OP2 Sequence
OP2: 「SPECIALZ」 () by (King Gnu)
「そういうこと」 (Sō Iu Koto)
“It’s Like That”
Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK) has made a triumphant return, delivering a powerful episode that reunites us with familiar faces while igniting new plot threads. From a surprising moment with Mechamaru and a heartfelt encounter between Itadori and an old friend, this episode offers a dynamic mix of emotions. And yes, wouldn’t it be a delightful surprise to witness Itadori’s journey towards romance? His obliviousness to Yuuko’s feelings adds a charming layer to his character, in typical shonen fashion. However, we can’t help but ponder how such a relationship would impact Sakuna and the overarching curse-related dynamics.
Itadori truly stands out as a unique character within the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. While he may initially come across as the stereotypical clueless jock, his personality has so much more depth. Itadori possesses a remarkable sense of empathy, particularly for those who are often overlooked or left behind. It is often said – in Japan, you can tell a lot about a person from the way they write. He’s intimately familiar with this feeling but never takes advantage of anyone’s emotions. In fact, I’d venture to say that he’s not just a good judge of character; he’s a superb one. Itadori has an uncanny ability to see people for who they indeed are, often recognizing qualities and potential within them that they haven’t yet realized themselves.
His passion for horror films adds an intriguing layer to his character, serving as the proverbial cherry on top. Itadori’s magnetic personality is a blend of fun, charm, and an unwavering commitment to marching to the beat of his own drum. In stark contrast, Megumi adopts a more laid-back approach and prefers not to expend energy on tasks he deems meaningless. Meanwhile, Itadori seems to have an endless reserve of energy, making their dynamic interactions all the more enjoyable. The episode’s early moments, where Itadori and Nobara clash over their desires without compromising, serve as a perfect example of the engaging character dynamics that Jujutsu Kaisen consistently delivers.
Then MAPPA injects dynamic action by the way of a ping-pong table tennis match, in a way only MAPPA can, leading us to the edge of our seats.
Yet, the show’s unpredictability is part of its charm, and the latter half of the episode truly shines as it hints at the presence of a mole within the ranks, revealing Mechamaru as a potential suspect. This twist injects a fresh dose of intrigue into the narrative, reminding us that JJK is never one to stick to the expected script.
Oh, how fun will it be to see how Nobara’s relationship with Itadori changes as she realizes she might not get her way with him as she does currently. But that might be for another episode.
As the bout progresses, the plot takes an intriguing turn. It appears that the trio has been tasked with dealing with a particular target, but by the time they arrive, their quarry has vanished, with Getou being the one to track him down instead (Questions fire as if memory serves – he died in JJK 0. How is he alive?!). This sets the stage for a gripping showdown as Mahito employs Idle Transfiguration to restore Mechamaru’s body, leading to a fierce battle
The appearance of Mechamaru in an EVA-sized mechanical form adds a unique twist, reminiscent of mecha anime vibes. What sets it apart is Mechamaru’s control of this colossal machine through curse energy, enabling him to channel an entire year’s worth of curse energy into a single devastating attack.
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of how the trio, consisting of Itadori, Megumi, and Nobara, harmoniously operates together, showcasing their indispensable role in driving the narrative forward. Though notably absent in this installment, we can anticipate Goujo’s return soon, as events appear to be building towards the season finale of this cour. With the next cour slated to finish in Q1 of 2024, you can rest assured that I’ll be here, accompanying you on your Jujutsu Kaisen journey. So, no need to worry (or maybe so?); you’re stuck with me, and I hope you’ll enjoy every moment of it!
In conclusion, Jujutsu Kaisen’s latest episode serves as a thrilling reminder of the show’s ability to seamlessly blend character development with intense action sequences. Itadori’s empathetic nature and unique charm continue to shine, while the unexpected twists and turns, including Mechamaru’s formidable mechanical form and Mahito’s relentless pursuit, keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As we eagerly await the next installment and the impending looming season finale, the trio’s dynamic and the impending return of Goujo promise even more captivating moments. So, embrace the anticipation, as we’ll be here, exploring the world of Jujutsu Kaisen together until 2024, ensuring you won’t be alone on this thrilling journey.
Full-length images: 42.
ED2 Sequence
ED2: 「more than words」 () by Hitsujibungaku (羊文学)
End Card
Don’t try to look up why Geto is there. I think I spoiled myself.