Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale analysis: Did MAPPA push the boundaries too far?
The electrifying conclusion to Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 leaves fans on the edge of their seats as MAPPA's adaptation delivers a rollercoaster of emotions Dive into the highs and lows of the finale, exploring its narrative, animation, voice acting, and soundtrack with in-depth analysis
The conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, titled "Shibuya Incident – Gate, Close," aired recently, marking the end of the second season. Episode 23, released on December 28, 2023, has generated a lot of excitement with the introduction of Yuta Okkotsu, laying the foundation for the upcoming Itadori’s Extermination Arc. The finale primarily covers manga chapters 136 and 137, with some content from chapter 138.
The anime story has not included Naoya Zen'in yet, which has raised concerns about the pacing of the final episode of the season. Many fans are worried about the extended sequences focusing on the aftermath of the Shibuya events and the absence of Naoya. Please note that the following review is subjective and only reflects the writer's opinions.
Evaluating the pacing of MAPPA's adaptation in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale: Review and analysis
An intense beginning
The season 2 finale of Jujutsu Kaisen begins right after the events of episode 22. Yuki Tsukumo, a special-grade sorcerer, enters and initiates a conversation with Pseudo-Geto, where they share their perspectives and discuss their plans for the future of humanity.
Subsequently, Pseudo-Geto remotely triggers Mahito’s Cursed Technique Idle Transfiguration on non-sorcerers in Japan, setting the stage for the impending culling games. The episode highlights Pseudo-Geto’s remote activation, which impacts Megumi Fushiguri’s sister, Tsumiki, as well.
Screencaps from Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale (Image via studio MAPPA)
At the same time, Choso’s poison takes effect on Uraume, causing her ice to melt and freeing Yuji and his allies from their frozen state. Pseudo-Geto then summons a horde of cursed spirits before leaving with Uraume. Before leaving, Pseudo-Geto gives Yuji a quick look at the Prison Realm where Satoru Gojo is being held captive.
The slow-paced middle
Screencaps from Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale (Image via studio MAPPA)
The Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale depicts the aftermath of the Shibuya Incidents and the state of Japan. While closely following the manga's narrative up to this point, Mappa has expanded on these scenes in the anime with additional anime-only content. Season 2 episode 23 devotes over four minutes to these sequences, which are only covered in a few pages of the source material.
The images from the season 2 finale of Jujutsu Kaisen, courtesy of studio MAPPA, provide a gripping depiction of the havoc and unrest caused by Pseudo-Geto. These additional scenes powerfully showcase the far-reaching consequences of the Shibuya Incidents on Japan's economy, society, and politics.
Furthermore, these scenes reveal that Pseudo-Geto released no less than ten million cursed spirits, plunging the nation into a significant crisis.
A hyped conclusion
Yuta Okkotsu makes his highly anticipated debut in the final episode, rescuing a young girl from a cursed spirit in a thrilling entrance that has left fans hyped.
The scenes ahead reveal events from pages of chapter 138, depicting a conversation between Yuki Tsukumo and a specific individual, whose identity is implied to be Yuji. Yuki questions him about his next steps.
Yuki Tsukumo as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale (Image via studio MAPPA)
Afterwards, Yuta encounters the leaders of the jujutsu society and agrees to the mission of carrying out the execution of Yuji Itadori. He expresses his disdain for Yuji due to the harm caused to Toge Inumaki by saying, "I will personally see to it that Yuji Itadori is eliminated."
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale: Narrative, animation, voice acting, and soundtrack criticism
The second season ends with Yuji standing in the midst of the devastated Shibuya, ready to confront and banish the malevolent spirits lurking nearby, providing a satisfying finale to the captivating storyline.
The opening song of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale has undergone a significant change, with MAPPA replacing Shoko Ieiri's sequence with a new scene featuring Yuta Okkotsu, making it a noteworthy development for the fans.
The finale's narrative unfolds at a more leisurely pace compared to the earlier episodes of the season, which were packed with anticipation and had the audience on edge.
After the intense events and battles in Shibuya, the slower pace of this final episode may offer some much-needed relief. However, the tranquility portrayed in this episode can also be seen as a precursor to the three most intense arcs in the series: the Itadori’s Extermination Arc, the Perfect Preparation Arc, and the Culling Games Arc.
Studio MAPPA continues to prove their incredible production quality with the season 2 finale. The breathtaking animation sets the stage for what's to come, achieving a perfect narrative balance.
The background music in the season 2 finale of Jujutsu Kaisen is especially remarkable, enhancing the essence of the plot to new heights. This is particularly evident in the final scene with Pseudo-Geto, just before the departure of the antagonist duo.
The exceptional animation from MAPPA, combined with the stunning soundtracks, delivers a truly unforgettable experience that leaves the audience with chills. In that same scene, Yuji's impassioned scream of "Gojo Sensei" as Pseudo-Geto leaves with the prison realm deeply strikes a chord with fans.
Enoki Junya, the voice behind the protagonist, once again exhibits his excellent talent, capturing and expressing the character’s emotions splendidly.
The season 2 finale of Jujutsu Kaisen disappoints manga fans by not introducing Naoya Zen'in, a character eagerly anticipated. However, some fans are relieved that the disliked Zen'in didn't appear, and for anime-only fans, this omission may prevent further cliffhangers.
To conclude
Yuji as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 finale (Image via studio MAPPA)
The conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 has left fans thrilled and eagerly anticipating the third season. It promises to be full of challenges for the protagonist and has sparked speculation about what is to come. The announcement of the third season has increased excitement among fans, although some are worried about the workload of MAPPA’s animators.
Related links:
Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 announcement
List of Shibuya Arc locations
Shibuya Incident Timeline
All Deaths in the Shibuya Arc
Shibuya Arc opening theme Easter Eggs
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I was eagerly anticipating the season 2 finale, and I must say, MAPPA has truly outdone themselves. The animation, voice acting, and soundtrack were all top-notch, and the narrative kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The introduction of Yuta Okkotsu was a particularly exciting moment, and I can't wait to see more of him in the upcoming Itadori's Extermination Arc.
However, I do have one minor criticism. The pacing of the final episode felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end. The anime skipped over some important details from the manga, and I felt like we missed out on some character development as a result. Despite this, I still thoroughly enjoyed the finale and am confident that season 3 will be even better.
