In the seventh episode of Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld, titled "Into the Zhong," Jentry is led on a treacherous journey into the heart of the spirit world by Flora, who claims to have a revelation about her parents. This episode delves into the themes of deception, family, and the struggle for power within the supernatural realm, offering a deeper look into Jentry's past and the complex dynamics of the Underworld.
The episode begins with Flora taking Jentry to the ghost prison known as the Bixi, a place reminiscent of Alcatraz in its inescapable nature. The Bixi is a stark and foreboding place, where the spirits are trapped and punished, with the added twist that any ghost attempting to escape is immobilized by barnacles, a fate that is both cruel and unusual. This sets the stage for a tense and dramatic encounter as Jentry hopes to find answers about her parents' fate.
The And I Must Scream trope is chillingly realized as the ghosts' futile attempts to escape result in their being covered in barnacles, rendering them immobile. This adds a layer of horror to the episode, emphasizing the dire consequences of defying the rules of the spirit world.
The introduction of a Huli Jing, an Asian Fox Spirit, adds a new dimension to the series' mythological landscape. This multi-tailed fox-demon not only escapes from the portal to Diyu but also consumes Ed's phone, leading to a comedic yet urgent subplot where Ed and Kit must retrieve the phone before sending the fox back to Diyu.
A Bait-and-Switch Comment trope is played out in the exchange between Zhongkui and Flora, where initial hostility quickly dissolves into the familiar banter of old friends. This sets the tone for their relationship and adds depth to the backstory of the characters. The Bakenezuko and Nekomata trope is employed as Flora uses a pair of Bakeneko to impersonate Jentry's parents, providing a cover story for her actions. The ruse is eventually uncovered, revealing Flora's duplicity and plunging Jentry into a deeper state of confusion and betrayal.
The Batman Gambit trope is masterfully woven into the narrative by Mr. Cheng, who orchestrates a plan to pass the shèn pearls to Iris, knowing she would eventually find Jentry. This move is a testament to Cheng's cunning and strategic mind, as he manipulates events from behind the scenes.
The Crossover Cosmology trope is a significant development in the series, as it introduces bakeneko from Japanese folklore into a world predominantly influenced by Chinese mythology. This crossover not only enriches the show's mythological tapestry but also serves as a plot device that further complicates Jentry's quest for the truth.
Foreshadowing is subtly incorporated into the episode, with Jentry's angry declaration about not needing people who use her in her life being followed by a nervous glance from Flora. This hint forewarns viewers of the impending revelation of Flora's betrayal. The Giving Them the Strip trope is humorously depicted when Jentry attempts to send Kit through the portal, only for him to escape by shedding his skin and fleeing. This scene adds a moment of levity amidst the tension.
Heroic Sacrifice is a poignant moment in the episode, as Iris possesses Zhongkui to allow Jentry and Ed to escape, leading to her own transformation into a barnacle once Zhongkui breaks free. The Open-Minded Parent trope is subtly introduced when a bakeneko, posing as Jentry's mother, inquires about Jentry's romantic interests, reflecting a modern and accepting perspective.
The Reveal is a pivotal moment in the episode, as it is disclosed that Flora intentionally transferred the powers of the Yellow Emperor's robes to Jentry to prevent her parents from handing them over to Mr. Cheng. This revelation shakes the foundation of Jentry's understanding of her allies and enemies.
Scare 'Em Straight is evident in Flora's cover for bringing Jentry to the Bixi, which is to show her the consequences of her actions should she end up in the ghost prison. Zhongkui's approval of this method adds a layer of irony to the situation. Skewed Priorities is humorously highlighted when Ed's primary concern is retrieving his phone from the Huli Jing, rather than focusing on sending the fox back through the portal. Undignified Death is a darkly comedic element in the episode, as Jentry fabricates a story about dying in a pie-eating contest, to which Zhongkui dryly remarks that embarrassing deaths have become more common in recent times.
In conclusion, "Into the Zhong" is an episode that pulls back the curtain on the lies and manipulations that have been guiding Jentry's journey. It is a story of deception, revelation, and the harsh realities of the spirit world. As Jentry navigates the treacherous landscape of the Underworld, she is forced to confront the truth about her past and the true nature of her allies. This episode is a turning point in the series, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.