite shows is Avatar, which I talk about a lot. I really enjoyed watching it with my kids, she remarked. I therefore had a strong desire to create a program that both parents and children could enjoy together.
Furthermore, the teachings are universal, according to Wong and Wu.
According to Wu, life becomes more difficult the more you suppress your feelings and your identity. In contrast to the creatures that are coming out for her, that is Jentry at her heart and what she must truly battle.
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