The anticipation was palpable as the first frame of "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai" flickered to life, transporting us back to the magical and mischievous world of the Gremlins. The series premiere, "Never Get Them Wet," is not just an episode; it's a love letter to the fans who have waited decades for a continuation of the Gremlins' story. It's a tale that delves deep into the origins of Gizmo, the lovable Mogwai who captured our hearts in the 1984 classic.
The episode opens in a tranquil valley, a serene haven for the Mogwai, where Gizmo is first seen as a guardian of his village. The peace is short-lived as a menacing bird of prey descends upon the village, setting the stage for chaos and adventure. In the midst of the attack, Gizmo is swept away from his home, leading to a fateful encounter with a traveling circus in 1920s Shanghai.
We are then introduced to young Sam Wing, a meticulous and responsible boy working at his family's pharmacy. Sam's life is a study in contrast to the vivacious and adventurous spirit of his grandfather. The dynamic between the two is endearing, with Grandpa Wing attempting to instill a sense of wonder and enjoyment of life in his grandson.
The narrative takes a delightful turn when Sam and his grandfather come across the very circus that has unwittingly become Gizmo's temporary home. Under the guise of a "cat-dog," Gizmo performs for human amusement, a far cry from his natural habitat. Sam, sensing the sadness behind Gizmo's eyes, is drawn to him, and in a moment of compassion, he brings Gizmo home, unaware of the rules that govern the Mogwai.
Meanwhile, the street-smart Elle is on the hunt for Gizmo on behalf of a mysterious buyer, adding a layer of intrigue and impending danger to the story. Her quest is driven by the promise of wealth, but the sinister intentions of her employer loom large in the background.
As the story unfolds, Grandpa Wing recognizes Gizmo for what he truly is—a Mogwai—and understands the potential danger if the rules are not followed. A spill of water foreshadows the chaos that is to come, echoing the original film's cautionary tale.
The animation style of "Secrets of the Mogwai" is a refreshing blend of simplicity and charm, capturing the essence of the Mogwai and the era's aesthetic. The clean lines and distinctive animation give the series a unique identity, setting it apart from other animated series.
The most compelling aspect of the episode is the setting in 1920s Shanghai, which provides a rich cultural backdrop for the story. It allows for a fresh retelling of the classic boy-meets-mythical-creature narrative, with a unique twist. The connection to the original films is further strengthened by the revelation that Sam Wing is the old man who refuses to sell Gizmo to Rand Peltzer in the original Gremlins movie, creating a satisfying continuity.
The characters in "Never Get Them Wet" are well-developed and engaging. Izaac Wang's portrayal of Sam is both sensible and endearing, while James Hong as Grandpa Wing brings a depth of experience and wisdom to the role. A.J. LoCascio's voicework for Gizmo is a perfect blend of squeaks and coos that capture the Mogwai's innocence and curiosity.
The episode, while largely enjoyable, has its minor quibbles. An action sequence towards the end seems to overlook Gizmo's sensitivity to sunlight, and the convenient naming of Gizmo by Sam feels a bit too neat. However, these are minor flaws in an otherwise captivating episode.
The most gratifying element of "Never Get Them Wet" is the authentic Gremlins feel it delivers. It retains Jerry Goldsmith's perfect main theme, and the cliffhanger ending with Gizmo reproducing other Mogwai with different looks has leapt right out of the cadre of malevolent furballs that popped out of his back in Gremlins 2, setting the tone for the entire series.
In conclusion, "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai" starts off with a bang, offering fans a continuation that is both fresh and nostalgic. The first episode lays a solid foundation for the series, and if it can maintain this level of quality, Gremlins enthusiasts are in for a treat. Just remember, no matter how much you enjoy the series, don't indulge in any snacking after midnight...