Recently, Goggler was invited to an exclusive two episode screening of Ejen Ali Season 3, courtesy of Disney Plus Hotstar, Primeworks Studios, and Wau Animation. Now I knew next to nothing about Ejen Ali, other than his name and questionable occupation, but I was nevertheless ready to see what all the fuss was about. And boy, oh boy, was it really something.
The Mission Continues
Season 3 throws you head-first into the story, following the events of the wildly successful Ejen Ali: The Movie. Ali is at a crossroads, trying to find his footing at MATA (Meta Advance Tactical Agency) Academy, since his trusty supercomputer device, IRIS, was taken by MATA. His only motivation lingers in honouring his mother in the MATA Arena championship. But with the arrival of formidable opponents, four international agents gunning for the same title, things aren’t looking so easy for Ali.
Despite my complete ignorance of the Ejen Ali lore, it didn’t take me more than 5 minutes to be completely engrossed by the story. You get a little bit of everything – compelling missions, internal drama, daunting villainy, ominous foreshadowing, and heartfelt camaraderie. The new agents are about as insidious as you’d expect. You have a politician or two plotting something shady. And of course, the villains do what they do best, laugh maniacally and deliver one-liners that only seem to make sense 10 episodes later. It’s the best kind of spy-action story.
Mind you, there was not a single child in the audience. Yet the whole theatre was clapping their hands raw by the end of it.
But Karen, You Only Saw Two Episodes..
Yes, I know, two episodes aren’t nearly enough to tell you why this story is great. Granted I still barely know the story myself. But let me tell you why I had a good time and why you will too.
The entire time I was watching this, I kept thinking to myself “Damn, Ali’s powers are so lame. Why is he even the lead?” But that’s exactly what draws you into the series. Ali is exactly the lead you want him to be. He is not the “chosen one” – the textbook protagonist awarded with qualities that make him superior to everyone without so much as breaking a sweat (I’m looking at you Harry Potter). He is barely up to the mark, and without IRIS, his position in MATA Academy is in question. It’s Tony Stark without the iron suit or Ben 10 without the Omnitrix. What is the hero without his gadgets?
But while Ali may not be the “chosen one” he is most definitely the worthy one. His will and tenacity far outweigh his abilities and as the audience, you immediately recognize and gravitate towards such humane qualities. He’s the underdog, a classic case of zero to hero that you can’t help rooting for, despite all the odds. It’s that universal appeal that will always, always be a success when you play your cards right.
The previous seasons of Ejen Ali were broadcast on TV3 and can now be streamed on Disney Plus Hotstar. Season 3 will debut exclusively on Disney Plus Hotstar. You really don’t want to miss it.
Follow Us