If you grew up watching shows like Jackie Chan Adventures, Xiaolin Showdown or American Dragon, Jentry Chau vs the Underworld will feel like a nostalgic trip back to those childhood days brimming with supernatural excitement and adventure.
The show captures the same energy and charm that made those series so beloved, while offering a fresh, Asian-inspired twist on the genre.
The series follows Jentry Chau, a 16-year-old girl with immense power, who is entangled in a supernatural battle that traces back to a tragic event in her childhood.
The story kicks off with Jentry celebrating her 16th birthday at her boarding school in Seoul. What should have been a fun, carefree occasion quickly spirals into a fight for her life when she’s pursued by a Jiangshi, the classic Chinese hopping vampire.
This sets the stage for an even greater threat, revealing that Jentry is the target of a mogui, a dark entity named Mr Cheng.
There’s more to Jentry than just being a victim. At eight years old, she was involved in a fire that destroyed her hometown, earning her the title of “demon girl” in local legends.
However, her past is shrouded in mystery, with unanswered questions that gradually unravel throughout the series.
The show wastes no time introducing its supernatural elements, plunging us into a world where ancient Chinese demons and ghosts are very real. Just when it seems like Jentry might be in over her head, she’s saved by her great aunt, Gugu, who is as fierce and wise as she is loving. Gugu, a no-nonsense matriarch with a penchant for ancient weapons and quirky wisdom, proves more than capable of protecting Jentry from the lurking dangers.
She’s a wonderfully complex character – a traditional elder with a modern twist, and the kind of person you’d want by your side in a supernatural crisis.
After narrowly escaping the danger, Jentry is brought back to America by Gugu, who believes that to defeat the mogui and uncover the truth behind the fire, Jentry must undergo intense training. The decision to return to the States isn’t an easy one, but it’s clear that Jentry needs to grow stronger to face the rising threats.
Though the premise might initially suggest a typical “monster-of-the-week” set up, Jentry Chau vs the Underworld actually delves much deeper.
While the series certainly features plenty of ghosts, demons, and creatures from Chinese folklore – including the iconic Lady in White with long, black hair – it’s evident from the outset that there’s a larger, overarching narrative at play.
The show weaves a story of secrets, betrayals, and a family fighting against dark forces that threaten to tear them apart. The supernatural battles are just the backdrop for a more personal and emotional journey.
Jentry herself is a character you can’t help but root for. She’s determined, strong-willed, and undeniably brave, but at the same time, she’s also a teenage girl trying to navigate the complexities of adolescence while carrying the weight of the world – or rather, the underworld – on her shoulders.
Her powers are immense, but the burden of being “the chosen one” is overwhelming, and she’s forced to grow up quickly.
Most teenagers would crumble under the pressure, but Jentry faces it head-on, trying to balance her humanity with the dark forces at play. It’s her emotional resilience and determination that make her such a compelling lead.
At its core, the show is about family – specifically the bond between Jentry and her grandaunt, Gugu.
Their relationship forms the emotional centre of the series, and it’s in these quieter, more personal moments that the show truly shines. Gugu’s past, intricately linked to Jentry’s powers, adds a layer of complexity to their connection.
The show’s soundtrack is another standout feature. Packed with high-energy K-pop beats and catchy rap verses, the music complements the fast-paced action and emotional highs.
It’s a clever fusion of contemporary and traditional elements, much like the show itself.
During fight sequences, the upbeat tracks set the tone, infusing each scene with a sense of urgency and excitement.
It’s not just background music – it’s a vital part of the series that guides the viewer’s emotions, making your head bop while keeping you at the edge of your seat, underscoring the high stakes and fast-moving drama.
Other highlights include the recurring characters like the earlier mentioned Jiangshi, who is named Ed. Ed becomes an ally early on and is obsessed with social media and going viral, adding a humorous and modern touch to the show.
And what is a series about a teen without some love drama? While I honestly wasn’t looking forward to this aspect, the relationships in the series are treated with a level of maturity that doesn’t betray its status as a cartoon, yet doesn’t go over the top.
Ultimately, the show crafts a compelling narrative that respects its audience, blending high-octane action with moments of genuine emotional depth.
Whether you’re drawn in by the folklore, the dynamic characters, or the pulse-pounding soundtrack, this series leaves a lasting impression, promising much more than your average adventure. It’s a journey worth taking, and one that hints at even greater depths to come. – Wardi Wasil
