The following contains spoilers for Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai Episode 6, "Always Buy a God a Drink First," now streaming on Max.
One of the most alluring aspects of Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai is how far back it would go regarding Gizmo's origin. Fans have always been curious where the cute fuzzball came from. Fortunately, the Max Original series revealed he originated in a region in China known as the Valley of Jade.
While Gizmo the fearless warrior's tribe was shown (as well has how he ended up among mankind), it was never revealed how he was actually made. In Episode 6, "Always Buy a God a Drink First," the curtain is finally lifted on that front. The reveal turns the beloved Gizmo into something much more sentimental and important when it comes to humanity's history and overall destiny.
Secrets of the Mogwai Makes Gizmo Humanity's Test
"Always Buy a God a Drink First," finds Gizmo and Sam Wing entering a mystical portal. Along with Elle and a new buddy in Radish, they encounter many supernatural beings, eager to find the door to the Valley. Shockingly, in a bar, they meet Gizmo's jaded, drunk 'mother' -- the Goddess of Creation, Nuwa. The snake goddess is glad to be reunited with Gizmo, but she's adamant mankind doesn't deserve him. It's the reason she doesn't want the humans escorting him back through the next portal to the Valley.
Flashbacks show she made Gizmo as a test for society. She and her brother Fuxi had a bet going regarding how they'd treat Gizmo. She installed the rules about bright light, water and feeding him after midnight, to see if people could follow basic laws. Sadly, they abused him, made more Mogwai as pets, and showed their selfish nature by thinking they could become weapons. It led to the beings mutating to form Gremlins, with Nuwa eventually taking Gizmo back. She also transformed the Gremlins back into Mogwai, and then left them all at the Valley as sanctuary. Nuwa was upset people didn't understand the precious gift she gave them.
Secrets of the Mogwai's Origin Shapes Gizmo As Pure Hope
There are quite a couple of takeaways from Gizmo's origin. Firstly, one has to wonder why Nuwa doesn't remove the side effect of the Mogwai turning into monsters if the rules are broken. It may be she's still testing people, or using it as a failsafe in case humanity steals them again. Secondly, this backstory really shapes Gizmo as a loving creature built on hope, trust and faith. More so, he believes in love and family, which is why he's adamant he won't go home unless the kids come with him. He's sure Elle won't steal treasure, and that Sam won't betray him in the name of science and learning.
Of course, Nuwa has every right to be cynical, but Gizmo has bonded, bled and shared tears with the kids. As such, he's way more loyal than Nuwa would expect. She really can't understand why he loves them so much, but Gizmo makes it clear: despite their flaws, humanity has potential to be great -- just like Nuwa first thought they would be. With Riley the evil sorcerer poisoning her and waging war, there's still a chance Nuwa will understand Gizmo's perspective on them being heroes. Ultimately, the unfolding journey is certain to contextualize the reason Gizmo never gave up on Billy as a brother -- or humanity in general -- despite the follies depicted in the subsequent Gremlins films.
Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai debuts new episodes on Thursdays on Max.