Warning: The Following contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 25, "Hidden Inventory", now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Mappa keeps on delivering amazing titles this 2023 but perhaps the one with the most expectations and hype is Jujutsu Kaisen, although it might be close with Attack on Titan. Either way, the dark fantasy thriller everyone loves debuts its second season with a trip to the past. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was already a prequel to the first season but now, the story goes even further back in time to narrate the infamous events of "that summer" when Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto were together at Jujutsu High.
During this trip to the early 2000s fans will finally have a chance to see the full scope of the relationship between Satoru and Suguru while also revisiting the events that shaped the future in a major way. Jujutsu Kaisen will continue to make it feel like a seinen without being one with yet another arc of pain, desperation, death, and broken friendships. And after the flashback story, back to the Shibuya Incident Arc.
Some Known Faces In The Spring
The build-up for this arc begins in the spring with Mei Mei and Utahime Iori going on a mission to a haunted mansion. Soon they found themselves trapped inside a mind-bending barrier looking for a way out. This long scene moved the intro back to the half of the episode, but greatly served its purpose to set the spectator in the new point in time while also bringing back familiar faces, concluding with Gojo himself.
It's always key for a first episode to aid the spectator on the immersion. This becomes even more important in Jujutsu Kaisen's case. Coming off a long pause between seasons and starting with a flashback story, after a different flashback story in the form of a movie, it's important to keep all that in mind and adapt. The execution was absolutely flawless, as expected from the team working on one of the biggest series of the year.
Mesmerizing pace with a short story of a haunted mansion being investigated by Mei and Utahime, some part of suspense, and a cut to the intro after Gojo's unforgettable expression. Perhaps thanks to a twisted sense of nostalgia, something like seeing imposing characters having doubts during their youth, or showing different traits like Gojo's sunglasses, helps a lot when it comes to transitioning from one season to the other. Jujutusu Kaisen already had the likable characters, the suspense and solid story supported by great animation work. Now they are trying to make the most what they had in season1, and so far so good. More than enough to be excited about season 2.
The Story Of A Rivalry, Or A Bromance
Surely enough the true highlight of the early part of season 2 will be the relationship between later known as antagonists Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto. From the few interactions between them before fans were already begging to know the full story between them. Gojo's flamboyant personality earned him a ton of popularity and discovering that the main antagonist was once his best friend only added fuel to the fire.
The high expectations were perhaps too modest. The chemistry between them is as good as it can get for this kind of friend/rival relationship so abundant in shonen. And being able to say that just after 10 minutes is certainly the biggest compliment. Their relaxed attitudes flowing from their status as strongest sorcerers at such a young age, their opposed opinions about life and society, their little competitions, it all connects like a perfect puzzle.At the end, this is the story of how their early bromance is torn apart and slowly decays into animosity, so better not fall too much for their interactions.
With a sample size of one episode, it's already easy to extol some memorable moments, like the basketball discussion or the call on their way to the Star Plasma Vessel's apartment. And it's precisely during their mission to ensure Tengen-sama's change of vessel when their friendship is going to start being tested. Their strength is required to stop The Curse Group Q and the Star Religious Group also known as the Time Vessel Association, both threatening to end the life of the vessel and with that upend jujutusu society.
Family Issues
Of course, Satoru and Suguru won't be carrying the show by themselves in this early part of the season, and that's why they chose to end the premiere with a massive reveal. Their enemies looking to ruin their mission have contacted an extra sorcerer from the Zen'in clan, but he corrects the last name, as he now goes by his wife's, Fushiguro. This can only mean one thing, he is non-other than Megumi's father, and at this time, Gojo's biggest threat. This is great only for the ties to Megumi, but also helps to understand the complicated internal problems of the Zen'in as this battle develops in the coming episodes.
Jujutsu Kaisen's Season 2 premiere had everything you can ask, a great acting and animation, wholesome bromance moments, great pacing and build-up towards the main plot line, suspense, a big reveal, quick action and anticipation for the next episode. Already with a unique and fabulous tone and plenty of things to look forward to the show could only become even more popular and consolidate itself as Mappas's biggest project, especially long-term.