Why Netflix’s Jentry Chau Placed Chinese Mythical Monsters in Texas, of All Places
In Netflix’s new animated series Jentry Chau vs. the underworld, the titular protagonist uses the powers she has kept hidden for most of her life to battle demons from Chinese mythology. But Jentry (Ali Wong) isn’t fighting these monsters in a big city like New York; all the supernatural shenanigans take place in suburban Texas.
The Texas setting combined with Chinese folklore really adds a unique layer Jentry Chau. It’s a funky combo that allows showrunner Echo Wu to delve into the specifics of both elements. For example, the show’s third episode ends with the Chinese god of death carrying off the souls of fallen Texan soldiers who invade the entire “Remember the Alamo” thing a little too serious.
In a junket prior to the show’s release, Wu told Polygon that she drew inspiration from her own childhood for the show’s setting.
“It’s like a love letter to growing up in Texas,” she said. “I grew up in this place called Carrollton, which is like a suburb of Dallas. I just really wanted to see something that I thought could represent people who don’t always feel very represented. I wanted to combine that with my love for horror and anime and Chinese mythology, but also for YA, such as teen romance.”
Not only did the Texas suburb provide some memorable backdrops, it really helped expand the themes of the show. Jentry Chau vs. the underworld begins when Jentry has to return to her hometown after years of studying in South Korea. We learn that as a child she accidentally caused a catastrophic accident with her fire powers, an accident that most of the town believes was caused by an angry demon and is still harped upon years later. No one knows it was Jentry, and she tries to keep it that way.
Like most teenagers, Jentry just wants to fit in, but having supernatural powers that attract the attention of mythological monsters doesn’t exactly lend itself to fading into the background. Special in a small town.
“Usually monsters destroy New York City or destroy big set pieces and stuff,” Wu explained. “If you compare it to the suburbs where everything is more mundane, it only feels reinforced. And I think a teenager’s biggest fear is standing out in a way that’s just not fun or embarrassing. If you put monsters in front of that, it only reinforces what Jentry is going through.’
Jentry Chau vs. the underworld now streaming on Netflix.