The following contains spoilers for Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai Episode 3, "Always Buy a Ticket," and Episode 4," Don't Drink the Tea," now streaming on Max.
As Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai unfolds, fans are treated to Gizmo in his cutest outing yet. It's a story that will sate nostalgics and new viewers alike, with the prequel focusing on Sam Wing in the 1920s. He's trying to get Gizmo back to his furry tribe in China's Jade Valley, but as usual, trouble comes looking for the adorable fuzzball.
That trouble comes in the shape of the horrific sorcerer, Riley, who wants to manipulate Gizmo and create an evil army. However, while it's fun seeing Riley hatch his plan, Secrets of the Mogwai's major draw is the side villains that pop up. This enriches the tapestry from the 1980s and '90s, with speeches and schemes that ensure the series remains multidimensional and fresh.
Secrets of the Mogwai Has More Supernatural, Kooky Thugs Lurking
From the trailers, it initially felt like Secrets of the Mogwai would solely be focusing on Riley's henchmen chasing Elle, Sam and Gizmo across the country. Admittedly, that might have gotten a tad redundant, but Episodes 3 and 4 have a villain-of-the-week vibe. It's something that worked for shows like Smallville, allowing heroes to flex their powers, learn and adapt against unpredictable foes.
Gizmo gets just that with Randall Park's Yao (aka Odd-Odd): a shape-shifting monster with spikes, who tries to kidnap and eat Gizmo to attain immortality. He's quite sassy, balancing off the dark energy and horror feel of Gizmo's past. They later meet Meng Po, who uses potions to brainwash and enslave people, after she loses her family. In the process, the tyrants come off as relatable and human and draw emotional connections. All they want is to live a happy life. They're not down for chaos and taking over the world like Riley, or Riley getting Elle back for being a traitor. As such, this dichotomy and overall duality keep the journey ticking and engaging.
Secrets of the Mogwai Uses Side-Villains To Enhance Team Gizmo
The side villains of Secrets of the Mogwai add to the dazzling spectacle of the cartoon as Team Gizmo fights them. The heroes beating up Yao on a train, playing on his insecurities and ego, before chucking him off is pretty dynamic. As is the battle where they have to conjure solutions to Meng Po's spells to liberate her slaves. These arcs aren't random -- they contribute to the main character's motivations in nuanced fashions.
Through fighting these goons, Sam learns Elle lost her family in their pickpocketing career, only to have never said goodbye. Their deaths made her more cynical, which is why she wanted to steal Gizmo and take on the quest alone. But, thanks to Meng Po's truth potion, Sam understands her plight and forgives and bonds with her. It adds compassion and empathy, making them siblings and reminding the kids that they're not alone.
They even convince the freed slaves not to punish or kill Meng Po, sympathizing with her, yet leaving her to suffer in isolation. It's a steep learning curve but one that builds their maturity levels. Yao's scrap also proves Sam can be a worthy fighter, with the boy realizing he's more than just herbal products and remedies from his family business. In the process, Sam and Elle respect each other, with Gizmo also understanding he's in good hands. And ultimately, as they keep meeting up with such versatile enemies who keep them on their toes, Gizmo elevates himself as a fearless warrior, too.
Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai debuts new episodes Thursdays on Max.